Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-09-04
CHAPTER x.-tcOntlnued.)

CHAPTER X.-(Continued.)
He, hel" he giggled. Woke up
and remembered had promised Flos-
sic Fandango of The Partisan Broil-
ers a box of steamer flowers. Cad,
she sails at ten; so l piled out and
shot of a 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-thO-
grave old stsge-door Johnnies! The
surprise took my breath.
why, the cheesy old SPORT"
thought disgustedly. And answered
rather eoldly: Sorry, you know; no
idea" And opened the door wide.
But the old rascal never moved;
just stood there, chuckling horribly.
Well 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 Jump and yelled
"Ouchl"
For the old fool had dug his thumb
into my ribs. Only then did it dawn
on me that be was drunk. OF course
that was It, and unless / got rid of
him the Sid bore would stand and
twaddle the rest of the night. /
reached for his hand and shook it.
Wen have a 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
a bow 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 l was, decided
the easiest escape was to humor him.
"All right" / said, leaving the door
open and stepping into the room; "Ell
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
hldeously.
He went right to the corner where
stood my cellarette. BY Jove, give
you my word was so devilish stupe
fed ] couldn't bring odt word.
wasn't sure what was coming, and as
didn't want Billings rest disturbed
quietly closed the door of his room
The old cock in the black pajamas
had uncorked a bottle and was smell
ing its 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 it had been a present from hin
only the week before.
Suppose I'll have to go the rye
he grumbled; and, grinning at ms
Familiarity, he poured himself drink
He tossed it off, neat. / reflected tina
perhaps he would go quietly now.
Well" | said, advancing. Il ex
pect you're anxious to get to you
quarters, so I'll say good night"
extended my hand That ought t
fetch him." l thought, IF he's a gen
tleman, no matter how jolly corked h,
may be-"
In my grasp his hand felt like
small boxing glove, but when
glanced at it | saw that it was no
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!" h
murmured in a husky tremolo, defleet
ing the corners of his mouth an
wagging his bald pate. IF l don
see you again I'll have the rive
dragged"
And then, instead of going, dash m
If the old fool didn't flop down int
Billings favorite chair and reach 10
Billings cigarettes that he had lei
on the tabouret.
He waved his hand at me- "Oh, 20
go to bed, Lightnut," he said, putin
away with iron nerve. "All the sleep
out of me, dammit! I'll just sit her
and read and smoke as long as l Xix
then I'll go in there and turn in"
Jerk of his doddering head indicate
Billings room
BY Jove, | hardly knew what to dc
] was regularly BOWED over, don
you know, was up against a crisis
that's what-a crisis.
"Oh, I say. you know" | startC
demonstrating, and just then gasp'
with relief at the welcome sight
Jenkins. peeking round the doc
frame behind my visitors back, II
finger was on his lips and be bee
oueG me earnestly
Al the same moment old whiske
showed HIS chair up to the tab
switched on the reading-lamp a.
reached for magazine,
I'm on. sir" whispered JenkiI