New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-26

was the abiding place Of a man Of intellectual tastes and
small income.
Chappcllc mo,oncd him to N, farther side Of the
table and took the opposite chair Both were al right
angles with the door; but ChappcIc was nearer 70 II.
Rykcr remembered this later Scotch and soda were
produced and cigars and cigarettes and Tor time the
talk was abou, matters literary Rykcr was beginning
20 wonder whether he was 70 be disappointed Peg
hlps after all there was nothing more in this than APP
pcacd on the surface suddenly his host gave the CON
ycrSt'ion a turn.
Il don't know much about YOU old chap, he said
amiably; but took fancy to YOU when first Sawyou,
SO I'm going to take the liberty OF saying don't think
YOU care any more for this social game were IN than
/ d."
"In which assumption YOU quite right, replied
Rykcr. IL oathc II: but its not my choice. lou |
fancy are obliged 10 keep il up on account OF family
connections or something ike that.
40, bit, said Chappcllc, putting At cigarette
The fact is | am trying rather curious experiment
Rykcr was sure something was coming, ana he telt
I'd glow steal over him.
Il am a queer duck" the other went on rather de-
Ibcraclv ASST happens that have no ties that bind,
am generally able 10 follow up my eccentric impulses.
This is one Of them one night was on my way to my
club and OF course in evening dress Presently as
was walking up Flfth-avc., found myself in front OF
a house where a canopy stretched from the door TO the
curb There was a long line OF carriages and men and
women were streaming up the steps IN great numbers
"Inyoluntary | found myself caught IN this crowd
under the canopy and before could move step out
Oi the lOSlc up the steps WIFI tllC p'IVIS'
and soon WAS inside the house have never been
society man, and the situation was embarrassing.
didn't know whether turn and run, or 10 stay and take
chances on what might follow. II was udicrouS po-
sition but didn't have to decide for myself, after all.
As was still considering the alternative, was APP
preached by a matron who, learned later, was the
hostess She greeted me with outstrctchcd hand; al
though she didn't know me from Adam.
Before | had finished Stammcring few lncohcrent
words she was gone and again was in crush. Some
one took my things and presently there was enjoying
the hospitality OF Of the best families in New York;
but who hadn't the rcmotcSt notion whether | WAS a
tnancicr or Il tclon.
DYKER started slightly at the last words. and
N vague suspicion crossed his mind. He tancicd that
Chppclc shot a swift glance at him; but second later
again putting At his cigarette with the most non
Chalant air, and continuing his narrative.
Il did enjoy il too. after few minutes. when my
casincss of. It unique. looked round, and
didn't know a living soul 10y name; but there was and
that seemed TO be al that necessary. OF course
passed few words here and there with some dame who
thought she had met me somewhere and | knew Just
enough fashionable patcr To get away with the little
conversation required OF II would have been differ
cnt at a small affair; but this big one and there
was such a crowd that didn't figure at all had
mighty good supper plenty OF wine, although don't
80 in strong that and some excellent cigars. Now
and then had lurking fear that might be held up
suspicion Of having swpcd the spoons but was not
molcScd. Can YOU beat IL;
Again Rykcr felt a little Jump OF the nerves when
Chappclc alluded TO the possible misdcncanor; but
he smiled and answered, Its the best cvcr"
Chappcc resumed: And that isn't al. The thing
hit my fancy such an extent that kept 1t up al
WAYS Of course avoiding the small and select affairs
kept it up?" qucricd Rykcr.
IL mean determined to how far the thing could
be carried. The results have been amazing. I'm still
at it..
"Do you mean that for your presence at all
the houses on Ffhavc and Riverside Drive, at Tux
edo and Lcnox and other places where We have met
"You have it, my boy, replied Chappcllc, laughing.
"And YOU never been detected;
Certainly not, But wait You Use the word as if
I were a criminal" This time he met RykcrS eye
ctn,IiI,. "Ru, srppoSp | WAS detected. rs Won call IL