Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
CHAPTER x.-(contlnued.)


CHAPTER x.-(ContInued.)
He, he!" he giggled. Woke up
and remembered had promised F'los-
sic Fandango of The Partisan Broii-
ers' box of steamer flowers. Cad,
she sails at ten; so | piled out and
shot off note to my florist, special
delivery. Been trying to find out
from that Internal card back there
when's the first collection from the
box below. You don't know, do your"
By Jove. one of those foot-in-the-
grave old stage-door Johnnies! The
surprise took my breath.
why. the cheesy old sport!"
thought disgustedly. And l answered
rather coldly: Sorry, you know; no
idea" And opened the door wide.
But the old rascal never moved |;
just stood there, chuckling horribly.
We'll, she'll be back in the fall"
he cackled. And see here, old chap.
will introduce you If you like. You
need waking up!"
And here gave a Jump and yelled
"Ouch!"
For the old fool had dug his thumb
into my ribs. Only then did It dawn
on me that he was drunk. or course
that was 1t. and unless l got rid OF
him the old bore would stand and
twaddle the rest OF the night |
reached for his hand and shook it.
We'll have talk about 1t some
time" said pleasantly. Just now.
don't you think we'd better each get
to bed? So devilish late, you know"
He slapped me on the shoulder with
blow that almost brought me to the
floor. Felt like he struck me with a
ham. don't you know!
Right old chap" he said; very
delicately put; won't keep you up an.
other minute. Believe I'd like drink
first, though, If you don't mind"
Devilish bored as ! was, decided
the easiest escape was to humor him.
''All right" said, leaving the door
open and stepping into the room; "rll
get you glass Of water"
''Water!" he exclaimed, following
me in. Say, don't get funny; it's not
becoming to you" He leered at me
hideously.
IlS went IlSuI " tue CORNER WueTe
stood my cellarette. BY Jove. give
you my word was SO devilish stupe-
flod ! couldn't bring out word. |
wasn't sure what was coming, and as
didn't want Billings rest disturbed,
i quietly closed the door of his room.
The old cock in the black pajamas
had rncorked bottle and was smell
ing it's contents. He grimaced over
his shoulder
That's Internally rotten Scotch, |
say!" he exclaimed with sort OF
snort Regular sell. by George!"
was glad Billings didn't hear him,
for 1t had been a present from him
only the week before.
Suppose I'll have to go the rye"
he grumbled; and, grinning at me
familiarly. he poured himself a drink.
He tossed It of, neat | reflected that
perhaps he would go quietly now
Well" ] said. advancing Il ex-
pect you're anxious to get to your
quarters, SO I'll sag good night"
extended my hand. That ought to
fetch him." ! thought, III he's gen.
tleman, no matter how jolly corked he
may be"
In my grasp his hand felt like n
small boxing glove. but when
glanced at 1t saw that II was not
unusual.
The old duck pumped my arm sol
EMMY and cast his eyes to the cell
ing.
"Fa-are-we-e-ll old f-friend!" he
murmured in husky tremolo, defect
Ing the corners of his mouth and
wagging his bald pate. "If / don't
see you again I'll have the river
dragged"
And then. instead OF going, dash me
II the old fool didn't flop down into
Billings favorite chair and reach for
Billings cigarettes that he had left
on the tabouret.
He waved his hand at me. "Oh, you
90 to bed. Lightnut." he said, putting
away with iron nerve. "All the sleeps
out OF me, dammit! I'll Just sit here
and read and smoke ns long IA like.
then I'll go in there and turn in" A
Jerk of his doddering head indicated
Billingr' -~om