Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-09-03


coat sleeve.
Can it," growled l1einy. his in
terest now wholly centered on the
man behind the counter: who, In
turn, was entirely occupied by the
customers before him.
One of these men slid nickel and
n dime on to the counter before
carrying off his rations. The other.
however--a famishod looking derelict
of VICE. who never would see fifty
years again--gave /. timid glance at
Whitecoat. then stacked his bread on
top Of the cup, took cup and BOWL
and seemed about to start away
without proffering rayment.
We'll. Jim. what's the idea?" de-
manded the proprietor. E..
liant got it, jlst now" whis-
pered the wreck. abashed. I'm on
the rocks Sorry. Mr.. Brown. but If
you could chalk it down. gotta eat
amt had a bite Stree the last dime
give YOU. yeste"day-an'-"
Whitecoat leaned over the counter.
You know this is a cash PROPOSE
ton, JIM" said he, in SO low a voice
/
hear 1t. It's got to run cash, If it's
going to run at ALL Got to pay for
itself, upstairs and down, every day,
No profits but 'just getting by: 50,
you see, | can't put things on tick"
The old mans face darkened wear
lily. and he made as 4 to set back on
the counter the food his starving
a., ~
into his starched pocket Unseen by
any one except the gaping Meiny, it
slipped something into Jim's hand.
Here, Jim, take this he whis-
pered. Nov you can pay me-pay
me. and Jingle it lively on the coun-
ter so they can all hear it. Maybe
you'll make good. tomorrow or next
day. When you do, I'll expect it
back. We've got to keep this place
running cash. or Iit'll bust. It'll be
swamped with buns and dead beats,
and It's as much your place as mine.
Pay me, now, and take your eats!"
Half da8ed, Jim obeyed. Tho coins
clinked bravely on the counter and
bracely went into the cash register,
where they were duly rung up, sig-
nifying to all and sund~y that Jim
had paid cash on delivery With
strengthening shoulders, chin well
up. and new light in his smolder-
ing eyes, jim walked away to a
table with his supper. The secret,
he knew. would be invaolable.
"Gee!" he murmursd. 'If~ that
amt right guy. 1 never hope to
see one! Git his money back? BY
the Lord, yes--if / have to sell my
blood to git it fer i'm.
The look he cast toward White
coat, as the first mouhful of hot
stew found its way dtwn his fam
ished throat, spoke more than an in
finitude of sermons.
But Whitecoat did net see Ii. In
stead. with eyes that had gown sud :
denly hard, he was now peering ut
Meiny, who. still tlanked by
the nervous Dan, was advancing to
the counter.
what do you want here2" he de-
handed, as he faced his unwelcome
visitors.
"Oh. just thought I'D drop in and
pipe the new joint Mats ALL" an
swered Meiny, forcing tone of cor
diality into his husky voice. when
I heard that friend vinton was
openin' a."
MY names Brown. and don't YOU
forget IT." exclaimed Bradford with
emphasis. laying his clt,nched fists
| on the counter. 'If YOU want any
thing, say so. If not. get Quit"
| Don't get sore, Mr.. Brown
| Meiny parted.
| There might be something in this
for him, after all; he must, at all
hazards, placate the offe nded Vinton
He slid both hands into his pockets
and lounged against the counter with
the ease acquired by long contact
with bars, innumerable edges OF
which he had polished by loafing
along them. His evil visage assumed
the semblance Of smile, flabby yet
conciliatory.
| Don't get sore" he repeated, TAX
Ing toothpick from the holder on
the counter and industriously start
ing after the remnants OF his supper
LET bygohes be bygones!"
4
It don't see any reason why !
should detain you here, or your
friend, either" said Bradford point
eddy.
IT done the best could for YOU
continued Meiny. unmoved, as he
piled the toothpick "Just cause
Stage, there, fell down on that in.
vestigation, no reason to put it up ,tc
me. The son of hound Amt no re-
lation Of mine. So don't get flossy
] Mr.. Brown. Maybe mig.at give yor
a boost in this game. That's what ]
come in for. to boost you-wa$n't it
Dam"
His satellite, thus appealed to
nodded his head in affirmation
Sure it was" he asserted. 'He's
always boostin' his friends, Meins
lis!"
Meiny seemed to puff still further
with satisfaction at. this testimonial
to his altruism; but Bradford con
tinued to regard him with suspicion.
II don't Imagine any help you could
give me would conduce to the well
fare of the Haven said he. "You
look like professional rummy to
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| uVID E1,cy G9IDCrD rIfNDcISI