News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1914-10-28
mess of their greeting. Reynolds

lecture, have your"
why" the other inquired with a
laugh, edo you need it,"
Il might need it, but don't want 1t,
and least of all from you. Let's keep
off that stuff, will you?"
Maybe. But you seem to be hunt
ing trouble. Wai&till start some"
Reynolds poured out some of the
brandy that Frieda brought. Dick,
watching, saw that his hand shook
perceptibly. Evidently there was
something more than the cad that
made the stimulant welcome.
The old Bob of the bungalow days
who worked methodically and spoke
with quiet meaning was no more. Here
was product of the game, or rather,
a victim of it. But a man who had
lost $4,000 in a day, which was, per
haps, his all, could not be expected to
walk tight rope. This Dick knew
and he felt the commiseration that he
longed to express. But he bided his
time. Somehow he didn't feel much
more at his ease than Bob did.
Where's Mrs. Reynolds?" he asked,
do you expect her homer"
Again Reynolds brows contracted,
but he forced smile.
Mrs. Reynolds? You're rather for
NAL, aren't you? James gone to the
theater with the Brands and a party.
She won't be home till after midnight.
That reminds me-" he added. 81
haven't had any dinner. How about
your"
Il had late luncheon" Dick re-
piled. Don't bother about me. If
you're going to have something might
take a bite. Something like one of our
old time feeds, Bob"
His host pushed the button again.
Got anything to eat in the house,
Frieda?"
Certainly, sir. But we didn't hard
ly expect you'd be home. I'm afraid it
won't be much to offer-Mr Dick
"Mr. Dick doesn't want much,
Frieda, and don't either. Just fix up
some coffee and something cold"
He turned and poured more brandy.
81 feel a little nervous tonight,
Dick" he said alphabetically. Sorry
you won't join me, but wouldn't urge
for the world"
They went into the dining room. The
ecant board that Frieda had predicted
had developed into quite feast. There
was cold beef and turkey with de-
licious salad, ripe olives, caviar, white
wine, and beside Dicks place bottle
of beer, He smiled as he pushed it
aside.
tits shame to discourage Frieda's
thoughtfulness," he said. Beer would
certainly go fine with this board
Reynolds ill fortune had not affect
ed his appetite, or if it Mad the brandy
had restored it. He ate ravenously and
urged Dick to keep him company. They
smoked cigarettes over their coffee
and went back to the fireplace.
Quite cozy nook out here, Dick"
said his host. "What do you think of
the placer" Without waiting for
reply he added. 81 guess you'll have
to allow me one after-dinner sip"
He drank the brandy at a gulp, and
called Frieda for more water.
Did you know her, Dick?" he asked,
indicating the girl as she went out.
after good look, yes. She seems
to have felt the beneicent aid Of
Bob. If it had the same effect
on us all might be less opposed to it. |
Some people can stand prosperity and |
some can't"
"Oh, don't know" Reynolds coun-
tered. Il can't say that see such i'm
even in her case. l used to |
like her funny little braids and her I
crude ways. Sometimes l feel like
asking her to dress up the way she |
was over there, but I suppose she
couldn't do it. Once we kick away the !,
props, the scene is gone and we can't I
call it back, except in mind. That
chain of thoughts been hitting me /
hard lately"
He walked over and put his hands
On his friends shoulders.
an fact, Dick" he continued, "if
you want to know it, wish to God 1
was back in Staten Island. Back in
hat sitting laboratory in Bowling
Green. Back anywhere where there
are men and something to do
He turned away and paced the floor.
YES" he cried, in strained, piteous
tones, 81 must have work. Work!
Work and sleep, or shall go insane!"
He reeled and pointed to the decan-
er.
"Thats held me up, Dick! Up or
lown, whichever you call it. But it
ant go onl want change, a mans
ife." Then, as thought of the days
disaster flashed across his mind, he
urned hunted eyes to the journalist,
md sank down into his chair. "But l
,uess the change is coming now, old
nan, l guess'-he swept pointing
land about the richly furnished room
Il guess I'm through with this"
The realization that he was now an
.bsolute failure and that in the climax
# his failure he confronted the man
Who predicted it had wrought upon
@ob until he collapsed, but he was not