Evening star., 1921-11-27

sure thing about luck, they say. Is
that it is bound to change. Perhaps
l can help turn the tide"
The man seemed to consider, twist
ing his cigarette about in his slim
fingers.
Il don't want to be paid for pulling
you of those tracks," he scrupled.
That was nothing much. But I'm
up against 1t, no denying that, Mr..
Ramsey: and would like job
Have you a valet?"
A valet! That explained his cos
mopolitanism. the near-gentleman air
of him. but yet not wholly. Ramsey
rather prided himself on his ability
to guess a mans calling at a glance.
to classify Coombs; even the trade Of
valeting fitted hims pihlSrskat chii4S Il
II don't know" Wallace looked du-
bious. I've scraped~ along without
one SO far. You see. although I'm
living now in a bachelar apartment.
I travel a good deal, and I've learned
to do pretty well for myself. To tell
the truth, I'm afraid you wouldn't
find enough to occupy you"
Il think could make myself use
full" urged Coombs. I'm pretty
good cook, too-nothing fancy, you
sure. I could Also" with that half
impudent cock of his eyes. wear any
haif-worn clothes you have. We're
near enough Of size to be twins"
I've noticed that, too" said Ram
sey. well, if you want to come with
me I'll not say no; I've been getting
pretty bad service all around. When
do you want to start?"
Now" replied Coombs promptly.
Nowhere else to go; l was planning
on a night up in Van Cortland Park
when I ran into you. And I'm carry.
ing everything ives sgot on my back"
Ramsey was surprised. He had not
bad as that with his companion. But
Coombs only laughed at his express
sions Of solicitude. He had evidently
been in tighter corners.
you'll come with me tonight. any
how" said Ramsey decisively-> Then
MY life may be worthless enough to
others. but it's distinctly valuable to
me; and since you've saved it, I want
you to let me-
He reached for his bill-fold. but
Coombs stretched a deprecating hand
across the table.
"No need Of that, Mr.. Ramsey" he
protested. IF you gave me money"
twitching his nose whimsically, 'it
would be just a roundabout way Of
presenting it to lot OF poker sharks
and handbook men. I'd rather keep
fit and earn it. I want to keep f1t:"
His face became serious. even dark
for a moment. "And really I'm not a
bad valet: I can pull all that. Beg
pardon, SIR and DO you wish your
morning coat?' stuff all right. If I
have to-"
"Besides." he added as clinching
argument, significantly lowering his
whoever was responsible for that
business tonight isn't going to rest
satisfied with q failure. They'll be
trying it again, and you might hnd
it very convenient to have some one
close at hand"
WALLACE started. Diverted by
wv Coombs' chatter. that ominous
phase Of his late adventure had tenn
porarily slipped his mind. Nor could
he dismiss it as q mere bugaboo, a
trumped-up or imaginary danger. The
more he reflected upon the chain OF
events which had eliminated in that
evenings attack, the moro he was
convinced that he was the object OF
q directed and deliberate hostility.
After all, it would be rather COM
Portable to have within call q fellow
50 alert and resourceful as Coombs
had shown himself.
So the bargain was concluded, and
in their new relationship Of master
and man the two betook themselves
to Ramsey's fat with q feeling Of
mutual satisfaction.
But the next morning when he
awoke Wallace began to question
what he had let himself In for. He
had taken under his roof q fellow of
whom he knew nothing. and who, al
though he talked a good deal and on
all manner of subjects, vouchsafed
precious little information regarding
himself-a vagabond certainly; per-
haps a thief, q drunkard, or a fugi-
tive from justice. 1t would have been
more the part Of common sense to
have paid the man a reward and have
ended the matter then and there.
He. could hear Coombs stirring
about in the kitchen, and called to him
with a half notion to rescind the ar
rangement they had entered into. AL
most Immediately Coombs appeared.
carrying a perfectly appointed break
fast tray.
II rather thought you wouldn't feel
like getting up this morning. Sir.
after that Jolt you had last night; %
I had everything ready for you." he
explained, as he busted himself Ia