Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1915-01-13

ing to the handshake with grip as
hrm as iron. And I've been away a
good deal. too. Europe and all
around"
Reynolds threw off his coat and car,
ried ii to the rack
'Europe?" he said as he turned
What for, the paper?"
No, haven't been with the paper
for some time, Bob. Left it shortly
we'll, 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 l would judge" he acquiesced.
you look it, Prosperous, eh?"
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 little talk just about our
selves. Wait, haven't asked you what
you'd have"
Water for mine, Bob. That's been
my program for a year Nothing like
it."
Reynolds pushed a button.
THE devil you say" he answered as
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, as the maid entered. And,
Frieda, bring large glass for Mr..
Meade"
Bob took out his cigarette case.
''Sit down, Dick" he urged as he ten
dered the case. you haven't cut
these out, too, have you?"
mo, not yet. I've tried cigars, but
it's no co. The little pills have their
charm, Bob, and they're one thing
place before dignity"
They lighted their cigarettes and
puffed for a moment in silence. Some
element of restraint seemed to hover
over them despite the sincere friend
Illness of their greeting. Reynolds
spoke first.
Dick" he said. I'm mighty glad to
see you and you know it. But tell me
just one thing. You haven't come to
lecture, have you?"
why" the other inquired with
laugh, do you need it,"
Il might need it, but don't want it,
and least of all from you. Let's keep
off that stuff, will your"
Maybe. But you seem to be hunt
ing trouble. Wait till start some"
Reynolds poured out some of the
brandy that Frieda brought. Dick,
watching5 saw that his -hsssais y ssncgH
perceptibly. Evidently there was
something more than the cold 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 a product of the game, or rather,
victim Of it. But a man who had
lost $4,000 in 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 a SMILE
Mrs. Reynolds? You're rather for
NAL, aren't you? James gone to the
theater with the Brands and party.
She won't be home till after midnight.
That reminds me-" he added. 81
haven't had any dinner. How about
you"
Il had late luncheon" Dick re-
piled. Don't bother about me. II
you're going to have something's might
take 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 1t
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.
Il feel a little nervous tonight,
Dick" he said apologetically. Sorry
you won't join me, but wouldn't urge
Tor the world"
They went into the dining room. The
,cant board that Frieda had predicted
had developed into quite feast. There
was cold beef and turkey with de-
icious salad, ripe olives, caviar, white
wine, and beside Dicks place bottle
IF beer. He smiled as he pushed 1t
aside.
Its shame to discourage Frieda's