Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1920-11-12
CHAPTER vi.
Propinuujty.


bowed Clinton out the latter's draft
had been cashed. BENIN introduced
the first assistant cashier, who, smil-
ing curiously at Clinton, handed him
his money. The owner thrust the
packet of bills into his wallet and de-
clined an invitation to be seated
'Time to go, Ell, what?" said BENIN.
Needn't remind me. You're not the
only one made hungry by watching
these laboring slaves of MammOn.
Well stroll up to the club for bite
of lunch"
1.-THE club?" inquired Clinton.
ITO be Sure-the CLUB. That's one
on you, old man. IT'S rich taking you
as a guest to one of your own clubs.
Come and be introduced to some of
your fellow members"
Clinton responded with the quiZZical
look that indicated decided streak
of waggery in his present personality :
"All right. I'm with you"
The answer put BENIN into the best
of humor. His geniality became rather
lOICCu, HOnCfClg WhClI at 1uIlNIlCCAA
Clinton not only refused wine but per-
sisted in talking on impersonal topics.
This last may have been due either to
the reticence of good breeding or to a
consciousness Of guilt, or to an antip-
athy toward BENIN.
When they left the club BENIN sug-
gested that they stroll over to the Ath-
letic club.
They entered the dressing room,
where BENIN signed to the attendant
in charge. "Open Mr.. Lowrie's locker,
will you. Jones? He has forgotten his
key"
"Lowrie? muttered Clinton
Saves an awkward explanation,
yknow," replied BENIN. you'll need
only the shoes; but it's as we'll for you
to stow your coat and hat in the
locker they think is yours"
few minutes later the two,
stripped to their sleeveless under
shirts, were facing each other in one
of the boxing rooms. The instructor.
who had greeted Clinton as 'Mr. Low
RE" was even quicker than had been
BENIN to note his splendid muscular
development.
BENIN paused a moment after Clin-
ton took position. The latter edged
closer to him. BENIN dropped his
hands.
"Wait!" he said sharply. THAT
mark on your arm"
Clinton twisted the arm around.
what 90 you mean? I see no mark. e
"Nor do ]. That's just it," reioined
BENIN. ITS not there now. Yor
know. Red-the brownsh blotch-
birthmark."
Sure" agreed the instructor star
ing curiously. Have you been to 9
beauty doc, Mr.. Lowrie?"
Clinton looked at the two with q
quiZzical smile. "YOu say | used tc
have a birthmark on my arm?'
"Size of a dollar, on the outside
three inches below the elbow" con
,eisely stated BENIN.
"And now it is not there" remarked
Clinton. He held the arm out to the
instructor.
That's. q slick job, Mr.. Lowrie," the
man commented. mo scar; no sign
it was ever there. How'd you do it?''
For the first time since midafter-
noon the shadow of doubt in Clinton S
eyes gave place to twinkle. Its d
process not yet fully understood" he
answered. 'In a few days, however,
| may be able to explain it."
"a very few days, l hope" added
BENIN.
He put up his hands in response to
Clinton's resumption of boxing posi-
ton, and they began lively round of
sparring. He started trifle slow, as
if his thoughts were not entirely cen
tered on the contest. This was sue
ceeded with a burst of speed that
would have disconnected even some
professional boxers. Clinton met it
with cool ring generalship that fire.
quently put his more agile adversary
at disadvantage.
At the end of the round, provoked
that he had come out second best,
BENIN called for another. Clinton
shook his head. ST am warm enough
already" he said.
"Very WELL" assented BENIN. SWELL