Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-08-18

certain pity Tor MIN. With Robert
Wharton liquor intensified natura!
agreeatleness until 1t cloyed. His
amenities were monstrously magnified;
he became convivial to the point Of Of
fensiveness. In the course of this
metamorphosis he was many things,
and through such cycle he worked to-
night while the girl looked on.
Overcoming his niggardly instincts,
Jimmy Knight, as the evening pro-
crossed, assumed the burden Of enter
tainment. He, too, adopted spend
thrift gayety and encouraged Whar-
tons libations although he drank little
himself
There came a time when Bob could
no longer dance when, In fact, he
could barely walk-and then II was
that Jim proposed leaving. Bob read
Ny agreed-havlng reached condition
Of mellowness where he agreed enthu-
siastically to anything-and Lorelei
was only too glad to depart. She had
witnessed the pitlful breaking down of
Bob's faculties with curious blending
of concern and dismay, but her pro-
tests had gone unheeded. Having had
a glimpse of his real self earlier In the
evening, and being wise In the ways Of
intemperance, she felt only pity for
him now as the three made their way
downstairs.
While Jim went in search of their
belongings, Bob propped himself
against the wall and regarded her ad-
miringly through eyes that were filmed
and unfocusable.
Fairy princess, you are more ador-
able every minute" he said, thickly.
Eyes! A thousand yeses. And I'm
your little friend, Ell? No more slaps,
no more mysterious exits, what?"
"That depends upon you"
"Pm behaving finely" he Wanted.
II usually act much worse than have
tonight, but like you. l like you diff
ferently-understand? Not like the
other girls. You're so beautiful! Makes
me dizzy. You forgive my little Joke
ehT
what joker"
Meeting you the way I did tonight.
Jim's nice boy-obliged to him."
II see. Then 1t was all planned?"
He nodded vehemently and nearly
lost his balance.
How much-did you pay him?" 10
relief queried, with difficulty.
Mr.. Wharton waved his hand In a
magnificent gesture. whats money,
anyhow? Somebody's bound to get It,"
Fifty dollars7"
He looked at her reproachfully.
That's an insult TO Jim-he's a bust
ness man, he Is. More than that Oh,
yes, and I'll take care Of him again
this very night I'll stake him. He
knows place"
"Will you do me a favor" she asked,
after a pause. :.
Wharton assured her with abnormal
emphasis that her lightest wish was
law.
Then go straight home from here"
she pleaded
II say, that's not fair" Bob looked
ludicrously shocked ~ promised Jim
wouldn't nave me break sacred
promise, would you? We're expected
a little game all arranged where we
can bust II quick. II you hear loud
noise-that'll be Melcher going broke"
"Melcherr Lorelei looked sharply
at her brother, who was approaching
with her wraps, and noted that he was
perfectly sober. A moment later she
checked Bob In the act Of giving d.
rections to the cab driver:
wait Where do you live, Mr..
Wharton9"
1.-THE Charlevoix." 1t was the most
expensive bachelor apartment building
in the city.
"Drive to the Charlevoix," she told
the chauffeur.
Hold on, SIS" cried Jim. "We're
going to take you home first"
mo"
"But-" Jim saw in his sisters face
something that brought smothered
oath to his lips. Drawing her out of