The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1926-12-10

Course the eighty pounds" the other in
terrupted. That's spent, every penny OF IL.
here's the doctor telling me today that
I'm getting nicotine poisoning and can't
stay at my job any longer. You've got
money in your pocket. I know it, for / see
you coming out Of the bank. Give me some
Of it and let me get away. IN go to one
Of them open air 'Orspitals. Give me the
money, and / promise you, If there's
enough of il, III never trouble you again."
A year ago the suggestion would have
seelsed a wonderful one to Harry Foulds,
but that was before he had known Mabel.
"Il find you some money, if needs must
be" he said, slowly, but I'm not going
to encourage you to desert your wife"
Then find it quick and be damned to
you! was the snarling answer. "Give me
what you can and I'll be one tOnight-tO-
night do you ear? There's a motor going
to Okehampton to catch the midnight ex-
press. III go by it. I'm fed up with the
place" .
Harry Foulds shook his head slowly.
you mustn't go like that, Cliff" he
insisted, land when you go, you'd better
money tits true, for I'm going to London
tomorrow, and it's likely III be off to
South America at the end of the week. I'll
spare you a hundred pounds out Of it, but
il Will be on condition that you treat Mabel
as She should be treated"
Give me the hundred now" Cliff de-
manded.
Foulds stared at his visitor ~curiousIy. He
seemed like a man torn to pieces by some
passion. Every now and then he cOughed.
give it to me now, damn it, or I'll take
it," he shouted, rising to his feet and
coming forward in threatening fashion.
Harry FOulds, who had done a little prize
fighting in his time, held him away with
his left hand. With his right he fumbled
in is pockets.
You'll take noting from me, Leonard
Cliff" he said. There's no man in Devon
shire could do that against my will. But
here's your hundred pounds, and good luck
to you! Sit down and drink a glass of
whisky with me, and We'll talk of your
plans"
But Leonard Cliff had no mind to stop
and talk Of plans. Coughing and stumbling.
he made his unceremoniOus exit. Harry
FOulds listened to the slamming Of the
front door, heard the unsteady footsteps
pass along the paved way. He waited until
they had died away and there was silence
again. Then he took up the whisky bottle
1t was three parts full, and his ewes Clis-
tened as he saw it. A fierce and brutal Joy
was upon him, the joy Of a man who has
felt the clutch Of strong liquor and who
deliberately brings it to his aid. He poured
out half a tumblerful and added a little
water.
Moonlight he muttered, "IIl be, drunk
gloriOusly drunk! What the hell's that"
There was another tapping at the door
He set down the tumbler untasted, went
out, and opened it. Then he gave a hoarsC
cry. It was Mabel who stood there. She
looked up at him a little pathetically, al
InOuBB surprised at MS uOur expression
You've seen Leonard" she asked. "He'I
been here?"
eyes, he's been here Harry Foulds as
scented.
"Well?"
"Well?"
The mOnosyllable was amazingly spoken
Harry FOulds' land clasped his head. Their
were more bewildering things in the wOrl'
than strong drink
Have you nothing to say to me?" sh
asked.
He closed the door, and led her into tn
sitting room. All the time she watched hin
anXiOusly. She seemed to be seeking 70
something in his face which was not there
; listening for some word which did no
I come.
You've seen Leonard 2" she repeated.
Mabel" he said, I've seen your hus
| band, He's been here, and he's gone. He
gone God knows where. / did all I cOul
:; in the world to stop him. / told him tha
it was his duty to stick to you as husban