Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-09-02

He laughed bitterly: would she approve
Of his way Of dying?
He took out his watch and looked at
It; it was nearly . o'clock. Should
late winter daybreak? No! He turned
from the table and went to the nearest
window. He was not afraid, but he
felt oppressed for air. The room was
heated by electricity and the blazing
embers of the FIRE
He pushed aside the heavy curtains
and threw up the sash. The cold night
air rushed into his face with the sting
of sleet To his surprise. the ground
was covered with snow.
Suddenly he discovered that he was
not alone. Almost directly below him
man leaned against the lamppost.
and his hat. his shoulders. his sleeves.
were white with snow. Richardson
eyed him coldly.
Some poor devil down on his luck"
thought Richardson. "and hungry-as
I should be q month from now II they
had their way"
The next moment a sudden impulse
made him lean out Of the window ana
shout to the man in the street. He
looked UP. and Richardson beckoned.
Arc you hungry he demanded,
making Q trumpet OF his hands.
The man stared at him without reply
ing, and Richardson called to him to
60 to the door.
TIL let you in," he said.
Then. shutting the window. he half
drew the curtain. and. taking his pis-
toll. slipped 1t into his pocket and went
downstairs to the front door.
CHAPTER II.
Richardson was not prepared for the
near view of the man in the street.
He had made him shake of the snow
and sleet in the vestibule, with that
fastidious dislike that he always felt
for the mud and reek Of the gutter.
and the man had followed him silently
floor, where the living rooms Of the
house were situated. 1t was not until
the blaze Of light in the dining room
fell full on the shambling. disheveled
experienced something almost akin to
. shock. The man had haggard. un-
shaven face. and his clothes-of the
cheapest pattern-wers worn to the
verge Of rsssednsss.
spoken. following Richardson in 4
dazed. stumbling fashion. apparently
stupeded either with cold or drink and
beyond the point Of mental resistance
ing room than his eyes fell on the
glass Of wine on the table, and he
shambled across the floor, caught 1t
the back of q chair, and, stsadying
himself. drained the glass with q gasp
almost akin to q groan Of pain.
At the third glass his host suddenly
interfered by removing the bottle.
See here. my friend" he said dryly,
ARE you not taking this on an empty
For Gods sake" he said. in a hoarse
voice. give me another drink! I
haven. had a mouthful in forty-eisht
ssY.
II tell you haven't had a darned
thing. Food? Where do you suppose
I'd get It? I'm dead broke and half
frosen. Oh. hang it all. give me some-
thing to drink"
See here. my man, called you in
to give you something to eat. not to
all you up for delirium tremens. Sit
down there. do you hear? Now eat
that" and. as he spoke. Richardson put
the terrapin in front Of him and went
70 the serving table for the vehison.
The man ate ravenously Is Richardson
sat and watched.
His guest sank back in his chair and
sideboard. at its silver dishes. its spark
ling glass. the rich tones OF the mahog-
any. Finally his glance reached Richard
son and studied the young mans elegant
figure. his fashionable dress. his handsome
face and hasgard eyss.
You're not philanthropist." he re-
marked abruptly. with q certain dryness
VI tohe. ana. thouen I've seen some
youngsters Of your type who were good
sports, / don't believe you've got much
pity for fellow like me. Why did you
call me imp
The wine. the food and the coffee had
reused him from his miserable stupor.
ana hichardson saw that he had another
man to deal with. He set the decanter
down on the table.
Suppose ask you Q question instead"
he said coolly. What brought an educat.
ID man like you to the gutterf'
Before fell?" The man poured
out more Coffee and drank IL. hia In nd