Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1915-07-16
CHAPTER XIV.
A Bit of a Lark.


Mallow gave Craig one of his favor
ite cigars. The gambler turned 1t
over and inspected the carnelian label,
realizing that this was expected of
him. Mallow smiled complacently.
They might smoke as good as that at
the government house, but he rather
doubted 1t. Trust Britisher to know
a good pipe-charge; but his selection
of cigars was seldom to be depended
upon
Don't see many of these out here, "
was Craig's comment, and he tucked
away the cigar in a vest pocket.
They cost me forty-three cents
apiece, without duty" The vulgarian's
pleasure lies not in the article itself
so much as in the price paid for it..
On the plantation Mallow smoked
Burma cheroots because he really pre-
Ierred them. There, he drank rye
whisky, consorted with his employees,
sambled with them and was not above
cheating when he had them drunk
enough. Away from home, however,
vintage wines when he could, wore
silks, jingled the sovereigns whenever
ne thought someone might listen, bull
lied the servants, all with the childish
belief that he was following the foot
steps Of aristocracy, hoodwinking no
one, not even his kind. I'm worth a
quarter of a Million" he went on.
Luck and plugging did it, One of
these fine days I'm going to sell out
and take whack at that gay Paris.
There's the place to spend your pile.
You can't get your moneys worth any
place else"
Paris. Craig's thought flew back to
the prosperous days when he was ply
Ing his trade between New York and
Cherbourg, On the Atlantic liners, the
annual fortnight in Paris and the
Grand Prix. He had had his diamonds.
then, and his wallet of yellow-backs;
and when he had called for vintage
wines and choice Hayanas it had been
Tor genuine love of them. In his heart
ne despised Mallow. HA knew himself
70 be a rogue, but Mallow without
money would have been bold preda-
Sory scoundrel. Craig knew also that
ne himself was at soul too cowardly to
be more than despicably bad. He
envied Mallow's absolute fearlessness,
his frank brutality, his strength upon
which dissipation had as yet left no
mark; and Mallow was easily forty
five.
When you go to Paris. I'd like to go
along"
You've never let on why they sent
you hiking out here" Mallow sug-
gested.
One of my habits is keeping my
mouth shut"
Regarding your own affairs, yes.
But you're willing enough to talk
when it comes to giving away the
other chap"
You can play that hand as well as
can" Craig scowled toward the
dining room doors.
Ha! There they come" said NAL
low. as a group of men and women is
sued out into the cafe veranda. by
CAD! she is beauty, and no mistake
ana will you look at our friend, the
colonel. toddling behind her?'
II you could get good look at her
Nnen she's angry. you'd change your
tune"
Mallow sighed audibly. Most wom-
"a are tame, anu that's why I've
fought shy of the yoke. Yonder,s the
sort for me. The man who marries
nor VIII have his work cut out It'll
sake year or two to find out who's
Ooss; ard if she wins. lord help the
mani"
craig eyed the group which was
HoW seated. Two Cinnamon we're
serving coffee and coroials. Mallow
was right; beautiful was the word. He
soured out for himself stiff peg and
ana 1t with very little soda
ave your