Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-06-27

place he mourned
Bob explained apologetically, I'm |
sorry but there's nothing in the house |
wetter than Croton water
Il understand, Will You object if | !
sweeten Il glass of 1t with some Scot |
fish rites? I'm afraid of germs. and
IL water rots leather think what it
must do to the sensitive lining of a
human stomachf' jim drew flask
from his pocket, then hesitatcd rs il
in doubt.
"Dont mind me- Bob assured him,
hastily. I'm strapped in the drivers
seat" But he looked on with eager
appreciation It's his brothcr-in-law filed
a long glass and slipped II.
Bob had never been a whisky drink
err. yet the faint odor of the liquor tan
tailed him. When in the course of
time he saw Jim preparing a second
drink he stirred.
kind of itchy, eh? Let's whip
across the street and nave game of
pool" suggested Jim; and Bob was
glad to escape from the pom
An agreeable hour followed: but Bob
played badly, and found that his eye
had lost its sureness. His hand was
uncertain. too. ana this lack Of co-or-
dination disgusted him. He was sure
that with steadying drink he could
beat Jim. and eventually he proved il:
1 but. mindful of his resolution. he nom-
promised on beer. which, Jim ag'eed,
could not reasonably be called an in
+ toxicant
4 On his way to the theater Bob
/ chewed cinnamon bark. and when he
kissed Lorelei he held his breath.
This was the first Of several pool
matches. and after a while Bob was
gratificd to find that beer in modera-
ton left no disagroeable effect what
ever upon him He reioiced in his
power of restraint.
There came Il night when he failed
TO meet his wife. After waiting nearly
half an hour Loreei went home, only
to find the apartment deserted. She
nibblcd at lonely lunch, trying to MS
sure herself that nothing was seriously
amiss: but she could not make up her
mind to go to he'd. She tried to read,
and failed. An hour passed, then an
other; thousand apprehensions
crowded in upon her.
Bob. when he did arrive entered
with elaborate caution. He paused in
the little hail. then tossed his hat into
the living room, where his wife was
waiting. After n moment his head
came slowly into view. and he said:
"When the hat stays in go in when
it comes ont. beat H."
Lorelei saw that he was quite drunk
II Just came from the theater," he
explained. "but it was dark. Has the
show failed dearie| He tried to kiss
her, but she turned her face away
Come, Must have my little kiss lie
insisted rs she rose and moved away
leaving him swaying in his tracks.
Studying Lorclol's upsmiling fact
bis tone altered. "Oh know,
slipped. but il couldn't he helped. Ma
ture insisted, and yielded gracefully
but no harm done none whatever
Life is series Of compromises. Mod
Grafton is the thing. Live and let live
Lorelei nodded. Exactly. We shall
live as we choose only Of course. w
: can't live together after this" Thel
her disgust burst ts control and sh'
demanded, bitterly. Haven't you an,
strength whatever? Haven't you an,
balance BobE'
He grinned ut herr chcerfully. -"
should say had. walked a fence o.
the way home just to prove It, and
scarcely wabbled. Balance. Strength
Why, you ought to see Jim. They hat
! to carry him"
!, slim? Was--Jim with you?"
v FTO BE cONTJNTEDD