The midland journal., 1917-08-17
CHAPTER Xxx.

Lorelei's family continued to smart
under a sense of bitter injustice, but
although they kept aloof they were by
no means uninterested 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 advisability of enlisting 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 a slight degree from resentment
-Jim's method Of making living had
long since dulled the edge of feeling
it was merely the first step in COM
prehensive scheme. With Bob and
Lorelei estranged, divorce would fol-
low, and divorces were profitable. A
divorce, moreover, would open the
way for a 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 so
restless and irritable that he dared not
go out.
II had hunch you were lonesome" !"
the caller began, $50 I came up to whit
tie and spit at the stove"
Now Jim could be agreeable when
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 to
apologize nor to explain. Therefore
he kept Bob entertained.
A few nights later he returned with
fund of new stories, and during the
evening he confessed to a consuming
thirst
Death valley has nothing on this
place." he mourned.
Bob explained apologetically, "I'm
sorry, but there's nothing in the house
wetter than Croton water"
II understand! Will you object if
sweeten a glass of it with some Scot
tish rites? I'm afraid of germs, and
if water rots leather think what it
must do to the sensitive lining of a
human stomach?" Jim drew 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 as his brother-in-law filed
long glass and slipped it.
Bob had never been a whisky-drink-
er. yet the faint odor of the liquor tan
talized him. When in the course of
time he saw Jim preparing a second
drink he stirred
"Kind of itchy, Ell? 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-
dination disgusted him. He was sure
that with steadying drink he could
beat Jim. and eventually he proved it,;
but, mindful of his resolution, he COM
promised on beer, which, Jim agreed.
could not reasonably be called an in
toxicant.
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
gratifed to find that beer in modera-
ton left no disagreeable effect what
ever upon him. He rejoiced in his
lower OF restraint