Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-10-27

edge TO the best advantage. He con-
sidered the advisa bility of enlisting the
aid Of Max Melcher; but, not liking the
thought Of dividing the loot, he decided
Professionally to engineer q separation
between Bob and Lorelei.
His desire to make mischief arose In
only 4 slight degree from resentment
--Jim's method Of making a living had
Yong since dulled the edge Of feeling
1T was merely the FIRST step In COM
prehensive scheme. With Bob and
Lorelei estranged, q divorce would fol-
low. and divorces were profitable. A
divorce. moreover, would open the
way for second inroad upon the
Wharton wealth, for with LOrelei's
skirts clear Jim could proceed with a
larger scheme Of extortion, based on
the Harmon murder.
One evening after Lorelei had gone
to the theater jim appeared at the
apartment and found Bob in mood 80
restless and irritable that be dared not
60 out.
II had 4 bunch you were lonesome"
the caller began, 80 came up to whit
tie and spit at the stove"
Now Jim could DO agreeable when
he chose; bis parasitic life had devel-
oped in him certain worldly good
fellowship; he was frankly unregener.
ate, and he had SUFFICIENT tact never to
apologize nor to explain. Therefore
he kept Bob entertained.
A few nights later he returned with
4 FUND Of new stories, and during the
evening he confessed to Q consuming
thirst.
Heath valley has nothing on this
place" be mourned.
Bob explained apologetically, I'm
/. sorry, but there's nothing in the house
wetter than Croton water"
Il understand! VIII you object II |
sweeten a glass Of 1t with some Scot
tish rites, I'm afraid Of germs, and
II water rots leather think what 1t
must do to the sensitive lining Of a
human stomachr' Jim drew q flask
from his pocket, then hesitated as If
in doubt.
Don't mind me-" Bob assured him.
hastily. I'm strapped in the drivers
seat" But he looked on with eager
appreciation a. his brother.in.law filled
q long glass and slipped 1t.
Bob had never been whisky drink
or, yet the faint odor Of the liquor tan
TALKED him. When in the course of
time he saw Jim preparing second
drink he stirred.
Kind Of itchy, eh? Let's whip
across the street and have game OF
pool" suggested Jim; and Bob was
glad to escape from the room.
An agreeable hour followed; but Bob
played badly, and found that his eye
had lost its sureness. His hand was
uncertain. too. and this lack of co-or
dinat1on disgusted him. He was sure
that with a steadying drink he could
beat Jim, and eventually he proved 1t
but, mindful of his resolution, he com
promised on beer, which, Jim agreed
could not reasonably be called an In
toxicsnt.
On his way to the theater Bob
chewed cinnamon bark. and when be
kissed Lorelei he held his breath.
This was the nrst Of several pool
matches, and after q while Bob was
gratifed to ind that beer in modera
ton left no disagreeable effect what
ever upon him. He rejoieed in bis
power Of restraint.
i There came q night when he failed
TO meet his wife. After waiting nearly
half an hour Lorelei went home, only
to find the apartment deserted. She
nibbled at lonely lunch, trying to as
sure herself that nothing was seriously
amiss; but she could not make up hel
mind to 60 to bed. She tried to read
and failed An hour passed, then an
other; thousand apprehension
crOWueu Ia upou hoA.
Bob, when he did arrive, entered
with elaborate caution. He paused II
the little hall, then tossed his hat int
the living room, where his wife wal
waiting. After q moment his hea(
came slowly into view, and he said:
when the hat stays in, 90 In; wheI
1t comes out, beat It."
Lorelei saw that he was quite drunk
II Just came from the theater," b
explained. but 1t was dark Has tn
; show failed, dearie?" He tried to kis
her, but she turned her face away
"Come! Must have my little kiss" h
, insisted as shs rose and moved away
. leaving him swaying in his tracks.
Studying Lorelel's unsmiling fac
, his tone altered. "Oh, I know!
slipped. but 1t couldn't be helped. M
ture insisted, and yielded gracefully
but no harm done, none whatever
Life 10 q series of compromises. Moo
Grafton 10 the thing. Live and let i've
Lorelei nodded. Exactly! We sha
live as we choose, only, Of course. W
can't live together after this" The
her disgust burst its control, and 81
demanded, bitterly, Haven't you an
strength whatever? Haven't you ar
balance. Bob?'
He grinned at her cheerfully.
should say had. walked fence
the way home just to prove 1t; and
scarcely wabbled. Balance! Strengtl
Why, you ought to see Jim. They ha
to carry him."
"Jimf Was-Jim with your"
sin spirit, yea; in body-only for
time. For a brief while we went gayl,
hand In hand, then Jim Jagged. Hes
nice boy. but weak; he falters beneat
I q load"
1 She questioned him searchlngly an
soon learned Of Jim's visits. OF To
TASK, of the pool games. When 81
understood It all her eyes were glow
ing but abe found nothing to say. A
last she got Bob to bed. then Ia
down beside him and stared Into tn