The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1913-05-02
CHAPTER X-(ContinuedA

CHAPTER X-(Continued.
He, he" he giggled Woke W
and remembered had promis~e F'los
sic Fandango Of The Partisan Broil
ers' a box OF steamer flowers DAD
she sails at ten; so | piled out anC
shot Off note to my florist, specia
delivery, Been trying TO find ou
from that internal card back there
whon'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"
thought disgustedly. And / answered
rather coldly: Sorry, you know; nc
Idea" And l opened the door wide.
But the old rascal never moved
Just stood there, chuckling horribly
Well, 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 a 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 II, and unless | got rid OF
him the old bore would stand and
twsddle the rest of the night.
reached for his hand and shook It.
Wen have talk about It some
time" said pleasantly. Just now,
don't you think we'd better each get
TO bed? So devilish late, you know. -
He slapped me on the shoulder with
a blow that almost brought me TO the
hoCr. Felt like he struck me with a
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 a drink
first, though, If you don't mind"
! Devilish bored as | was, decided
the easiest escape was to humor him.
"All right" said, leaving the door
open and stepping into the room; I'm
get you glass of water"
Water" he exclaimed, following
me In. Say, don't get funny; it's not
becoming to you" He leered at me
hideously
he went right to the corner where
stood my cellarette. BY Jove, give
you my wcrd | was so devilish stupe-
fied | couldn't bring out a 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 a bottle and was smell
ing its contents. He grimaced over
his shoulder.
That's Internally rotten Scotch, |
say" he exclaimed with a sort OF
snort Regular sell, by George,"
was glad Billings didn't hear him,
For 1t had been a present from him
only the week before.
Suppose I'll have to go the rye
he grumbled; and, grinning at me
Familiarity, he poured himself a drink.
He tossed II off, neat | reflected that
perhaps he would go quietly now.
We'll" said. advancing. Il ex.
pect you're anxious TO get to your
quarters. so I'll say good night"
extended my hand. That ought to
fetch him." | thought, III he's a gen
tleman, no matter how Jolly corked he
may be-"
In my grasp his hand felt like 9
small boxing glove. but when
glanced at 1t | 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!" b
murmured in a husky tremolo. deflec,
ing the corners of his mouth an
wagging his bald pate. IF don
see you again I'll have the rive
dragged"
And then. instead OF going, dash N
n the old fool didn't flop down int
Billings favorite chair and reach fc
Billings cigarettes that he had lel
ON the tabouret.
He waved his hand at me. ''Oh. 20
no 10 bed. Lightnut." he said. puffin
away with iron nerve. "All tho sleep
mt OF me. dammit I'll just ait heI
.cd reed and rmove as long as Ink
.heo ri go In there and turn IN"
49,. ~ hls doAAArinx hsad indicate
hOunSs' ror1