The Spectator., 1914-11-20
By NINA WILCOX PUTNAM
Copyright by Bobbs-Nerrill Col


 And Sam Hill still sat glowering out upon the scene.
 "Oh, the wonder of it!" said a low voice at his elbow
 With an effort Hill aroused himself the aching trouble In his heart pulsing painfully at the return to conscious ness of his own personality. Had some one spoken to him? It was only his fancy, perhaps! Suddenly something cool and damp and unmistakably alive thrust itself into the relaxed palm of his hand, causing him to start up Then the cool thing shot forward, leav. ing his hand upon rough coat of fur. An animal! What could it be?
 Great Scott," he exclaimed, all alert. In the darkness beside him crouched a shapeless mass. which grunted softly.
 Its only MT. Jones'" said the voice woke up. It's only my bear!"
 Then Sam Hill realized that the creature at which he was staring in the dimness was small bear, to which was attached a chain that clanked upon the asphalt walk.
 MT. Jones. is it?' snapped Hill And who the devil are you?"
 T am Pedro" replied the animal's s custodian. And even in the gloom Hill could see the white gleam of a smile. The slender figure strengthened up on the bench beside him.
 What Pedro? Pedro who?" de manded Hill, interested in spite of himself.
 Only just Pedro" came the answer Then followed a laugh--a wonderful, rippling laugh, ending abruptly, as though a door had been closed upon music
 Well, Pedro, whoever you are," re- piled Hill. you seem to be in as i'll straits as myself else you would not be sitting in the square at such an hour"
 Are you hungry, too?" Pedro in quired
 Hill laughed a short laugh, not so pleasant to hear as the others.
 In way" said he.
 "Ah!" said Pedro pityingly, and by the tone Hill knew that the youth had guessed at hidden meaning in his words
 Why do you come to the city?'' asked the latter, after a pause Your brotherhood usually keep to the open road"
 ''I come because I am an artist, and here I shall have more opportunity to paint" replied Pedro.
 You speak as though you were a genius" said Hill bitingly.
 Perhaps l am" Pedro returned.
 There was silence, during which MT Jones fumbled the hand of his new acquaintance affectionately. Then said Pedro:
 What is your trouble?"
 Somehow Hill was not in the least offended by the question. For a mo- ment he considered it, then:
 "I must go away and hide myself, he said.
 And you don't want to go away"
 "Yes-or rather. want to go, al though 1t is duty I take bitter pleasure in discharging. But l must go. because must hide"
 "Oh!" said Pedro Why go off to hide? A good way to get out of sight is to remain where you are, and tell no one about it. People so promptly forget about you"
 Hill peered at the youthful face to see if the bear trainer was joking, but no trace of mirth could he discover
 "Perhaps!" said he. Then to change the subject. When did you arrive in the city?"
 This afternoon"
 And what, exactly. do you expect to do?"
 "To find a master. and to study; to find a studio. and to paint" was the terse reply.
 And meanwhile go hungry! Are you saving all your money for the ends you mentionT
 T have no money" explained Pedro cheerfully.
 Then how do you plan to get your studio?"
 "I do not know yet" Pedro told him. But there must be a great many in so large city"
 50 you are not daunted by the somewhat uncertain future before you" remarked Hill, "even though you are unfed?"
 ''I have been that before," retorted Pedro dryly.
 Well" said Hill, "the most imme- diate of our troubles can be mended I, too, am hungry. Will you dine with me?"
 We shall be glad to-" said Pedro.
 Hill had forgotten the bear, but when Pedro said i've" he realized that there were three hungry beings.