The Detroit times., 1912-10-09
CHAPTER vnl.
Coatiaued.

humble IdcuItles are incapable OF
rendering true and accu rate judg
ment in the present case where two
such rare specimens OF manly beauty
compete in my honored and deeply
grateful presence
The Watermelon laugh I'd and ran
his hand over his smooth chin and
hairless cheeks with gesture OF
gentle pride. James sail II ! could
not get a suit, would be counted
down and out. l." and he drew him.
self up, Il do not have TO take ad.
vantage OF a mere technicality.
scorn TO win by default"
True nobility said Mike, lis in
| them words"
Jaw. cut the gas" growled James.
'Where'd you get the blooming out
nt."
Il win. do II" persisted the Water
melon.
Mikes the Judge" returned James,
losing interest In what was too obvi
ously ons-sided contest.
I'm this competition. there are three
points TO decide" declared Mike, not
quite sure whom he feared the more.
James or the Watermelon. Beauty
or face. beauty OF clothes and beauty
of soul. The one who gets two points
out Of the three wins"
The Watermelon nodded. James
grlnted.
Mike glanced thoughtfully from one
TO the other and decided that danger
lay In either choice. Neither OF YOU
said he slowly and wisely. win. For
unexcelled art in raiment, me young
friend here might be said TO be the
only competitor For rare physical
beauty and winning charm in looks,
unaided by mere externals. me friend
aud fellow-citixen, James, gets the
just reward. and for pure. manly
beauty OF the soul. truth, which | al
ways follow, compels me 10 give the
prize to me humble self"
"Aw." growled James, this amt
no show We will have another"
The Watermelon hitched up his
trousers and chose a clean seat on
fallen log. When coat and trous-
ers legs were adjusted 90 as best 20
keep their faultless creases, he spoke
with the bored accents OF the weary
scion of great, wealth.
I'm starting for q motor tour with
some OF me friends said he.
IT." said Mike, have always felt
for you as for q dear and only son.
"Gwan." said James imperiously.
Where did you get the glad rags"
The Watermelon told them briefly
how from q nameless hobo q few
short hours before. he had become a
famous young hnancier. hobnobbing
with generals and millionaires. He
chuckled a. he told II with the half
cynical amusement Of the philosopher
for the follies OF the poor, seething,
hurrying struggling crowd OF human
ity. too busy In their rush for gold
and social position to see their own
laughable pttiful shams and affecta-
lions. Poverty clears the eyesight as
nothing else can. and the Watermelon
had been poor so long and was so
Indifferent TO his position that he
had lost none Of his clearness OF
vision In the strenuous endeavor Of
the others, and he saw, unconscious
ly, but nevertheless keenly, The dead
level OF human nature, with It's arti-
fetal hills OF gold and social position
Me father, l believe, IL a police
man." said he. Me mother a wash
woman. II had a grandfather. no
one knows. I'm fortunate TO have a
father and no questions asked, yet
Just because I can write me check.
az they think, for a million and have
II honored, I'm my boy to the elite
OF the land, the best people Gosh,
it's enough to make an ass bray"
1T In that" said Mike. For me,
only the intrinsic worth Of the soul
Maybe there was q bit OF change In
the pockets?" he added N an after
thought. :.
Yes, there was quite a bit. He's
fresh at the game and carries q roll
to show OF with" returned the Water
melon. pulling a roll OF bills from his
pocket. Mike edged bit nearer.
See here, ! want you fellers to do
for me-"
For YOU" said Mike, Il would |
give me immortal soul"
Il want something more than that, |
Mike" said the Watermelon.
Me plug OF baccy?" asked Mike !
with feeling.
The Watermelon shook his head IS
he slowly pulled a greenback from
the bunch he held. II want you two
to 90 to that lake. get my clothes out
OF the log and give EN- TO the poor
devil"
Don't be a fool" advised James.
He's all right Nothing will happen
to him"
Il know. but keep thinking OF him.
He can afford to lose what he Is GO
ing TO lose, but all the same, he's
cold and tired
"Aw. don't 60 and do that" pleaded |
Mike. He'll have youse arrested"
Il Amt going to be around here:
besides, no one would think OF look
ing for me with the swell bunch I'm
going with"
Maybe not" admitted James grave
ly. but there's always the danger !
that some cop will have brains And |
he's bound To get away tonight, all |
right. and have the bulls on YOU the !
minute he does. You had better take |
all the time you can TO get away and !
don't try TO shorten II none"
The Watermelon slowly unwound !
another bill and nodded Il know.
but I'm sorry for him. few hours
won't make much difference. lie
hasn.t the slightest idea who- swiped
his clothes. He'll think some tramp !
did and that the Teller IL getting out
OF the country by cross-cuts and as
last as he can. Don't YOU See No
one will look for me with the general |
and bartlett I'm going TO have
week OF fun"
Maybe" said James gloomily. !
Hardly n yoH-efve thar toke his !