Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1916-10-12
THE AUCTION BLOCK
BY Rex Beach Copyrighted by Harper Brothers

not entirely rob the younger mans fea-
lures Of their sly tnquisitiveness.
MIR. Hamm0n's calling you," said
Jim, then blinked at the wretchedly
iisheveled woman.
"Herew Merkle beckoned him with
Jerk of his head. This girl must get
away from here She'll ruin everything
In her condition. Try to put her in some
kind Of shape while Eorelei packs her
bag. We had better get her out Of the
country if we can"
Jim's quick eyes took in the articles
on the dressing table. "Ha! Dope"
he exclaimed. .She's coker-she's
filled herself up. But, say--you don't
really think she-did it, do your"
II don't know what to think. It's
Just as bad, either way. lannon's
wife and daughters must never know.
Now, quick. See what you can do with
her."
Merkle returned to the library, sent
Lorelei in to her brothers assistance,
then scanned his friends face anx-
iously. But Harmon had not moved;
the sweat still stood upon his lips and
forehead, his jaws were still set like
stone.
Several months before, Bob Whar-
ton, during one of his hilarious mo-
ments, had conceived the brilliant no.
ton of hiring four-wheeler and driv-
ing convivial party of friends from
place to place. The success Of his ex-
plot had been so gratifying that he
had repeated the performance, but he
was In a far different mood now as
he left the Elegancia. The shock Of
Lorelei's announcement. the sight of
his stricken friend, had sobered him
considerably, yet he was not himself
by any means. At one moment he saw
and reasoned clearly, at the next his
intoxtcation benumbed HIS senses and
distorted his mental vision. For once
In his life he wished himself sober.
Broadway, that pulsating artery of
New York life, was still flowing thin
stream of traffic despite the lateness
of the hour, and Bob's mind had be-
come clearer by the time he reached 1t.
Several taxicabs whirled past, both
north and south bound, but he knew
better than to hire them, so he waited
as patiently ans he could while those
pillows of intoxication continued to ebb
and flow through his brain, robbing
him of that careful judgment which
he fought to retain.
At last the clop-clop-clop Of horses
hoofs sounded close by, and an un-
slaven man in an ancient high hat
steered four-wheeler to the curb,
barking, "Keb. keb!"
Bob lurched forward and laid a hand
upon the drivers knee very man
I'm lookin' for The hiccup that fol-
lowed was by no means Intentional.
eyes, sir. Where to, STRIP
But Bob shook his head vigorously
and waved comprehensive gesture
toward the west. Got party of my
own back yonder--everybo soused
but me-@understand? I'm the only
sober one. SO I'm goin' to drive 'em
home, see? allow much?.
How much for what?" demanded
the cabman.
"For the cab-one hour I'll bring
it back"
Nothing except Bobs personal APP
pearance prevented the driver from
whipping UP without more ado. The
night was old Sand these jokers some
times pay well, the man reflected.
How'd | know you'd bring it back?"
he inquired.
Matter of honor with me. I'll be
back in no time. Will ten dollars be
right? I'll make it fifteen. and you
can lend me your coat and hat Well
exchange-haye to, or no joke. Is it
a go?''
The offer was tempting, but the
driver cannily demanded Wharton's
name and address before committing
himself. The card that Bob handed
him put an end to the parley; he
wheeled into the side street and re-
moved his long, nickel buttoned coat
and his battered file, taking Robs
broadcloth and well-blocked hat in re-
turn.
First one o. these L ever had on"
he chuckled. "If you amt back I'll
take these glad rags to Charley Voices
hotel, eh?"
Right! The Charlevoix But I'll be
back" Bob drove away with parting
flourish Of his whip.
The elevator was in it's place, the
Mailman doing, when Wharton EN-
tered the Elegancia and rang the bell
Of Lilas .Lynns apartment. Once he
had gained admittance little time was
wasted. He and Merkle helped Ham
mon to his feet. then each took an arm;
but the exertion told, and Jarvis hung
between them like n drunken man, a
gray look Of death upon his face.
"Watch out for the door-man," jim
my Knight cautioned for the twentieth
time. Make him think you've got
souse."
aren't you coming alongY' asked
But Jim recoiled. "MeY No. I'll
stay and help Lilas make her get
away"
Merkle nodded agreement. Don't
let her get out of your sight, either, UNI
derstand? There's ship sailing in
the morning. See that she's aboard"
Jarvis Harmon spoke. II want you
all to know that I'm entirely to blame
and that did this myself. Lilas is
a-good girl" The words came labori-
onslu huff his haauv hrou,s uraro d ra 1rn