The Spectator., 1915-01-01
The Impossible Boy
 By
By NINA WILCOX PUTNAM
(Copyright by Bobbs-Merrill Col

feQTO udQ Iuet III tHe STlUy uttie SUD- urban square was the present smiling and prosperous l. Lovejoy, who beamed, who laughed, who pressed his best viands upon them. True, he was still very fat-fatter than ever but the world had gone well with him, and he seemed to have used his smil- ing likeness on the wagons exterior as an example to be lived up to. Well, we'll! What brings you way | off here?" he asked, when they had eaten.
 | For a moment Pedro hesitated, and then, locking into the honest, red face, decided to give his confidence and re- | lated the cause of their sudden appear ance in the wilderness of the Jersey l docks.
 | You don't say!" said the fat man, who had listened with great interest and attention. You don't say! Why, I seen the very feller! A likely-lookin' chap he was, too-and friend of, my girls
 | Really? What good fortune!" cried Pedro. And then Lovejoy went on to describe the meal that Hill had eaten with him.
 And what are you a-goin to do now?" he concluded. | 'I don't quite know" admitted Pe- dro, but what you have told us makes me sure that we are on the right track. We might keep on going | ha h,,,,
 The fat man looked thoughtful for moment, scratching his head in si- lence. Then: "Lookey here!" he burst out. them low-down money-get. tin dives are no ladies cafes, and it ain't safe to wander round 'em 'cept in company Now like you-you done for me what cant repay, but I'll have try. I'm a-goin' to lock up this place and I'm a-goin' with you" "Good!" exclaimed Pedro, holding out his hand, you are-what does one say-a brick Isn't he, Beau-Jean, eh ? But 1t is not necessary, and I beg that you will not disturb yourself"
 ""Twon't disturb me none," said Mr. | Lovejoy, and 1 liked that young fel- | Ter. l hate to think he may be alvin dead and cold in some wine-cellar, pierced through the heart with a dag ger. or hatpin, maybe. I'm a-goin' ter help you revenge him, yes, if I lose money by 1t, by jingo!" T beg that you will do nothing to make yourself a loss!" cried Beau Jean, who did not relish the prospect of this addition to their party.
 Although every fifty cents lost | keeps me just that much further from my Lola," said Lovejoy solemnly, I'm a-goin to make the sacrifice this | time."
 Wherewith, he concealed a long bread-knife in the Inner pocket of his overcoat, and, extinguishing the light, announced that he was ready for ac- | tion.
 Where now?" asked the giant, as the three, followed, of course, by MT. Jones. strode out into the night. There's Beer Peters," suggested the new member. have you tried there?"
 Nc" responded Pedro. where, is it?"
 Follow me-" directed Lovejoy, its likely place"
 They set off at once. and trudged on in silence until low frame building. abutting on the river and built par tially on piles. was reached, Pushing open the felt-covered doors. Lovejoy paid for their entrance, and in an | low-ceilinged room that formed the main portion of the building. A devas- | tating odor rushed out to meet them, | like a blast from some evil furnace. | The place was blue with tobacco smoke, and at the far end, beyond a sea of little tables, girl was singing to the accompaniment of a cracked piano.
 At one end of this charming resort, which was typical enough q it's class, stood the glittering bar with shining | array of glasses. mahogany and pol trance, in what appeared to be a single-storied addition, was a room for dancing. Near the wide opening into this section, sat Theodore Pell, the reporter, in company with three ompanions-Elloch. the painter, and two women. They were all very hila- rious, but catching sight of Pedro, Pell excused himself, and began a some what uncertain progress in the direc- ton of the newcomer. At the same instant a man who seemed to be in authority there accosted the three and demanded to know t they wanted to have MT. Jones perform. "The house takes half of what you get" he added.
 Do you often have dancing bears here?" asked Pedro.
 Nope, never yet" said the man, but 1t might go. Try it on after the next dance. if you like" Maybe I will" replied the other. fr<t