Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-08-11

MS business at G0luberg'S Off1ce, sought
more familiar haunt on one Of the
side streets among the forties. Here,
Just Off Broadway, was famous bar
Der shop-a spotless place, with white
interior and tiled walls. Six Italians
in stiff duck coats practiced their arts
at row Of well-equipped chairs. A
wasp-waisted girl sat at the manicure
table next the front windows. As Jim
entered she was holding the hand Of
a faded person In light-gray suit, and
murmuring over 1t with an occasional
upward glance from q pair of bold
dark eyes. "Tony the Barber" en-
gagged in administering a shampoo,
nodded at Jim, and from force Of
habit murmured politely: "Next"'
Then, with meaning glance, he indi-
Gated a door at the rear of the shop.
In the third chair Jim recognized Max
Melcher although the face Of the sport
ing man was swathed In steaming
cloths.
Jim passed on and into rear room,
where he found three men seated at
felt-covered table. They were well
dressed, quiet persons-one book
maker whom the racing laws had re-
duced from affluence to comparative
penury; another, tall, pailid youth
with bullying eyes. The third occupant
of the room was an ex-lightweight
champion of the ring, Young Sullivan
by name. His trim waist and power
full shoulders betokened his trade. His
Jaw was firm, and a caulifower ear
,overhung his collar like fungus.
Jim drew up chair and chatted idly
until the bookmaker yawned, rose, and I
went out. Then Jim and the others re-
Taxed.
"Gee, he's q stickerw exclaimed the
pugilist ~ thought he'd broke his
back"
MAX is getting his map creased"
the pop-eyed youth explained. Taking
a pasteboard box from his pocket, he
removed heroin tablet therefr0m and
crushed 1t; the powder he held In the
indentatlOn between the base of his
closed thumb and first finger, known
as 1.-THE thimble;" then, with quick
inhalation. he drew the drug up his
nostrils. Have an angel?" he In
quired. offering the box.
Jim accepted, but Young Sullivan
declined.
whats the newsT" the latter in
quired.
"I've seen Colby" replied Jim.
Mother and l will call on Merkle at
three. finally got her to consent"
Sullivan shook his head. HE might
fall but | doubt It. How does your
sister feelT
"Thats the trouble. She's square,
and we can't use her." Jim explained,
Some doll" admiringly commented
Armlstead, the third member Of the
group. Armistead had once been
famed In vaudeville for dancing, but
the drug habit had destroyed his en-
durance, and with 1t his career. "She's
a perfect thirty-six, all right. She
could rip a lot of coin loose IL she
tried"
AT this moment Mr.. Melcher freshly
perfumed and talcumed, entered the
room. His white hair was arranged
with scrupulous nicely; his pink face,
as unwrinkled as his immaculate at
tire, was ,beaming with good-humor.
"Well boys, Pm the pay-car," he
smiled.
Harmon came through, ehl" Sulli-
van inquired eagerly.
"Not exactly; we compromised. Quick
sales and small profits; that's bust
ness"
"How strong did he go" queried Ar
instead.
"Now, what's the difference, 80 long
as you get yours? Photography is :
paying business" Melcher laughed
agreeably. /.
"Sure! I'll bet Sarony is rich !
Young Sullivan carelessly accepted the
roll of currency which Melcher tossed
him, and the others did likewise.
II suppose that's curtain for u.s." y
lin said, regretfully. !.
st Is. The rest is Lilas' affair"
"Say, will the old man fall againT y
lueried Armistead |,
Hes going to marry her" The
three others stared at him In amaze v
nent. "Rightp' confirmed Melcher. q
She's got strangls hold on him." v
Hmm! Maybe we haven't lost the y
asst car yet" Sullivan ventured. y
Jim seconded the thought. She's :
rot an ace buried somewhere. There's y
lot more In her head than hairpins.
wish Merkle would marry my sister"
mot a chance" Melcher declared. :.
You'll be lucky to shake him down for !.
few thousand. How about Wharton? !, =
VIII she stand for hlm?"
Jim frowned, and his voice was =,
ough as he replied ~
"I'll make her stand for him-if it's .
marry"
Hes lush; IL you got him stewed Ct
ia might go thaf far II has been done: