The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-01-20

bert Higgins. who. of course, was his
sons boon companion. admirer. aid and
abettor. This young gentleman was
lean, horse faced senior. whose I'M
broken solemnity of manner had more
than once led strangers to mistake
him for a divinity student. though
closer acquaintance proved him wholly
immoral and rattle Drained.
It was Higgins this evening who.
after the "cripples" had deserted and
the supper party had dwindled to per-
baps half dozen. proposed to make
night Of it. beginning with visit to
the Austrian Village. The college men
selected u table and, shouldering the
occupants aside without ceremony.
seated themselves and pounded for
waiter.
Padden. the proprietor. came toward
them. and. after greeting Anthony and
Higgins by a shake Of his left hand.
ducked his round gray head in ac-
acknowledgement of an introduction to
the others.
Glad you dropped in" Mr.. Padden
want and can't get let me know
When he had gone Higgins averred
There's q fine man-peaceful, refined
got lovely character too. Let's be
gentlemen while we're in his place"
Ringold rose. I'm going to dance.
fellows" he announced, and his CON-
panions followed him. with the excep-
ton of the cadayerous Higgins, who
maintained that dancing was a pas
time for the frivolous and weak.
When they returned to their table
they found a stranger was seated with
him. who rose as Higgins made him
known.
Boys, meet my old friend. Mr.. JET
ferson Locke of st. Louis. He's al
right
The college men treated this new re
| cruit with hilarious cordiality. te
which he responded with the air OF
| one quite accustomed to such reunions
II was at the game this afternoon
| be explained when the greetings were
over. land recognized you chaps wher
you came in. I'm football fan my
self just got into town this morn
ing. and I'm sailing tomorrow.
couldn't catch a boat today so Tn
having a little blowout on my owl
account. When l recognized you al
just butted in. New York is a lone
some place for a stranger. Hope 70,
don't mind my joining you"
Not at allr' he was assured.
When he came to pay the waiter b,
displayed a roll of yellow backed bill
that caused Anthony to caution him.
Locke only laughed. There's NOR
where this came from. However, that
one reason I'd like to stick aroun'
with you fellows. l have an idea w
been followed. and | don't care to b
tapped on the head. If you will lie
me trail along I'll foot the bills. That
a fair proposition"
"Oh, come now" Anthony struck in
You're more than welcome to sta,
with us if you like. but we can't lie
you put up for it
The stranger. despite his avowedl
festive spirit. showed certain reserve
When the music again struck up b.
| declined to dance. preferring to remain
with Higgins in their inconspicuoL
corner.
There's fine fellow" the latter re
marked. following his best friends fig
ure with his eyes, when he and Lock
were once more alone. Sweet ma
ture.''
Anthony? Yes. he looks it,
He's got just two faults. l Away
say-he's too modest by far. and he
lazy-won't work.
He doesn't have to work. His oil
man has plenty of coin. hasn't he?"
Yes, and he'll keep it too. Heart
less old wretch
The dancers came crowding up
the table at the moment. and Ringol
suggested loudly: I'm hungry. Let
eat again"
Il just fixed it with Padden for
private room upstairs" Anthony sait
!, "All the cafes are closed now, an
this is the best place in town for chicl
en- creole anyhow"
Accordingly he led the way. and th
| rest filed out after him. But as the
left the ballroom a medium sized ma
who had recently entered from til
street caught glimpse Of them. craI
ed his neck for better view, the
: idled along behind
Anthony played the part of no:
more lavishly. Mr.. Locke. however il
: sisted that his friends should partak
of a kind of drink previously unhear
of and with this in view had conf
: Dental chat with the waiter, to whol
he unostentatiously handed a FIVE do
lar retainer.
The meal was at its noisiest whe
the man whom Locke had SO gene
) ousIy tipped spoke to him quietly. 81