The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-01-25

, but / think it's possible that I may be
able to do that before very long-in time
to permit her temperance before Mr.
and Mrs. Goodwin return tomorrow
After leaving the house I went to lunch
at the Kings restaurant. I gathered
from certain tribes which had noticed
on the preceding Friday, that this was
the place at which Mr. George Ration
the short, square. red-cheeked, blue
eyed young man. made It his custom to
lunch.
had not been seated five minutes be-
fore he came. 1t struck me that he looked
worried. and that II was with an effort
he smiled as he nodded to various &C.
quaintances who were possibly, like him.
self. habitues Nothing happened. ex-
cept that food and drink were brought to
him. which he seemed to enjoy. As both
his meal and my own drew toward a
conclusion, a person, whom / had al
ready noticed, moved toward the table at
which he was seated.
The person looked as IL he might be an
actor-a comedian for choice. He was
of barrel-like proportions; a small. almost
bald head, shaped like a Gouda cheese.
and nearly of the same color. was set on
a short thick neck. as a climax to his
enormous body. His attire was striking.
one Of those exaggerated bows which are
dear to q certain type of French student.
flowed loosely over. an extensive shirt
front. which was of another shade of
blue He carried a wide-brimmed straw
hat in his hand. and as he approached
Mr.. Ration he waved II at him as a
sort Of salute. He stood where I could
see him cIearly-there was no mistakins
what he said.
Excuse me, sir. but might have a
word with you? I believe you are Mr..
Ratton-George Ration
Mr.. Ration seemed TO eye him rather
askance.
MY name is Ration. sir-but I have
not the pleasure. think. Of knowing
you"
81 came here. Mr.. Ration" said the
stranger, 'in the express hope of seeing
you; I have something to say to you
which. I venture to assert, you will not
only find interesting and important. but
also to your advantage"
I What may that something be? May /
ask your manner"
my name does not matter. sir-no, 1t
does not matter" The speaker made a
movement with his hat as IL to signify
how little it did matter. with your
permission, sir, / will take seat"
When he did sit down, without, 30 far
as I could Judge. having permission ac-
corded him, / had to move my seat In
order to get anything like a satisfactory
sight Of both Mr.. Ration and OF him.
This took some seconds, and l had to
pick up the conversation at point which
necessitated my guessing at what had
been already said. The stranger was
leaning right over the table. and Mr.. Rat
ton was still very red, as IL he resented
his words and manner. and his appear
ance altogether. The barrel-like man
was saying. in what. no doubt, were
bland and unctious, softened tones:
He was naturally hurt by the feeling
that you had sold him."
I fancy Mr.. Ratton's tones were con-
side ably louder. and were certainly less
bland.
st told him, and I tell you, that 1
won't have it said that sold him-Iu
allow no one to say 1t.
You tell him what to say to the younE
lady, then you tell the young lady what
you said to him-what is the Inference
one draws? In. consequence. he IL placed
in an extremely unprofessional position
by you"