Rocky Ford enterprise., 1914-07-31
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Tom answered with poorly assumed
carelessness: "Over at Rocky Cove"
Then unconsciously he began caress-
ing the other wrist, which also was
discolored and swollen, Van Vechten
observed.
Rocky Cove-h-m. What's hap
pened to your wriets?"
Tom flushed and tried to hide the
telltale wrists, but finding this impos-
sible he came suddenly back to earth.
'Ruddy." he abruptly announced, Il
mean to find job"
"A laudable ambition" commented
his friend, still eyeing him curiously.
II never had a job myself, nor any
desire for one; which, as has been
pointed out to me more than once. is
nothing whatever to my credit. What
do you purpose doing, may ! inquirer"
I'm serious" returned Tom, scowl-
ing. Il mean just what l say. l in
tend to go to work Think of all the
years I've squandered in idleness-"
Heaven Forbid" broke in his
friend. Il can imagine only one thing
that could set you to rejecting upon
the desolate, dreary waste of your mis-
spent life And, mirabile dictu ct visu,
it has come at last! Who is this para
gon of her sex that has quickened
your"
Tom colored again. "Shucks" he
growled sulkily. "A fellow might as
well try talking seriously to an idiot"
Believe me-" said Van Vechten'
earnestly. Il never was in a more
sober mood in my life. Mayn't l be
permitted some vent for my stupefac-
tion? You appear here. utterly unlike
| the chap ! know, and sit for minutes.
| about as garrulous as q corpse, then
overwhelm me with the amazing reve-
lation that you are-at last-in love!
Tom. my dear fellow. l feel as If l
were participating in a miracle. Tell
me frankly all about her"
She has the tenderest, most mu-
steal voice In the world" said Tom
fervently.
That's the genuine poetic touch"
said his friend. And her hair?-her
eyes? Is she tall or short-Psyche. or
Diana? Hebe. or Hippolyta?"
Il don't know" stammered Tom.
What"
Tom twisted and squirmed uneasily
in his chair.
| Dash 1t ALI" blurted he at last. 81
was an ass for coming here; l might
have known that you'd screw every
thing out of me. When l say don't
know what she looks like, mean Just
that, but 1t makes me out a blooming
lunatic. But l haven't seen her. I
haven't the least idea what she looks
l hLn 10 4 nrt H1 NJ h..
than ever I wanted anything in my
life"
The others aspect grew grave enough
now. 1t was plainly manifest that.
since they had parted Sunday, Tom
had undergone an experience of some
kind, that had affected him profound
ly.
Suppose" said his friend sympa-
thetically. you tell me all about her"
And Tom did. He began with his
day upon the waters OF the sound, con-
cluding this stage Of his adventure
with an account of the motorboat and
its occupants.
At mention of the white-haired SER
want. Van Vechten started violently.
but managed to restrain the ejacula.
tion that leaped to the tip of his
1
tongue. His interest was now doubled.
and he settled himself to harken to
the narrative, which he followed
thenceforward to the end with a con-
ception that inspired Tom to genuine
eloquence.
At the close of the recital Van vech-
ten remained a long time absorbed in
thought.
ITO think" he said finally, that
i you-of all persons-should have blum
dered into an adventure like that!
But. Tommy. 1t is unfortunate that you
pledged yourself not to hunt for the
house. l suppose 1t occurred to you
that these people are the same who
occupied thirteen-thirteen?"
Tom nodded.
Then listen to this" Van vechten