The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-02-04
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don, and through long vista of
e-flung doors a heterogeneous
stream of demobilized soldiers,
nurses "Wrafs" and other Of the pic
turesque accompaniment of a con-
cluded war, flowed out onto the plat
form. The majority ligered about
to exchange greetings with friends
and to search for their luggage. Not
so Mr.. Joseph P. Cray. Before the
train had come to a standstill, he
was on his way to the barrier.
Luggage, sir?' inquired the por-
Ter, attracted by the benevolent ap-
pearance of this robust-looking,
middle-aged gentleman in the Uniform
of the American Y. NJ. c. A.
Checked my baggage right
through" Mr.. Cray replied, without
slackening speed. What 1 need is
a taxi. What you need is five shil-
lings. Let's get together"
Whether he was serving lunatfc
or not, the five shillings was good
money and the porter earned it. In
exactly two minutes after the arrival
of the train Mr.. Cray was on his
way to the Milan hotel. The streets
were not overcrewded. The driver
had seen the passing of that munifi-
cent tip and gathered that his fare
was in a hurry. They reached the
Milan in exactly nine minutes. Even
then Mr.. Cray had the strained APP
pearance of a man looking into fu-
turity.
He stopped the man at the court
entrance fulfilled the chauffeur's
widest dreams with regard to emolu-
ment, and presented himself eagerly
before the little counter.
Key of SO, Johnson" he demand
ed. Get slither on"
why, it's Mr.. Cray" the hall por-
ter exclaimed after single startled
gaze at the newcomers uniform.
Glad to see you back again, sir.
Here's your key, sent over half an
hour ago"
Mr.. Cray snatehed at it.
ANY packages?n he demanded. as
he made for the lift
"A whole heap of them, SIR" was
the reassuring reply. "All in your
roomg
Mr.. Cray slipped half crown into
the lift-man's hand. made pantomim-
ci signs with his palm, and they shot
upward without reference TO the slow
approach of a little party of intended
passengers. Out stepped Mr.. Cray on
the fourth floor, and his face beamed
DE- ne ltIo5iiiNCd Aiic Nt,ASt
before No. SO.
Hot bath, James," he shouted.
Shoot
Certainly, Mr.. Cray. sir the man
replied. disappearing. Glad 20 see
you back again."
Gee, it's good" the newcomer ex-
claimed, dashing into the bedroom.
"Off with the ornaments"
Ne. convict ever DOTTED his prison
Garb with more haste and joy than
did Mr.. James P. Cray divert him
self of the honorable though some
what unsuitable garments, for a man
of his build, which he had worn for
two years. The absurd little tunic
looked shorter still as it lay upon
the bed, his cowpuncher hat more
shapeless than ever, his ample
breeches-they needed to be ample,
for Mr.. Cray's figure was rotund-
collapsed in strange fashion as they
sank shamelessly upon the floor.
Naked as the day on which he was
born, Mr.. Cray strobe shamelessly
into the bathroom.
Get me Some clothes ready out of
those packages, James" he directed.
Bring in dressing gown and under
clothes in here. Get busy"
Then for a quarter of an hour Mr..
Cray steamed and gurgled, splashed
and grunted. His additions completed,
he dried himself, thrust his legs into
white silk union suit and trotted
into the next room. He was still
in a hurry.
Dinner clothes, James," he or
dered. slip me a white shirt. Speeds
the one and only"
You're in hurry, Mr.. Cray" the
man observed smiling, as he handed
him the garments.
i've been in hurry for IL
MONTHS was the feeling reply.
Ter minutes later Mr.. Cray left
was still in his face. He rang for
the lift, descended like a man alb
sorbed with great thoughts, walked
through ethe grill room, climbed the
stairs, passed through the smoke
room and stood before the bar be-
fore he slaekened speed.
why, it's Mr.. Cray" one of the
young women declared.
= Double dry Martinis.' Mr.. Cray
directed reverently Just a squeeze
of lemon. no absinthe, shake it till it
froths."
The young woman chatted as she
obeyed instructions. Mr.. Cray. though
polite man, appeared suddenly
deaf Presently the glass was held
out to him. He raised it to his lips
closed his eyes and swallowed.
When he set il down, that look had
passed from his face. In its place