The Irish standard., 1913-02-01

trousers and chose clean seat on q
fallen log. When coat and trousers
legs were adjusted SO as best to keer
their faultless creases, he spoke with
the bored accents of the weary scion
of great wealth.
I'm starting for motor tour with
some Of me friends" said he.
IT," said Mike. 'have always felt tol
you as for dear and only son."
"Gwan." said James imperiously,
where did you get the glad rags"
The Watermelon told them briefly
how from nameless hobo few short
hours before, he had become a famous,
young financier. hobnobbing with gen.
erals and millionaires. He chuckled
as he told it with the half-cynical
amusement of the philosopher for the
follies of the poor. seething, hurrying,
struggling crowd Of humanity, too
busy In their rush for gold and social
position to see their own laughable
pitiful shams and affectations.
"Me father, I believe. is police.
man." said he. me mother wash.
woman. If had a grandfather, no
one knows. I'm fortunate to have a
father and no questions asked, yet Just
because can write me check, as they
think, for q million and have it hon.
ored, I'm my boy to the elite Of the
land, the best people, Gosh it's
enough to make an ass Bray"
1T is that" said Mike. "For mo,
only the intrinsic worth OF the soul.
Maybe there was q hit of change In
the pockets?" he added as an after.
thought.
Eyes, there was quite a bit. He's
fresh at the game and carries a roll
to show of WITH" returned the Water
melon, pulling roll of bills from his
pocket Mike edged bit nearer. See
here. want you fellers to do some.
thing for me-
For you," said Mike, II would give
me immortal SOUL"
Il want something more than that.
Nike" said the Watermelon.
me plug Of baccy?" asked Mike
with feeling.
The Watermelon shook his head as
he slowly pulled a greenback from the
bunch he held. II want you to go to
that lake. get my clothes out of the
log and give 'em to the poor DEVIL"
Don't be a fool" advised James.
'sHe's all right. Nothing will happen
to him."
Il know, but keep thinking Of him.
He can afford to lose what he is going
to lose, but all the same, he's cold and
tired .r
Jaw, don't go and do that" pleaded
Mike. Hell have youse arrested"
81 amt going to be around here; be-
sides, no one would think of looking
for me with the swell bunch I'm CO.
Ing with
Maybe not" admitted James grave
~, ''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 It none"
The Watermelon slowly unwound
another bill and nodded. II know, but
I'm sorry for him. A few hours won't
make much difference. He hasn't the
slightest idea who swiped his clothes.
He'll think some tramp did and that
the Teller is getting out of the country
by crosscuts and as fast 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, II you give that bloke his
clothes before you need to-"
The Watermelon waved the state.
ment aside. eve are going to leave
about five," said he. "They are wait.
ing for me, now. It will take you a
bit Of walk to And the place. put
the clothes in an empty log near a pile
Of rocks at the foot Of three tall pines,
standing together about ten yards from
the lake. You cant help but find it..
Give him the clothes and this check
book and fountain pen. l can't use
them and you two won't get gay with
them cause Mikes O coward, and
James has too much sense"
You're damn fool" said James
shortly.
"He's all right" argued Mike, mean.
ing the man in the forest shades.
what can hurt him?"
II know, but he's mighty uncomfort-
able. Can't sit down, maybe, and
there may be flies and mosquitoes"
"Naw," protested Mike. Hes Just
comfortable. If 1t was the style, l
would have liked to have cone naked
today"
Hell have the police after youse," "
+, warned James. "as soon as he can
reach the village"
That's all right" returned the
Watermelon. Here's a ten.spot for
each Of you, and mind you do what
say"
"For you," said Mike, "1'd give me
hearts blood"
Where do we find this pond?"
asked James.
Come with me and I'll take you to