The Clio messenger., 1914-12-18

A very different person from the fat
but dependent lunch-wagoner whom
Pedro had met In the grimy little sub
urban square was the present smiling
and prosperous /. Lovejoy, who
beamed, who laughed. who pressed
his best viands upon them. True, he
| was still very fat-fatter than ever
but the world had gone well with him.
and he seemed to have used his smil-
ing likeness on the wagons exterior
as an example to be lived up to.
well, well! What brings you way
| off here?" he asked, when they had
| eaten.
For a moment Pedro hesitated, and
then, looking into the honest, red face,
decided to give his confidence and re-
lated the cause Of their sudden appear
ance in the wilderness of the Jersey
docks.
You don't say!" said the fat man.
who had listened with great interest
and attention. you don't say! Why,
/ seen the very feller! A likely-lookin'
chap he was, too-and q friend of my
girls"
Really? What good fortune!" cried
Pedro. And then Lovejoy went sn to
describe the meal that Hill had eaten
with him.
And what are you a-goin' to do
now" he concluded.
81 don't quite know" admitted Pc
dro, "but what you have told us makes
| hot n ri oh
track. We might keep on going
through the saloons near by"
The fat man locked thoughtful for
a moment, scratching his head in ST.
lence. Then: "Lookey here!" he
burst out, them low-down money-get-
tin dives are no ladies' cafes, and it
amt safe to wander round 'em 'cept
in company. Now l like you-you done
for me what can't repay, but I'll have
try! I'm a-goin' to lock up this place
and I'm a-goin' with YOU"
"Good!" exclaimed Pedro, holding
out his hand, you are-what does one
say-a brick! Isn't he, Beau-Jean, eh
But it is not necessary, and beg that
you will not disturb yourself"
"'Twon't disturb me none," said Mr..
Lovejoy. "and I liked that young fel.
Ter. hate to think he may be a-lyin'
dead and cold In some wine-cellar
pierced through the heart with dag.
ger, or a hatpin, maybe. I'm a-goin'
ter help you revenge him, yes, II
lose money by 1t, by jingo!"
Il beg that you will do nothing to
make yourself a loss!" cried Beau
Jean. who did not relish the prospect
of this addition to their party.
Although every fifty cents lost
keeps me just that much further from
my Lola" said Lovejoy solemnly, I'm
a-goin' to make the sacrifice this
time"
Wherewith, he concealed a long
bread-knife in the inner"pocket Of his
overcoat, and. extinguishing the light
announced that he was ready for &C.
ton.
Where now?" asked the giant, as
the three, followed, Of course, by Mr.
Jones, strode out into the night.
There's Beer Peters," suggested
the new member, have you tried
there?"
NO" responded Pedro. where is
itr
Follow me-" directed Lovejoy, cite
likely place."
They set OF at once, and trudged on
in silence until low frame building
abutting on the river and built par
TALLY on piles, was reached. Pushing
open the felt-covered doors, Lovejoy
paid for their entrance, and in an.
other moment they we're in the long
low-ceilinged room that formed the
main portion Of the building. A devas.
tating odor rushed out to meet them
like blast from some evil furnace
The place was blue with tobacco
smoke, and at the far end, beyond q
sea of little tables, girl was singing
to the accompaniment Of q cracked
piano.
At one end of this charming resort
which was typical enough of its class
stood the glittering bar with shining
array Of glasses, mahogany and pol
ished metal, while opposite the en-
trance, in what appeared to be q
single-storied addition, was a room
for dancing. Near the wide opening
into this section, sat Theodore Pell
the reporter, in company with three
ompanions-Elloch. the painter, and
two women. They were all very hila
rious, but catching sight Of Pedro, Pell
excused himself, and began q some
what uncertain progress IN the direc
ton Of the newcomer. AZ the same
Instant q man who seemed to be In
authority there accosted the three and
demanded to know II they wanted to
have Mr.. Jones perform.
~The house takes half Of what you
get" he added.
do you often have dancing bears
heref" asked Pedro.
Nope, never yet" said the man
but It might go. Try II on after the
next dance, IL you like"
| Maybe WILL" replied the other
Then, as the proprietor moved away
ha addad eneakfuU In Invefov In q