The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-01-04
CHAPTER Xxx.

Lorelei's family continued 10 smart
under sense of bitter injustice, but
although they kept aloof they were by
no means unlnterested In her expert
ment On the contrary, they watched
it with derisive enjoyment. predicting
certain failure. After Hannibal Whar-
toms insult Jim was all for a prompt
revenge, but he could not determine
Just how to use his dangerous knowl-
edge to the best advantage. He con-
sidered the advisabllity of enllstlng the
aid OF Max Melcher; but, not liking the
thought of dividing the loot, he decided
Professionally to engineer a separation
between Bob and Lorelei.
His desire to make mischief arose in
only slight degree from resentment
-Jim's method of making living had
long since dulled the edge of feeling
1t was merely the first step in a COM
prehensive scheme. With Bob and
Lorelei estranged, divorce would fol-
low. and divorces were profitable. A
divorce, moreover, would open the
way for second inroad upon the
Wharton wealth, for with Lorelers
skirts clear Jim could proceed with q
larger scheme OF extortion, based or
the Harmon murder.
One evening after Lorelei had gone
to the theater Jim appeared at the
apartment and found Bob in a mood 81
restless and irritable that he dared no
go out.
81 had hunch you were lonesome
the caller began, $50 came up to whit
tie and spit Mt the stove"
Now Jim could be agreeable wher
he chose; his parasitic life had devel
oped in him certain worldly good
fellowship; he was frankly unregener
ate, and he had sufficient tact never 4
apologize nor to explain. Therefor
he kept Bob entertained.
A few nights later he returned witt
n fund of new stories, and during tn
evening he confessed to a consuming
thirst.
death valley has nothing on thi
place." he mourned.
Bob explained apologetically, ar
sorry, but there's nothing in the hous
wetter than Croton water"
81 understand Will you object II
sweeten glass OF II with some Scot
tish rites? I'm afraid OF germs. an
II water rots leather think what
must do to the sensitive lining of
human stomachg" Jim drew a flas
from his pocket, then hesitated as
in doubt
Don't mind me-" Bob assured hin
hastily. I'm strapped in the driver
seat" But he looked on with cage
appreciation as his brother-in-law file
a long glass and slipped 1t.
Bob had never been whisky -drlnl
er. yet the faint odor of the liquor tar
talized him. When in the course q
time he saw Jim preparing a secon
: drink he stirred
"Kind OF itchy. eh? Let's viii
! across the street and have game {
pool" suggested jim; and Bob wa
glad TO escape from the room.
An agreeable hour followed; but 30
4 played badly, and found that his ey
had lost its sureness. His hand wa
a uncertain, too, and this lack OF coo
4 dlnation dlsgusted him. He was SUI
q that with a steadying drink he coul
beat Jim, and eventually he proved /
but, mindful of his resolution, he con
4 promised on beer, which, Jim agree
: could not reasonably be called an fl
Q toxicant
= On his way to the thester BE
: chewed cinnamon bark. and when |
= kissed Lorelei he held his breath.
This was the first of several po
J. matches. and after n while Bob W,
}, gratified to find that beer In moder
!; tion left no disagreeable effect wha
e ever upon him. he rejolced in b