The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-10-13

pipe. lie swung slowly around toward
the inert figure on the bunk.
"He'l sleep the day through.
think" he said, and the night per
haps. But I'd advise you TO look in on
him now and then. just the same. He
did US a good turn last night It's the
second good turn he's done for me.
Joe. And now perhaps the chance
has come to even up the score a little.
You would know, wouldn't you, Joe,
Just how many drinks to prescribe for
man who has been as-as i'll as Gar.
ry has?"
Fat Joe's face commenced to shine,
and at that he was only beginning to
understand.
"Ain't | the doctor?" be demanded
sggrievedy. you don't have to go no
deeper into technicalities with me-
And | told you last night anyway,
didn't |. that it would have to be HE
last little celebration unless be was
figurin' on a longer journey than he's
two | figure we could sail along a-fog-
ging How does that strike you. Joe2"
That was only one Of his many 81
tempts, but all Of them. save FOR Tax
inner laughter which they afforded,
were totally without result Joes an.
swers were monosyllabic, his attention
wandering at best. To that particular
question he nodded his head spirit
lessly.
This butter amt none too fresh" he
growled sourly "and | wonder If that
cook boy thinks we dote on ham every
meal? l don't for one. 1t may be all
right If mans plumb starving to
death, but it don't lend no real ele-
gance to a repast."
That gloomy complaint brought little
more than sparkle to Steye's eyes,
but 1t made Garry lean forward in his
place. Throughout the meal while the
other two fenced in just such fashion
he forgot his own food to listen, de-
lighted anticipation In every feature
And when they had finished supper
and pushed back their chairs he stood
grinning little. watching Joe survey
that Uttered room which served as Of
fee and sleeping quarters for the chief
engineer Of the East Coast company.
Fat Joe's gaze swung from wall to
wall, from Uttered corner to heaped up
chair. Then he shook his head In de-
spair.
at looks to me, Steve" he grunted,
"as though you amt never had no real
training in tidiness, have you? There
don't seem to be no system at all In
the way you leave your things around.
There's one boot over in that corner;
It's got mate, know, because saw
you take them off last night wouldn't
be certain otherwise. And it's the same
way with all your things. Just look at
this room! A nice place to receive call
ers in, now amt it?"
That was the first lead he rendered
them, but Steve, rather than crafty
him with direct question, chose to 60
forward in the dark. He leaned over
and followed his usual custom when
he wanted to think. He tapped out his
pipe.
"But l can always find everything"
he defended" is, unless you have
taken the trouble to put things away.
Then it's tossup that something or
other will never be found until 1t turns
up Of Its own accord. It's not so bad,
joe" He, too, swung to survey the
room. mot so bad! Just little unset
tied, that's all. Are we likely to have
any callers, do you think, who would
object to this layout?'
Joe snorted, but his eyes were
mournful. He knew that there was
nothing else to do but yield a part at
least.
Eve amt likely to-" he murmured.
"We're Just naturally bound to have
'em. They're comm in tomorrow, and
l ask you again. amt this a pleasing
prospect to greet emf"
For all that be seemed to be staring
ruefully down the room, he was watch
Ing for theAsurprise that darted across
Steve's face. Momentarily the latter
had forgotten his assumed air OF
placidity.
Tomorrow Who?' And then Steve
laughed. Go ahead and tell us, Joe.
I'm beat! Ill admit that I'm painting
with curiosity"
Joe pulled up a chair and dropped
into 1t. 1t appealed to him, this meth
cd, whenever he had the time to spare.
His pink face was still innocent Of
guile.
II don't mind the men folks" he re-
sumed. "That fat party, | mean, who
wears the plaid suits, nor Caleb Hun
ter, either. Both of them are used to
such truck as this. And | reckon it'll
tickle the ladies too. But l can see
Honey sticking his nose in the air and
sniffln' supercillous like the first min
ute he gets his nose In the door. He
amt going to approve at all, at alb
not any way you look at it,
Honey
Both Steve and Garry ignored the
rest Of Joe's explanation to gasp that
single word In concert.