The daily Alaskan., 1916-11-13
CHAPTER TX.
Two Blrds of Passage.

IA pected of being they groped G about determinedly. No sign of any nature proclaimed San Marcos only morning paper. A solitary light, shining through a transom, beckoned. Boldly O'NeIll pushed open the door. To the knowing nostrils of the two birds of passage was waited the odor they loved, the unique inky odor Of O newspaper shop. Their eyes beheld a rather bare room, typewriter or two, desk. In the center of the room was a small table under an electric lamp. | On this table was bottle and glasses, and at 1t two silent men played poker. One of the men was burly and beard ed; the other was slight, pale, nervous. From an inner room came the click of inotypes-lonesome nnotypes that seemed to have strayed far from their native haunts.
 The two men finished playing the hand and looked up. Good evening"" said O'Neill, with a | smile that had drawn news as mag net draws steel in many odd corners. Gentlemen, four newspaper men meet in a strange land. perceive you have on the table greeting unquestionably suitable"
 The bearded man laughed, rose and discovered two extra glasses on a near by shelf.
 "Draw up," he said heartily. "The place is yours. You're as welcome as pay day"
 ''Thanks." O'Neill reached for q glass. Let me introduce ourselves" And he mentioned his own name and Howe's.
 "Can me Mears," said the bearded one. I'm managing editor of the Mail, and this Is my city editor, MT. Elliott"
 "DelightedP' breathed O'Neill. "A pleasant little haven you have found here. And your staff? don't see the members of your staff running in and out"
 "Mr. O'Neiu," said Mears impressive ly, you have drunk with the staff of the Mail."
 You twop O'Nein's face shone with joy. "Glory be-do you hear that, Harry? These gentlemen all alone on the premises" He leaned over and poured out eloquently the story of the tragic flight from Mobile. ''I call this luck" he finished. Here we are, broke, eager for work, and we find you minus a.
 O'Nein stopped, for he had seen sickly smile of derision float across the face of the weary city editor, and he saw the bearded man shaking hls great head violently.
 "Nothing doing" said the bearded man firmly. Sorry to dash your hopes. Always ready to pour another drink, but there are no vacancies here. No, sir; two of us are plenty and run hing over, ,eh, Bill?"
 "Plenty and running over," agreed the city editor warmly.
 Into their boots tumbled the hearts of the two strangers in a strange land. Gloom and hunger engulfed them. But the managing editor of the Mall was continuing, and what was this he was saying?
 "No, boys, we don't. need staff. Have just as much use for Q mani cure set. But you come at an oppor- tune time. Wanderlust-it tickles the soles of four feet tonight, and those four feet are editorial feet on the Mail. Something tells us that we are going away from here. Boys, how would you like our jobs?"
 He stared placidly at the two strangers. O'Nein put one hand to his head
 "See me safely to my park bench, Harry" he said. "It was that drink on an empty stomach. I'm all in Q daze. hear strange things"
 q hear 'em, too," said Howe. "see here"-he turned to Mears-"are you offering to resign in our fayorP
 "The minute you say the word"
 Both of you"
 'beleFe me- Sdlu tue C1Ig Su1tOLi you can't say the word too soOn."
 Well" said Howe, "I don't know what's the matter with the place, but you can consider the deal closed"
 Spoken like a sport" The bearded man stood up. You can draw lots to determine who Is to be managing edi- tor and who city editor. It's an excel lent scheme. I attained my proud posi- ton that way. One condition l attach Ask no questions. Let us go out into the night unburdened with your inter- rogation points"
 Elliott, too, stood. The bearded man indicated the bottle. "Fill up, boys. l propose q toast. To the new editors of the Mall. May heaven bless them and bring them safely back to the north when Florida's ftful fever is past" Dizzily, uncertainty, Howe and O'Neill drank. MT. Mears reached out a great red hand toward the bottle.
 Pardon me-private property" he said. He pocketed 1t. "We bid you goodby and good luck. Think of us on the choochoo, please. Riding far-rid- ing far"
 "But-see here"- cried O'NeiIl.
 "But me no buts," said Mears again.