Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-06-29


a midweek stop at Bohemia. 1t was central point
from which to make buggy to the neghborng
towns He arrived at the Travellers Hotel early in the
forenoon and he the entries in the register
to if there anyone in town he knew he sud-
denly upon Elliotts fourshed signature. He had
signed on Monday morning. two days before Cleaned
up the town and beaten it. Drake said himself with
relief as he tipped back the pages;
brought only moderate success to Drake it provided
him with successful surprise. In the last store
he visited close upon suppertime, the proprietor bid
ding goodby to the salesman who just ahead of
Drake, called to him as he was leaving:
"Say where's Elliott this week? haven't seen him;
he hasn't been in"
At mention of Eiotts name Drake cooked his ears
for the reply.
"Why, he's sick over at the hotel here. He's been
laid up since Monday. | guess he's pretty bad.
He's had the doctor there every day."
The first sensation that came to Drake was an unhoy
exutation The very next instant he profoundly
ashamed of himself Elliott well and on the job
man to fight and beat by any fair MEANS Elliott abed
i'll was older man o-to-well to be sorry for-and
Drake tried to at himself for his softness He'd
"can Elliott any day, any time; but he'd wait till the
on his feet again He'd not give such an adj
versary chance say he been hit when he down.
FOR time Drake thought little about it all; but
when he returned to the hotel something he could
Elliott
"If he wasn't mighty sick, you'd never find him in
bed: he's not that kind, the night clerk concluded
And then after a pause, Drake heard himself say,
"Will you send up and ask him if he'll me?" He
wrote his name a blank card and handed it to the
clerk. With his hands deep in his pockets and
sort of wonder his heart he stroed toward the fire.
place to await the
In minute two the belboy brought it. "Mr.
Elliott for you to come right up. He's in 21 the
third floor.
AS Drake entered the room, which had been made
dim by yellow enveop pinned about the electric GLOBE
a tired voice greeted him from the bed:
Hello, Drake glad to you. You're good to have
come"
Elliotts face 50 deep in the shadow that Drake
hand upon the doorknob. ave just heard you were
sick. he said with much expression a thought you'd
gone down the Valley He did not advance far into
the room: that would look too soft There was silence
and Drake felt instinctvely that Elliott waiting
for him to speak again. 1t uncomfortable silence
and it was Drake who broke it.
"I'm sorry you're knocked out Is there-anything
l can do for your" He felt that this at all what
he intended to say; but his uterance capped all
what about your orders, Mr. Elliott? Can Ter help
you with them in any way' Drake knew that his face
had gone crimson, and he blessed the shaded light.
The tired man the bed turned slowly out of the
shadows, and Drake his eyes now more accustomed to
the GLOOM saw smile upon his lips "Yes Drake, you
can help me-if you really want to. There's one
I'd be glad if you'd see for me- should have him
yesterday; but they've got chained down here for
time. uSt look over there on the Bureau and you'll
find list of Names
Drake got it.
"Now look for Bruce-it's down near the end"
"Bruce, TOWNSVILLE is that it,"
yes will you stop at his place and get his
order? Tell him I'm down and out for day two;
but that L III be sure to get IN next week
Drake far uncomfortable than when he first
entered the room, backed toward the door. "I' see
him for you, Mr. Elliott he said his eyes still the
list. "But what about all these others?S He held the
paper out to Elliott aWant me to see any of these
people tooo'
Elliott made immediate reply. With hands
with his darll-rimmed eyes. "If you want to, Drake
yes he said slowly. "Its mighty kind of you to do
this-I appreciate it very much"
"Oh, that's all right; forget it. I'll let you know
about the orders when pet in tomorrow nipht Hone
you'll be up SOON" Drake rushed through his Speech
and for fear he would say something flung the