Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1915-03-05
CHAPTER Xxx.
lioht In Darkness.

After several inquiries Dick found
his friends home and rang the bell.
Frieda answered 1t, but in the dim
light on the veranda and because of
her wondrous change from a slattern-
ly domestic to q smart maid, he did
not recognize her.
"Is Mr.. Reynolds in?"
mo. sir" Frieda informed him, but
he may come any minute"
''Is his wife homer"
mo, sir, she's gone out to dinner
and think she's going over to New
York. But Mr.. Reynolds didn't expect
to co."
III you don't mind, I'll watt" said
Dick. He went in. MY name is
Meade-Richard Meade" he added
without looking at the girl you may
have heard Mr.. Reynolds speak Of
me-"
He took OF his coat and as he hand.
ed 1t to her. stared in a quizzical way.
At last the truth dawned on him.
why. it's Frieda." he exclaimed.
BLESS me. what a change"
The girl, not oblivious or averse to
the infection in his surprised greeting.
courtesied an acknowledgement.
Change Is right. Mr.. Dick. You
didn't know me, did your"
Il should say didn't" he concurred.
with smile. why. you're all dressed
up like one of those talking dolls"
She laughed and turned around for
full inspection.
THE very latest model" she in.
formed him. do you like IT."
IT'S a dream" the young writer &C
knowledged. But never go back to
Staten Island with that rig on. There
are 1000 soldiers at the fort over there
and the government doesn't want them
all to desert at once"
Don't worry, Mr.. Dick, I'm not 60
ing back to Staten Island. Mrs. Rey-
nolds gave me q chance when she
came over here and you bet l took 1t.
1t took me some time to get on to my
self, but I did at last and now I'm
done with that sort of thing. believe
mel"
Frieda's appearance confirmed her
boast.
Nearly an hour passed. He read an
article or two In magazines that were
Uttered about the table. There were
books too. all of the lighter sort-re-
cent fiction. and some of the higher
class humorous papers.
Everything in the Reynolds home,
so much as Dick had seen Of It, be-
spoke the idler. Everything bespoke
ease Of body and unwillingness to tax
the mind.
A quick step on the veranda cut
short his musings. Bob threw open
the door. At the sight of his visitor
he rushed forward with outstretched
hands.
why. Dick" he shouted. and then
he fairly Rugged him.
You're the last man I expected 70
see here and the one I'd rather see
most You've kept away pretty long,
but it's better late than never"
well. you sort Of got out of my
class, Bob" replied his friend, respond
ing to the handshake with q grip as
firm a. iron. And I've been away q
good deal. too. Europe and all
around"
Reynolds threw on his coat and car
ried 1t to the rack.
"Europe?" he said az he turned.
what for. the paper"
mo. l haven't been with the paper
for some time. Bob. Left 1t shortly
well. shortly after saw you last I'm
with the World Awake now. Quite a
Job. Things have been looking up a
Bit
Reynolds looked him over carefully
and fondly.
so I would judge" he acquiesced.
you look 1t. Prosperous, chr!
From my point Of view. yes." said
Dick. Maybe not from yours and
Brands"
Reynolds frowned. Mention of the
millionaire's name irritated him.
Don't rub It in. old man." he begged.
Don't bring him in the first thing.
Let's have q little talk Just about our.
selves. Wait, I haven't asked you what
you'd have"
Water for mine, Bob. That's been
my program for Q year. Nothing like
It"
Reynolds pushed Q button.
The devil you say" he answered a.
he turned to his friend. Il can't say
the same for myself like little bit
now and then. and It's cold out to
night. feel chilled"
Bring some brandy and ice water"
he ordered. ~ the maid entered. And.
Frieda. bring . large glass for Mr..
NeaAe." - ess 49,. /.