The Detroit times., 1912-10-29
CHAPTER XIII.
(COntinued.J


won't be penniless," said the Wa
termelon. II could work like a niger
for month and own forty dollars,
thirty OF which | would owe for
board"
/. That's just it." declared Bartlett
promptly. You can't support Billy
in the way she is used to being sup
ported. can't give her the things that
have become necessities To her"
Il can support her In my own way"
said the Watermelon, trying To reason
down his own benumbing repentance
and humiliation as well as TO convince
Bartlett OF that which he himself
knew to be all wrong.
But that isn't Billy's way. You
couldn't give her servant, for in
stance. and servants to Billy are like
chairs to some people, absolutely nee
essary."
I'VE love each other" said the Wa
termelon simply.
That's all right But you can't
always be sure your love is like elias
tic and stretchable. Come as tramp,
and viii give my consent. Bartlett
grew bold. positively convinced that
Billy could no longer care when she
had once seen the drunken sot, prom
ised as he had grown used TO doing
on the Street. to do that which he
knew he would not have to do. Il
will give my consent, II Billy still can
care. know that Billy would be a
lot happier with my consent, too, than
without IT, For, though the modern
child has no respect for her parents
authority, she likes to have her we'd
ding peaceful and conventional
Can | say goodbye to herr
Yes, but | trust you not to let her
know that she is to be put TO a test.
IL you love her, you can see that l
am right"
"Yes," said the Watermelon, Il love
her and will not let her know
He Strengthened up and pushed his
hat farther back. with the slow, IN
bred languor of the thoroughly lazy
man. Il love Billy, and that is why
| consent, | tried TO make her under
stand what am have been, but
couldn't" He took a>handful Of beans
from a nearby-barrel and let them run
slowly through his fingers. Il sup
pose she Will give me- the double
cross"
II hope So" answered Bartlett
I'm not very particular, but q
tramp"
"A gentleman pedestrian suggest
ed the Watermelon, with faint flick
or Of his usual sublime arrogance.
Bartlett laughed and held out his
hand. well, good-by. I've enjoyed
the week immensely, for all this rot
ten ending. That scurvy trick or
yours"
"of yours" corrected the Water
melon.
YES, yes, suppose So / hope
that Henrietta won't ever know DO
YOU think Billy does?"
BILLY isn't as simple as you think, y"
returned the Watermelon.
What did she say"
Father suggested the trip and he
telegraphed after dinner or some
thing like that"
you didn't tell her It was my
plan?" begged Bartlett. Il have to go
on living with her"
No. | didn't tell her, but she's next
10 the fact"
~ will speak to her." said Bartlett
hastily. Il wouldn't like Henrietta
10 find out about 1t. Billy has wanted
n motor boat for some time. may
give her one"
They walked slowly toward the
door and once more shook hands.
II would gladly have given the
thousands I have lost to have you
Bachelor, boy" said Bartlett gently.
Jaw. thanks" said the Watermelon.
Tell the others | will be around
when I have sent another telegram.
The Watermelon found Billy sitting
on the steps OF the only hotel In town.
IL was a big, square, uncompromislng
affair, blank and unattractive. and
Billy. alone on the top step. looked
somehow small and forlorn and child