Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1912-06-14
CHAPTER x.-(contlnued.)

CHAPTER x.-(contlnued.)
He, he!" he giggled. Woke UP
and remembered had promised Flos~
sic Fandango of The Partisan Broil-
ers' box of steamer flowers. Cad,
she sails at ten; SO l piled out and
shot off 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-the-
grave old stage-door Johnnies! The
surprise took my breath.
why, the cheesy old SPORT" 1
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 jump and yelled
OUCH"
For the old fool had dug his thumb
into my ribs. Only then did 1t dawn
on me that he was drunk. OF course
that was it, 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 1t.
We'll 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 y
He slapped me on the shoulder with
bow that almost brought me to the
floor. Felt like he struck me with q
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, l decided
the easiest escape was to hnmor him
"All right" said, leaving the dool
open and stepping into the room; "Pl
get you glass of water"
'Water!" he exclaimed, following
becoming to you" He leered at me
hideously.
He went right to the corner where
stood my cellarette. By Jove, give
you my word was so devilish stupe
fed / couldn't bring out 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 bottle and was smell
Ing its contents. He grimaced ovel
his shoulder.
That's Internally rotten Scotch,
say!" he exclaimed with sort o.
snort. Regular sell, by George!"
was glad Billings didn't hear him
for it had been present from hin
only the week before.
Suppose I'll have to go the rye
he grumbled; and, grinning at me
familiarly, he poured himself drink
He tossed it off, neat. l reflected tha
perhaps he would go quietly now.
WELL" | said advancing. II ex
pect you're anxious to get to you
quarters, so I'll say good night"
extended my hand That ought tt
fetch him." | thought, 'if he's a zen
tleman, no matter how jolly corked hi
may be-"
III my grasp mis- hand felt like
small boxing glove, but. when
glanced at it | saw that it was no
unusual.
The old duck pumped my arm sol
emnly and cast his eyes to the cell
Ing
"Fa-are-we-e-ll. old f-friend!" h
murmured in husky tremole, detiect
ling the corners of his mouth ant
iwagging his bald pate. "If / dom
see you again I'll have the rive
dragged"
And then. instead Of going, dash M
Isl the old fool didn't flop down int,
Billings favorite chair and reach 10
Billings cigarettes that he had lef
on the tabouret.
He waved his hand at me. "Oh, yo
go to bed. Lightnut," he said, puffin
away with iron nerve. "All the sleep
out of me, dammit! I'll just sit her
and read and smoke as long as | like
then I'll go in there and turn in"
Jerk of his doddering head Indicate
Billings room.