The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1913-11-10
THE BES
I. MAN ! IA. \! :.
BY GoUvERNEUR NORRIS.
Copyrighted by Chas. scribner's sons.)
BY GoUvERNEUR MORRIS.

who is nothing but burden, con-
stantly shows his teeth and passes
sarcasms. Let him only show 0
proper gratitude, and I will not
complain. He is trial not easily
borne"
Orloff and Olenka knew there
was much truth in what their ben
efactor said. Old mag Openta
hated Odeskalki and showed his
teeth at him whenever there was
opportunity.
II am sorry that you have no
ticed," said Openta. But 1 will
speak to him myself. He does not
realize, perhaps, that he is living
at your expense. Furthermore,
father is old. 1t is better to laugh
at his sarcasms. But after this
everything will be better"
CONSERVATION seized even Odes-
kalki when at this point 1t was
noticed the old man had opened his
eyes. He scowled Indignantly at
Odeskalki, and said shrilly:
I'D bill dod be pedder. ! was dod
sleebig."
He rose, took his overcoat from
the peg and put 1t on.
II bill dot gum bag" he said.
IT alb dot wanted"
Olenka tried to hold him. but he
shook her off and made for the
door. She threw her arms about
him, but he struck her in the face
and bosom. Odeskalki hurled the
old man aside.
LET him CO." he cried. "He Will
come back soon enough. 1t is cold
and he will soon be hankering for
the stove"
IT bill dot gum bag" shouted
the old man.
Odeskalki closed the door.
go into the other ROOM" he said
to Olenka, land put cold water on
your face" He turned to Openta.
IT will just go and see If she is
hurt" he said.
Oenka poured water into the
basin, but for the moment she was
using 1t only as a receptacle for her
tears.
Don't cry" said Odeskalki gent
ly. He took her by the shoulders
and turned her so she faced him.
Your cheek is bruised" he said,
but that is a trifle. Did he hurt
you when he hit your" She did
not answer. And Odeskalki began
to draw her to him. but there must
have been some good In the man,
for he suddenly drew back.
Olenka's tears ceased.
ct was frightened only" she said.
eff II had not been an old man."
said Odeskalki. 81 would have
struck him, dead. You do not feel
any pain?"
mo, but everything is going
round"
odeskalki caught her as she fell
and carried her to a chair. He
kissed her unresisting mouth. Then
he brought cold water and began
to battle her temples.
Meanwhile Openta had turned his
head SO he could see the door lead
ing into the other room.
He ought not to have closed the
door," he said ENORMOUSLY. HE
ought 10 ColHt pdCh anu tSii AhS -
she is hurt"
In a few moments anxiety for
Olenka began to torment him.
Maybe father really hurt her."
he said.
Then he began to call for Odes-
kalki loudly.
Suddenly the door opened and
Odeskalki, looking like a man on
fire with anger. appeared in the
frame.
Don't scream So" he shouted
angrily. Mrs. Openta has tainted.
I am doing what I can"
He disappeared slamming the
door.
Half an hour passed. Orloff
Openta began to cry. Another half
hour passed. He got out of bed
and crept to the door, for he could
not stand. He reached the knob.
turned 1t and pushed. The door did
not open. Strength came to him.
He stood and beat upon the door
with his fists and hurled his light
body against it again and again. In
his frenzy it did not occur to him
that in order 70 omen the dnor he