The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1920-02-19
NEIGHBORS
IN NEED
C><D
By SAIDEE E. BALLOON

room adjoining her own. From observa-
ton and audible demonstration she
knew that 1t held four young men. The
partition was thin and she could east
ly catch sounds beyond normal.
One of the group started mourn
full tune on flute. There was whiz-
zing noise, evidently made by pillow
vigorously flung. A lodging body
grazed the wall. An easel or a chair
was upset. A scramble and a scuffle
ensued.
THAT horse-play will do, fellowsi"
sang out mellow, pleasing voice
which Margery loved to hear, and
which she knew from what the land
lady had told her belonged to Nevll
Barry, "the leader of that turbulent,
happy quartette," as Mrs. Parton had
put It, Poor fellows I'm thinking
they are on the ragged edge of moth
Ing, having lost their positions Jolly
enough, though, and honest, for they've
paid me all up, but think went with
out regular meals to do IT,"
I'm going down to the old Office, to
see IL there's any chance of the resur-
rection of our dismal failure, the
Weekly Chit-Chat," went on that same
engaging voice. "They were to sell the
wreck of the layout at auction today,
and it may bring enough to settle up
the debts and leave us a dividend. If
1t does, you shall eat tonight"
Nevil Barry had disclosed enough to
advise Margery Of the circumstances
surrounding himself and his friends.
II appeared that he had become ambi-
tious as the editor of country paper,
and had managed to get together suffi-
cient to start one in the city. His
three friends had literary ability,
and they got out four issues of a very
creditabe sheet. Then Barry's capital
gave out, and the audacious quartette
found themselves on the verge of bank
ruptcy.
Margery knew of all this and ptled
these eXiles of fortune.
Now she smiled indulgently at the
echo Of some caper or bit of badlnage
from the trio in the next apartment,
and rather enjoyed her silent COM
partnership with them. She recognized
from their conversation that they were
clean, clever young fellows, expert
enced true sisterly sympathy in their
ups and downs, and amid her lonell.
ness somewhat imbibed their spirit of
bohemanism as an attractive phase
of life. 1t was two hours later when
she heard Barry return from his mis-
sion. turbulent babble arose from
his conferees.
mo sustenance !" cried one. "Where's
the promised milk and honey, the sue
culent roast, the toothsome dessert"
They're coming, ali Of them" de-
clared Barry. "For week we've had
nothing but promise Of work. I've got
something better-prospects. Fellows,
there Is no dividend from the sale of
our former princely possessions, but
the assets of our princely venture were
sold at auction for a mere pttance
to a rich junkman, so rich, indeed, that
when | went to see him he considered
investing ten thousand dollars in Chit
Chat revived as a mere bagatelle."
You mean you've found an angel,
a backer?"
"Just that; humble old money
grubber willing to shine as patron of
struggling literature. Next Monday
morning all four of US are to enter up
on a salary and half interest basis
with this ambitious Croesus."
Cheered comment and exuberance
greeted the welcome announcement.
Amid a merry, excited babble, the
tones of Barry arose once more In d.
rection and counsel.
1.-THE landlady is paid up, so we
haven't that on our minds" he OBJ
served. ~"All we have to worry about
is the food. If we can stick it out I'M
til Monday, we are made men. My
watch Is about the only thing left that
is pawnabe. Ho, then, for our Illus
trious uncle!"
Margery acted on an uncomfortable
impulse. She went to the door as that
of the next room opened. She faced
NevIl Barry as he neared her.
wait" she said flushed and ex-
cited. 81 am your next-room neigh
bor."
Barry raised his hat with the grace
of finished courter.
81 have been an eavesdropper uncon-
scously," she went on. The watch
don'tl And getting through until
Monday I'll help you. l have little
money ahead. And a two-plate gas
stove. and If you will be content with
my cooking why not have breakfast
and supper with me2"
Nevl Barry stared at the lonely girl
as If an angel had abruptly crossed his
path.
"It's wonderful r. he said simply.
"You can't mean it"
81 do" smiled Margery. Like your
selves, this Is my first city experiment.
The landlady Is your friend. Let me
be the same please"
Decorously, gratefully, admirlngly
at eight every morning and six every
evening the boyish quartette filed Into
the room that held the two-plate gas
burner. 1t was holy Of HOLES. q
haven of friendliness and comfort. And
the waiting week was brldged over
and the brotherly four were at work
again, and the Chit Chat became a
success!