The Spectator., 1915-01-15
CHAPTER XVIII.
And CounterpIotA

 And CounterplotA When Pedro and Sam Hill separated on the night of their Jersey adventure, the latter made straight for Jones street. accompanied by Beau-Jean, and upon reaching the refuge of the rear | tenement tumbled into bed without more ado, and for seven hours slept the sleep of the just, his head upon an improvised pillow of quilting-be- meath which his hand grasped the pre- cious document that Iris, as he thought, had sent him.
 Very possibly his repose would have continued for much longer period, had it not been. for the activity of Gun eviere and Hermania in the room inn mediately below. These ladies, their household duties, as usual, entirely neglected. were loudly applauding Old Nita's efforts to instruct Koko in a new accomplishment; namely, to use as ,cymbals the lids of two fish kettles strapped to his front paws.
 Now the clash of cymbals, no mat ter how amateurish and uncertain the performers efforts, is not conducive to slumber, to say the least of 1t; and, therefore, with a groan of protest. Sam returned to consciousness of all that had befallen him, and all that was yet to be undertaken While he washed and shaved he pondered deeply upon how he should set about getting the information that Iris desired AS he drew on his boots he still won dered. and uncertainty did not cease with the knotting of the silk bandanna about his throat But at about this point hunger began to distract his at- ;tention. and so. deciding that he would be able to think more collect edly upon full stomach, he descend ed to the fiat below and demanded to be fed.
 Koko dropped to his all-fours at this intrusion. glad to be rid of the encum- tbering kettleiids, which Old Nita un- tied. grumbling at the interruption of the lesson, but nevertheless delighted to see Hiu. The other two women hustled about and prepared food for him. and soon he was ms<ching rumi- natively. oblivious of. ami impervious to. the questions that they showered upon him. At last Hills attention was arrested by them, however, and he in- quired if Anna were ill.
 No" replied Nita. She Is going to have baby in the spring. that is all. and she Is getting so that she will not let Rico out of her sight: nor will she go out with him to dance the bear. How they will live do not know, what with bringing no money in. and such idleness! They are a pair of fools, those two. l am a very wicked wom- an. l am. but l really do think they should get married now"
 Are they not married?" said Hill. surprised. Why not. do you sup poser"
 Nita merely shrugged and turned away upon some matter of her own. Hill. cup in hand. arose and ap- preached the lovers.
 Bon jour-" said he abruptly. Why the devil aren't you married?"
 <Rico looked up pleasantly, his smile ever ready and friendly for the be- loved Samhill. Then. as the latter's words sank into the unknown depths of his slow mind. cloud crossed his handsome face.
 Married? Why, l do not really know, mon ami, he responded slowly. "Anna-why are we not married?'
 For a moment she looked as bewil. dered as Rico, and then smile of understanding broke upon her lips.
 Why" she said. we love each other! We have been very, very busy loving each other. and dancing the bear. l do not believe we ever thought about getting married"
 So serious and obviously sincere was this reply that Hill scarcely knew whether to laugh or frown. But to refrain from making the patent sugges- tion was impossible.
 Why not do 1t. now that it occurs | to your" said he.
 Rico looked at him earnestly.
 Do you advise it, Samhill?" he | asked. We could not love each other the mono because of few words said over us!"
 Very true" replied the painter graveIy. but there is the child to con- sider. You would like 1t to bear your name. would you not?"
 Tt shall be. called Rico if 1t is a boy" said Annas lover, but a girl would be Anna. so what is to be gained p that case?"
 But your last name." ins,s.ed Hin.