Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-03


turned one of the utmost gravity; so
Roberta, jumping instantly to the con-
clusion that Crooked Bill had been
talking his affairs over with his lawyer,
promptly precipitated the drama, much
TO the relief of the principal actors.
"Well, Glenn she said, has Uncle
Bill been telling you his sad story?"
Hackett nodded owlishly.
do you see the slightest glimmer OF
a silver lining in the dark clouds that
beset him, Glenn?"
IAN appears to be lost save honor,
Bobby"
Crooked Bill raised protesting hand.
LET us not discuss it, II you please,
Bobby. 1 am past help now, so let us
forget 1t and CLEAN what meager
measure OF comfort may possibly be
wrung from my wasted career. Re-
member, girl, I'm not the whimpering
kind"
II know you're not, dear Uncle Bill.
You're perfectly good old sport"
II admit / was knocked for the count
at first, but now that have my second
wind"
Save it for your cigar, dear. have
just had long telegram from my law
yer IN Los Algodones. Tex. He informs
me that the affairs of Uncle Toms
estate are In excellent shape and that
he died leaving even more sheep than
was at first suspected. They have all
been counted and the wool crop is being
garnered and placed In safety. There
are about 10000 lambs that Will soon
be ready for market and which should
bring $40 a head, and there are upward
Of hundred thousands pounds OF ex-
cellent wool worth 80 cents pound.
Why, 1t would seem that Uncle Toms
estate will run close to half million
dollars. We should worry and grow
wrinkles and gray hair, darling"
The butler announced dinner and be-
teen the fish and the roast as per
agreement, Glenn Hackett suddenly
laid down his knife and fork and COM
menced to question Crooked Bill
adroitly as to the exact nature of his
operations in the market. And when
Crooked Bill had answered all his ques-
lions and Glenn Hackett had made 9
number of notations In notebook, he
resumed his meal in silence. Roberta
however, noted grim little smile play
ing across his face from time to time
and presently, with her customary inn
pulSiVeneSs, she asked him to share the
joke with them.
Its on your Uncle Bill" he replied
"At the risk of being ungraciouS to my
host, it is my duty to inform you
Bobby, that your Uncle Bill is an an
tediluvian idiot who can't see the woods
for the trees. II he could he'd see path
outsof this mess he's in--a path as wide
as the Boardwalk at Atlantic City. Let
us eat, drink and be merry, for tomor-
row Uncle Bill will no longer be finan-
cial corpse. He will have commenced
his resurrection. -. By Joye, this is
most excellent roast beef. 1 remember
once 1 had a cut OF roast beef in a
restaurant out West In the cattle coun-
try. / couldn't even bend 1t, much less
eat it, so 1 said to the waiter,
Waiter"
How are you going to save Uncle
Bill?" Roberta demanded sharply.
"I'll explain after dinner, Bobby"
Explain now" the girl commanded.
Don't you see Uncle Bill is suffering?"
Let him suffer. He deserves it,"
Glenn, dear, please"
'Well, when you talk to me that way,
Roberta I can't resist" And there
upon Hackett proceeded to outline to
her. patiently and in words OF one syl-
liable, his plan for the salvation Of
Crooked Bill"
IT understand perfectly, Glenn,
Roberta said when at last he finished.
you're q wonderful, wonderful friend"
THE plan is vetoed" Crooked Bill
declared Virtuously. Friendship will
bear up under anything except the in
dorsement OF notes OF the swift, heavy
touch"
But, Uncle Bill, if there & such a
small element of risk"
NO more, beg of you. Roberta,
There is u definite element Of risk, and
whether large or small, will not have
my friend accept 1t. I've had q belly
tul OF risks lately" he added Vulgarly.
Il do not crave a second helping"
But, Uncle Bill
Uncle Bill raised his leonine head and
his cold. steely gray eyes flickered muir
derouS lights at her. His mouth closed
with snick, like the door OF safe
There Will be no further discussion of
this unpleasant subject" he informed
her coldly.
When Crooked Bill looked and spoke
in that tone OF voice Roberta knew from
experience that obedience was inclm-
bent upon her. Amiable and loving as
he customarily was, there were times
when he must not be trified with, and
this was one of them. Robertas eyes
filled with tears. In tremulous voice
she begged to be excused and with
drew.
Crooked Bills wild eyebrows went up
as the girl left the room. shes as big
crook ~ am" he declared proudly.
She isn't AZ all distressed. She's lust
pulling the old Stuff-not on me this
time, but on you, my boy. She expects
you TO follow her out and comfort her
She has just given birth to the bright
idea We have planted In her brain, and
now she wants to get you alone and
spring 1t on you. Do not diSappoint
her, my boy. Forward I'll sit here and
maSticate my fodder. I shall not be
both be back for the dessert, and after
that Wen have a flne large evening.
Roberta shall sing for u.s."
"Are you quite certain she wouldn't
prefer to be left alone, Mr.. Latham?
She's all upset. You gave her q bur-
glarious look and there was murder In
your voice"
Listen to me, son. If you want to
hold OIL to me as client. IL you ex-
pect to finger another retainer from
Crooked Bill Latham, don't poster him
with questions. know my onions. The
girls play-acting. Vamose!"
Glenn Hackett "yamosed." Within
five minutes he returned with Roberta
on his arm.
HUM" crooked Bill reflected. "And
she spent at least minute making up
her face! -Four minutes to put over her
loving plot against me. The little
crook" He beamed upon her. I'm so
sorry spoke Grossly to my little girl"
he announced with hypoeritical unc-
ton.
Bobby kissed him fondly and gave
him q little hug, the butler passed the