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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/31813-8.txt b/31813-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3c03fec --- /dev/null +++ b/31813-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5439 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Checkers, by Henry M. Blossom + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Checkers + A Hard-luck Story + +Author: Henry M. Blossom + +Release Date: March 28, 2010 [EBook #31813] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHECKERS *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + + +[Frontispiece: CHECKERS] + + + + +CHECKERS + + +A HARD-LUCK STORY BY + +HENRY M. BLOSSOM Jr. + + + + +HERBERT S. STONE & COMPANY + +CHICAGO & NEW YORK + +MDCCCXCIX + + + + +COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY + +HERBERT S. STONE & CO. + + +TWENTY-FIFTH THOUSAND + + + + +TO MY FRIEND, + +ELLIS WAINWRIGHT. + + + + +Checkers + + +I + +I had never before attended the races. "The sport of kings" is not +popular in Boston, my former home, but here in Chicago every one turns +out on Derby Day, if at no other time. And so, catching something of +the general enthusiasm, my friend Murray Jameson, who by the way is +something of a sport, and I, who by the same token am not, found +ourselves driving a very smart trap out Michigan avenue, amidst a +throng of coaches, cabs, breaks and buggies, people and conveyances of +every description--beautiful women beautifully costumed, young men, +business men, toughs and wantons--all on their way to Washington Park, +and all in a fever of excitement over the big race to be run that +afternoon--the great American Derby. + +"Now Jack," said Murray, as in due process we reached our box and sat +gazing at the crowds about and below us, "it strikes me that we should +have a small bet of some sort on the different races, just to liven +things up a bit. What say we go down into the betting ring and have a +look at the odds?" + +"As you like," I answered, rising to show my willingness; "but you will +have to do the necessary, I do n't know one horse from another." + +"The less you know the more apt you are to win," said Murray airily; +"but if you say so, I 'll make one bet for both of us, share and share +alike. No plunging goes to-day though, Jack; we do n't want to gamble. +We 'll have up a couple of dollars, just to focalize the interest. If +we lose it won't amount to much, and if we win--we win. + +"But just a word of warning before we go down. Keep your eye on your +watch and your money, or you 'll get 'touched;' and if we should chance +to be separated in a crowd, be careful not to let anyone 'tout' you." + +Now, if there 's one thing I am especially proud of, it is my ability +to take care of myself in any company, and Murray's patronizing manner, +in view of my professed ignorance, rather galled me. + +"The man who gets my watch or money is welcome to it," I answered +shortly, buttoning my coat about me as we walked along; "and as for +being 'touted'--well, I 'll try to take care of that." + +Whether to be 'touted' was to be held up, buncoed, or drugged and +robbed, I had no definite notion; but I took it to be a confidence game +of some sort and despised it accordingly. + +Just here, following Murray, I elbowed my way into the hottest, +best-natured, most conglomerate crowd it was ever my lot to mingle +with. Merchants, clerks and gilded youths, laborers, gamblers, +negroes, and what-not, money in hand, pushed, pulled and trod upon each +other indiscriminately in their efforts to reach the betting stands. + +The book-makers, ranged along in rows, stood on little platforms in +front of their booths, taking the crowd's money and calling out the +amount and nature of each bet to assistants within who scratched off +and registered corresponding pool-tickets which were quickly returned +to the struggling bettors. + +On a blackboard at the end of each booth were posted the names of the +horses with their jockeys. Against these names the book-makers chalked +up their figures, increasing or lessening the odds from time to time as +the different horses were fancied or neglected in the betting. + +"There 's nothing in this race but Maid Marian," said Murray, scanning +the blackboards critically; "but 4 to 5 is the best I see on her, and I +want even money or nothing"--the which was largely Greek to me until by +questioning and deduction I found the situation in English to be as +follows: + +Maid Marian was judged on breeding and past performance to be much the +best horse in the race, so much so that although about to run with five +or six other racers, the book-makers demanded odds from those who bet +on her in the ratio of 5 to 4. + +When I asked Murray why they did not offer $1 to $1.25 he replied that +"halves and quarters did n't go," and pointed out a sign which read: +"No bets taken under $5." There were several smaller "books," however, +which took $2 bets, and did a thriving business. + +The crowd by this time had become absolutely dense. Murray was +suddenly dragged away by a current in the mob which set towards a +book-maker who had chalked up "even money, Maid Marian." + +I followed long enough to see the "booky" change again to "4 to 5" +before Murray reached him; and then, believing myself about to be +crushed to death, I forced my way to the edge of the ring and stood +hoping that my friend would do likewise. + +A very "horsey" individual, wearing an owner's badge, and a most +disreputable-looking negro were discussing the forthcoming race just +behind me. + +"Dat Maid Marian ain't got no license to win dis race--a mile 's too +fah fo' her, suah," said the darkey. "Sister Mary 'll win--dat 's who +'ll win." + +"Naw! naw!" drawled the other. "Senator Irby 'll come purty near +gettin' de coin, wid Peytonia fer an outside chance. I see Peytonia +work a mighty fast mile yesterday mornin', and I 'm jes' takin' a flyer +on her to win today for luck." + +I glanced at the nearest blackboard--Peytonia 200 to 1!!! + +Would they dare to lay such odds against a horse that had even the +slightest chance of winning? It seemed most unlikely, and yet--I +hesitated. There must be a possibility, or why was the horse in the +race? My sporty-looking friend had said she was fast and had bet upon +her himself. Perhaps I had chanced upon some inside information; and, +after all, $2 was not a very serious matter whether I won or lost. + +I started toward the betting stand, but suddenly stopped short. No, +Murray was to make one bet for both of us, and had undoubtedly done +what he thought was best--I would abide by his judgment. + +But did he know what I knew--where could he be? + +The crowd, which was now surging out of the betting ring toward the +fence and up into the grand stand, thinned out rapidly; but I held my +place, hoping to catch sight of Murray. + +"Come on here and make your bets," yelled the book-makers, with whom +business had begun to grow slack; "they 're at the post--they 'll be +off in a minute." + +I accepted the invitation. Rushing up to the nearest stand, I handed +up two silver dollars. "Peytonia," I said, with all the nonchalance I +could assume. + +"Peytonia," repeated the book-maker; "four hundred to two," and in a +moment more I was the possessor of a fantastically-colored piece of +card-board, on which was scribbled in pencil "Peyt.--400-2." + +Suddenly there was a roar of excitement. + +"They 're off," was the cry from a thousand throats, and I and the +other tardy ones rushed to find a favorable spot from which to view the +race. + +I had n't time to hunt up our box; so making for the fence, I forced my +way in next to the rail just as the horses, all in a bunch, swung +recklessly around the first turn. + +As the race progressed they began to string out, one horse very clearly +taking the lead. + +"The Maid's in front, Senator Irby second," yelled an enthusiast just +beside me. "Where's Sister Mary? Maid Marian 's quittin'. There 's +Flora Thornton. Go on, you Flora. Maid Marian 's out of it. The +Senator 's leadin'. Flora is second. _Just look at Peytonia_. + +I leaned over the rail, my heart in my mouth. Down the stretch they +came at a terrible pace; some three were in front, running almost as +one. In a breath they were by us and under the wire, but which of the +three was first I could not determine. + +Instantly there was a babel of voices, in which Senator Irby, Peytonia +and Flora Thornton were severally declared to have won, and a general +movement toward the judges' stand was inaugurated for the purpose of +learning "the official." + +I had scarcely gone a dozen yards before I ran across Murray, viciously +elbowing his way through the crowd. + +There was something so irresistibly funny in the expression of rueful +chagrin which sat upon his good-natured face, that I forgot my +excitement and began to laugh immoderately. + +"Now, what do you think of that for luck?" he exclaimed on catching +sight of me; "Senator Irby, a stake-horse, to be beaten out by an old +dog like Peytonia? It's enough to--" + +"Peytonia!" I echoed breathlessly, "did Peytonia win?" + +"Of course she won. Did n't you see the race?" + +For a moment I simply could n't speak, but clasping the tighter my +precious ticket, I swallowed heroically at the lump in my throat, while +Murray, unmindful of my silence, continued. + +"You see, Jack, after I left you, I got it straight from a friend of +mine that Maid Marian was out of condition, which left the race, it +seemed to me, a walk-over for Senator Irby. Well, it looked like a +good chance to make a 'killin',' and I put twenty on him at two and a +half to one. Of course I could n't figure on getting nosed out by a +hundred to one shot, but that's the luck I always play in. Well, I 'll +get it back on the third race; I've got a 'cinch' in that. You +understand though, Jack," he added, stopping suddenly, "you have only a +dollar's interest in the losing--I had no right to bet but $2, as was +originally agreed." + +Just here I foresaw a peculiar complication, and I was glad that, in my +desire to appear properly nonchalant, I had not as yet announced my +good fortune. + +"Why, Murray," I exclaimed, slipping my ticket into my pocket, "you are +absolutely absurd. We agreed to share and share alike in the day's +transactions, and I shall insist upon it. Suppose Senator Irby had won +instead of losing, would you have offered me but a dollar's interest in +the winning, simply because I did n't know you were going to bet so +much?" + +"Of course not, you should have had your half; but that is a very +different thing." + +"Different in result perhaps, but not in principle; besides, come to +think of it, I made a little bet myself." + +"You did--how much?" + +"Oh, only $2." + +"Two dollars, eh? Well! That makes us twenty-two out altogether. +Eleven apiece, if you insist upon it, although----" + +"I do insist upon it; so that's settled, and now----" + +"By the way, Jack, what did you bet on?" + +This was the moment of my triumph Handing him the ticket with an air of +assumed carelessness, I covertly watched with keenest relish his +changes of expression, as he ran the gamut of varied emotion from idle +indifference to supreme excitement. + +"Jack!" he exclaimed at last, grabbing my arm. "Jack, my boy! Did you +know----" Just here I laughed and gave the thing away, and then we +both laughed, while Murray improvised superlative similes anent my +luck, and upbraided me for my duplicity. + +"Ahem! two dollars--twenty-two out--eleven apiece, eh, Murray?" I +chuckled mockingly. "Come on now, old man, and show me how to cash +this ticket;" and we made our way toward the betting ring. + +We experienced no delay in getting the money, as not one in a thousand +had won on the race, and the cashiers at the back of the stands had +little or nothing to do. + +I found great difficulty, however, in making Murray accept his rightful +half of the spoils; but out of his own mouth I judged him, and in the +end prevailed. + +The next race, the second, we decided not to bet upon, as the horses +were, according to Murray, only a lot of "selling-platers," and we +needed a little respite from the crowd. + +So we sought our box, and in highest spirits sat watching the masses +surge to and fro, while the freshening breeze blew strong and cool, and +brought up dark clouds which looked like rain. + +"The race after this is the Derby, you know," said Murray, glancing at +his programme. "Now I do n't want to influence you, old man, but I +really believe that Domino will win. He's the best horse in the race, +and with Taral to ride him he ought to be first under the wire. This +time, though, you shall bet for yourself, as you have the proverbial +beginner's luck. Ah, they're off! By Jove! that's a beautiful start." + +"Selling-platers" or not, the second race was a pretty one and I +enjoyed it thoroughly, from start to finish. + +Is there any more pleasurable or intensely interesting sight than that +of a well-appointed race between a number of sleek-limbed +thoroughbreds? The multi-colored satins of the plucky little jockeys, +the whitened fences and the trim greensward lend a picturesqueness; the +buzz and hum of the restless, pushing, ill-assorted crowd adds an +excitement to an ensemble, in my opinion, altogether fascinating. + + + + +II + +And now for the Derby--the great stake race worth so many thousands of +dollars to the winner; the much-talked-of race, in which the most noted +horses in the country, East and West, were to compete for supremacy in +fleetness and endurance, and the most celebrated jockeys to vie with +each other in their peculiar generalship. + +Leaving our box, we joined in the crush and forced our way into the +betting-ring. The crowd was enormous, the interest intense. One had +but to listen for a moment to hear every horse in the race +enthusiastically spoken of as "sure to win." + +As it was simply useless in that crush to try to keep together, Murray +and I decided to go our several ways, and meet in good time at a place +agreed upon. + +Now, although I had said nothing about it, I had quite decided not to +bet upon this event. I had found the second race upon which I had no +bet infinitely more enjoyable than the first, despite the good fortune +chance had thrust upon me; and reasonably so, I think, for with any +kind of a wager up one's interest naturally centers in the performance +of one horse, and the beauty of the race, as a race, is to a great +extent lost sight of. + +With something of this idea in mind, I stood watching the frantic +efforts of the crowd to reach the betting stands, wondering idly the +while where all the money so recklessly offered came from in these days +of universal hard times, when I was suddenly accosted by an unknown +youth who asked to see my programme for a minute, explaining at the +same time that "some guy had pinched his, coming through the crowd." + +I silently complied. + +He studied the programme briefly, smiled a satisfied smile, and +returned it. + +"There 's a good thing coming off in the fourth," he remarked in a +confidential manner. "If I can see you somewhere just before the race +I 'll put you on. It 'll be a 'hot one.'" + +I thanked him. + +"The owner himself is going to 'put me next,'" he continued; "it 'll be +a 'lead-pipe.'" + +I began to be interested. "I should like to know it," I replied, "and +I will wait for you after the Derby. I may not bet on it myself, but I +have a friend who doubtless will, if you will give him the information." + +"I 'll give it to him if he 'll go down the line, but it's going to win +a city block, and we ought to make a killin' on it. I went broke +myself, on Senator Irby, or I 'd have gone home to-night with a +bankroll." + +"Well," I replied, "we 'll see when the time comes. Now, what do you +fancy to win the Derby?" + +He lighted a cigarette and puffed it a moment in silence. + +"It's a dead-tough race," he at last remarked, "and I would n't play it +with counterfeit money. There 's no use in playing any race unless you +'ve got some information. These geezers that play every race go broke. +But it's an easy game to beat if you just stay off till you 're next to +something good, and then plug it hard. Why, if I could shake the +faro-bank and crap-game, I 'd have money to burn ice with. + +"Y' see, take a big stake-race like this, where every horse is a +'cracker-jack,' they 're all of 'em good, and they 've all got a +chance, and you just take my advice and stay off. We 'll have +something good in the fourth that we know, and we just won't do a thing +to it. Well, I must hurry down to the paddocks to see a stable boy I +know; if I hear anything I 'll come back and tell you. But be sure and +be here for the next with your friend, 'cause it's all over now, but +cashing the ticket--so long;" and he dodged away through the crowd. + +Oddly enough, it did not at the moment strike me as in the least +peculiar that I should have been conversing on a basis of perfect +equality with a companion of stable boys and a frequenter of gambling +hells. Nothing further. + +The spirit of easy, good-natured camaraderie was in the very air; and +in the singleness of purpose which animated all--the picking of the +winner--all ranks seemed leveled, all social barriers cast aside. + +Again, he had proved in our few minutes' talk a new, and to me an +interesting, type; and I resolved to keep the appointment, if for +nothing more than to study him further. + +He was a young man, certainly not over twenty-three, short, slight, and +becomingly dressed. His face was thin, smooth-shaven and red, but +somehow peculiarly prepossessing. His deep blue eyes and long black +lashes might have atoned for much less attractive features; and the +lines which ran from his well-shaped nose to the corners of his clear +cut lips suggested a hard lived life which I afterwards learned did not +belie them. + +A glance at my watch discovered the fact that it lacked but a few +minutes of my appointment with Murray, and I began to slowly edge my +way to the point of our rendezvous. + +I reached it promptly on the minute and stood awaiting his tardy +coming, when suddenly my arm was grasped and I turned to find my new +acquaintance. + +He was all excitement and breathing hard, as though in the greatest +possible hurry. + +"Come here," he said in a low quick voice; and he beckoned me into a +quiet corner. "I 've been looking for you everywhere. Now listen a +minute and do n't ask questions; Domino's got a 'dickey' leg, and he +won't be a thing but last. Garrison tells me that Senator Grady is +going to win in a common canter. Richard Croker 's in the ring, and +the 'bookies' are swipin' it off the boards. Hurry and get in with +your money while there 's a chance to get the odds;" and he started +into the betting ring as though fully expecting I would follow. + +His manner was intensely earnest, and his hurried words and furtive +looks were at once impressive and convincing. I felt my latent +sporting spirit rising strong again, and I began the simple process of +arguing myself out of my former position. + +Some Frenchman, I think, has somewhere said, "A man is his own worst +sharper." However that is, in an argument with one's self the other +side is usually silenced. And so it chanced that, a few minutes later, +I again held a penciled ticket, which this time called for $60 to be +paid in the event of certain contingencies, and for which I had given +$20 of my former winnings. I had also given my Mentor an extra five to +bet for the boy from whom he had received such timely and valuable +information. + +Such reckless plunging I can only excuse upon the grounds of having +been forced into it; for not the least of this versatile youth's many +and varied gifts was the power, not uncommon amongst waiters and +shop-keepers, of shaming his whilom client out of anything approaching +pettiness, by the assumption of that air of blended superiority and +indifference we have all felt the force of at times. + +I had drawn forth my roll with the laudable intention of chancing a two +or perhaps a five, when I was met with the startling proposition that I +"bet fifty each way, to win and for place," and this was followed by so +convincing an array of figures, weights, times and distances, that a +compromise of $20 to win, and a five-dollar bet for the boy, "who could +n't leave the paddocks, but had been promised that the right thing +would be done by him," seemed the least I could do, consistent with my +dignity and self-respect. + +And now to hurry back to Murray. We found him standing watch in hand, +and he began to smile when he saw my companion. + +"Well! well!" he exclaimed in a bantering tone; "so you 've fallen a +prey to Checkers, have you? What loser has he touted you onto, that's +'going to win in a walk, hands down'?" + +"Now, there's a guy that makes me sick," interrupted Checkers, ignoring +the question. "Because he dropped a couple of 'bones' not long ago at +the Harlem track, he made a roar that's echoing still between this and +the Rocky Mountains. The next time I saw him I gave him a 'good thing' +he could have win out on, but he would n't touch it. He don't know the +right way around the track. The book-makers call him 'Ready-Money'--he +'s so easy." + +"Come off now, Checkers," laughed Murray, "you know you never guess 'em +right; the only time your horses win is when the others all fall down. +But really, Jack, what did you play?" + +"I 'm playing Senator Grady, Murray; our friend here told me he could +n't lose." + +"Well, he may be right," said Murray thoughtfully, "but I 'm not +playing the race that way. Domino first, and Despot third, is the way +I figure it ought to come. Grady I think will get the place, but the +odds are better on Despot for third. Well, let's go up in the +grand-stand now, and see them all parade to the post." + +We chanced to find a place for three, in the seats almost opposite the +judges' stand, for I had taken Checkers with me for the pleasure I +found in hearing him talk. + +As yet I had n't made up my mind about Checkers, and I was anxious to +question Murray privately concerning him. He certainly did not look +like a "tout," for the meaning of the word as applied to that genus now +came to me. Rather, he seemed to be playing a fantastic rôle. He +played it well, I confess, but there was a whimsical air about all that +he said and did which puzzled me greatly. His slang, however, was +natural. Of that there could be no doubt, and he used it with a native +grace, a varied inflection and appositeness which made it seem a part +of him, and therefore robbed it of objection. + +In fact I afterwards discovered, and I grew to know him very well, that +in all his slang there was a pertinence which took a short cut to the +gist of things; a humor, dry and sometimes broad, but never vulgar, and +seldom profane. + +The bugle calling the horses to the post sounded soon after we took our +seats, and shortly they began to appear parading in order past the +grand-stand. + +Domino, Dorian and Senator Grady, the three eastern horses, favorites +in the betting, were cheered as they passed to the very echo; while +others of the eight had their many supporters, who had backed their +belief with some share of their wealth, at longer and much more +interesting odds. + +"There's the baby'll get the dough," said Checkers, as Senator Grady +passed. "He's the finest that ever came over the pike. How on earth +are they going to beat him?" + +I glanced at Murray, who simply smiled and fixed his eyes upon Domino. + +The horses were soon lined up for the start, and after three or four +attempts, the starter caught them well in motion, dropped the flag, and +the race was "off." + +"Domino in the lead," laughed Murray. "I hope he keeps it all around." + +Checkers was muttering under his breath some words of--well, +disapprobation. + +"Now look at that start and burst out cryin'," he groaned in a bitter +tone. "Grady absolutely last, and Domino gets off in front. That +starter never was any good; talk about his startin' a race, why! that +bloke could n't start a fire;" and he lighted another cigarette by way +of partial consolation. + +The horses were nearing the grand-stand now, which was for them the +half-mile post, for the race was to be a mile and one-half, or once and +one-half around the track. Their positions had changed since the drop +of the flag, for as they passed us Alcenor led, Resplendent was second, +Prince Carl third, and Senator Grady was now a good fourth. + +"Say! girls, look at Grady," yelled Checkers excitedly. "Why, he 'll +back in by twenty lengths. There's the place to have him laying, third +or fourth, till they hit the stretch; then Garrison will cut him loose, +and beat 'em all in a grand-stand finish. Those dogs in front can't +hold that pace; they 'll throw up their tails and quit at a mile;" and +Checkers puffed the cigarette between his yellow, smoke-stained +fingers, with a look of placid unconcern which I myself was far from +feeling. + +Suddenly he jumped to his feet with an exclamation of surprise. Grady +had suddenly gone to the front as though the others were standing +still, and it looked as though his jockey, Garrison, intended to make +it a runaway race. At the mile he led by a length and a half, and it +seemed to me he would surely win. + +The crowds in their intense excitement bustled and buzzed like so many +bees. Cries of "Grady!" filled the air, and thousands yelled in +frenzied glee. I confess I lost my self-control and whooped as loudly +as any one. + +"D 'ye see," said Checkers, "that's what it is to have reliable +information. Talk about Domino's winning, why, he can't beat a fat man +up a hill;" and he cast a pitying glance at Murray, and climbed on his +seat for a better view. + +Across the level stretch of greensward the horses looked almost like +playthings. Up the back stretch on they went, with Grady now a length +in front. The others were rapidly closing up, and the final struggle +was soon to begin. At the further turn it seemed to me they slackened +up for a breathing spell; but on they came again faster and faster, +with Grady but half a length in front. + +The noisy chatter suddenly ceased and an interested silence fell upon +all. My heart was beating a wild tattoo. I felt as though I were +burning up. + +Murray was wholly occupied in helping Domino along, by calling his name +in a low, quick voice, and energetically snapping his fingers (a +process commonly known as "pulling," and thought by the cult to be +efficacious). + +I glanced at Checkers. Disappointment was clearly written across his +face. + +"We 're up against it," he said despondently. "Garrison 's give us the +double-cross. He had no business settin' the pace. There 's some one +going after him now. Go on, you Grady! Wiggle yourself! They 've +collared him! They 're passing him!" And sure enough some +fleet-limbed bay was drawing ahead of our beautiful brown in a way that +left us little hope of ever getting in front again. + +Around the turn and into the stretch, nearer they raced in a cloud of +dust. The leader was gaining at every jump, but Grady hung to second +place. Taral now called upon Domino, and at once the colt responded +gamely. But his time had gone, and the gallant horse that never before +had lost a race fell back with the others, hopelessly beaten, and +Taral, seeing that all was lost, pulled up and galloped slowly in. +Martin on Despot came out of the bunch, and, passing Prince Carl, set +sail for Grady, while Garrison, riding as though for his life, made +every effort to hold his own. + +Within one hundred yards of the wire the leader had six lengths to +spare. His jockey was riding in leisurely fashion, glancing around +from time to time, to watch the struggle that Despot was making to +wrest the place from Senator Grady. + +Whipping and spurring they thundered past us, fighting it out to the +finishing post. By it they flashed, the bay horse first, Grady second +and Despot third. Garrison's riding had saved him the place, but the +race had been won by "a rank outsider." + +For a moment or two the crowd was silent--dumb with surprise and +disappointment. Few, if any, cheered the winner; thousands inwardly +cursed the favorites. + +Quickly the word was passed along, "Rey El Santa Anita wins." + +"Lucky Baldwin's horse," said Checkers. "The odds were an easy fifty +to one. Grady second! D 'ye see, if you 'd have played him for place +as I wanted you to, we 'd have saved our stake. But you would n't +'thaw out,' and now your ticket's a souvenir. We 'd have win as it was +with a good boy up. That settles Garrison for me. There 's a jockey +that ought to be driving cows instead of riding a sprinter like Grady, +and pumping him out in the first three-quarters. Domino last! That +'good thing.' Well; I knew from the start that he was a 'lobster.'" + +Murray flushed up. "Well, any way, I won on Despot for third," he +said, "enough to put me ahead on the race, and cover your losing on +Grady, Jack. But, Jove, what a harvest the bookies have reaped. There +were thousands of dollars bet on Domino and the other favorites, and +there probably were n't a dozen bets in all on Rey El Santa Anita. +It's a terrible thing this gambling, Jack, when you come to look it +square in the face. Just think of the money gone to swell the pile of +a lot of miserable gamblers, and think of the poor deluded mortals who +play this game day after day, constant in the fatuous hope of some day +making a brilliant coup, and squaring themselves on their years of +losing. Fortune 'jollies' them along with temporary small successes, +and having gained their confidence proceeds to throw them down the +harder. Disappointment, misery, embezzlement, suicide, follow it all +as effect follows cause--and still the game goes on." + +"Well, anyway, I 'm glad we touched them, and we 'll take good care +that they do n't get it back. By Jove, it's nearly 4 o'clock. I 'm +afraid we ought to be going, Jack. It's a long drive in, and recollect +we have a date for dinner to-night. Come on, I 'll cash this Despot +ticket, and then we 'll make a start for home." + +"Home!" exclaimed Checkers. "You're not going home? Why this is the +race I 've been waiting for. You do n't want to miss a lunch like +this. It's a puddin'; it's a tapioca. Honest, it's a regular gift; +the chance of your life to make a 'killin'." + +But to all his entreaties we lent a deaf ear though he talked with a +masterful eloquence. I confess, however, to one more weakness. I gave +him a ten which he swore to return. (Murray was standing in line with +his ticket.) He said he would "play it carefully, and gradually win +himself out of the hole." I felt at the time that I was a "sucker," +but somehow he had a persuasive way. + + + + +III + +A number of weeks had come and gone ere I again laid eyes upon +Checkers, and then it chanced most unexpectedly. + +I had stayed at my office late one evening, finishing up some odd jobs +which I had allowed to accumulate. The additional work and the +lateness of the hour lent a keen edge to my appetite, and I decided to +dine down town and perhaps drop into one of the theaters. + +As I hastened along on my way to Kinsley's (I am not a member of the +down-town clubs) a figure stepped out of a neighboring doorway, and +brushed against me in passing. It was Checkers. I knew him at once. +But I gave no sign of recognition and hoped to escape him unobserved. +A futile hope, for he knew me as quickly, and in an instant was by my +side. + +"Why, Mr. Preston," he exclaimed grabbing and shaking my passive hand. +"Say, on the dead, I 'm glad to see you; why is it you have n't been +out to the track? I 've had 'something good' nearly every day. I wish +I had seen you an hour ago. I 've been playing 'the bank,' and they +'ve cleaned me flat. They say that's the squarest game on earth, but +the cards do run dead wrong for me. Where you going--to eat? Well, +say, as the tramp says, 'Me stomach tinks me troat's cut.' Back me +against a supper, will you? It's a hundred to one I get the best of +it." And so he rattled on and on, never waiting for his questions to +be answered, careless and slangy as ever. + +As I turned into Kinsley's I hesitated, as to whether simply to dismiss +him straight, or to give him a dollar and tell him to go and satisfy +his evident hunger. He saw me pause and read my thoughts, but he did +not propose thus to be disposed of. + +"Come on," he said, starting quickly ahead and entering the elevator. +"We 're going up to the café, ain't we?" + +I was greatly minded to turn on my heel and tell him to go to the +deuce, if he chose. But his manner was wholly ingenuous, and "after +all," I said to myself, "I'm tired and he 's amusing. It's something +after 8 o'clock and no one will be here at such an hour." At all +events I disliked a scene, and so I simply acquiesced, and took him to +a quiet corner of the large dining-room, where I seated myself in such +a way as to have my back to whomsoever might come in. + +Without consulting the taste of my guest, I ordered a steak with +mushrooms, potatoes, a salad, dessert and a bottle of claret, and began +to read the evening paper. + +For perhaps ten minutes we both were silent. I glanced at Checkers +several times as I folded my paper in or out. He seemed to be lost in +a reverie. But at last his thoughts came back to earth, and glancing +up he said very softly, "The last time I took supper here was with my +wife a year ago." + +"Your wife," I exclaimed, starting with surprise. "You do n't mean to +tell me you have a wife?" + +"I had a wife," he answered sorrowfully, "but----" + +"I beg you pardon, Checkers," I said, "I hope I have n't hurt your +feelings." + +"No, you have n't hurt them," he replied. "I 've got my feelings +educated. I 've had so many ups and downs I 've learned to take my +medicine. But I 'll bet I 've had the toughest luck of any guy that +ever lived. A' year ago I had money, a wife and friends, and was doing +the Vanderbilt act. In two short weeks I lost them all. I 've been +'on my rollers' ever since. + +"But say, you wouldn't have known me if you 'd seen me here with my +wife that time--my glad rags on, a stove-pipe lid, patent leather kicks +and a stone on my front. We came to Chicago to take in the Fair, and +dropped in here to eat, one night. + +"We sat at that table over there; I remember it as though it was +yesterday. I ordered all kinds of supper, and at last the waiter +brings in some cheese and crackers. It was a kind of a greenish, +mouldy cheese--Rocquefort! Yes, I believe that's it. I goes against a +little piece of it, and 'on the grave,' I like to fainted. Good! +Well, maybe you think it's good, but scratch your Uncle Dudley out of +any race where they enter Rocquefort. + +"Yes; those were happy days for me. I hate to think about them now. I +had a good time while it lasted, though, and when they got me 'on the +tram,' I had to go to hustlin'. Well, here comes supper. Excuse me +now, while I get busy with a piece of that steak." + +"But, Checkers," I expostulated, "I 'd like to hear the particulars. +You must have an interesting story to tell. And if you don't mind----" + +"Oh, I do n't know. It's a hard luck story. I've had the hot end of +it most of my life. But you can see for yourself that I'm no 'scrub.' +I come from good people, and I 've lived with good people. I can put +up a parlor talk, or a bar-room talk. I've seen it all. But of course +when a fellow 'hits the toboggan,' he gets to going down mighty fast." + +"I appreciate all that, my boy," I said, "or I should n't have brought +you here; and now if you will, while we are eating our dinner, give me +a little sketch of how it all happened." + +"Well, there is n't very much to tell as I know of--at least, anything +that would interest you. To look back now it kind of seems as though +things just pushed themselves along. + +"You see, in the first place, my father and Uncle Giles, his brother, +both fought in the war. Well, father got shot and came home a cripple. +About ten years afterwards I was born. Then father died, and mother +got a pension. She had some little money besides. After the war Uncle +Giles came back and hung around our house. He was 'flat,' and he +couldn't get a job. But he finally got some pension-shark to push a +pension through for him, and after that he 'pulled his freight' and +went to Baltimore to live. Mother and I stayed here in Chicago. + +"Well, I went to school until I was twelve, and then I went to work in +a store. Mother's health was very bad, though, and at last we went +South on account of her lungs. We went to San Antonio, and at first +the air kind of did her good. I gets a job in a dry goods store, and +things are rollin' pretty smooth, when one night mother takes to +coughing, has a hemorrhage and dies. + +"There's no use trying to tell you my feelings. Mother was dead and I +was alone. There was hardly a soul to come to her funeral. The +minister and a few of the neighbors came in--my God, it was simply +awful. I was still a kid, only fifteen, you see, and I felt the +terrible lonesomeness of it. + +"Well, mother had saved considerable money--twenty-six hundred dollars +in all. I sold our furniture and came to Chicago, and went to board +with some friends of the family. I worked more or less for two or +three years; but my money made me kind of 'flossy,' and whenever I 'd +feel like it, I 'd just throw up the job and quit. + +"After a while I got so I did n't try to work. I fell in with a gang +of sports that used to hang around the pool-rooms, and pretty soon +'your little Willie' was losing his money right and left. The local +meeting came along, and I took to going out to the track. I was nearly +broke when one day a tout tried to 'get me down' on a 'good thing' he +had. I told him I would n't play it, but I afterwards shook him and +put twenty on it--I 'm a goat if it did n't win, and I pulled down a +thousand. I looked for the guy who gave me the tip, but I could n't +find him anywhere. I guess he fell dead with surprise himself--at +least I 've never seen him since. + +"Now, about that time, I had to quit the family I was living with. +They broke up housekeeping and moved away, leaving me on a cold, cold +world. After that I did nothing but play the races. I followed them +from town to town--St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, New +Orleans--winning a little now and then, but up against it most of the +time. + +"I got the malaria down south, and I took a notion I 'd go to Hot +Springs. You ever been there? No? Well say, you talk about your +sportin' life--there is the onliest place to see it. Every kind of a +gamblin' game you ever heard of runnin' wide--and everybody goes +against 'em. + +"I had heard that some of the games were crooked, and I thought I 'd be +foxy and leave them alone. I left my leather full of bills with the +clerk up in the hotel safe. + +"A little more potato, please. Thanks, I am hungry, and that's no +dream. + +"Well, as I was saying, one day at the bath I meets a young guy in the +cooling-room, and he springs a system to beat roulette, which figures +out a mortal cinch. I do n't remember the system now, but I recollect +we tried it ourselves on a private wheel, and it could n't lose. The +only trouble with it was that with luck against us we might get soaked +in doubling up before we win. But we made up our minds to begin it +small, and be content with a little profit. + +"We had a bank-roll of $600--four from me and two from him. I was to +have two-thirds of the profits, because I risked two thirds of the +stuff. + +"It was Thursday night we set to try it. Thursday was always my Jonah +day. I wanted to wait until Saturday, but he did n't want to wait that +long. I was to do the playing while he kept tab and told me what to do +each whirl. + +"Well, we buys a stack of a hundred chips, and runs them up to two +hundred and fifty. I says, 'let's quit,' but he was stuck on pushing +our luck while it came our way. We played along for half an hour, and +hardly varied $50; then, all at once, we 'struck the slide,' and I had +to buy another stack. We lost that; bought another and lost it, and +stood in the hole $300. + +"All the while we were playing the system, and I had a 'hunch' that if +we kept on it would pull us out. So I starts to buy another stack when +Kendall--his name was Arthur Kendall--stops me and says he wants to +quit. Quit, with half our money gone! I was so sore I could have +smashed him. And while we stood there arguing, without a nickel on the +board, the wheel was rollin' dead our way--enough to have put us ahead +of the game. + +"I gave him his hundred, and told him to 'take it and chase himself'--I +was through with him. I stuck to the game until five in the morning. +They got every cent I had in the world. + +"Well, I went to the hotel and went to bed, but I lay there wondering +how I was going to dig up the money to pay my bill, and give me a start +when my luck turned again. The longer I wondered the tougher it +seemed. Finally I ordered an absinthe frappé--it kind of gave me a new +idea. I 'd put up a song to my Uncle Giles, and try to make a little +'touch.' + +"I had n't seen or heard of him for half a dozen years, but I thought +after all we had done for him, he could n't hardly lay down on his +nephew. + +"Well, I wrote him a letter that would have brought tears to a pair of +glass eyes. Say, it was the literary effort of my life. Of course, I +did n't just stick to the facts. Then I goes down and gets me a little +breakfast, and begins to feel like myself again. + +"This was Friday. Saturday my hotel bill was coming due. I had to +make a killin' somehow to get my trunk and clothes away. + +"I chased myself from joint to joint, but I could n't get next to +anything. There was n't a thing I could hock nor no one that I could +'give the borry.' Have you ever been flat broke, Mr. Preston, with not +a nickel in your jeans; no one to stake you; no place to go, and +nothing to keep you from starving to death? You haven't, eh? Well, +then you do n't begin to know what trouble is. You feel as though +every one had you 'sized,' or as though you were going to be arrested. +You can't help thinking about the stuff you blew so reckless when you +were flush--the night you got out and spent a hundred, and say, if you +only had it now! You take a paralyzed oath on your mother that if you +ever get right again you'll 'salt your stuff' and be a 'tight-wad'--and +then you remember you 're broke again. I 've been up against some dead +tough luck, and I 've had some fancy crimps put in me, but somehow I +'ve never felt so 'on my uppers' as I did at the Springs that night. + +"Say, if this hard-luck story of mine gets tiresome to you, ring me +off. I did n't think I 'd be so long in getting to where my troubles +began." + +I assured him that I felt the tale immensely interesting, as indeed I +did, not only in its mere detail, but taken in connection with the +youth who sat there, telling me his story in his naïve way, as +unconcerned as though he had the Bank of England to draw upon. With +not a penny in his pocket, or for aught I knew a place to sleep, it +certainly seemed that, with the sparrows, he leaned most heavily on +Providence. + +"Let 's have the rest of it, Checkers," I said; "I 'm anxious to hear +how you raised the wind." + +He sipped his coffee and puffed his cigarette with a retrospective air, +inhaling the smoke at every draught, or blowing it forth in little +rings which he watched as they circled off into space. + +I waited in silence. + +"Well," he continued, "it was nothing but 'gallop on after the torch.' +About 10 o'clock I blew into a joint that I had n't been to--a gambling +house. There was a gang around the faro-bank, and I shoved in to see +what was going on. I hope I may drop if Kendall was n't sitting there, +howling, paralyzed full. He had a lot of chips in front of him, +playin' 'em like a drunken sailor. He had down bets all over the +board, and, honest, it gave me heart disease to see him play. He puts +a stack on the ace to win. In a minute or two another player coppers +it, and takes it down. I jumps in and grabs him by the arm. 'Hold +on,' I hollered, 'Arthur, here's a piker that's touchin' you for your +chips.' + +"Say, there was trouble right away. The piker made a smash at me. I +dodged and caught him an upper cut, and the bouncer grabbed him and +threw him out. This sort of sobered Arthur up, and for a while he +played 'em 'cagey.' I goes over by him, and puts up a bluff to the +gang that I 'm a friend of his. You see I wanted to get him out before +they got his money away. It was a 'pipe' he'd lose it all the minute +his luck turned. But as long as I was n't playing myself, I knew I 'd +better not get too gay, but I watched his bets, and stacked his chips, +and saw that no one pinched his sleepers. + +"Well, every few minutes he 'd call for a drink, and what do you think +he was drinking? Sherry. Did you ever get a jag on sherry? Well, +neither did I, but it gives you a 'beaut.' Arthur had a 'carry-over' +that lasted him for about three days. He 'd slap his chips down any +old place. It was the funniest thing you ever saw. But he was playing +in drunken luck, and I let him do what he wanted to. + +"Well, to make a long story short, I finally 'cashed him in' for $200. +I got him into a hack, and took him to my room. But say, when I got +that boy undressed and abed and asleep, I 'll tell you like these: I +was just three minutes ahead of a fit, and the fit was gaining on me +fast. I had to take a couple of absinthes before I could get myself +together. But you ought to have seen Kendall in the morning. He had a +horrible 'sorry' on. The wheels were buzzing around in his head until +I believe if he 'd have put his fingers in his ears, they 'd have been +cut off--I do on the square. He could n't remember a thing he 'd done, +except that he started out on a 'sandy' after he left me playing +roulette--the night before, you recollect, and he got a 'package' +aboard that he ought to have made at least two trips for. + +"I gave him his money, and told him where I found him, and how I saved +it for him, and he began to cry like a baby. You see his nerves were +all to pieces. He wanted me to take him home; nothing would do but he +must go home. He felt too rocky to go alone, and besides he could n't +trust himself. He begged me for God's sake not to leave him or he 'd +get full again, or shoot himself. + +"I found out afterward that he had solemnly promised his girl that he +'d never get drunk again. That's what it was that gave him that awful +'sorry.' You know how it is when you love a girl. While you 're with +her it seems dead easy to live decent, and do what 's right, and you +promise anything. Then some day you get out with the gang and 'fall,' +and the next morning R. E. Morse is sitting up on the edge of your bed +giving you the horrible ha-ha. + +"Well, anyhow, I finally agreed to take him home. He lived in +Clarksville, Ark. He gave me the roll to pay our bills with and buy +the tickets and one thing and another, while he went down to the bath +to boil out. But say, the hardest job of my life was not to 'pinch' +that coin and 'duck.' It was mine by rights. He 'd never have kept it +if I had n't jumped in and saved it for him. But, thank God, I can say +one thing, I never stole a cent in my life. I may have separated three +or four guys from their stuff, perhaps, at different times; but they +always got a run for their money, and if they dropped it it was n't my +fault. So I just could n't bring myself to do it. And I was thankful +afterwards that I did n't. + +"The happiest year I ever had came to me on account of that trip--and +the unhappiest. But I would n't give up the pleasant memories if I had +to go through twice the troubles again. + +"'The banister of life is full of slivers,' as old man Bradley used to +say, and when a fellow 'hits the slide,' he's apt to pick up a splinter +or two. But I 'll tell you, if you 've only got some happy times that +you 've had with your mother or sisters, your wife, or your girl, to +look back to and think about, when you 're in hard luck, it's a kind of +a bracer, and saves your life----" + +He suddenly stopped. I followed his gaze, and turning around saw +Murray and three other friends coming toward me. I felt it an +ill-timed interruption; but I ordered cigars and liquid refreshments, +and introduced, all but Murray, to Mr. Edward Campbell, which I had +learned was the proper name of my little friend. + +I was needed, Murray explained, "to make the fifth man in some game of +theirs which could not be played to advantage with less;" and knowing +that I was to work late, they had taken a chance of finding me here. + +In vain I begged to be excused, pleading indisposition, the lateness of +the hour, anything and everything which might have served to drive them +off. But "the evening was young," "the table was ready," and I "ought +to be accommodating," and so I said good-bye to Checkers, and slipping +him a dollar, told him to come to my office next day, and I would talk +with him of another matter. + +He thanked me, saying he would be there, and shaking my hand, bid us +all good night. Then tiptoeing back he whispered in my ear: "Say, I +want to give you a little advice: Never come in on less than jacks, and +never raise a one-card draw, unless you 've got a 'pat' yourself. If +you stick to that you 'll have the coin when the rest of the gang are +'on the tram.'" + + + + +IV + +The following morning at about 10 o'clock Checkers sauntered into my +office; his hands in his pockets; his hat on the back of his head; +smoking the ubiquitous cigarette. + +I was busy at the time with my morning's mail. + +Picking up the daily paper he tilted back comfortably in a chair, and +interested himself in the sporting news. + +"Well, Checkers," I said, when at last I had finished, "How are you +this morning, my boy?" + +"If I felt any better I could n't stand it," he answered, throwing down +the paper. "But you do n't look very fit. How did you come out with +the boys last night?" + +"About even," I replied, deprecatorily. + +He smiled in a most exasperating way. + +[Illustration: MR. PRESTON] + +"Now I'll tell you," he said growing suddenly confidential. "There 's +a 'hot thing' coming off to-day, and I want you to put a swell bet on +it. They've been laying dead with it all the meeting--pulled his head +off his last two outs--but to-day they 've got him in a good soft spot, +and they 're going to 'put it over the plate.'" + +"Checkers," I said, "I want you to understand, once and for all, that I +am no gambler. I went to the races Derby Day, as I would go to any +other show, and now and then I play a little quarter limit game with my +friends. But even that I do n't approve of. I tell you I consider +gambling the most insidious of all the vices, and it's on just that +point that I want to talk to you. + +"I want you to give up that kind of life, get a position in some good +house, and begin to make a man of yourself. I tell you you 're too +bright a boy to be throwing yourself away as you are. Suppose your +'good thing' wins to-day--suppose you do make some money on it--you +will lose it on something else to-morrow. You are simply living from +hand to mouth, growing older every day with nothing to show for the +time you have spent. + +"Now, what I propose is simply this. I shall look about among all my +friends in the wholesale lines, and try to find you a position where +you can learn some business from the beginning. If you are industrious +and quick it will be but a comparatively short time when you 'll have a +chance to go on the road, or something of that sort. Now, what do you +say?" + +I can't say that Checkers seemed wholly delighted. He looked anywhere +but into my eyes and finally said he "would like a job, but he did n't +believe I could get him one." + +I replied that I was sure I could, as my uncle was a wholesale +dry-goods merchant, and I had several friends who were heads of +departments in other large stores of various kinds. + +"Well, we 'll try it and see," he said resignedly, "but I 'll tell you +just about how it is. A guy goes into a wholesale house and he starts +at the bottom in some department. He gets up at the break of day, and +he works like the devil after a Christian. If he has good luck he do +n't get 'fired,' but he never gets a raise on earth, unless the mug +above him dies, or breaks down his health and has to quit. + +"Why, I knew a joker who worked in a certain big store in this town for +fifteen years. He lived somewhere way out in the suburbs, and he told +me he had to get down so early, that when he was coming home at night +he used to meet himself starting down in the morning. Well, one day +some one gave him a pass to the Harlem track--one Saturday afternoon. +He went to the races for the first time in his life. I got ahold of +him and made him win three hundred dollars with a five-dollar bill, and +you ought to have heard the talk he put up. 'Has this game been going +on all this time,' he says, 'with me doing the Rip Van Winkle act? +Why, I 'd be worth all kinds of money now, if I 'd had any sense.' And +Monday he went down and threw up his job, and started in to play the +ponies. Of course he went broke, but not long ago he struck a streak, +and made a killin'. He started in to making a book, and now he's got a +stable with five good sprinters, and a twenty thousand dollar +bank-roll. If he had stuck to his job in that store, he 'd have +probably had nervous prostration by this time." + +"But the case you cite, Checkers, is one in a thousand," I said, +smiling broadly in spite of myself. "While that one man may have made +a success of a very questionable sort through unusual luck, or unusual +shrewdness, there have numberless others gone to ruin--utter, +irretrievable ruin, by giving way to their passion for gambling. + +"If you object to a wholesale house, I may perhaps find something else +for you to do. But it seems to me to be simply a shame that a boy of +your ability and brains should be content to be nothing but a tout, and +herd with the riff-raff and scum of creation. Now, once and for all, +if you desire to better yourself, I shall be glad to help you; but +otherwise I must simply refuse to have you about me any longer. Think +it over and come in to-morrow, and tell me your decision. Now, you +must excuse me as I have an engagement with this gentleman," and I +turned to greet a friend whose timely arrival saved me from the "touch" +which I could see Checkers was nerving himself to make. + +I found however that to secure an immediate position for my protégé was +a much more difficult matter than I had at first imagined. I spoke to +a dozen different people. Most of them assured me that they already +had more help than they had need of. Others needed no one now, but +thought they might in a month or two. My uncle said that "for my sake +he would try to make a place for my friend." But when I told him all +the facts, he shook his head and looked very dubious. + +Meanwhile at frequent intervals, Checkers would drop into my office, +and chat of the happenings of other days, or tell me of his present +doings. It seemed to me, as I often told him, that if he would only +exercise one-half the thought and ingenuity in the pursuit of something +legitimate that he used in "separating the angels he got next to from +their gold," he would long since have achieved a fortune. + +He delighted in telling of the successful working of some new scheme he +had figured out for the trapping of the unwary. And at each recital I +used to marvel at the boundless credulity of the average human. + +But whenever I could I would start him off upon some incident in his +former life. In the story of his boyish courtship, the trials he +underwent in securing his wife, and his subsequent sorrows and +misfortunes, there was an exquisite blending of humor and pathos which +appealed to me immeasurably. It was seldom, however, that he would +talk of those days--the sadness of it all was still too near to him. +When he was in luck he never referred to them--he seemed to live in the +present alone. But when, as was frequently the case, his luck deserted +him and things went wrong, he would sometimes get a fit of the blues, +and, falling into a reminiscent mood, would find a sort of morbid +comfort in living it all over again. He would skip abruptly from scene +to scene, one incident or person suggesting another, and in his own +peculiar way he would describe a situation or picture a character with +a vividness worthy of a Dickens. For instance, when, in speaking of +his father-in-law, he said that "the family used to have to treat him +with cocaine before he could stand it to give up a nickel," I thought +it a very forceful way of expressing the old man's carefulness. + +As the days went by and nothing came of my efforts to get a position +for Checkers, I had perforce to drop the matter, and Checkers never +again referred to it. + +Gradually his visits became less frequent, as I ceased to continue a +profitable subject; for his invention, however fertile, could not +furnish new excuses forever. But I often found myself gathering up the +threads of his story as he had told it, weaving into the growing fabric +some strands of my own imaginings, until I seemed to find in it an odd +and pathetic little romance. + + * * * * * + +The town of Clarksville, Ark., was not attractive at any time, but to +Checkers, who had arrived there with Arthur Kendall at three o'clock +that summer's morning en route from Hot Springs, the aspect of the +place seemed particularly dismal. + +The train which had brought them from Little Rock steamed away toward +the Territory, and left them standing in darkness on the station +platform. + +A 'bus from the hotel, with two forlorn old horses driven by a sleepy, +shock-headed boy, stood waiting on the other side. They entered it and +went creaking off. + +As Arthur had previously explained to Checkers, his father's home was +some miles from town, and accordingly he thought it better for them to +sleep at the hotel until morning, have their breakfast, and then drive +out. + +As they lumbered along the dusty streets in the silence of the early +morning, Checkers peered curiously out, and found his original +impressions gaining strength. + +The stars were shining clear and luminous, and in the East there was +just the faintest glow which told of the coming sunrise. A vaporish +mist hung low on the ground, and in the dim uncertain light all objects +seemed to take to themselves a weird and most uncanny look. At +frequent intervals a "razor-back," already up and browsing about, would +trot tardily out of the horses' way, grunting his dissatisfaction. + +Shortly they turned into what seemed to be the street of the town. It +was wider and dustier than any of the others, and on it stood a large +brick structure, which Checkers judged to be the court house. It +formed what is commonly known as "a square," for on opposite sides of +the street as they passed Checkers noticed that most of the buildings +were stores, with their low-burning lamps keeping watch through the +night. + +A few moments more and the 'bus drove up, and stopped before a low +brick building. + +Kendall, who had fallen asleep in his corner, awoke, and with a "here +we are," jumped out and ushered Checkers into an ill-smelling room, +where a heavy-eyed youth did the honors as clerk, and then lowering +himself to the office of bell-boy, took their luggage and showed them +the way to their room. + +Arriving, they stood in the darkness, until he succeeded in lighting, +with a sulphur match, a very much smoked little kerosene lamp, after +which he brought them a pitcher of water, and departed without the +formality of a "good night." + +Immediately Arthur began to undress. This was all an old, old story to +him. But Checkers fell to looking about him. He found that the door +had no lock upon it, and that the windows opened wide upon a low +veranda; that they boasted no screens, nor could he find that the beds +had any mosquito-bars. + +Kendall's face expressed a sleepy surprise. "Come on, old man; get +undressed," he said, "it's nearly 4 o'clock. We have n't any too much +time to sleep." + +Checkers' only reply was to pull off his coat, and to sit down and +begin to unfasten his shoes. A couple of June-bugs, attracted by the +light, flew in at the window, and bumping around in their noisy, +disagreeable way, gave Checkers an uncomfortable, crawly feeling. + +The truth was, Checkers was wholly metropolitan, and this was a new +experience. The darkness and silence disheartened and cowed him. He +missed the confusion and glare of the city. + +Kendall had fallen fast asleep, and was breathing loudly in half a +minute. But Checkers lay wide-eyed and wondering, listening to the +locusts and katydids outdoing themselves in the trees outside. + +And then he fell to speculating about his chances for the future, +wondering what the probable outcome of this new venture of his was to +be. Had n't he been foolish in coming to such a God-forsaken little +place? He might have borrowed some money from Kendall, and stayed at +the Springs and recouped. + +And now that, after several days of solicitous care and constant +watching, he had succeeded in pulling Kendall through without his +giving way to the terrible after-craving he had for liquor, would the +promises made him be fulfilled, or had he been too credulous? + +Kendall had told him that he and his father were wealthy. That besides +their large fruit farm, they were interested in a general store and +commission business. He had promised Checkers that if he would but +consent to see him to his home in Clarksville, he should be given a +good position in the store, and that if after they arrived there he +found that he did not care to remain, he should have transportation to +any place in the country he cared to go. And to Checkers, disheartened +and penniless, out of conceit with gambling, and satiated with the +excitement and uncertainty of the life he had been leading, the +opportunity seemed a very godsend. Thoughts of the country, green and +cool, appealed to him with a grateful sense of restfulness and quiet; +and the idea of going to work again at something legitimate brought +with it the feeling of conscious approval, which always accompanies +virtuous resolves. + +But since Kendall had become himself again, he seemed to have grown +less dependent and thankful. And again the glimpse that Checkers had +caught of the place had greatly dampened his ardor. + +An hour dragged slowly by, and still he lay restlessly tossing about. +The roosters began to crow and answer each other from point to point in +the distance; and a hound near by with a mournful howl bayed dismally +at intervals. + +'Twas the strangeness of it all that kept him wakeful, but at last the +tension was relieved by a knocking at the door of the room beyond which +aroused a couple of drummers, who were called to catch an early train. +He heard them through the thin partition, dressing and grumbling at +their luck. Here at least was something natural, and gradually the +humorous side of the situation appealed to him. He smiled, as with a +long-drawn sigh he murmured, "I think I 'll get fat here, nit," and +when he awoke it was broad daylight, and Kendall was standing over him, +dressed. + +"Hello, old man, awake at last," laughed Kendall. "Well, you better +get up and dress, or we 're apt to miss our breakfast. How did you +sleep? All right, I hope; you look as fresh as a mountain daisy." + +Checkers crawled slowly out of bed. "Well, then my looks are a +horrible bluff," he said, with the slight, sardonic smile which was +usual to him at nearly all times. "I feel like the last end of a +misspent life," and he fished a sock out from under the bed. "Do you +know," he continued, as he held his shirt aloft, preparatory to putting +it on, "it's wonderful how a fellow's early training comes back to him +later in life. I recollect my mother used to read a psalm about not +being 'afraid of the terror by night, nor the pestilence that walketh +in darkness.' Now, somehow, it never struck me before, but I 'll bet +the party that wrote the verse never slept in an Arkansas hotel bed. +If he did, he had on his tin pajamas, or else he could beat 'the +pestilence' walking. Say, where on earth is my other sock? I'll +gamble that one of them pinchin'-bugs pinched it?" and Checkers kept up +a running fire of quaint remarks while Kendall laughed. + +Their breakfast was a culinary horror. + +"Have you got any capsules?" asked Checkers of the waitress. + +"Capsules!" + +"Yes, I'll have to have some, if I take this butter internally." A +kick under the table from Arthur put an end to further persiflage. + +A two-seated spring wagon, known locally as a "hack," with two sturdy +horses and a driver stood waiting for them. Arthur had sent out and +ordered it before breakfast, and his telescope bag and Checkers' trunk +he had caused to be firmly strapped into the end. + +The day was a typically beautiful one. The clear and bracing morning +air had in it just enough of a chill to make the sunshine grateful to +them, as they drove along the winding road, toward the mountainous +country lying beyond them. + +Checkers' blues had disappeared with the vapors of the night before, +and he felt the exultation of a new and pleasant experience. Arthur +was in an easy humor, and described at considerable length to Checkers +his family and their circumstances. + +Some ten years back his father had moved from Massachusetts to that +locality at the advice of his doctor. He had bronchial trouble, and he +found the thin, clear air of the Ozarks beneficial. Mrs. Kendall was +long since dead, and Arthur had been an only child. Besides these two +there were in the household Aunt Deb, who was a sister of Mr. +Kendall's, and "Cynthy," the cook, and maid of all work. There was +also a good-natured creature named Tobe, half-witted and harmless, +attached to the family, who did odd jobs for his board and keep, and +had constituted himself a fixture. + +At their store they sold everything from plows to perfumery. The +commission business was simply an adjunct. They bought for cash from +the farmers, and shipped the goods to Little Rock, and sometimes to St. +Louis. Old Mr. Bradley, who had owned the store when they first came +there, was running it now. They had bought him out, but had given him +an interest and salary as manager. + +The business was the pride of the old man's life, and he watched it as +a mother watches her babe. + +Arthur spent most of his time at the store, selling goods and talking +to the trade; but the elder Kendall seldom went there. He passed the +summer in his garden and among his fruit trees. In the winter he +generally traveled farther South. + +Checkers gathered by indirection that he was wealthy outside of his +business. Probably an eccentric individual, who simply liked the place +and stayed there. + +"I should think," said Checkers, as Arthur paused in his recital, "that +a fellow would fall into a trance in about a week, in a place like +this. What on earth do you do with yourself." + +"Well," said Arthur, "I haven't lived here much. I've been East to +school, and knocked around in a lot of different places, and I like it +here as a kind of a change. There are a couple of very nice girls in +the town that I call on once in a while. I read a good deal in the +evenings, and, in season, the shooting is fine. I 'll admit it gets +rather stupid at times, but it's the best place in the world for me. +You know they have 'local option' here, and you can 't get a drink for +love or money. As long as I stay here, of course, I 'm all right; but +as sure as I get away some place, I make a fool of myself, and get +full, as I did when you rescued me at the Springs. Drinking is a +disease with me. I can't drink as most fellows do. If I touch a drop +it starts me off, and it's good-bye for a week or two. Each time I +come home as the prodigal did, and my father comes out and 'falls on my +neck.' He 's been devilish kind, the governor has, and I 've cost him +a lot of money and trouble." + +"Well, that's what a father has to expect," remarked Checkers. "If +ever I have a son, I 'll begin storing up veal on the day that he's +born--I'll need it if he takes after 'papa.'" + +Arthur laughed and laid his hand caressingly upon Checker's shoulder. +"Old man," he said, "I like you and I want you to stay here and be my +chum. We 'll have some bully times together, and you 'll like it when +you get used to the place. You 've treated me mighty white all +through, and I want to tell you that I appreciate it." + +Checkers grew red. He felt embarrassed, and hesitated for a reply. +Arthur knew his story, or such of it as Checkers had seen fit to relate +to him. But Checkers had never intimated that he was hopelessly +dependent. He had spoken vaguely of relatives; of drawing a draft on +Uncle Giles; of telegraphing to Chicago for money; it lent him +respectability. + +It must be remembered that at this time Checkers had not been through +the most trying part of the experiences of which he had spoken while +dining with me at Kinsley's that night. And while by no means Arthur's +equal in the social scale, he was still very far from being the +hardened tout, whom two years later, I met at the race-track, Derby Day. + +Nevertheless, he himself felt a difference intuitively, and though he +had exercised to the full his talent for making himself companionable, +it had proved a very difficult task to fully break through Arthur's +reserve. This sudden show of sentiment, therefore, upon Arthur's part, +affected and pleased him; and reaching up to the hand on his shoulder, +he grasped it warmly. "I 'll go you," he said. And the two friends +smiled into each other's eyes. + + + + +V + +A very few days sufficed to make Checkers feel thoroughly at home in +his new surroundings. The Kendall house was a roomy, frame structure +set upon one of the highest of the Ozark Mountains, to which the road +from Clarksville was a gradual, and almost constant ascent. From his +window Checkers could see for miles down into the valley, across the +dense growth of mountain-pines, the many shaded green and yellow +squares of fields and farm lands beyond, and away in the distance the +Arkansas River glistening in the sun like a silver snake. + +Immediately surrounding the house were the orchards, their trees almost +breaking with the wealth of their red and yellow fruit. + +Checkers had found ready favor with Mr. Kendall by evincing an +enthusiastic interest, confessing at the same time an ignorance which +allowed the old gentleman full opportunity for enlarging upon his +favorite hobbies. Aunt Deb's smiles were as quickly won by a deft word +in praise of the table. + +Just how Arthur had explained the presence of his friend to the +household, Checkers did not know. But it was evident, as he remarked +to himself, that "the explanation went," and he bothered himself about +it no further. + +At the store it was found that Checkers' talents were those of a +salesman par excellence. + +He quickly learned the run of the goods, and his chief delight, to use +his own words, was "to jolly the jays into buying something they +absolutely had no need of." + +Arthur and Mr. Bradley would sometimes stand almost convulsed with +silent laughter, listening to the dialogue between Checkers and some +country customer. + +He was quick at reading character, and his intuitions were remarkably +keen. He was able, therefore, to ingratiate himself with nearly every +class of purchaser, by starting a genial conversation upon the topic he +deemed most fit, letting it take its course through all the vagaries of +a country mind, until at last it veered around to the subject of a +possible purchase. Then, in the most disinterested way, and as though +rather sorry to end the talk, he would go behind the counter and +pleasantly show forth a number of things that had n't been asked for, +as though it was only as a special favor that he had gone to the +trouble of getting the articles down. Such consideration, backed by a +judicious talk, seldom failed of the most substantial results; and +Checkers' fame soon went abroad as "a nice, young feller and a smart +'un, too." + +It was during his first few days at the store that he acquired the +soubriquet of "Checkers." It was a piece of rude, bucolic wit, but the +name stuck to him, as such names will, and followed him through his +many vicissitudes. + +Time was at a discount in Clarksville, Everyone had time to spend, but +few had money for such a purpose. And generally at the Kendall store, +some six or eight of the local talent might be found lounging +comfortably in the chairs outside, chaffing one another, chewing +tobacco, and waiting for something new to turn up. + +This was particularly the case on Saturdays, when the farmers came to +town with their apples, vegetables and eggs for barter, made their +necessary purchases, and consumed the balance of the day in standing +around, talking crops and politics. + +Although there were no saloons in the place, the greater part of the +assemblage always delayed their shopping until the last possible +moment, which naturally made a considerable rush at the various stores +as evening approached. + +It was Checkers' first Saturday there, and while endeavoring to be as +helpful as possible, he was nevertheless rather awkward, as a result of +his unaccustomedness. + +This did not fail to be observed by the natives, to whom he was an +object of much curiosity, and to whom his presence among the Kendalls +was a matter of wide and varied conjecture. The younger element +especially showed an undisguised interest in all that he did, +whispering and laughing among themselves in a way which, to Checkers, +was most exasperating. + +There is something about a city-bred youth--his manner, his clothes, +his well-groomed look, his unconscious air of superiority--which is +antagonistic to country prejudice. Such prejudice is not hard to +remove, and generally disappears upon short acquaintance. But the +initiation is very trying, and Checkers felt the ordeal keenly. + +"Say, Arthur," he said, as Kendall passed, "if some of those guys do +n't chase themselves, and quit whisperin' around, and givin' me the +rah-rah, there 's going to be a fight or a foot race, and your Uncle +Dudley won't be in front." + +"Why, they're all right," said Arthur, soothingly. "They're interested +in you, because you 're a stranger. But they do n't mean the slightest +harm. You know 'a cat may look at a king.'" + +"Yes, I know 'a cat may look at a king,' but she 'd better not see any +flies on the king, if she wants to keep her health and strength," and +Checkers continued arranging a show-case. + +In order to save his clothes while working, Checkers had brought to the +store an old suit of a loud, checked pattern, and peculiar cut, which, +nevertheless, was very becoming. + +Towards evening the crowd began to increase, and Mr. Bradley, Arthur, +two assistants and Checkers were all as busy as it was possible to be. +Those who were being waited on took none the less time in making their +purchases, because there were others awaiting their turn. As a +consequence, there was chafing and grumbling among the procrastinators, +who were now in a hurry. + +Uncle Jerry Halter, from the back woods--a character; shrewd, crabbed +and as close as the next minute--was foremost among these, and at last +he discovered our friend, Mr. Campbell, checked suit and all, returning +from having washed his hands, after a not very successful attempt at +filling a large brown jug with molasses. + +The old man crowded through to the counter, leaning over it +expectantly, but Checkers passed him by unheeded, making his way toward +a pretty girl. + +"Hey there!" exclaimed Uncle Jerry indignantly--his voice was loud and +very nasal. "Hey! 'Checkers,' or whatever your name is--I'm in a +hurry, and I want to go." + +Instantly there was a general laugh, and Checkers stopped and turned +around. + +"Well, go if you want to--you're not tied down," he retorted, and the +laugh was on Uncle Jerry. + +The old man colored to the roots of his hair. "You 're very fresh, +young feller," he snarled. + +"Yes; warranted to keep in any climate," said Checkers, smiling +good-naturedly at him. + +Arthur happened along just then, and soothed and waited upon Uncle +Jerry, getting him peaceably out of the store. + +In the morning at breakfast he related the incident to Mr. Kendall, who +he knew would appreciate it. + +"There is only one man about here meaner than old Jerry Halter," said +Mr. Kendall, addressing Checkers, "and that is the father of Arthur's +little friend, Miss Barlow. I once heard a friend of mine say of him +that 'he wouldn't smile unless it was at another man's expense,' and I +quite believe it. Arthur could tell you no end of humorous things +about him, if he only would. But I suppose he does n't want to relate +what may some day be family secrets. How is that, Arthur?" + +Arthur looked annoyed, but did not reply to this bit of parental humor. + +"As soon as Pert and Sadie come home you must take Mr. Campbell to call +on them, Arthur," said Aunt Deb. "They are two lovely girls," she +continued, turning to Checkers. "They 've been away to school; to a +seminary up in Illinois. School's out now, of course, but they 're +visiting somewhere--in St. Louis, I believe. They 're expected home +this week, though; so you 'll have the pleasure of meeting them soon." + +"Sisters?" asked Checkers. + +"No; not sisters, but cousins, and almost inseparable. Sadie is n't as +pretty as Pert, but she 's just as sweet as sweet can be, and a perfect +treasure about a house. Are you fond of young ladies, Mr. Campbell?" + +Checkers hardly knew what to say. "I 'm a great admirer of girls in +general," he replied, after a moment's hesitation, "and they 've always +struck me as being a mighty nice thing to kind of have around. But I +'ve had very little experience with them--that is, at least, in the +last two years." + +The truth was, that the friends with whom Checkers had gone to live in +Chicago, after his mother's death, had been people of true worth and +refinement. They were poor--a widowed mother and two daughters--and +the liberal sum which Checkers insisted upon paying them for his +monthly maintenance was to them a matter of grateful benefit. But +they, in return, had exercised a restraining influence over him; had +taught him to be courteous and gentlemanly, deferential to his elders, +and respectful toward women, or, at least to maintain such an outward +semblance, which answered all general purposes. + +He had conceived a boyish adoration for the elder daughter, four years +his senior, which had aided her materially in her influence over him +for good. And it was only as he began to realize the utter +hopelessness of his passion, and at the same time found himself being +supplanted by the bearded man who some months after married her and +took her away, that he grew dissatisfied with working and found the +excitement that he craved in racing and kindred gambling devices. + +For several years he had lived this life, gradually growing hard and +careless. But now that he found himself once more an inmate of a +respectable family circle, he resumed his gentleness of manner, as it +had been a half-forgotten rôle. + +"I had been keeping the girls as a little surprise for him, Aunt Deb," +said Arthur rather reproachfully. "To meet a girl who has been +described to you is like listening to a joke which is told point first." + +"I warrant he 'll find plenty to be interested in after he meets them, +for all we may tell him," replied Aunt Deb. + +"Yes," said Mr. Kendall, "there is something about each girl one meets +a little different from any other. At least it was so when I was a +boy. I never found any two quite alike." + +"I never found one alike any two times," said Arthur, very feelingly; +"but their uncertainty, I suppose, is their charm. Come, let's go out +and loaf under the trees." + +"Thank God, Sunday comes once a week," said Checkers. "I could stand +two a week without straining myself." + +"The girls are to be home Friday," said Arthur. "Friday night we 'll +go down and call, if you'd like to." + +"Tickled to death," said Checkers. + +"Sadie will probably stay with Pert a while, as her father, Judge +Martin, has gone to Texas, and won't be back for a couple of weeks. +Sadie's mother is dead, you know, and she and the old man are all +alone. By the way, the Judge is rich, and Sadie is rich in her own +right, too." + +"That settles it, Sadie dear; you 're mine. A fortune-teller told me I +'d marry a rich girl." + +"Better see her before you marry her, had n't you?" suggested Arthur. + +"Why? She has n't got pen-paralysis, has she?" + +"Pen-paralysis! No; what on earth is that?" + +"Well, as long as she can sign a check, I guess we can manage to worry +along. She may have faults; she probably has; but any girl who marries +me won't be getting any the best of it. There' s a heap of consolation +in that idea to a man about to commit matrimony." + +"There are very few men I know of," said Arthur, "but what could 'lay +to their soul that flattering unction.'" + +"When you 're swapping 'sights unseen,'" said Checkers, "you do n't +want too good a knife, or a horse yourself, or you 'll get the hooks on +the trade." + +"With all respect to you, my boy, you'd be far from 'getting the +hooks,' as you call it, with Sadie Martin for a wife." + +"Or you with Miss Barlow, I suppose." + +Arthur's only response was a long drawn sigh, and he gazed into +distance vacantly. + +"Where did they get the name of 'Pert' for Miss Barlow, Arthur?" asked +Checkers, suddenly. + +"It's an abbreviation of a biblical name," said Arthur. "In a verse of +one of Paul's Epistles to the Romans, he says, 'Salute also the beloved +Persis.' When Pert was a child they gave her the nick-name, and it's +stuck to her ever since." + +Friday evening came at last, and Arthur and Checkers at an early hour +drove down the mountain to call upon the young ladies. + +The Barlows lived much nearer Clarksville than did the Kendalls, though +upon a different road, and the young men had a long and round-about +drive ere they reached their destination. As they entered the driveway +two large dogs came bounding toward them, growling fiercely. + +"Look out thar, boys, ye do n't git dog-bit!" shouted a voice. "Here +Lion, here Tige; commir, ye varmints! What d 'ye mean? All right now; +I 've got a-hold of 'em. That you, Arthur; how de do?" + +"How do you do, Mr. Barlow?" responded Arthur. + +"Hitch yer hosses ter that tree thar. I 'll send Joe out ter tend to +'em. Ye 'll find the girls round the side in a hammock. Here 's Pert +a-comin' now." + +"Good evening, Arthur, I 'm glad to see you," said a pleasant voice, +and out of the shadow into the light of the yellow moon, which was just +showing over the tops of the trees, the figure of a girl in white +appeared, moving quickly and gracefully toward them. + +Arthur stepped forward, and taking both of her hands in his, pressed +them silently for a moment. "Pert," he said, "I want you to meet my +friend, Mr. Campbell. Come here, old man. Miss Barlow, Mr. Campbell." + +"I am very glad to meet you, Miss Barlow," said Checkers, with a +graceful inclination. + +"Where's Sadie, Pert? Oh, here she comes," said Arthur. "That you, +Sadie? How are you?" + +"Pretty well, thank you. How's yourself?" + +"Sadie, let me introduce you to a friend of mine. Miss Martin, Mr. +Campbell." + +Miss Martin straightway offered her hand, and Checkers shook it +cordially. + +"Let's go and sit where we can see the moon--it's perfectly beautiful +to-night," said Pert. "Arthur, get two chairs from the porch, and +bring them over by the hammock." + +Arthur went to fulfill his mission while Checkers walked between the +young ladies. + +Suddenly he skipped nimbly forward. "Excuse me while I climb a tree," +he exclaimed, with a comical intonation. "There comes Lion and Tige, +and I 'm afraid it's another horrible case of 'They're After Me.'" + +"Oh, they won't touch you while you 're with us," laughed Sadie. "Here +Lion, here Tige, good dogs." + +"Well then, I think I 'd better establish my popularity with them both +right now," said Checkers; and with an air of confidence he kindly +patted and rubbed their heads in a way that dogs love, and made them +his friends. + +Meanwhile Arthur arrived with the chairs. Sadie seated herself in one +of them, and motioning Checkers to place the other beside her, left the +hammock to Pert and Arthur. + +"Did you have a good time in St. Louis, girls?" asked Arthur. + +"Oh lovely!" they both exclaimed. + +"We hated dreadfully to come home," continued Sadie, "but we simply had +to. Our clothes were in tatters. All the men were so sweet to us. +They kept something going on every minute." + +Then followed an enthusiastic account of their good time, which was +tiresome to Checkers, and torture to Kendall. + +"Pert, get your banjo," said Arthur, suddenly. "It seems like years +since I 've heard you play." + +"It has n't but one string on it, Arthur," laughed Pert, "but I 'll fix +it up to-morrow, sure." + +"I think it would sound very smooth out here in the moonlight, Miss +Barlow," suggested Checkers. "If you have some new strings I 'd be +glad to fix it up for you. I used to play a bit myself." + +Sadie jumped up. "Come, let's go and get it," she said; and she and +Checkers went into the house. + +She ushered Checkers into a room where Mr. Barlow, in shirt sleeves and +stocking feet, sat dozing in a rocking chair, while his wife, a +sweet-faced, grey-haired woman, worked button-holes in his new gingham +shirts. + +Checkers felt drawn towards Mrs. Barlow. She reminded him strangely of +his mother. She had a smile like a benediction; but in her weary eyes +he could read a tragedy. + +The banjo was one of Arthur's many gifts to Pert in days gone by, and +Checkers to his great relief found it a very excellent instrument. + +Checkers was not a conversationalist, where conversation had to be +made; but he was a very good amateur banjoist, and he sang an excellent +comic song; and he was glad of the opportunity offered to show himself +in perhaps his best rôle. + +While, with the banjo on his knee, he deftly adjusted the strings, Miss +Martin sat beside him, an interested spectator, and talked to him in an +undertone. + +"I thought we had better come in here and give Arthur a little chance," +she said--"poor fellow." This with a long drawn sigh, which seemed to +demand an explanation. + +Checkers looked up, inquiringly. This was his first legitimate +opportunity of taking a comprehensive look at her. The casual glance +had proclaimed her plain, but now in the bright light of a hanging-lamp +she seemed to him hopelessly unattractive. He felt chagrined and +disappointed. He was angry with Arthur for not having prepared him for +such a cruel disillusion. For somehow since his jesting words of the +previous Sabbath morning, he had allowed his fancy to run the gamut of +many glittering possibilities. + +He had started forth that evening, feeling a pleasurable excitement in +the vague presentiment that he was going to meet his destiny. But now +it simply "would n't do." He decided quickly and became resigned. + +"It was n't that she was really so ugly," he afterwards explained to +me, "but there was n't anything about her that you could tie to, and +sort of forget the rest"--except her "stuff," and he wasn't sure but +that was one of Arthur's "pipe-dreams." She had no style, no face, no +figure. Nothing at all for a little starter. She was just a girl, +that was all--just a girl. A fact which put her beyond the pale. + +"Why do you say 'poor fellow?'" said Checkers, after several moments +silence. "It seems to me he's mighty lucky to have such a tidy little +friend." + +"Yes, but I fear she is only a friend, and that's why I 'm so sorry for +him. I like Arthur; I think he is simply a dear. He has always been +perfectly lovely to me. But Pert--well, Pert is very peculiar, and +Arthur, you know, is awfully fast." + +Checkers put on an incredulous look. "Arthur fast!" he exclaimed with +a laugh. "Why, if he was in a city, I 'd expect him to get run over by +a hearse inside of a week." + +"Oh, you men always stand up for each other; but I know all about it. +You can't fool me." + +Mrs. Barlow looked up from her sewing. "You and Arthur are very old +friends, I suppose," she said, interrogatively. + +This was just the question that Checkers had feared. "We went to +school at about the same time," he replied, and immediately struck up +an air, which, for the time, precluded further questioning. "At least, +I suppose we did," he thought to himself, "as we are about the same +age." + +Meanwhile Pert and Arthur sat in the hammock outside in the radiant +moonlight. It seemed to Arthur Pert had never looked so beautiful +before. Her large, dark eyes were lustrous; and a silvery halo played +about her soft, brown hair, while the pale light gave the clear skin of +her oval face the pallor of marble, save for her lips, which were the +redder by contrast. + +"Such a nice little fellow!" she had exclaimed, as Sadie and Checkers +went into the house. "Who is he, Arthur? Where did he come from?" + +Arthur hesitated awkwardly. It had been his intention to confess to +Pert all the circumstances of his last misadventure; but her few words +in praise of Checkers now suddenly emphasized in his mind the thought +that everything he had to tell was as clearly discreditable to himself +as it was favorable to Checkers, and he had n't the generosity of +nature to put the matter upon that footing. + +Still, when upon several former occasions, he had confessed to Pert his +weaknesses and sins, there had been a kindness in her ready sympathy, +her gentle chiding and disapproval, which seemed to bring her nearer to +him than she ever was during good behavior. He had found a certain +desperate pleasure at times in telling her of his misdoings. It roused +her, at least temporarily, out of her usual placid indifference toward +him--an attitude to which he sometimes felt that her hatred would have +been preferable. + +As a school-girl of sixteen, with romantic tendencies, Pert had entered +upon the task of reforming Arthur, with a childish belief that the love +he professed for her, and which she, in a measure, returned, might be +made a means to an earnest and successful endeavor upon his part to +become worthy of her. But lapse after lapse had shaken this faith, and +three years of experience found her with simply a sisterly pity for +this weak young man, whose devotion was so abject that he ceased to +interest her, and whose spasmodic vices were not of the kind which make +some men so darkly fascinating. + +And so Arthur hesitated, debating rapidly in his mind what to say, what +to leave unsaid. "Well, it's a rather peculiar story, Pert, although +it all happened naturally enough," he answered, after a little time. +"I went up to Little Rock a few weeks ago to see a party on business. +I found when I got there that he had gone to Hot Springs, and so I +followed him over there. I wound up the business in a couple of days, +but, as long as I was there, I thought I 'd stay a week or so and take +a few baths. + +"Well, one day in the cooling-room I struck up a conversation with the +man lying next to me, and I 'll pledge you my word I never laughed so +much in all my life as I did that morning at our little friend here, +who told me a lot of his hard-luck stories. + +"We dressed, and went and had lunch together, and he told me that he +was dead, flat broke. He had been 'bucking the tiger,' and was waiting +to hear from his uncle, to whom he had written for money. I met him +again a few days later, and he told me he had n't heard a word as yet; +that his trunk was in hock at the hotel, and altogether he was in the +deuce of a fix. But he seemed so cheerful about it all that I could +n't help taking a liking to him, and I proposed that he come to +Clarksville with me, and take a job in the store, till he heard from +his uncle, or had saved enough money to get straightened out again. He +jumped at the chance, and I brought him along. He 's a first-class +salesman, and jolly good company; but I 'm afraid he won 't stay with +me much longer; he's getting tired of the place already. I shall be +dreadfully lonesome when he 's gone. + +"But heavens, Pert; how lonesome I 've been without you, away at your +school all these months. It seems so good to see you here that I can +scarcely believe my eyes." + +"I 'm glad to be back on some accounts, although it grows horribly +stupid here." + +"Stupid, Pert! It wouldn't seem stupid to me on a desert island, if +you were there." + +"I should n't care to try it." + +"Pert, dear," Arthur's voice grew tender, "I want to say a few words to +you seriously, and I beg of you to listen seriously. We are children +no longer, little girl. You have finished with school, and I have +practically assumed control of father's business. I have no new story +to tell you, but you know that I love you and long for you now as I +have loved and longed for you for years. + +"You have been my good angel, Pert. It has been my love for you and +your influence over me alone that has kept me steadfast during hours of +terrible temptation. You know I 'm not naturally vicious, Pert; I must +have inherited this appetite I have had to fight so hard against. But +I am overcoming it--I 'll conquer it, Pert; and with you to be with me +to love me and help me, I 'll make a good man. I 'll make a place and +a name in the world. But I need you, darling--I love you, and I 'd +rather die than live without you. We 'll sell out this business, leave +this place, and go back to the East and civilization to live, where +there 's something to see and to do. You shall have everything, +anything, dear, that your heart desires--only say that you love me." +And bending nearer, he sought to draw her to him in a passionate +embrace. + +Pert did not move from her position in the hammock; but firmly resisted +his endeavor, and, taking his arm from around her waist, simply handed +it back to him, as it were. (A maneuvre upon a girl's part more +aggravating, _en passant_, than any other one thing she can do.) + +"I am sorry," she said, as Arthur still sat in the hammock beside her, +silent and downcast--"I 'm dreadfully sorry, Arthur, that you should +have brought this matter up again. We have been such friends so many +years, and you are such a good friend, when you are only a friend. I +hate to wound you, if, indeed, you care for me as you say you do; but I +do n't love you, Arthur, in the way you would have me, and I know I +never shall. It's best that I should tell you this plainly, and I know +you will be glad of it in the end. I am not the girl you think me, +Arthur. You do n't know me as I really am. If you did you 'd be glad +to have escaped so luckily. I always try to make a good impression, +but really I am willful, selfish and discontented. You would be +awfully sorry when it was too late. Believe me, I am telling the +truth. So let's never talk about this any more, but be the good +friends we have always been." + +Arthur jumped up impatiently. "You are trifling with me, as you always +do," he said, with a savage ring in his voice. "I do n't care what +your faults are. I want you, just as you are, to be my wife. Care for +you as I say I do! I have loved you since we were children together. +I have never cared for any one else. My every thought has been for +your happiness. I have never spared trouble, time or money in doing +what I thought would please you--and why do you suppose I 've done so? +for fun? for glory? for something to pass away time? I tell you, Pert, +I 'm getting mighty tired of this kind of foolishness. You and I are +fitted for each other by reason of natural situation, if nothing else. +What other man is there around here who is anywhere near your equal, +socially? What kind of a life will you lead cooped up on this hillside +farm as the years go by?--a living death, only think of it! + +"Your father is willing, anxious, that you should be married and safely +provided for--I have talked with him; he has told me so. My father +simply worships you, and nothing on earth would please him so much as +to have you for a daughter-in-law." + +"But, Arthur," said Pert, almost pleadingly, "I have told you how I +feel about it. I don't love you, and how can I marry a man I do n't +love? I am fonder of you, much fonder, than of any other man I know, +and I can't begin to tell you how bad I should feel to lose your +friendship, but--" + +She paused as a sound of voices reached them, and in a moment, to her +great relief, Sadie and Checkers, with the banjo, came round the house +and joined them. + +One sweep of the strings, to be sure it was in tune, and Checkers +tendered Pert the instrument. + +"No, I shan't play; we want to hear you," she laughingly exclaimed, +putting her hands behind her. "I am only a novice, and you know the +old proverb, 'The poor ye have always with ye.'" + +Without more ado Checkers sat down and played a couple of lively airs. + +"Now, a song," exclaimed Pert; "I am sure that you sing." + +"How did you guess it?" asked Checkers, smiling. "Well, what shall it +be, a 'serio-chronic,' or a song about some 'old oaken' thing?" + +"Oh, something funny, Mr. Campbell," said Sadie. + +Checkers sang a song of an Irish dance. This he followed with one of +the popular ballads of the day, full of melody. + +He had a clear, high voice, with a touch of that boyish sweetness in +it, which made Emmet so famous. A sweetness to which the open air and +the sharpness of the banjo added a charm. + +The girls were delighted. They called upon him for song after song, +until Arthur, pulling out his watch, said abruptly, "It is time to be +going," and went to untie the horses. + +Amid hearty hand-shakings and cordial invitations to call again soon, +Checkers said good-by, and climbed into the buggy as Arthur drove up. + +Down the driveway, out upon the moon-lit road, they sat in silence. +Each was busy with his own thoughts. Arthur cut the horses viciously +from time to time for no apparent reason. Checkers smoked a cigarette +as though altogether pleased with himself. Arthur finally broke the +spell. "Well," he exclaimed, with a rising inflection. + +"A nice line of girls. Miss Barlow's 'Class A'" answered Checkers. +"The other one is all right, too; but she 's just a few chips shy on +looks." + +"Looks are not the only thing in the world," snapped Arthur; "beauty's +only skin deep." + +"It might improve some of our friends a little to skin 'em, then, if +that's so," laughed Checkers. "That reminds me," he continued +musingly, "of what a friend of mine, 'Push' Miller, told me once. He +said he never in his life ran across two pretty girls that trotted +together. If one of 'em was a queen, her partner was safe to be about +a nine-spot. He figured that the pretty one used the other as a kind +of foil, while the homely one trailed along to get in on the excess +trade which the pretty one drew, and turned over to her." + +As Arthur neither laughed at, nor replied to, this sally, Checkers +concluded he had a grouch, and left him to his own devices. + +That night, upon going to bed, the girls, as was natural, had compared +notes, and quickly discovered the apparent discrepancy between +Checkers' statement to Mrs. Barlow, and the story Arthur had related to +Pert. + +"I am sorry to know that Mr. Campbell has told a deliberate lie," said +Pert, "but there is some excuse for him, after all, for any other +explanation would have been embarrassing." + +"Oh, a little thing like a lie or two does n't stand in the way of the +average man," said Sadie. + +"Well, there is something back of Arthur's story, Sadie, I know from +the way he hesitated. We 'll know all about it before long, I guess. +He 's an awfully cute little fellow, though, isn't he? I hope he'll +decide to stay a while; he 's such jolly good company, and Arthur's so +tiresome." + +"Poor Arthur!" sighed Sadie. + +"Poor Pert," echoed Pert. + + + + +VI + +The following afternoon Arthur complained of feeling ill. On the way +home from the store he was taken with a violent chill, which was +followed by a raging fever. The doctor was summoned, and pronounced it +malaria, but typhoid symptoms developed later, and for weeks his life +hung in the balance. + +Meanwhile Checkers worked early and late at the store, to make up for +Arthur's absence. He felt this loss of a companion keenly, and soon +the long drive home alone, and the air of apprehension and +lonesomeness, which pervaded the house, became so irksome to him that +he arranged to stay in town with Mr. Bradley, who kept house with a +maiden sister in their little home just next to the store. + +It was from this same sister, who disliked Arthur, but had taken to +Checkers, as every one did, that Pert at last learned the reason of +Checkers coming to Clarksville. + +Mr. Bradley had told his sister the bare facts as he had learned them +from Arthur, and these she had enlarged upon in relating them to Pert, +embellishing the story to suit her fancy. + +The discovery of this attempt upon Arthur's part to shield himself, and +belittle his friend, checked the growing pity and tenderness Pert felt +for him because of his illness, and killed every possible vestige of +regard she might have had remaining for him. Checkers, on the +contrary, grew in favor. He had discovered that it was but a pleasant +and picturesque walk from town to the Barlow place, and evening after +evening found him seated under the trees with the girls, banjo in hand, +singing for them, and telling them interesting tales of his many and +varied experiences. + +Sadie's father returned, and she went back to town to be with him. But +Checkers still took his evening walk out the country road, except when +Pert came in to spend the night with her cousin, as she often did. + +Under such conditions friendships quickly ripen, and Checkers, at +least, soon found himself upon the borderland of a warmer sentiment; +but his manner continued one of purely good-natured interest and +friendship, for, in spite of what Sadie had told him, he still felt +that Pert belonged to Arthur. + +One night he stayed somewhat later than usual. It had been dreadfully +hot all day, but now it was gratefully cool. The stars were bright, as +he had never seen them bright before; the scent of the magnolias was +delicious, and he and Pert had been singing together. She looked more +than sweet in her thin, white dress, and the night, the perfume and the +music had stirred him strangely. He longed for the power to tell her +in beautiful words, he knew not what. But he had the good sense to +realize that he and poetry were far apart. Nevertheless, as he said +good night, he held her small white hand in his, till she forcibly +withdrew it, but not with any sign of anger. + +How his heart swelled as he walked along. How he still thrilled with +the gentle pressure he fancied he had felt returned. Here was the +faintest opening to possibilities which might end, who could tell +where? He had never before known a girl like this. In fact, with the +one exception previously mentioned, girls had never in any way entered +his life. Still he had learned in his fight with the world to look at +everything from a practical standpoint, and he had not gone very far +before his natural shrewdness asserted itself. + +"It won't do, Campbell," he soliloquized, with an unconscious sigh. +"You 're 'playing a dead one.' It's a hundred-to-one shot in the first +place, and there is Arthur in the second. I wonder how he is to-day. +I wonder if he's going to get well. If he shouldn't--but, my God, I +hope he does--ain't it awful what thoughts will come to a fellow? + +"I wonder if he 's got her 'nailed;' she does n't act much like it to +me. But I do n't believe I 'm acting on the square to try to 'do' him +when he ain't around to look after his trade. I 'll go up home +to-morrow night and see the old man, if he 's able to sit up. I had my +nerve with me to hold her hand--I wonder what she 'd have done if I 'd +have kissed it? Gee! but it's tough to be on the tram," he continued +with a sigh. "With a couple of thou. what could n't I do? But a man +without money hasn't got 'openers;' he draws four to a queen and never +betters." + +He found Arthur convalescent and jealous of all the time that could be +spared to him. So, much to Checkers' disgust, his only opportunity of +now seeing Pert lay in her occasional visits to the store, when +shopping, generally accompanied by Sadie. + +As soon as Arthur was strong enough to be about the house, Aunt Deb, as +a little surprise for him, asked Sadie and Pert to one o'clock Sunday +dinner. + +Arthur's hollow eyes beamed lovingly from his thin, pale face, as Pert +entered the room. Checkers saw it, and his conscience smote him. "I +'ll scratch my entry," he inwardly resolved, "and leave Arthur a +walk-over." + +The afternoon passed uneventfully. The day was warm, the sun shone +bright, and they all sat under the shade of the trees, enjoying the air +and the beautiful view of the mountains, now made gorgeous by the +brilliant and variegated colors of the changing autumn leaves. + +Pert so managed that she was not left alone with Arthur at any time, +and she and Sadie left somewhat early in order to reach home well +before dark. + +After their departure Checkers and Arthur sat together in the hammock. +Arthur was monosyllabic. Checkers talked for a while against time, but +not with any brilliant success. "Come, 'smoke up,' old man--you 're +going out!" he exclaimed, slapping Arthur on the back, a figure +doubtless suggested to him by the dying cigarette-stump between his +fingers. + +"I wish to heaven I had 'gone out;' instead of getting well," was the +answer; "I am no good to myself, nor to any one else, and the only +being in the world I love, except my father, cares no more for me than +she does for a yellow dog." + +There was an embarrassing silence. + +"Girls are funny," said Checkers, musingly. + +Arthur saw no grounds for argument, and Checkers continued, "I never +had much time for them, myself, but my friend 'Push' Miller had them +coming his way in carriages. You never saw such a fellow for girls; he +always had three or four on his staff. He used to play a system on +them. I think he called it the Fabian System, after some old joker in +the war, who used to win his battles by running away. You see, the +other guys would come chasing after this joker, and when he got them +where he wanted, he 'd go out and nail them--easy thing. + +"Well, this Fabian System was a dead sure winner for Push, and if I +were you, I 'd try it. The next time you get together, 'jolly up' +Sadie. Don't push it too strong; but just enough so that Pert will +notice it--she'll get jealous. 'Jolly' Sadie harder, but be polite to +Pert, and pretty soon you 'll have her guessing. The chances are that +before long she 'll make a play at you--give her the frozen face. Put +up a talk about how much you used to love her; work in something about +the past, and what might have been. But keep a little up your sleeve; +you do n't want her to think you 're coming too easy, and after things +are all fixed up, do n't treat her too well again. Push used to say +'there was nothing that really spoiled a girl like treating her too +well.' He used to make a date every once in a while, and then break it +without sending any excuse, just to show the girl that he was 'good +people,' and teach her to have a proper respect for him." + +Arthur smiled wearily. "Yes;" he said, "that may have done all very +well for Push, but it would n't do for me. The girl does n't love me, +and there's the end of it. Perhaps some day--well, there's no use +discussing it; besides, it would n't be fair to Sadie to use her merely +as a cat's-paw. She is a true little girl, with a big, warm heart, and +I would n't deceive her for the world." + +"Well, what's the matter with going out after Sadie in earnest, then?" +said Checkers. "Now there 's a scheme that fixes things up all +around." Checkers waxed enthusiastic. + +Arthur did not reply immediately. "Sadie is an earnest, capable girl," +he said at length, "and she 'll make some man a splendid wife. I would +cheerfully recommend her to my very best friend, but----" + +"But your friend could have her without a struggle," suggested +Checkers; and then they both laughed. + +This, Checkers afterwards told me was the nearest approach to a joke he +ever heard Arthur make. + +A week passed by uneventfully. Arthur continued to improve in health. +Checkers drove home each evening tired from his hard day's work. +Saturday night a note from Pert arrived, inviting them both to dinner +on the following day; a return of courtesies which they accepted with +pleasure. + +Sadie drove up that morning to spend a day or two with her cousin. The +dinner passed off pleasantly, and in the afternoon the four took a +stroll through the neighboring woods, to a beautiful spot where from +the top of a cliff of massive rock they could gaze for miles up the +dark, thickly wooded ravine, lying sheer many feet below. + +Sadie and Arthur walked off together. Checkers and Pert followed +leisurely. + +"Do you think you deserve to be treated so well, after neglecting me as +you have lately?" asked Pert. + +"I have n't been able to get here, Miss Pert," replied Checkers. "The +Broadway cable isn't in it with the way I've been pulling to get away; +but if Arthur had known I was coming here, we would only have had a +speaking acquaintance. I'll tell you, Miss Pert, that poor boy is all +broke up about you, and to come down to cases, it ain't very safe for +me to be seeing so much of you, when--well, you know he saw you first, +and the rights of property----" + +"Now, listen to me," interrupted Pert, with a stamp of her foot, +"Arthur is nothing to me; I do n't love him and I shall never marry +him. I 've told him so, and I 'll tell you so. I 've enjoyed having +you call here very much, and there 's no reason why you shouldn't +come--unless, of course, you would rather not." + +Ahead, Arthur was carefully helping Sadie over a fallen tree which lay +across the path. "He 's playing the system, after all," thought +Checkers, "I'll help him push it along. May I come to-morrow night?" +he said; "it's the first night I 've got disengaged." + +"Certainly," laughed Pert. "Sadie is going to stay until Tuesday +morning, and--" + +"Make it Tuesday night." + +Pert assented with an audible chuckle. + +And now they had come to the fallen tree, an ancient pine of huge +dimensions. Checkers clambered atop of it, and, taking both of Perl's +hands, pulled her up; then, from the other side, he supported her +tenderly as she jumped to the ground. 'Twas a rapturous moment. The +fair, sweet face above him, and the bright, roguish eyes looking down +into his; the warm, red lips, half parted in a smile, and coming so +near as he carefully lowered her, tempted him sorely. But he resisted; +not from any strength of virtue, but because he did not dare to do +otherwise. + +"Thank you," said Pert. Checkers was silent. His emotions of mingled +excitement and regret were such that he could not trust his voice; but +as they drew near to where Arthur and Sadie were sitting, he purposely +drew away from Pert, and feigned a look of general indifference, which +was masterly in its way. + +"I may possibly stay down to-night, Arthur," called Checkers, as he +drove out of the door-yard Tuesday morning. + +Tuesday night found him seated with Pert in the cozy, old-fashioned +little sitting-room, before the blazing embers of a large, wood fire, +for it had suddenly turned cold. + +Checkers had brought up the illustrated papers, and with these and the +banjo, with nuts and apples, pop-corn and cider, for refection, time +sped merrily on. + +Now, just how it all came about that night, Checkers never adequately +explained to me. He always claimed, shamefacedly, to have a confused +recollection of the matter. But suffice it to say, there came an +opportunity, and, forgetting his former resolutions, forgetting his +poverty--everything, he told as best he could the story of his love to +the listening girl beside him. What matter how he told it? She cared +not for that, so long as the tale rang true to her ears; and of +Checkers' whole-hearted sincerity, there was never a doubt, as after +events proved. + +The strangeness of a woman's love has been a prolific source of wonder +and remark for philosophers of every age. It should not, therefore, +seem incongruous that Checkers, penniless, slangy, illiterate, should +have won, in a few, short weeks, the love of a girl whom Arthur, a +higher type, from a worldly standpoint, had tried for years to make his +own, without success. Perhaps the explanation lay in the fact that +Checkers possessed two qualities in which Arthur was wholly +lacking--tact and magnetism; and again, Pert was too young and +inexperienced to let worldly advantages weigh with her. + +At all events, they sat there together, blissful in their new-found +happiness, talking the love all lovers talk, and heedless of the +speeding hours. + +As Checkers rather coyly put it, "There was n't very much room in the +room." The fire had died almost to ashes, and for the hundredth time +he had said, "I must go," when suddenly he was jerked from his seat by +a rough hand which had laid hold of his collar. + +With a violent effort he broke away, and, turning about, faced Mr. +Barlow. + +"So!" snorted the old man, angrily, "so this is what ye 're doin', is +it, settin' here philanderin'? I reckoned somethin' was goin' on. You +go to yer room, girl; come, git along. And you, my young jack-snipe, +mosey off afore I wear ye out with a switch." + +Checkers' surprise had been so complete that for a moment he could not +collect himself. Then such was his sense of anger at the indignity +that had been put upon him that only Pert's hand upon his arm +restrained him from making a fight of it. As it was, the two men stood +with an armchair between them, grimly glaring at each other. + +"Father," cried Pert, peeping timidly from behind Checkers, "Mr. +Campbell and I are engaged to be married." + +"To be what?" howled the old man, dancing with rage. + +"To be married," said Checkers. "Now, listen to me, and don't you get +so gay with yourself. I love your daughter; she loves me; we are going +to be married, and that's the end of it." + +Checkers stepped back. It was well that he did, for the old man +suddenly reached for him, "and if he 'd have got me," said Checkers, +afterwards, relating the incident to me, "he would n't have done a +thing to me. We made a few laps around the room," he continued, "with +the chairs and table in the middle. The old man ran a bang-up second, +but he was 'carrying weight for age,' and I fouled him in the stretch, +by pulling a rocker in the way, that he stumbled over; then, I opened +the door, kissed Pert good by, grabbed my hat, and did the slide for +the road. The old joker tried to 'sic' the dogs on me, but they knew +me so well they would n't 'sic.'" + +It had long been a pet scheme of Mr. Barlow's to marry Pert to Arthur +Kendall. In fact, he considered the matter settled, and had often +congratulated himself upon his prospects of securing a wealthy +son-in-law. The presumption, therefore, of this "little pauper" drove +him nearly beside himself. + +Pert thought it wise to spend most of her time in her room next day, +until the first burst of his anger should have subsided. + +As Checkers drove home the following evening, he was met by Tobe, the +hired man, about a mile from the house. "Hello, Tobe," he called, +"what's up?" + +"Thar's hell out, Mr. Checkers," said Tobe. + +"Has old Barlow been up here?' + +"He ain't gone two hours." + +Checkers smiled. He was glad to know the worst. "I suppose I 'm not +very popular with Arthur?" + +"He swars he 'll fill ye full o' lead. I overheern the hull +conversation atween 'em, and I 'lowed I 'd come down and warn ye. Mr. +Kendall and Aunt Deb 's gone to Little Rock, and won't be back afore +to-morrow night." + +"Thank you, Tobe; get in and ride." + +"Wal, till we gits in sight o' the house; but don't you 'low you 'd +better go back?" + +"No; I'll go on and face the music." + +"Thar never was nawthin' but trouble come o' foolin' with women, +anyhow," said Tobe. "I 've had four on 'em in my time, and they've +worn the soul-case off'n me." + +"Four!" exclaimed Checkers. + +"Yes, I 've had four. My first woman spent me out o' house and home, +and then run away--I was glad to get shet o' her. The second un I jest +nachally could n't live with, she hed sech a pizen-bad temper; and I +'ve had two others to die on me. I 've worked like a nigger airnin' +'em money fer cloes, and doctor's bills and sich, and not one on 'em +but what 'ud claim she wa'n't well treated. The trouble with women is +that a man takes and treats 'em so well when he's a-courtin' of 'em, +that after they 're married, plain, ordinary, every-day treatment seems +like cruelty to 'em." + +This was a phase of the woman question which had never before occurred +to Checkers; but the weight of suspense at his heart prevented his +encouraging Tobe to further reminiscence. + +As he drove into the door-yard, Arthur came out of the house, trembling +and pale with anger and excitement. + +"Hello, Arthur?" called Checkers, cheerily. + +"Traitor, hypocrite," was the answer; "how can you look me in the face?" + +"Oh, get used to it." + +"Ha! you make a jest of it, do you?" + +"Of what, your face?" + +Arthur grew livid. "It's easy and safe for you to taunt a man who is +just recovering from a weakening sickness," he said. "If it were n't +for my father, I 'd shoot you like the cur that you are, if I hanged +for it." + +Checkers jumped to the ground. "Now, look here, Arthur Kendall," he +said threateningly. "I won't stand any such talk from any one. If you +'re making your roar about Miss Barlow, and I suppose you are, I'll +tell you this: The girl doesn't love you and never did, and why you +should want to do the dog-in-the-manger act is more than I can see." + +"No; of course she does n't love me, if a sneaking Judas goes and +betrays me to her." + +"I never mentioned your name to her, unless it was to say something +good about you." + +"You lie! You told her all about our affair at Hot Springs." + +"I did no such thing." + +"You did. She told her father about it, and he told me this very +afternoon." + +"Did he say I told her?" + +"Who else could have told her? do you think I told her?" + +"I do n't know, and, what's more, I don't care a damn. I do n't want +any trouble with you, but I have n't got the temper of an angel, and I +'d advise you to take a tumble to yourself until I 'm gone--and that +won't be longer than it takes me to get my stuff into my trunk." + +"It can't be any too quick to suit me." + +Checkers started for the house, but stopped half-way, and turned for a +parting word, while Arthur stood still, and eyed him malignantly. + +"Now, listen, Arthur Kendall," said Checkers earnestly; "and these are +the last words I 'm going to say. I 've been on the square with you +from the day I met you, and if our positions were reversed, I 'd take +you by the hand and wish you all kinds of happiness, but as it is, you +show the yellow streak I always thought you had in you--it's wider than +I thought it was, that's all. But just keep saying this over to +yourself: 'I love that girl and I 'm going to have her, in spite of her +father, or you, or the world.'" And turning on his heel, Checkers went +into the house to collect his few, poor, little belongings. + + + + +VII. + +That same night Pert, after another stormy interview with her father, +had gone to her room, and, throwing herself on her little white bed, in +a paroxysm of bitter grief, had softly sobbed herself to sleep. + +Gradually into her dreams there came the whistled notes of a familiar +little cadence, faint and far away at first, but growing louder and +nearer until she awoke with a start. + +It was "a whistle" which Checkers had taught her weeks before, and ran +as follows: + + Come, my love, and walk with me. + Yes, my love, I'll walk with thee. + Ta-ra-dum. + +[Illustration: music fragment] + +At this time, however, Checkers, standing down in the road outside, had +cut the "ta-ra-dum" as flippant and irrelevant--a delicacy which, in +her trepidation, Pert failed to remark. But, jumping up, she lighted +her lamp, and cautiously exposed it at the window for a moment. Then, +thanking fortune that she chanced to be dressed, she slipped a warm +wrap over her shoulders, and stole down the stairs, out into the night. + +Checkers folded her in his arms, and kissed her gently. "My darling," +he murmured, "you haven't let them turn you against me, have you?" + +"Why, Checkers dear," she answered looking into his eyes, "the whole +world could n't turn me against you--I love you." Checkers kissed her +again. + +In the bright starlight they sat together, once more on the little +rustic bench under the tree, listening with ready sympathy, as each +related to each the trials of the day. + +"No, little sweetheart," said Checkers finally, "there is no possible +way for me to stay in Clarksville. The old man is practically right, I +am a pauper, but I won't be long. Pert, I can hustle, when I want to; +I 've got enough money to take me to Chicago, and keep me till I can +get a job. When I get to work I 'll salt every cent, and with any kind +of luck, I 'll come back and get you within a year. A year is not such +a very long while." And with a show of genuine enthusiasm, Checkers +ended by talking the downcast girl into a happy confidence in himself +and the future. + +"And now, Pert," he said, solicitously, "it's too cold for you to stay +out here longer; come, we must be brave, and say good-bye." + +"O, Checkers," she exclaimed, with a choking sob, suddenly throwing her +arms around his neck, "I can't bear to let you go; I shall be +miserable, miserable without you." + +Tenderly Checkers soothed and reasoned with her. Once more their plans +were gone over. Checkers was to leave in the morning for Chicago. He +was to write to her as often as possible, addressing the letters to +Sadie, whom Pert knew she could depend upon. Checkers was to bend +every effort towards getting a position and saving money; and Pert was +to be brave, and wait--the common lot of women. + +With his arm around her, lovingly, he led her slowly to the house. +Again and again they said good-bye; but there is something in the word +which makes us linger. + +"Some little keepsake, sweetheart," he whispered--"this ribbon, or your +handkerchief." + +"No; wait here a minute," she answered. Carefully entering the house, +she crept to her room, and from its hiding-place brought forth a +fifty-dollar gold piece. It was of California gold, octagonal in +shape, and minted many years before. + +"Here, dear," she said, returning noiselessly. "Here is a coin that +was given me long ago by my grandfather--take it as a lucky-piece. And +whenever you see it, think of one who loves you and is praying for you. +And, Checkers, if you should have misfortune, and should really need +to, don't hesitate to spend it; because, you see, if you don't have +good luck, so that you do n't need to spend it, why it is n't a lucky +piece, and you 'd better get rid of it--that is, if--if you have to." + +Checkers embraced her passionately. "My darling," he protested, "I +shall have to be nearer starving to death than I 've ever been, or +expect to be, before I part with this. I shall treasure it as a +keepsake from the dearest, sweetest, prettiest, sandiest girl in the +world; the one that I love and the one that loves me; and here--here's +a scarfpin that once was my father's. They say opals are unlucky. +Well, father got shot, but I wore it the lucky day I met you; so that +does n't prove anything--wear it for my sake. Now, dear, I _must_ go. +Keep a stiff upper lip, and do n't let the old man get in his bluff on +you. Win your mother over--she'll help you out. I think she likes me; +I am sure I do her. I 'll write to you every day. Good-bye, my +precious--I 'll be back for you soon; good-bye, good-bye." + +One last fond embrace, one lingering kiss, and Checkers turned and +walked resolutely away. + +The next morning early he bid the Bradleys a sorrowful farewell, and +boarded the train for Little Rock. Mr. Bradley gave him letters to a +number of merchants there, but he was unable to find employment. In +fact, he only sought it in a half-hearted way; Little Rock was too +small, too near Clarksville. Chicago was his Mecca. He felt a happy +presentiment that once there circumstances would somehow solve for him +the problem of existence. But, alas, for vain hopes! Day after day, +from door to door, he sought employment without success. The answers +he received to his inquiries for work were ever the same: "Business was +dull; they were reducing rather than increasing their forces; sorry, +but if anything turned up they would let him know." At times he +received just enough encouragement to make his eventual failure the +more disheartening and cruel. + +How could he write to Pert under such circumstances? At first it had +not been so hard; but now he had put it off from day to day, dreading +to tell her of his non-success, always hoping that surely to-morrow he +must have good news, until fully a week elapsed in which he had not +written. How troublesome a thing is pride--to the poor. + +In the course of his wanderings he came across numbers of the old +companions of his pool-room days. Few of them had changed, but for the +worse. Most of them were penniless, hungry and threadbare, but still +the victims of the hopeless vice, and whenever fortune threw in their +way a dollar, it went into the insatiable maw of the race-tracks. +Checkers noted and was warned; and to their earnest solicitations to +"play their good things" he pointed them to their own condition--a +pertinent and unanswerable argument. + +But though never so careful the time came apace when his little hoard +was all but exhausted. His treasured keepsake he still vowed nothing +should make him part with. "If I 've got to starve," he grimly +resolved, "it might as well be a week or two earlier as later--but I +'ll keep Pert's gold piece." + +That same day he received from Pert a letter full of encouragement, but +pleading with him, as he loved her, to write. "All in the world that I +have to look forward to now, Checkers, dear," she said, "is your +letters; and you can 't imagine how disappointed I am, and how I worry +for fear you are sick, or something, as the days go by, and no word +comes from you." + +Standing by the window in his dismal boarding-house room Checkers read +the letter over and over. Meditatively he examined his +pockets--nothing! nothing but the gold piece. Something must be done. +There were a number of garments hanging on the wall, among them an +overcoat. "I can do without that," he said, with a shiver. + +Half an hour later, richer by a few pieces of silver, he stood in a +telegraph-office, penning a message to Pert. "Letter received," he +wrote. "Am well, but no luck. Will write to-day. Checkers." + +Beside him as he wrote, stood a man whom he recognized--one Brown, an +owner of a racing-stable. With the tail of his eye Checkers read what +he was writing. It was a telegram to some one in St. Louis, and ran: +"Stand a tap on the mare to-day. She can't lose." Checkers' heart was +in his mouth. Instantly his resolution was taken. Out into the street +he followed Brown. With the furtive care of a Hackshaw he shadowed him +in and out of hotels and saloons, until about noon they brought up at a +restaurant, where Checkers modestly seated himself at a table behind +Brown and ordered a light repast. But Brown was hungry, and Checkers +had ample time to think the thing over. "I 'm in luck at last," he +soliloquized. "Stand a tap on the mare! His friend will play it in +the foreign-book at East St. Louis and he 'll play it at the track. It +must be a 'hot one'--I wonder what the odds will be. Well, I 'll keep +this can 't-shake-me glide on my feet till I see what he plays, and +then 'get down' on it myself. I 'll put up the gold-piece, and stand +to either lose it or make a stake for myself. Somehow I 'd feel better +to have it go in one last effort to make a killin' than to spend it a +quarter at a time on sandwiches and cigarettes. To-night I 'll either +be able to write to Pert that my luck has turned, or I 'll know the +worst, and that 's some comfort. Ah, Brown 's paying his bill at last." + +The summer meeting at Washington Park, with large purses and high-class +horses, was over and gone. But there were other tracks where racing +was carried on all the fall and most of the winter; gambling-hells, +pure and simple, or rather, purely and simply gambling-hells, which the +Legislature has since effectively closed. + +In the betting-ring of one of these, that afternoon, Checkers threaded +his way through the crowd after Brown. The programme showed that Brown +had an entry in the last race--Remorse, an aged selling-plater. +Checkers remembered the horse as one that had shown considerable speed +as a three-year-old. He glanced at the programme again: Remorse, by +Gambler, dam Sweetheart. Was it an omen? Remorse would certainly +follow if he gambled away the keepsake which his sweetheart had given +him. But wouldn't an equally poignant regret possess him if after this +providential tip he failed to play the horse and she won? He felt that +it would. + +The fourth race was on, and the last was approaching. Brown stood at +the edge of the ring, his hands in his pockets, smoking idly. The +official results of the fourth were announced, and the bookmakers +tacked up the entries for the last. Still, Brown seemed nonchalant. + +Checkers anxiously watched the posting of the odds. "Remorse, four to +one," he exclaimed under his breath. Brown also glanced at the +blackboards--and lighted a fresh cigar. Every minute some one would +buttonhole him, and ask, "How about Remorse?" "O, she's got a chance," +he would answer, with a shrug which seemed to indicate that she had no +chance. + +The favorite, under a heavy play, was rapidly cut to even money, while +the odds on the others were correspondingly increased. Remorse went to +five and six to one. Brown took fifty dollars out of his pocket, and, +going up to a prominent bookmaker, played--_the favorite_. Checkers +was paralyzed. The same performance Brown repeated with another +book-maker on the other side of the ring. Gradually Remorse's price +went up to eight to one, as it became generally known that her owner +was not playing her. + +The favorite's odds went to "four to five," and Checkers fingered his +gold piece nervously. One book-maker still laid even money. Here was +his chance if he wanted to play it. He started forward, and stopped. +As he hesitated, Brown sauntered out of the ring. Checkers followed +mechanically. + +From a distance he saw Brown meet two horsemen and, after a brief +conversation, give them each a roll of bills. He saw these two enter +the betting-ring and, taking opposite sides, "start down the line" on +Remorse; then the scheme was revealed to him. + +From stand to stand they went, betting Remorse in each book, ten and +twenty dollars at a time; not enough to cause remark, but amounting to +hundreds in the aggregate. Gradually the odds began to recede. +Checkers rushed to the other end of the ring. "Gimme Remorse!" he +exclaimed, excitedly, handing his gold-piece to a convenient blockman. + +"What the 'ell's this?" asked the wondering book-maker. + +"It's fifty," answered Checkers, laconically. + +"Well, it's the first time I ever seen one of them babies--but it looks +like it's good. Remorse, four hundred to fifty." + +"If I win, I want it back," said Checkers. "It was given to me +by--it's my lucky piece." + +"All right," was the answer, and Checkers walked away with his dearly +purchased ticket deep in his pocket. + +Under a steady but somewhat mysterious play, Remorse was cut to four to +one, and the favorite went up to six to five. This was gratifying to +Checkers, as indicating that Brown and his friends were confident. + +He went up into the grand stand; the horses were at the post. Remorse +was acting very badly--plunging, kicking and refusing to break. "I 'll +just about get left at the post," thought Checkers. "Say, that +favorite looks good," he remarked to a young fellow next to him. + +"Good," echoed the youth; "well, I should say he is good. He 's +cherry-ripe, and he 'll gallop in. If I had a thousand dollars, and +did n't know where I was goin' to eat to-night, I 'd put it _all_ on +him. There 's a lot of 'marks' around toutin' Remorse to beat +him--why, that old mare could n't beat a carpet; her last two races she +could n't get out of her own way." + +This was pleasant for Checkers, but he held his counsel. The next +moment the starter dropped the flag. + +Remorse, with a running start from behind, got two lengths the best of +it; and, setting a hot pace, widened up the gap between herself and the +field in a way that cheered Checkers' heart. + +It was a three-quarter dash, and at the half she had a lead of at least +ten lengths, with the others strung out in a regular procession. The +favorite was trailing along in fifth place; but Checkers noticed that +he was "running easy." The jockey was leaning back in the saddle, and +the horse's mouth was pulled wide open, as he fought for his head under +a double wrap. + +As they rounded into the stretch Remorse still led, but she seemed to +be tiring rapidly. The favorite swung very wide at the turn, losing +several lengths; his jockey then drew in behind three others, and +allowed himself to be hopelessly "pocketed." + +Up to now Checkers' new acquaintance had been silent; but at this +exhibition of incompetent jockeyship he expressed a desire to be "good +and damned if that ride would n't frost a cigar-sign Indian." + +Under whip and spur Remorse staggered on two lengths in the lead. +Within fifty feet of the wire the favorite got through, and coming with +a rush, as it seemed almost in spite of his jockey's efforts to +restrain him, he nipped Remorse on the post. + +From where Checkers stood it looked as though Remorse was beaten half a +length. The crowd yelled with delight; No. 4 was posted. Checkers +looked at his programme--"Remorse, No. 4." Then it was his turn to +yell, and he rather abused his privilege. The tumult of varied emotion +within him demanded this vent, and he gave it full play. "I thought I +was out of it," he laughed delightedly to the young man beside him. +"It looked like it, did n't it, at the angle? You see, Remorse had the +rail." + +But the young man was n't interested in Checkers' good luck. Just then +he had "troubles of his own." He vouchsafed one glance of sour +contempt and hurried off to try to borrow car-fare from some one. + +Often Checkers had won and lost more money than was involved in his +present venture and stood it stoically; but never before had his need +been so great, and he had reason to know that necessity and luck have +at best little more than a speaking acquaintance. Exultantly, +therefore, he skipped down the stairs into the betting-ring. "You can +'t keep a squirrel on the ground," he chuckled. "They 've got to stop +printing money when I ain't got some." The next minute he was in line +behind the stand where he had made his purchase, tightly grasping the +ticket which was to give him back his gold-piece and four hundred +dollars. + +Four hundred dollars! It was a snug little sum. The gold-piece had +proved a mascot after all. Now, he would "get out" his overcoat and +purchase some other necessary articles. He decided to pay off his +landlady and find some more inviting quarters. But the pleasantest +thought of all was that now he could write to Pert. The delight he +found in this reflection could only have been surpassed by the joy of +seeing her in person. He did not know what he should say; but he knew +that with this load off his heart, and with the return to self-respect +which this success had brought him, he would be able to write a letter +which would encourage and cheer her--it should be his first task. He +longed to be at it, and he began to chafe at what seemed an unusual +delay in announcing "the official." + +Turning, he glanced toward the judge's stand. There was a surging, +interested crowd around it. A presentiment of sudden misfortune came +over him. Almost at the same moment the air was rent by joyous yells +from hundreds of throats. + +The crowd turned about, and with one accord made a rush for the +betting-ring. + +In the van was Checkers' surly acquaintance--surly no longer, but +radiant with a smile which extended from ear to ear. Checkers broke +from the line, and grabbed him by the arm. "What 's up?" he exclaimed. +"What's the yelling about?" + +"All bets off," was the glad rejoinder; "the favorite was 'pulled.' +The judges are onto a job in the race. It was 'fixed' for Remorse. We +all get our money back. Let go--I 'm in a hurry." + +Checkers stood as though paralyzed from an actual blow. His eyes were +fixed and his lips were colorless. "By the bald-headed, knock-kneed +Jove!" he exclaimed, suddenly rousing himself with a vehement gesture; +"if my luck ain't--" But he felt it impossible to do the occasion +justice. + +With a set face and a heavy heart he again lined up behind the stand. +In turn he was given his gold piece in exchange for his ticket, but the +$400 was gone, to return no more forever. + +Under any sudden and crucial misfortune the subsequent action of the +average man is largely a matter of temperament. Numbers, no doubt, in +Checkers' position would have felt themselves justified in drowning +their sorrows in the flowing bowl. Others, with the obstinacy of +despair, might 'ave sought, perforce, the smiles of frowning fortune, +throwing discretion to the winds, and risking their all at any +desperate game chance threw in their way until satiated. A few might +have taken their hard luck resignedly, only thankful that it was no +worse, and hoping for better luck next time--such are they who, in the +end, succeed. + +These alternatives occurred to Checkers in turn, and he effected a sort +of compromise. He needed a temporary excitement of some sort as a +counter-irritant to his nerves. He was tired and hungry, and he +decided that his first move would be to get a good supper. He did n't +care how good or what it cost--he was tired of practicing economy. But +he must have some money; it would hardly do to "spring" the fifty in a +restaurant. Ah! Uncle Isaac! Yes, he believed he could pawn the gold +piece as he would a watch, and then if luck ever came his way, he would +have a chance of redeeming it. + +The staid old waiters in a fashionable caf£ smiled that evening as a +youthful figure entered with an unaccustomed air, and, seating himself +at one of the tables, studied the menu earnestly. A few deft +suggestions from one of them, however, put him in the way of a very +good supper; and with a pint of Mumm's to wash it down, and a cigarette +to top off with, Checkers, for it was he, began to feel that things +might have been a bit worse after all. As he stepped into the street, +the glaring and impossible posters of a spectacular show at a +neighboring theater caught his eye and decided him. Five minutes later +he was comfortably seated in the front row of the orchestra chairs, +enjoying himself in present forgetfulness of troubles past or troubles +to come. + +Now, I fear, that to properly do my part, I should here create a dream +for Checkers to have had that night, in which Pert, Remorse, a waiter, +and a comedian should all take more or less senseless parts. But being +somewhat skeptical myself, I was careful to question Checkers on this +point, especially when I afterward learned what great things the morrow +had in store for him. And, in spite of all precedent, he confessed to +the oblivion of "the insensate clod," devoid of dream or premonition, +until nine the next morning, when he awoke with a start. With the +awakening came a realizing sense of his situation in all its most +disheartening phases. His course of the night before now seemed to him +the height of idiocy. He reproached himself in no measured terms for +having neglected to write to Pert as promised in his telegram. "I +ought to have a guardian appointed to look after me," he grumbled to +himself. "Think of my blowing myself for wine and the show, with +starvation staring me in the face; and then to think of that poor +little girl expecting a letter, and not getting it." + +He was interrupted by a knock at the door. "A letter for you, Mr. +Campbell," said the servant. Taking it from her he recognized the +well-known writing of his beloved. He put the letter in his pocket, +and, grabbing his hat, started down the stairs. "I 'm too late for +breakfast here," he exclaimed; "I 'll go next door to the 'beanery' and +get a roll and a cup of coffee. I 've got to play 'em close to my vest +now," he sighed. "A dime is nothing when you 've got it, but it 's +bigger than a mountain when you have n't; and it won 't be long before +I have n't at this rate." + +Seated on a little round stool at the corner in the "beanery," he gave +his order, and then opened and commenced to read his letter. A +newspaper clipping dropped to the floor; he picked it up mechanically, +continuing his reading as he did so. Suddenly he began to glance from +one to the other rapidly. An instant later he jumped to his feet, and +rushed to the window for a better light. It could n't be true--it +simply could n't! Yes, yes, it must be; for here was a notice from the +public administrator in Baltimore, advertising for him as an heir of +Giles Edward Campbell, deceased, who died intestate, etc., etc., and +Judge Martin, so Pert said in the letter, had had an inquiry regarding +him, with the statement that the only knowledge the authorities had of +such a person was based upon a letter found among the effects of the +deceased, headed "Eastman Hotel, Hot Springs," beginning "My dear +Uncle," and signed "Your affectionate nephew, Edward Campbell." The +clerk at the Eastman, when applied to, had reported a memorandum left +by Checkers, that any mail which might come for him be forwarded to +Clarksville, Ark.; hence this letter to Judge Martin, and hence Pert's +knowledge of the matter, as her uncle immediately applied to her for +the necessary information. + +"Uncle has written to Baltimore to-day," continued the letter, "and he +says you will hear from the authorities there without delay. The +inclosed clipping is from a Little Rock paper. Oh! Checkers, darling, +is n't it lovely?" + +The slovenly waiter shuffled to the counter with his cup of muddy +coffee and a soggy roll. Checkers tossed him half a dollar, and +stalked majestically out. "I think the joint where I ate last night is +just about my size this morning," he chuckled. "Gee, but I 'd like to +yell just once. The judges can't call all bets off this time." All +during breakfast his mind was busy with a thousand different +speculations, and he finally decided that in so momentous a matter he +ought to consult a lawyer. "I 'll find one in some big office +building," he mentally resolved, "and get his advice." + + + +---------------------+ + | MURRAY JAMESON, | + | Attorney-at-Law. | + +---------------------+ + +This, in modest gold letters upon an office window, was the first thing +he saw upon reaching the street. + +"Everything 's coming my way to-day," he thought. "Well, I 'll go in +and see the old joker." + +He was much taken aback upon entering, however, to find the "old joker" +a man of about thirty. + +"Is Mr. Jameson in?" he asked. + +"I am Mr. Jameson," was the reply. + +"Well, I wanted to get a little advice, but--" + +"Certainly; come into my private office." + +Checkers was trapped. "I do n't believe," he began desperately, "that +you 'll be able to help me. It's a very important case, and--well, +I--I want some one with a lot of experience." + +"As you like," said Mr. Jameson, who, by the way, was none other than +my old friend Murray, "but I 've been practicing law for more than five +years." + +"Well, that's enough practice to learn any game;" and, seating himself, +Checkers told him the facts as succinctly as possible from the +beginning. + +Of his uncle's circumstances he really knew nothing; but he remembered +hearing his mother speak of him, just before her death, as being "well +off," and "Uncle Giles was n't the kind, once he had a dollar, ever to +let it get away." + +If Checkers' chronology was correct, it was clear that he was the only +heir, and "whether his Uncle left much or little, it was that much +better than nothing at all." But Murray somewhat damped his enthusiasm +by the statement that there might be bills and claims of various sorts +against the estate, which, in the end, would show it to be insolvent. +However, he agreed to take the matter up at once, and be content to +receive his fee when the final settlement was made. + +Checkers spent the rest of the day in writing the long-delayed letter +to Pert, telegraphing her in the mean time that he had received her +letter, and expressing his thanks. + +A few days brought to light these facts concerning Giles Edward +Campbell, deceased: He had drawn a large pension undeservedly for +years, and by pinching and saving had amassed a fortune. Under +Cleveland in '84 his pension was annulled, and about the same time he +was nearly bankrupted in a greedy and foolish speculation. Then fear +of absolute want must have seized him, for, converting the little that +was left into gold, he hoarded it in miserly fashion; loaning it at +usurious rates, and hiding it when not in use in chests and crannies in +his den. At the time of his death, which was due more to lack of +nourishment than to anything else, there was found upon his person and +in nooks and corners of his room, thirty thousand dollars in gold and +government bonds, all of which in due time became the property of +Checkers. + + + + +VIII + +On a certain bright December day not many weeks after the occurrence of +the last related events, the town of Clarksville seemed to have assumed +a most unwonted bustle and confusion. People were actually hurrying in +and out of the little white Methodist church, carrying evergreen +boughs, chrysanthemums and sprays of holly and mistletoe. Wagons were +driving back and forth between town and the Barlow place, and the +Barlow house was in the hands of a Little Rock caterer and his +assistants. It was Checkers' wedding day. He and Pert were to be +married that night at six o'clock. Nothing they could think of had +been left undone to make the occasion a happy one. + +Though the old man fumed and fretted at the expense, Checkers insisted +upon having things "right." "This is my first and last wedding," he +said, "and there 's going to be nothing Sioux City about it." So, +though the old man groaned in spirit, caterer, orchestra, flowers, +etc., were ordered, regardless of expense, from Little Rock, and all +the town took a surpassing interest in the event. + +Checkers' return to Clarksville had been the triumphant return of +Caesar to Rome. As is usual in such cases, current report had +magnified his fortune twenty-fold. Mr. Barlow was now all smiles and +acquiescence; but his first meeting with Checkers was painfully +strained. Checkers treated him on the principle of "least said, +soonest mended;" but Mrs. Barlow he kissed and called "mother." + +He had found Pert looking a little pale, and her bright eyes seemed +somewhat larger and brighter. But the happiness which accompanied his +return soon brought the color back to her cheeks. + +[Illustration: PERT] + +Of course Checkers urged an immediate marriage, and of course there was +the usual demur; but, in the end, a date was fixed upon as near as +would conveniently allow for such preparations as Pert and her mother +felt it necessary to make. And in the mean time Checkers and Pert were +ideally happy. They took long drives and walks through the woods, and +spent long evenings in talking over their plans for the future, with a +never-flagging interest. + +It was practically decided that Checkers was to buy the Tyler place. +This was a fruit farm in perfect condition, with a neat little house +upon it, and not far from town. It could be purchased for cash at a +very low figure, and as the trees were all bearing, it seemed to +promise a large and sure return for the money, even cutting in half, +for possibilities of frost or drought, a conservative estimate of what +the trees should yield to the acre. + +Mr. Barlow and Checkers figured upon it carefully from every +standpoint, and the more they figured, the more it seemed a +providential opportunity, Checkers knew nothing of any other business, +and his money was practically lying idle in the bank. No other safe +investment could promise so large an income and at the same time +furnish him with employment and a pleasant home. + +And so at last the matter was decided. The earnest money was paid, and +the order given for the execution of the necessary papers. The house +was vacated and thoroughly renovated, and Pert found a new delight in +selecting paper, carpets and furniture to her liking--Checkers had +given her _carte blanche_. + +As soon as the title to the property was found to be clear, Checkers +gave a certified check to Mr. Tyler for twenty thousand dollars, and a +warranty deed was signed, conveying the property, in fee, to Persis +Barlow. This was in accordance with Checkers' desire, and was a great +surprise to Pert and her parents. "What's mine is yours, dear," he +said with a smile, "and what's yours is your own." And that ended the +matter--unfortunately for Checkers. + +There was just one question upon which the two had a serious +difference--the case of Arthur Kendall. + +"Now, Edward," said Pert one evening (when she called him 'Edward' he +knew that something important was coming), "I want to talk to you about +something that has been worrying me dreadfully." + +"What is it, sweetheart?" + +"And I want you to promise to do as I ask you." + +Checkers felt suspicious, and refused to "go it blind." + +"Well, it's about the Kendalls. I want you to make up with Arthur, +somehow--" + +"Not on your--" + +"Yes, Edward; you must. Remember the Thanksgiving sermon about +forgiveness and loving your neighbors." + +"Oh, it's all well enough to love your neighbor, but there 's no +necessity for taking down the fence. Arthur treated me like a +step-child, and--" + +"But, Checkers dear, we want Aunt Deb. and Mr. Kendall at the wedding. +They won't come unless Arthur does, and Arthur won't come unless you +make up with him. Consider, Checkers, you 've been unusually blest, +and you ought to be humble and thankful, and do something to show it; +and here's your opportunity. Another thing"--this came +hesitatingly--"he 's the only fellow about here who could make a decent +appearance as your best man." + +Checkers went off into peals of laughter. "Oh," he exclaimed, "I begin +to tumble. Forgive your neighbor, if you happen to need +him--afterwards you can shake him again." + +Pert joined in the laugh. "It is no such thing," she responded. "If +you half appreciated me, you would n't blame Arthur for being angry at +you for doing what you did to him. He loved me a great deal more than +you do; he never refused me a favor in his life." + +"That's just why he lost you. Push Miller used to say--" + +"Never mind Push Miller; Arthur is to be at Sadie's to-morrow evening. +You and I are going there to call. You are to shake hands with Arthur +and tell him you 're glad to see him, and be natural and friendly. +Afterwards you can ask him to stand up with you." + +"It seems to be settled," said Checkers; and so it eventuated. +Checkers greeted Arthur with frank cordiality, and relieved the tension +by a few well-turned witticisms. No apologies passed between them, and +reference to the past was tacitly barred. Checkers' sunny nature was +not one to harbor a grudge, and if Arthur still felt rebellious, he +managed to hide it gracefully. He readily consented to act the part of +best man for Checkers; and Sadie, of course, was to be Pert's maid of +honor. Most of the evening was spent in discussing other available +material in the way of bridesmaids and groomsmen, and it was agreed +that with a few importations from Little Rock, they would be able to +present an attractive wedding party. + +"Now, I have an idea," said Arthur, "which I think is a good one. +Checkers ought to know those fellows before they are asked to be his +groomsmen; we'll go up to Little Rock to-morrow, and I 'll invite them +to meet him at an informal dinner at one of the hotels." + +"A very good scheme," assented Pert. + +"And I 'll invite the party here to supper for the night before the +wedding," put in Sadie. + +"It 's very kind of you both," said Checkers, "and I appreciate it more +than I can tell you." + +Early the next morning the two boys went to Little Rock. Arthur +invited four of the most desirable of his acquaintances to dinner that +evening, and luckily they all accepted. + +Most of Checkers' day was taken up in fulfilling missions for Pert and +her mother. He returned to the hotel late in the afternoon, and had +barely time to don his new dress-suit and join Arthur in the rotunda +before their guests arrived. + +They were jolly good fellows, all of them. Checkers was duly +presented, and after a preliminary cocktail the party adjourned to the +private dining-room, where a round table was prettily laid for six. +Checkers felt apprehensive for Arthur, when he noticed three different +glasses at each plate; but Arthur took early occasion to state that he +was "on the water-wagon," and he hoped that the boys would "not let it +make any difference with them, or with the gayety of the evening"--and +it did n't. After the first edge of their hunger was turned the +jollity grew apace. Checkers in his happiest vein related numberless +humorous anecdotes, among them his experience of Remorse and the gold +piece. Each of them told his particular pet joke, and all were +boisterously applauded. + +"Now, waiter," exclaimed Arthur, suddenly righting his down-turned +champagne glass, "fill them up again all around, and give me some. +Gentlemen, I want to propose a double toast, and I 'll ask you to drink +it standing--a bumper." All arose expectantly. "Let us drink," he +said, "to the health and happiness of the sweetest, fairest, most +lovable girl God ever put upon this earth--it is needless to name her. +Let us also drink to the health and prosperity of the thrice-fortunate +man who has won her love--Mr. Campbell, your health." He touched his +wine to his lips; the others drained their glasses, and all sat down. + +There was an expectant silence. Checkers felt the blood go surging to +his brain, while his heart seemed to sink like lead within him. He +felt powerless to rise, although he knew that all were awaiting his +response. The silence became painful. "Speech," murmured some one. +"Speech," echoed the others. With a superhuman effort he managed to +arise, and grasping a full glass of water, drained it. "I 'll tell +you, boys," he said huskily, "here's where I 'd put up the talk of my +life, if I could; but it's like it was that day they declared all bets +off--the occasion 's too much for me. I feel it all--I feel it in my +heart," he continued earnestly. "I 'm obliged to Arthur for his +motion, and to you all for making it unanimous. I know that I 'm +lucky, so lucky that I can hardly believe my good fortune myself. Half +the time I think that I must be asleep, and trying to 'cash a +hop-dream.' I 've been ready to get married for a couple of years--I +'ve had everything but the stuff and the girl; I was ready to furnish +the groom all right; but I 've always had a feeling that I could n't +have much respect for a girl that would marry me if she was 'onto' +me--every fellow feels the same, or ought to. And so when I find I +have drawn a prize girl, who, as Arthur says, is 'the fairest and +sweetest God ever put on this earth,' and it's true, it jars me, boys; +it does, on the dead. I feel like the only winner in a poker-game, as +though I ought to apologize for it--and I do, with about the same +regret. + +"Well, I 've had my hard luck, and 'played out the string,' and now +that things seem to be coming my way, I 'm going to enjoy myself while +it lasts. 'Life is short, and we 're a long time dead.' That's an old +saying, but it's a good one. Boys, I hope you 'll all be as happy as I +am when it comes your turn, and may it come soon. Here 's how." He +lifted his glass, which in the mean time the waiter had filled, and, +smiling around the circle, tossed off his wine in unison with the +others and sat down. + +There was the usual clapping and cheering, after which Checkers asked +their attention for a moment more. "I want to sign two of you fellows +for groomsmen," he said. "I wish I needed four, I 'd like to have you +all; but Pert said 'two,' and what Pert says goes. Now, how shall we +decide it?" + +"Why not match for it!" suggested one of them. + +"Good idea!" exclaimed Checkers; "you four match nickels, odd man out. +until two are left--come on, get busy." + +On the first trial, two called "heads," and two "tails." "No +business," said Checkers. On the second trial, three called "heads" +and one "tails." "Tough luck, old man," said Checkers to the one; "I +wanted you particularly." At the first essay of the three remaining, +all showed "heads" up; at the second two of them "switched" to "tails," +while the third kept "heads"--thus deciding the matter. + +"Well, that settles that," said Checkers; "but groomsmen or not, we 'll +all be there, and I hope we'll all have a good time." + +It was in "the wee, sma' hours" when the party broke up, and Checkers +and Arthur, after seeing their guests safely out, sought their rooms, +and quickly tumbled into bed. Checkers, however, took occasion to +thank Arthur warmly for his kindness, and to express a hope that an +opportunity might soon occur for him to requite it. The next afternoon +saw them back in Clarksville. + +The few intermediate days passed quickly. Sadie's supper was a +success, as such things go; the ceremony was rehearsed, and all was in +readiness for the great event. + +The wedding morning dawned, as bright and beautiful a winter's day as +nature ever vouchsafed a happy bridal pair. Checkers was up with the +lark. He felt the weight of the nations upon his shoulders. All day +he was back and forth between house and church, anxious that nothing +should be overlooked; suggesting and helping until late in the +afternoon, when Arthur laid violent hands upon him, and insisted upon +his taking a rest before making a toilet for the evening. + +Promptly at six, to the Lohengrin March on a cabinet organ, the bridal +party came slowly down the aisle, the two ushers first, and following +them, the two bridesmaids. After these came Sadie, alone, with a huge +bouquet of roses, and lastly leaning upon her father's arm, came Pert, +in a simple white gown, her veil wreathed with orange blossoms and +pinned with a diamond star, one of Checkers' gifts. + +Every neck was craned, and every eye fastened upon her in breathless +admiration, for she was beautiful. + +From behind a screen at the side, Checkers and Arthur came forth, and +met them at the altar. The service was simple, but solemn and +impressive. The earnestness of Checkers' answers caused a quiet smile +to pass around, which culminated in down-right laughter at the ardor +with which he kissed the bride when the time came; but he was wholly +oblivious. Marching out to the accustomed music, he could scarcely +maintain a decorous step, so great was his elation. + +Their short drive to the house, during which he folded Pert in his +arms, and knew that she was his--all his--he felt to be the moment of +his supremest earthly happiness. + +The others followed quickly. The guests arrived, and soon there were +congratulations, feasting, music and merry-making galore. + +But all things--good things--have an end, and perhaps it is just as +well that they have; at least, in this case Checkers and Pert, as they +crossed the threshold of their own little home, breathed a happy sigh +at the thought that they were alone at last--together. + + + + +IX + +The succeeding days brought one continuous round of simple pleasures. +Christmas and the holidays followed hard upon the wedding, and New +Year's Day being Sunday, Pert invited the members of the wedding party +to the house for from Friday to the Monday following. + +At this season of the year there was nothing of actual work to be done +upon the place, and Checkers was free to hunt with the men or drive +with the girls, as he elected. + +Whether it be for the reason that "misery loves company," or for the +much more probable and kindly reason that "our truest happiness lies in +making others happy," it is certain that most young married couples +have a very strong "weakness" for match-making. And Pert and Checkers +were no exception to this rule. + +They decided that Arthur's truest good demanded that he marry Sadie; +and poor little Sadie showed but too plainly in what direction her +happiness lay. + +But in spite of Pert's well-laid plans to leave them in quiet corners +together, in spite of her many little tactful suggestions, Arthur +remained unresponsive. He was attentive in a perfunctory way, but that +was all. And often Pert would blush to find him gazing at her with a +wistful, far-away look in his eyes, which told more surely than words +what was in his heart. In fact, Sadie timidly suggested to Pert one +day that Arthur was always distrait and silent after seeing her and +Checkers together; and that instead of making him desire a domestic +little home of his own, it seemed to embitter and sour him. + +So, after the house party Checkers settled down to serious life on a +farm, and Pert busied herself with housekeeping, learning to cook from +her neat old colored servant "Mandy," trying new dishes herself, and +doing the thousand and one little things that go to make up "a woman's +work," which 't is said "is never done"--"done," of course, in the +sense of "finished." + +And so the winter glided quickly into spring--the spring of '93; a year +that many of us will long remember. + +One evening Checkers unfolded to Pert a long-cherished scheme, which +delighted her. This was nothing less than a plan to take her to +Chicago in May to see the World's Fair. "We 'll call it our wedding +trip, little girl," he said caressingly, "and we won't be gone but ten +days or two weeks." + +But when Mr. Barlow heard of it, "he made a monkey of himself," as +Checkers put it. He ranted and swore, and told them both they would +end in the poorhouse with their reckless extravagance. But Checkers +laughed him off good-naturedly. He knew that the trip would be +expensive; but he felt that he could afford it, and he had another and +a deeper reason for taking Pert to Chicago. He was greatly worried +about her health, and he desired to have her consult some eminent +physician regarding herself. + +One day, when they were out for a walk, she had run a playful race with +him along a level stretch of road, bending every energy to beat him. +He was running easily behind her, puffing and grunting to make her +think that she was really worsting him, when suddenly she stumbled, +tottered, and, putting her hand to her heart, sank limply upon a bed of +leaves at the side of the road. In an instant Checkers was kneeling +beside her. She had not fainted, but was as pale as death, and she +still held her hand to her heart and gasped for breath. Checkers +loosened her gown about her throat, then filling his hat with water at +a little stream near by, he bathed her brow and wet her lips. Fully an +hour passed before she was able with his assistance to walk to the +house, and though about, next day apparently as well as ever, she +complained thereafter, at intervals, of dizziness, chilly sensations +and strange flutterings at her heart. + +The local doctor joked her about the size of her waist, and told her +that her trouble was probably due to a combination of lacing and +indigestion. But to Checkers he confided a fear that there might be +some affection of the heart, and earnestly advised that he consult some +worthy specialist. + +So, while Checkers told nothing of his apprehensions to Pert, he would +brook no interference in his plans. The middle of May they left the +house in care of "Mandy," and set out for the land of "The Great White +City." + +What delight they found in roaming about through those wonderful +buildings and marvelous displays! Checkers, alert and all-observing, +Pert, enthusiastic and wondering--they spent whole days in a single +building or upon the ever-interesting Midway. + +Checkers had found cozy quarters in a small hotel not far from the +grounds, but they lunched and dined where it suited them best. Thus it +chanced that one night, when they were going to the theater, they dined +beforehand at Kinsley's, as related by Checkers in the opening chapters. + +Meanwhile, Checkers did not neglect the more serious part of his +mission. He hunted up Murray, who was surprised and glad to see him, +and who evinced a genuine interest in the story of his marital felicity. + +Upon the matter of a doctor for Pert, Murray happened to know "just the +man," a friend of his, to whom he gave Checkers a letter of +introduction. Checkers called and explained the case to the doctor, +and the next day Pert underwent a thorough examination. Checkers +awaited the verdict anxiously. In effect it was this: her heart action +was weak, and at times irregular, but there was no reason to apprehend +but what, with a careful diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and +fresh air, she would live as long as the average woman, and fully +recover from the troublesome symptoms which sudden over-exertion had +brought upon her. Violent exercise and excitement, however, were +especially to be avoided; and the use of all stimulants, narcotics and +anaesthetics must be set down as dangerous in the extreme. + +Checkers breathed a sigh of relief. He had warned the doctor to make +as light of the case to Pert as his conscience would permit, explaining +that he himself would tell her gradually, as fitting occasion offered, +what had been said to him, and would see that all instructions were +carefully carried out. Violent exercise she was already warned +against, and Checkers felt that he could guard her against unusual +excitement. He carefully avoided the harrowing plays at the theater, +but took her to operas and burlesques. But it never occurred to him as +necessary to warn her specifically against stimulants and drugs. + +A few days before their departure for home, they received a pleasant +surprise in the shape of a telegram from Arthur and Sadie, announcing +their marriage. + +A letter from Sadie arrived the next day, in which she said that she +and Arthur had hoped to join them in Chicago and surprise them, but +that conditions were such at the store that Arthur's every available +moment was demanded, and he could not possibly get away. But this was +not the half of it. The panic of '93, of which premonitory notice had +been given by numerous bank failures, was now a stern reality. +Collections were bad, business was dead, and the firm of Kendall & Co., +which had unfortunately laid in a larger stock of goods than usual that +season, found it all they could do to keep themselves from going to the +wall. + +Checkers and Pert returned and soon fell into their accustomed grooves. +They called upon Arthur and Sadie, and found them reasonably happy +under new conditions, although Arthur was evidently carrying a load of +care and responsibility; while Judge Martin sat up and cheerfully +predicted "confusion and every evil work" as a result of the +demonetization of silver and other kindred political "outrages." + +One morning as Checkers was working about the dooryard, he espied his +father-in-law coming up the road at a gait which presaged important +news. The old man reached him, out of breath. Checkers waited +expectantly. + +"Well, what do ye think has happened now?" panted Mr. Barlow. "The +First National Bank of Little Rock has gone up--busted; got yer money." + +There was in his voice and manner something of the triumph that mean +spirits feel at being the first to bring disastrous news, as well as a +show of personal injury at the thought of Checkers allowing himself to +lose what he himself had even the shadow of an interest in. + +"My God!" exclaimed Checkers involuntarily, growing pale at the news. +Then for a moment he stood in silence, nervously biting his upper lip. +He had had long experience in controlling himself under trying +circumstances. "If that's so," he finally answered in a quiet voice, +"it 's tough." + +This exasperated Mr. Barlow. "Tough," he repeated; "you nincompoop, +it's actual ruin; the bank has been robbed by its president--looted--ye +'ll never see a cent of it ag'in," and he started toward the house. + +"Hold on!" exclaimed Checkers, grabbing him by the arm. "Not a word of +this to Pert; it will only excite her, and not do any good." + +But the old man shook him off and continued his way. Checkers picked +up a handy piece of scantling, and running up the steps, turned and +faced his father-in-law. + +"Now, see here, old man," he exclaimed, "I 've taken as much of your +slack as I 'm going to--see? I tell you you can't come into this +house; and I give you fair warning, if you put your foot on one of +those steps I 'll smash you over the head;" and he swung his weapon +threateningly to his shoulder. "What I 've made or lost is mine, not +yours," he continued, "and it don't 'cut any pie' with you--you'll +never get a cent of it. My wife is mine, not yours, and I 'll take +care of her, what ever happens. But she is n't well, and the doctor +said any sudden excitement might kill her. I 'll tell her gradually +and quietly, and go down to Little Rock this noon and see if there 's +anything can be done. If I 'd let you tell her you 'd break the news +with an ax, and I tell you I ain't going to have it; so just 'jar +loose,' and 'pull your freight.'" + +There was something in Checkers' determined look which cowed the old +man, but he would n't go without a last word. "Well, ye 'll both o' ye +end a couple of paupers and die in the poorhouse if this keeps up," he +said, "with your fancy furniture and trips to Chicago. How much did +you have in that bank?" + +Just here Pert appeared in the doorway. Checkers' threatening attitude +and her father's question, which she overheard, surprised and startled +her. "What is it?" she cried, putting her arm around Checkers and +disarming him gently. + +"Nothing much," he began. + +"Nothing much," interrupted her father, "except that the Little Rock +bank is busted, and all yer money's gone." + +Checkers reached for his stick, but Pert restrained him. "Never mind, +dearest," she said, "it may not be as bad as you think--things never +are; and we 've got the house and the farm, and the bonds; and, +whatever happens, we 've got each other." + +"Yes; you 've got each other," said the old man cynically, "and that's +all ye will have, if things goes this way. If yer goin' to Little +Rock, boy," he said sharply, consulting his old silver watch, "ye must +hurry; ye ain't more 'n time to make it now." + +Checkers saw that this was so, and going to his room, made a hasty +toilet. "Good-bye, Pert, darling," he said, as he emerged, catching +her up and embracing her lovingly. "I 'll be back soon; don't mind +what he says;" and with a warning glance at Mr. Barlow, he hurried off +down the road toward the station. + +As he stood upon the platform awaiting the train he felt a sudden +presentiment of evil, and with a superstition born of his early +experience in gambling, he half decided to turn back. "I 've got a +feeling I ought n't to go," he muttered; "but I guess it's because I 'm +afraid the old man will worry Pert. Still, she seemed to take it calm +enough, and I ought to get there and look after my stuff." He boarded +the train and went steaming off, but he could not get rid of his +bugaboo. + +The situation with Checkers at this time was about as follows: Of the +legacy left him, $20,000 had gone for the farm, or fruit ranch, which +he had given Pert. A thousand more had been spent in refitting and +furnishing the house. Most of the wedding expenses, which Checkers had +assumed, Part's presents, an elaborate wardrobe for himself, the +household expenses, and the trip to Chicago, had consumed about another +thousand. The balance, except ten government bonds and a few hundred +dollars in the bank at Clarksville, was on deposit at interest in this +bank which failed--$4,800, for which he held a certificate of deposit. +It was very unfortunate, and the sense of his loss kept growing upon +him as time went on. + +Meanwhile Mr. Barlow had taken occasion to lecture Pert on her sinful +extravagance. With pencil and paper he sat before her, and showed her +how within six short months she and Checkers had spent one-tenth of +their fortune, and how with this loss at the bank they were poorer by a +third of all they had ever possessed. + +"Figures won't lie, but liars will figure." He knew, but he did not +tell her, that of what was actual expense there would be little cause +for its repetition, and that most of the money expended was visible in +assets of one sort or another. He only made her feel perfectly +miserable, and wrought her up beyond the point of thinking or answering +intelligently. + +When he had gone she tried for a while to busy herself about the house, +but she felt a growing lonesomeness--a desire for sympathy and +companionship--and she decided to put on her hat and go down to her +cousin Sadie's. + +It was now high noon, and a stifling hot day; but she braved the heat +of the blistering sun, and trudged along the dusty way to her +destination. When she reached the Martins' house she was dizzy and +faint from the heat and the blinding glare. + +Judge Martin and Arthur came home to dinner, and both expressed the +greatest sympathy for her and Checkers in their sudden misfortune. At +the table Pert tried to eat for appearance's sake, but her efforts +ended in mere pretense. Sadie noticed it, and insisted that after +dinner she go to a room on the cool side of the house and "take a nap." +To this Pert objected. "I can never sleep during the day," she said; +"the longer I lie, the wider awake I get. I am really all right," she +added, smiling bravely, "only my head aches--a very little." + +"We'll soon fix that," exclaimed Arthur. "I 've been troubled with +headache and sleeplessness lately, myself, and I 've struck a remedy +that beats anything you ever saw; knocks a headache, and makes you +sleep like an infant. It's perfectly harmless, too--guaranteed. +Excuse me a minute; I'll get the box." + +Pert felt too miserably weak and apathetic to further object to Sadie's +suggestion or Arthur's remedy; so, under her cousin's ministering +guidance, she retired to an upper room and prepared herself with what +comfort she could to rest, while Sadie opened the windows and drew the +shades. + +"Now, Pert," said Sadie, "take one of these powders with a little +water, and I think you 'll feel better right away. I 'll leave the box +here on the table, near the bed, and if the first one does n 't cure +your headache and put you to sleep, take another. Now is there +anything more you want, dear? If there is, just call; I 'll leave the +door the least bit open." A sudden impulse prompted her, as she was +going out, to return and kiss Pert fondly, and though not an uncommon +thing between them, still both wondered for a moment afterward at the +unusual tenderness and feeling that each had unconsciously put into the +embrace. + +Left alone, Pert tried to compose her mind and go to sleep; but in +spite of herself her brain dwelt anxiously upon Checkers in Little +Rock, and upon what her father had said to her. Half an hour passed +and still her fancy teemed, as she restlessly tossed from side to side. +She felt herself growing nervous, and her ear upon the pillow told her +that her heart was beating rapidly. + +"At least my head feels a great deal better," she murmured, raising +herself upon her elbow; "now if I could only get to sleep I believe I +should wake up quite myself again. Perhaps another powder will do it; +I 'm afraid of them, though. Still, Arthur says they 're perfectly +harmless--I 'll take just one more. Checkers would n 't like it; he +told me never to take any medicine." She lifted her box from the +table. "Dear old Checkers," she said to herself, with a sigh, +preparing the powder; "how he loves me! His first thought was to keep +the news from me for fear I would worry." She took the draught and +sank back upon the pillow--"to be loved as he loves me--Oh, Checkers! +mother!!" + +The afternoon wore on towards dusk. Sadie went about her household +duties, humming softly. Once she thought she heard Pert call, but as +the sound was not repeated, she fancied herself mistaken, and sat down +to read, happy in the thought that Pert must have fallen asleep. It +seemed to be blowing up cooler; the wind had shifted, and a few dark +clouds were rolling up from the west, with distant rumbling. + +About five o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Barlow drove up in a buggy. Mrs. +Barlow got out, and Mr. Barlow drove on toward the store. Sadie saw +them and opened the door. + +"Is Pert here, Sadie?" was the question which greeted her. "We 've +been up to her house, and 'Mandy' said she had come down here." + +"Yes; she 's here, Auntie Barlow." + +"The poor little thing! My husband only told me the news this +afternoon; he 's been down street all morning, and I wanted to see her +and comfort her." + +"She wasn't feeling well," explained Sadie, "and after dinner I sent +her up stairs to sleep. You 'll find her in the bedroom over the +parlor. She must be awake by this time." + +"Very well; I 'll go up." Mrs. Barlow ascended the stairs. + +Sadie went to the window and looked out upon the gathering storm, now +vividly foretold by constant flashes of jagged lightning. Suddenly she +started, and stood transfixed, as though turned to ice with a chilling +horror. There had come to her ears from above an awful cry of bitter +anguish, quickly followed by a jarring, muffled sound, as of a falling +body. + +"Auntie Barlow!" she gasped, regaining her faculties with a superhuman +effort, and rushing blindly toward the stairs. Staggering up with the +aid of the banister, she reached the landing and entered the room +beyond. There, prostrate upon the floor, lay Mrs. Barlow in a +deathlike swoon. Upon the bed lay the lifeless body of poor little +Pert--her pure, white soul had flown. + +There are some who faint at the thought of a thing, but are brave when +they meet it face to face. Such a one was Sadie. She realized the +situation at a glance; and though the awfulness of it benumbed her, she +did, dry-eyed and mechanically, what she knew must be done. Mrs. +Barlow she could not lift, but, she sprinkled her face with water, and +put a pillow under her head. Then with the ghost of a hope that Pert +was but in a stupor, she rushed down the stairs, and out into the +street, toward the doctor's, a few doors away. She met him just coming +out of his gate. "Come, quick," she said; and as they hurried back she +told him in a few words what had happened. + +Mrs. Barlow still lay in a state of semi-consciousness, moaning +pitifully at intervals. With all her soul in her eyes, Sadie watched +the doctor while he felt Pert's wrist and held a glass before her lips +for an indication of breathing. But his face gave never a sign of +hope, and his eyes, as he looked up, told her all. "She is dead," he +said softly. Sadie burst into a fit of uncontrollable weeping. The +doctor lifted Mrs. Barlow carefully and deposited her upon a bed in +another room. + +The sound of voices was heard outside--those of Arthur and Judge Martin +talking to Mr. Barlow, who had just driven up and met them as they were +coming in. Sadie went slowly down the stairs and opened the door. The +sight of her tear-stained face startled them all. "What is it?" they +exclaimed simultaneously. + +"Oh, Pert--" she began; but burst again into weeping and was unable to +continue. + +The doctor appeared just behind her, and told the three men what had +happened. Mr. Barlow, his face set hard, and a ghastly white under his +yellow skin, tottered up the stairs, the doctor following. Judge +Martin penned a telegram to Checkers, and dispatched Arthur with it at +once. + +"Pert is very sick. Come home," it read, and it was signed as though +from Mr. Barlow. + +Fortunately, Checkers, in Little Rock, had but a few moments to wait +for the outgoing train after receiving the message; but every moment of +the journey was torture; every delay at way-stations, agony. When, +after what seemed to him like years, they at last pulled into +Clarksville, he jumped from the moving train to the platform. + +Judge Martin had set for himself the unwelcome task of meeting him and +breaking the sad news. But his resolution all but failed him when +Checkers, grasping both his hands, asked breathlessly, "How is she, +sir?" his face upturned with a pleading look, as though upon the answer +depended his very life and salvation. + +"She is very low, my poor boy," answered the Judge, the tears coming +into his eyes; "but you must be brave--" + +"My God, my God!" breathed Checkers, raising his hand to his eyes in a +dazed way, as though to ward off the blow of the Judge's words, the +import of which was all too plain. The Judge laid his hand upon +Checkers' shoulder and drew him toward him, protectingly. "Come," he +said, gently; "she is at my house." + +Checkers started as though from a dream. "At your house," he echoed, +"and I have been standing here wasting precious time." + +With a sudden bound he jumped to the ground and flew up the street +through the darkness, toward the Judge's house, not many yards away. +Arthur heard the sound of his footsteps, and silently opened the door. +"Upstairs, Checkers," he whispered. Checkers hurried frantically up +the stairs, but paused at the threshold, ere he entered the room. +There before him, by the light of one dim, flickering candle, sat +Sadie, silently weeping. There upon the bed, cold and silent in death, +lay the mortal remains of his sweet girl-wife. + +With an agonized cry he fell to his knees at the bedside, and taking +her cold little hand, he rubbed it and kissed it caressingly. "Pert, +my darling," he moaned, "come back to me! Don't leave me, Pert, my +precious one--tell me you won't dear--tell me you hear me!--" But only +the sound of Sadie's convulsive sobbing answered him as she stumbled +from the room. + +The long threatened storm now suddenly broke in all its fury. The rain +blew fiercely in at a window near him, and drenched him through and +through with the flying spray; but he heeded it not. Kneeling at the +bedside, his face above the little hand clasped in both of his, he +uttered mingled incoherent prayers to Pert to come back, and to God to +take him too. + +Judge Martin noiselessly entered the room and closed the window. +Gently he put a hand under each of Checkers' arms, and raised him up. +"Come, my boy," he said kindly, but firmly, "you must not stay here in +this condition. Try to bear up. It's an awful blow that has come upon +us; but God, in his inscrutable wisdom, has thought it best to take +her--" + +Again, with a sudden burst of anguish, as though his very heart had +broken within him, Checkers threw himself to his knees by the bedside, +and burying his face between his outstretched arms, poured out in +bitter, choking sobs, his utter hopeless, despairing misery. So +terrible a strain, however, brought about, in the end, its own results. +Beneficent nature intervened, and toward the morning hours Judge Martin +and Arthur gently lifted the grief-stricken boy from the kneeling +position in which he had fallen asleep, and put him comfortably upon a +bed in another room, without his awakening. + +Details of this sort are harrowing at best, but nothing imaginable +could have been sadder than was the funeral two days later. The rain, +which had never intermitted, fell with dismal hopelessness. Mrs. +Barlow had not been able to leave her bed since the shock, and, never +strong, her life was now almost despaired of. + +Checkers stood uncovered in the down-pouring rain, beside the open +grave, his clear-cut face as hard and white as marble. In spite of the +draggling wet and clinging mud, the country people were out in force; +but their gapes, their nudges and whispers, were as little to him as +the falling rain. He was dead to everything but the sense of his +utter, hopeless desolation. + +What made it all even sadder, if possible, was that a dreadful breach +had come between him and Sadie and Arthur. + +On the morning following that first awful night, he had suddenly +confronted them with the box of powders crushed in his hand, and in his +eyes a tragic, questioning look which spoke, while he stood sternly +silent. + +"Oh, Checkers," cried Sadie, falling to her knees and holding out her +hands entreatingly, "forgive us--we did n't know--we didn't know! +Forgive us; please forgive us!" + +But his face only grew the harder. "Forgive you," he said, as he +raised his clenched hand to heaven, invokingly; "may God eternally--" +but he faltered, and his voice grew suddenly soft, "forgive you," he +added, dropping his arm and lowering his voice contritely. "But I," he +began again, in measured passionless words--"I can never forgive you. +I never want to see you--either of you--again." And from that hour he +never spoke to them, nor looked at them, any more than as though they +were not. + +The funeral was over. He had come home. The rain had ceased. He sat +alone on his doorstep. The minister and some well-meaning but mistaken +friends, who had tried to comfort him, were gone. Over the western +hills the lowering sun broke through the heavy, moving clouds, painting +some a lurid tinge, and lining the heavier ones with silver. Checkers +noted it absently. "Another lie nailed," he muttered, as the trite old +proverb occurred to him. "My cloud is blacker and heavier than any of +those--and silver lining? Humph! Well, silver 's demonetized!" Over +his face there flitted the ghost of a smile. A smile, not at the sorry +jest, but at the thought that at this hour there should have come to +him so whimsical a fancy. + +A number of days went by. He simply drifted, doing a few needful +duties mechanically; sometimes eating the food which Mandy prepared for +him, but oftener going without altogether; sitting, brooding, hours at +a time, gazing vacantly into space. + +Mrs. Barlow--he learned one day from the doctor, who stopped a moment +in passing--had taken a slight turn for the better. Mr. Barlow, the +following morning appeared, as Checkers stood meditatively surveying a +fine old apple tree, from which a large limb, hanging heavy with fruit, +had been blown during the night. + +"Thar," snorted the old man as he came up; "thar ye go, with yer +dog-durned laziness. If you 'd o' propped that limb weeks ago, as you +'d ought t' done, you 'd o' saved me a couple o' barrels o' +apples--Shannons, too. It's high time I was takin' a holt here myself. +Git the saw and the grafting-wax." Checkers obeyed, and stood +apathetically watching Mr. Barlow minister to the tree's necessity. + +"Now," said the old man, when at last he had finished, "come and set in +the shade; I want to have a talk with ye;" and he led the way around to +the doorstep. Both sat down. The old man drew a plug of "Horseshoe" +from his pocket, and cut off a liberal piece, which he chewed into a +comfortable consistency before beginning. + +"Now, boy," he said, "luck's ben a-comin' mighty hard for you and me +these last few weeks, and I ain 't a-sayin' it's over yit for both o' +us." Checkers made no response. + +The old man chewed ruminatingly, and spat at a "devil's-horse" which +sat alertly atop of a shrub near by. "Y' see," he continued, "times is +gittin' wuss and wuss; banks failin' everywhar, and nawthin' wuth a +cent on th' shillin', 'cept Gov'ment bonds. Corn aint wuth nawthin; +farmers is feedin' their wheat to th' hogs, and cotton ye could n't +give away." Again there was a silence, and again the "devil's-horse" +narrowly escaped a deluge. + +"By the way, whar 've ye got them Gov'ment bonds o' yourn?" Checkers +came out of his reverie at the question. + +"Mr. Bradley 's got them put away in the safe for me at the store," he +answered. + +"Mm-hmm!" mused the old man; "I was kinder wonderin' whether ye ever +give any on 'em away, like ye done th' place here;" and he glanced at +Checkers cunningly out of the corner of his eye. + +"I never gave them away," said Checkers, drearily, "because there was +no occasion for it. What we had we owned together and shared in +common, and it makes little difference whether it was in my name or--or +any one else's." + +"Yes; but it does. It makes a difference in the eye o' the law." + +"Well, the law can leave it in its eye, or get it out, if it worries it +any." + +The old man grinned sardonically on the side of his face away from +Checkers. He had never liked our little friend from the time when +Checkers had caused him to fall over a rocking-chair in the parlor the +night that he and Pert became engaged; and Checkers had fostered this +dislike by snubbing and belittling him whenever an opportunity +occurred. His entire make-up of sneaking, petty selfishness and greed +was abhorrent to one of Checkers' open, generous nature, and it was +only for Pert's sake that he had ever consented to have the old man +about or notice him at all. + +"Wal," said Mr. Barlow, musingly, "that 's one thing I kin see stickin' +out; you ain't no kind o' hand to run a place like this--ye 're too +tarnal shif'less. Somebody 's got to look after things. Now, my place +down below 's all right for raisin' cotton and sich, but it 's +onhealthy, mighty. The doctor says it 's livin' down thar gives my +wife chills and ager. So, take it all 'round, and bein' 's ye 're +fixed so nice up here, but lonesome-like by yerself, I guess me an' +wife 'll close up the ole house an' move up here to live." + +"Guess again." + +"No; I 'low I guessed it right fust time," grinned the old man. "What +'s the good in runnin' two houses when we kin all live together in one +jist ez well? Wife kin have the parlor bedroom all t' herself, and you +kin have the front or back room upstairs, either you like--I ain't +pertic'lar on that pint--" + +"Now, see here," interrupted Checkers, jumping up with an impatient +gesture, "I 've listened to enough of this bloody nonsense. I 'll live +here by myself and run this place to suit myself. Now, when you go +out, close the gate--I 'm tired of talking, and I want to be left +alone." + +But the old man never budged; and again the "devil's-horse" braved an +unrighteous fate with a stoicism worthy of a better cause. + +"Young feller," said Mr. Barlow, after several moments' cogitation, +"you ain't never treated me with the perliteness and respect as is due +from a boy yer age t' his elders and betters. But I never harbored no +grudge, 'cause I knowed it was only a matter o' time when chickens like +them 'ud come home to roost." + +Checkers had intended to move off and leave him sitting there alone; +but he stopped long enough to light a cigarette (a thing which the old +man abominated) and listen to this last remark. + +[Illustration: MR. BARLOW] + +"_Now it's roostin' time_," continued Mr. Barlow with emphasis, "and +onless ye come down off'n th' high horse ye 're ridin', ye 're goin' +ter hear suthin' drap that 'll kinder put a crimp in that pride o' +yourn." + +This was a new tone for him to take, and Checkers turned and looked at +him surprisedly. + +"The fact is," he went on, "you ain't got no head for bizness, and it +'s providential things hez come round so 's I kin run this place and +make what they is to be made out'n it." He looked up as though he +expected to be interrogated. + +"What's your lay?" asked Checkers. + +"Wal, the situation, ez near ez I kin figger it out, accordin' to law, +is this: _I owns this ranch_." + +Checkers stood silent for a moment, and then laughed. "You owns it?" +he mimicked; "nit." + +"This real estate," began Mr. Barlow dryly, as though repeating a +well-conned lesson, "with the house upon it, was owned in fee by Persis +Barlow Campbell at the time o' her death. Said Persis Campbell died +intestate and without issue, and accordin' to th' laws o' the State of +Arkansas all real and personal property standin' in her name, or +belongin' to her at th' time o' her death, reverts to her next o' kin, +who 's her father. Now, what d 'ye say?" + +"It's a lie," exclaimed Checkers, trembling with anger at the thought +of so outrageous a thing. + +"It 's th' gospel truth," said Mr. Barlow, trying in vain to hide the +look of satisfaction which sat upon his face. His words and the tone +of his voice carried conviction. This was the final blow; the crowning +evil. Checkers staggered under it. The house and the trees floated +before his eyes like a stifling vapor, but with a mighty effort he +gathered himself together. + +"If this is so," he began, his voice hoarse with passion, "it's the +most ungodly outrage that ever--I 'm going down to ask Judge Martin if +that's the law. But let me tell you," he added, "law or no law, you +shall never live in this house while I 'm alive and able to shoot a +gun. Do you understand?" + +The old man was silent. + +"Do you understand?" repeated Checkers, more vehemently. + +"Pp-tttt," said the old man, and this time the "devil's-horse" fell a +victim to its too great temerity. + + + + +X + +Sadly enough, it was all too true. Judge Martin, while forced to admit +the fact, cursed Mr. Barlow in no measured terms. "The damned old +pachyderm!" he exclaimed; "suppose it is the letter of the law, by +every sense of equity, justice, and decency, the place belongs to you, +and if he tries to take it, damme, I 'll head a movement to tar and +feather him." + +Checkers went back in utter dejection. + +Mandy had a tempting dinner ready, but he barely touched it. All the +afternoon he sat under the shade of the trees, thinking deeply. Mr. +Barlow he knew too well to believe that he could be dissuaded from any +purpose once formed, if he had the law on his side, and there was any +question of money in it. He was already miserable; but to be forced to +live with the old man, even with the mitigating circumstances of his +wife--to have him around all the time--would be wholly unbearable. + +Then, too, stronger than this was the feeling that such an invasion of +the house would be a profanation. Every ornament, every chair, was +standing just as Pert had left it. No vandal hand should move or break +them, devoting them to secular use--not if he had power to help it; and +he believed he had. + +He jumped up and hurried into the house. For two hours he worked in +eager haste, opening and closing drawers, and sorting articles into +different piles on the floor. + +As night approached he entered the Kendall store, and related the whole +affair in a quiet tone to Mr. Bradley. That good old soul could hardly +contain himself for righteous indignation; but Checkers cut him short +by telling him he was in a hurry. + +"There 's two things I want to ask of you, Mr. Bradley," said Checkers. +"I want that package of bonds you have for me in the safe, and I want +you to cash a check for two hundred dollars--it's just the balance I +have in the bank here. I 'm going away to-night--for a while, at +least." + +Mr. Bradley gave him the package, and luckily had enough money on hand +to cash his check. "Thank you," said Checkers, "for this and for all +your other kindness to me. Good-bye." + +"Good-bye, my son, and God bless you!" and Mr. Bradley wrung Checkers' +hand, while the tears welled up in his kind old eyes and trickled down +his wrinkled cheeks. + +Outside, Checkers met Tobe, lumbering along with a pair of mules and a +lumber wagon. + +"Tobe, you 're the very man I want!" he exclaimed; "come, turn round, +and drive up to my place." Tobe proceeded to obey without demur or +questioning. + +Since last we saw him, Tobe had tried his luck with a fifth "woman," +and lived in a two-room shanty on a clearing in the mountains. + +Checkers walked ahead until they reached the house. "Drive up as near +to the door as you can, Tobe," he said. "I 'll be out in a minute." + +Mandy was preparing his supper in the kitchen. "Mandy," said Checkers, +"I 'm afraid I 've got bad news for you. I 'm going away to-night, and +I may not come back again; so, Mandy, I 'm afraid I won't need you any +more." + +Mandy's honest black face took on a comically serious look. Her lip +hung pendulously, as she slowly shook her gaudily turbaned head. "You +aint goin' sho' 'nough, is you, Marse Checkahs?" she asked, for lack of +something better to say. + +"Yes, Mandy, I'm going to-night," he said, "and before I go I want to +lock up this house. So after you 've washed the dishes and put things +to rights, you 'd better arrange to go home. And, Mandy, there 's a +number of things here I 'll never need, that would make your cabin very +comfortable. Tobe is here with his wagon, and I 'll get him to give +you a lift with them to-night." + +"Thank you, Marse Checkahs, thank you, sah," was all the poor old soul +could say. + +Two hours later Tobe drove out of the gate with a wagonful of +furniture, carpets, bedding, and kitchen utensils, en route for Mandy's +cabin. Mandy sat beside him, rocking back and forth, and crooning to +herself in a curious mixture of boundless grief and delirious joy. + +Tobe returned and piled another wagon-load even higher. This was +destined for the cabin in the mountains. Tobe's delight was +indescribable, and his efforts to express his thanks were quite as +futile as had been those of Mandy. Checkers had allowed the two to +take every useful article they chose from all save the parlor and +Pert's room. Those rooms remained inviolate. + +"I will write to Judge Martin to-night, Tobe," said Checkers, "telling +him what I have done for you and Mandy, in case any one should question +how you came by all this plunder. This furniture belongs to me," he +muttered to himself, "whatever the law may do with the house and +ground, for I bought it and paid for it myself, and never gave it to +anybody." + +"Now, Tobe, one thing more, here 's my trunk; put it on your wagon and +drop it off at the station on your way through town. That's it. +Good-bye, old fellow; my regards to the madam--I hope she 'll be +pleased with my wedding-gift." + +Tobe buried Checker's hand in his great horny palm. "Mr. Checkers," he +said, and his voice grew husky, "ye 're God's own kind; may He have ye +in His keepin'!" and he climbed upon his wagon, and drove slowly out +into the night. + +Checkers was alone. He went slowly into the house. A clock upon the +mantel was chiming ten. There was still two hours before train time. +He sat down and wrote a long letter to Judge Martin, sealed and stamped +it, and put it in his pocket. His hat and light overcoat lay upon a +chair beside him. He arose and put them on. His satchel, cane, and +umbrella he then carefully laid on the stoop outside, and stood a while +listening in the darkness. Apparently satisfied, he returned, and, +taking one last, lingering look around, put out the lights. + +For perhaps ten minutes he was busy at something under the stairway. +He then silently emerged and locked the door. + +The people of Clarksville and that vicinity are given to retiring +early. Had they been abroad, or even awake, as late as eleven o'clock +that night, they might have seen a startling spectacle in the +distance--that of a mass of ruthless, hungry flames devouring a little +white dwelling; leaping up in their fierce ecstacy to the heavens, and +painting the sky all about a lurid, smoky crimson. + +Checkers sat perched upon the fence some distance off. One heel was +caught upon the first rail below him. His elbow rested upon his knee, +and his upturned palm supported his chin. + +The poor little house writhed helpless in the withering grasp of the +remorseless flames. "This, then, was the final ending," he +thought--"ashes to ashes," literally. This was the awakening from his +short dream of bliss. Here he had lived six happy months; then +ill-fortune singled him out for a plaything. He laughed a bitter, +mirthless laugh. + +The night was perfectly still and the myriad sparks from the flames +rose straight to heaven. "There 's one good thing about it all," he +mused, "and that is that I kept neglecting to insure the house and +furniture when I went to Little Rock. That being the case, it 's a +wonder I did n't burn out before this. I guess it was coming. I +probably got a lead of a couple of days on my luck, and beat it out a +length or two." + +He looked at his watch. He had still half an hour before train time. +The fire was burning lower. Suddenly the whole standing structure fell +in with a muffled crash. Again the flames rose high and fierce; but +they rapidly died down, and soon there remained of the fair white +cottage but a blackened, smouldering ruin. + +Checkers climbed down and went over near by. Nothing of value was +left. The very foundations were cracked and fallen in; but the sounds +of voices on the road now warned him that he must be going. + +He turned for an instant in the direction of the Barlow house, and +bowed low. "Now, you thieving old highbinder," he said, "take the +change;" and, diving into a grove of trees he took a roundabout way +through the fields to avoid the gathering crows which, finally aroused, +now flocked to the scene of the disaster. Breathless, he arrived on +the nick of time. His trunk was thrown aboard the train; he entered +the sleeper and was whisked away toward Little Rock. + +He went out again and stood upon the platform until the last vestige of +Clarksville was passed. He then found a seat in the smoking-room and +smoked until almost morning. + + * * * * * + +"Chicago!" Checkers stood once more upon his native heath. He had +come directly from Little Rock, had rented a modest room, and had taken +up again the thread of a drifting, devil-may-care existence. +Gradually, the constant, active, throbbing pain of his bereavement wore +away, and in its stead there came a sullen, morbid sense of the +uselessness of all things. He had neither friends nor acquaintances; +even Murray Jameson was out of town. He haunted the Fair grounds in +the daytime and the theatres at night. + +"Excitement and Forgetfulness"--this might have been his watchword. + +I feel that if I could have met him at this time instead of almost a +year later as I did, I might have brought an active pressure to bear +upon him, and saved to him the good that the refining influence of his +wife and his Clarksville connections had done him. But, alas! in this +busy world there is no such thing as standing still. We either advance +or retrograde. The hill is steep to climb, but going down is easy. + +Checkers went down; gradually, it is true, but still he went down. + +By degrees he met his fellow-roomers in the house--good fellows, all of +them, in their way, but worthless. Checkers craved companionship. +Often he sat in a poker game all night with them, in some one of their +rooms, or "did the Midway" with them, ever "mocking the spirit which +could be moved to such a thing," but sometimes finding in it a +temporary respite from the bitter, haunting memories of the past. + +It would be difficult to follow, and uninteresting to read, the devious +windings of Checkers' way during the next few months. Hardened, +despondent, and utterly careless; without the restraining influence of +worthy friends or home ties to soften and hold him; with money, but no +occupation; time, but nothing to do with it--little wonder is it that, +after the great White City finally closed its gates, shutting him off +from his one simple pleasure, he gradually drifted back to the stirring +scenes of his youth--the races and the betting-ring. + +The history of every one of the hundreds of thousands of men who have +"played the races" may be told in three short words: "They went +broke"--sooner or later. Generally sooner than later; but "they went +broke." + +So it was with Checkers. Good information, careful betting--playing +horses for place when he thought they could win; sometimes not risking +a cent all day; watching the owners, standing in with the jockeys--all +this put him nicely ahead for a while, and staved off the evil day for +long. But the eternal law of average will not down, and the percentage +in the betting-ring is absurdly against the bettor. A streak of hard +luck; a slaughter of the favorites; a plunge; throwing good money after +bad; doubling up once or twice; a final coup. Pouf! One afternoon +Checkers found himself penniless. + +That night he pawned his watch for all it would bring. This put him in +funds again, but gave him pause. He decided to stop gambling and go to +work. But the morning paper contained a tempting list of entries. It +was Saturday, and a short day. + +He went to the track as usual, and at the end of the third race was +"broke." Then he met Murray Jameson. Both were surprised. Checkers +told him his story, and borrowed ten dollars. Murray lost fifty more +by playing Checkers' tips, against his own better judgment. Murray was +"sore"--Checkers apologetic. This was his first experience as a tout. +After that he picked up a precarious living, selling whatever articles +of value he possessed, one after another, until he had left but the +diamond star he had given Pert as a wedding gift, and a scanty wardrobe. + +When necessity caused him to part with the star he forswore the races, +and for two full weeks conscientiously sought for legitimate +employment. But Chicago was filled with idle hands, which the closing +of the Fair months before had left there stranded. Everything was +overcrowded. Business was dead, and his search was unavailing. Then +he took up "touting" as a profession. He rotated between the various +"merry-go-rounds," which were open all seasons of the year. The tout's +stock devices--the "bank-roll" game, the "phoney" ticket, the "jockey's +cousin"--he worked with better success than most; but, as a rule, his +method was simple. He sought the acquaintance of such as he thought +might be "persuaded," and by showing confidence where they were +doubtful, knowledge where their own was lacking, he usually managed to +get some four or five men to make bets during the day. Those who won +were grateful, and generally paid him well for his "information." The +losers got an explanation of "how it was" and "a sure thing for the +next." + +One thing, however, must be said for Checkers. He never "touted" a +horse unless he thought it had a best chance of winning. That is, if +there were five horses in a race, and Checkers had five men "on his +string," he never descended to the common practice of getting each one +of the five to bet on a different horse, and thus "land a sure winner." + +All five were certain to have the same chance, and to stand or fall +upon Checkers' judgment. + +Some weeks later it was that I first met him, at Washington Park, Derby +Day. He told me afterward that the minute he saw me he knew me for a +"mark" and tried to "get next." + +Yet, for all, Checkers was not innately bad. He was weak, I 'll admit, +and cruelly mistaken; but he had a simple, lovable nature, and a +natural longing for higher things. A case in point: I learned by +chance that he never missed a Sunday at church since the death of his +wife. He had no predilection, and I espied him one day in my own +sanctuary. When questioned about it he told me these facts, and +confessed to the pleasure he found in going. + +"I don't know," he said; "I always enjoy it. It's quiet and cool; +everybody 's well dressed, and I like to sit there, close my eyes, +think over my troubles, and listen to the music. And then, +again"--here his voice grew soft--"I 've a feeling that it pleases Pert +to know that I 'm there. She liked me to go to church, and I think she +knows it now when I go; do n't you? I would n't take a great deal of +money and think that she did n't know." + +What Pert must have thought of his actions weekdays was perhaps a fair +question; but it was one that I had the heart not to ask. And so it +went on; my efforts to get him a position and reform him ending in +nothing, as I have previously related. + +After the big meeting closed Checkers reached his lowest ebb. It was +during these days that he made my office a loafing place. I suppose +that for six weeks I practically supported him, lending him two or +three dollars at a time, to "square his room rent," "get out his +overcoat," "pay a doctor's bill," "play a good thing," and heaven knows +what not--each time assuring him that I positively would not succumb +again, but regularly doing so. Still, I never begrudged it. A couple +of hours with him was worth a few dollars at any time. I divided the +expense between my amusement and charity accounts; and, in truth, when +with him I never could tell whether pleasure or compassion had the +upper hand with me. I have tried to set down with some succinctness +the major part of his experiences as I heard them; but I fear they have +greatly lost, in the telling, that delicious flavor of originality +which Checkers' person, voice, and manner gave to them as I heard them +piecemeal. Many of his sayings, when repeated afterward by Murray or +me, scarcely caused a smile, while coming from him they had seemed to +us excruciatingly funny. But I believe the secret was this--he never +seemed to say anything with the primary idea of being funny. He always +looked up with genuine surprise when his listeners laughed, and only +joined them, when the mirth was infectious, by deepening a little the +cynical curves at either corner of his expressive mouth. + +For two weeks I missed him. On a morning of the third he came in with +a look of happiness on his face. "I 've got a job," he said, simply. +I wrung his hand. + +"Where?" I asked. + +"With Mr. Richmond." + +Richmond was one of my friends. He was a partner in a wholesale +paper-house. As a boy Checkers had worked in a paper-house and knew +the stock. As a consequence he had been after Richmond, whom he had +met through me, to give him a position. Richmond liked him, and, when +an opportunity offered, he sent for him and put him to work in the +stock. At the end of two weeks he determined to give Checkers a chance +upon the road. So Checkers was going out that night, and had come to +say good-bye. I was delighted, you may be sure. I gave him good +advice, and bade him Godspeed. A few days later I received this +characteristic letter, dated from some little town in Kansas: + +"DEAR MR. PRESTON: + +"I 'm here doing a stage-coach business--straining the leaders of my +legs, hustlin'. If trade keeps up I 'll have coin to melt when I get +home, and you bet I 'll melt it. The food out here would poison a dog. +I ain't got the health to go against it. I 've been sick ever since I +left Chicago, anyhow, on account of Murray Jameson. I met him at the +depot the night I left. He had a box of cigars he said a friend of his +brought him from Mexico. He gave me a handful. I got on the train, +and got busy with one--I like to croaked. Strong!!! Oh, no--it was +n't strong! Drop one of them in a can of dynamite and it's ten to one +it would 'do' the can. Start a 'Mexican' and a piece of Limburger in a +short dash, it's a hundred to one you 'd need a searchlight to find the +Limburger. I 've switched to cigarettes. + +"I got in here at six to-night, and I 'm going to get away at one. +After supper (Supper! I 'll tell you about that later!) I went over to +the only shanty in the place that looked like a store, and opened the +door. There were a lot of 'Jaspers' sitting around the stove, chewing +tobacco and swapping lies. I asked the guy that got up when I came in +where he kept his stock (he had nothing in sight). He lighted a +lantern, walked me a quarter of a mile, and showed me four +'mooley-cows'--say, I was sore. But I 'm square with him--I gave him a +couple of 'Mexicans.' + +"That supper! Well, say, it was a 'peach.' (I had an egg this morning +and it was a 'bird.') I sat down to the table with a St. Louis +shoe-man. We turned the things down one by one as they came in. A few +soda-crackers on the table saved our lives. We tried the +griddle-cakes. They were pieces of scorched, greasy dough, as big as +pie-plates. There were a couple of 'Rubes' at the other end of the +table; a short, little, fat one, and a long, lean, thin one. We shoved +the cakes on down their way. They ate their own and ours, and ordered +more. I bet the shoe-man five on the fat one. We ordered more +ourselves and pushed them along. The thin man finally began to weaken, +but the fat one got stronger every minute. My friend said I was +'pullin',' and wanted to draw the bet; but I made him 'give up.' + +"Just as we were going, the waitress came up with a grouch on, stuck +out her chin, and says, 'Pie?' + +"'Is it compulsory?' says the shoe-man. + +"'Naw; it's mince.' + +"'Well, that lets us out,' he says, and we skipped." + + +_Later_-- + +"I got interrupted here. The boys wanted me to play 'high-five' until +train-time; I picked up a little 'perfumery money,' and came up here to +Kansas City to spend Saturday night and Sunday. + +"There 's a lot of 'rummies' I used to know hanging around here, +'broke.' They 've all 'got their hand out.' One of them made me a +talk last night for enough to get to St. Louis on--said he 'must get +there.' + +"'Well,' I says, 'try the trucks; how are you on swinging under?' + +"'Yes,' he says, 'you're in luck, and makin' a swell front, with your +noisy duds and plenty of money, but it's a wonder you would n't 'let +your blood gush' a little when you see an old friend of yours in +trouble.' + +"That was a new one on me, and I 'loosened.' Well, perhaps he 'll do +me a good turn some time. + +"Now, I must close. I see dinner's ready. There's a big, fat guy has +been beating me out in a race for a seat I want in the dining-room. I +'ll 'put it over him a neck' to-day for the chair. The cross-eyed +fairy that waits on that table can dig up cream while the rest of the +waitresses are looking around to see if there 's any skimmed milk in +the joint. + +"Yours till death--and as long after as they need me at the morgue. + +"EDWARD CAMPBELL." + + +Occasionally I met Richmond and asked him how Checkers was doing. "Not +badly," was the usual answer. "He is handicapped, though," explained +Richmond one day, "by not thoroughly knowing our goods and those of +other houses. After this trip I shall put him to work in the store +again for a while." + +But this never occurred. Either by mistake or through a serious error +in judgment, Checkers sold an unusually large bill at an absurdly low +figure. This brought a sharp reproof from the house, which he answered +cavalierly. His recall and prompt dismissal followed. + +A month elapsed before I saw him. He had been trying to get another +position before coming to me, for his pride was lowered. One morning +he came in looking careworn and threadbare. I welcomed him cordially, +as usual. But though neither of us referred to his recent misfortune, +it caused an evident embarrassment in his manner. After a few moments' +desultory conversation he drew a letter from his pocket. "Read that," +he said simply, handing it to me. With difficulty I read what seemed +to be a letter from Mr. Barlow, his father-in-law. In effect it set +forth that he was now alone. Mrs. Barlow was dead, and her last dying +request had been that he find Checkers and restore to him his own. +This he had solemnly promised to do. He complained that he was +"poorly" himself, and expected to be carried off at any time, with "a +misery in his chest." And he went on to say that if Checkers had not +married again (perish the thought!), and would come back and live with +him and take care of him, he would make him his heir to the old place +as well, and to what little else he had to leave. He "did n't bear no +grudge" for the loss of the house, as things had turned out--he "liked +a lad of sperrit." However, whether he found Checkers or not, "the +preacher and them whited sepulchers" at the church "should never finger +a cent of what he left." There followed a tirade which seemed to show +that the church people had made it hot for the old man after Checkers' +departure, and doubtless more so after the death of Mrs. Barlow. + +"What do you think?" asked Checkers as I finished. + +"Think! I think it's the best of good fortune." + +"Yes; with a horrible string tied to it. Of course I want my place +back; but I 'd rather be hung than go back to Clarksville." + +"Stuff and nonsense!" I exclaimed. + +"Yes; everything is; what is n't 'stuff' is nonsense. But, say, the +funniest thing of all is that he seems to think I burnt up the house. +How do you suppose he got such a notion?" This with a laughable +expression of innocence. + +"Isn't it possible, Checkers," I said, "that this letter is a ruse to +get you down there and have you arrested for arson?" + +He thought a moment. "No," he replied; "I hardly think so. No judge +or jury down there would convict me, anyhow, when they heard the +facts--still, it's about his size. If I had a little money I would n't +need to be in a hurry. There 's some friends of mine got a bottled-up +'good thing' they 're going to 'turn loose' next week, that's a +'mortal'--'Bessie Bisland'--she 'll back in. If I had about fifty I 'd +win a lot of money, quit gamblin', and wait till the old man croaked." + +"Checkers!" + +"Still, that might be risky; these old guys 'take notice' again +scand'lous quick. While I was foolin' around some Arkansas fairy might +get in and nail down my little job." + +"Yes," I laughed; "upon all accounts, the quicker you get there the +better." + +Checkers closed one eye and fixed the other on a spot in the ceiling. +"I wonder," he murmured, "how the walking is between here and +Clarksville?" + +"Checkers," I said, "are you broke again?" + +"If you can find the price of a car ride on me, I 'll give it to +you--and I 'll help you hunt." + +"Checkers, your acquaintance has been expensive for me," I said +soberly. "I suppose now you want me to give you the money to take you +to Clarksville." + +"Mr. Preston!" he exclaimed, with an earnest expression, "I don't want +you to _give_ me _anything_. All the money I 've had from you has been +_borrowed_. I 've kept a strict tab on it, and I intend to repay it. +My farm down there is worth $20,000; when I get that back I 'll be 'in +the heart of town.' But I don't want to go back looking like a 'hobo,' +and I 've got to have some money 'to make a front with.' I could write +the old man that I 'm flat, and get him to send me some money easy +enough. But that would give him the upper hand of me, and queer me on +the start. If I drop in unexpectedly, looking as though I had money to +throw to the birds, he 's likely to 'unbelt' right away, and I 'll send +you your stuff the minute I get it." + +Well, the upshot of it all was that I advanced to Checkers what he +needed--within reason. He consumed nearly a week in making his +preparations; but in the mean time I suggested that he advise Mr. +Barlow and Judge Martin of his coming. When the day finally arrived he +insisted that I dine with him before his departure; but I had an +engagement, and was forced to refuse. We compromised, however, on a +modest luncheon, during which I advised him earnestly and well. + +"Now, Checkers," I said, before bidding him farewell, "you are about to +begin a new life; be a man, settle down, and make some good +resolutions." + +"I have," he said. "It'll take me a year to live down those I have +made already. Just think of Bessie Bisland running this afternoon and +me with not a nickel on her." + +"And, Checkers," I said, "you must school yourself to endure what may +come, however unpleasant. Treat the old man well--it won't be for +long; and remember what it means to you in the future. When you get +your property, whether soon or late, keep it, or rent it, and live +within your income." + +"You bet I will," he replied, "and I believe I 'll hire three or four +little sleuths to go round with me all the time, and see that nobody +'does' me." + +"Have Judge Martin advise you," I said. "He doubtless knows the law; +and write to me when you are settled--I shall be interested." I +clasped his hand warmly in one of mine, and rested my other upon his +shoulder. "And now good-bye, my boy," I said; "you have had a long run +of hard luck, and I am glad that fortune is about to smile upon you +again. Quit gambling; watch your opportunities and make the best of +them as they come. Good-bye." + +"Good-bye, Mr. Preston. What you say is no 'song without words,' and I +'ll remember it. I have had hard luck, and, no matter what comes, I +can never be as happy as I 've been in the past. But we all have our +troubles, and I 'll try to make the best of things, like the old crone +who had only two teeth, but she said 'Thank God, they hit!' Good-bye." + +Again we shook hands and parted silently, taking opposite directions. + + * * * * * + +Ten days have passed, and I have not heard from Checkers--it is +doubtless still a little early. + +The morning after we parted I chanced to see in the paper that "Bessie +Bisland" "also ran." It is quite as well, therefore, that Checkers did +not defer his going, but went that night. + + + + + * * * * * + +PRINTED AT THE LAKESIDE PRESS, + +CHICAGO, FOR THE PUBLISHERS, + +HERBERT S. STONE & CO. CHICAGO, U.S.A. + + * * * * * + + + + +By CLINTON ROSS + +THE SCARLET COAT + +A tale of the siege of Yorktown. + +It is seldom that so much valuable history is to be found in a novel as +"The Scarlet Coat" contains. It is one of the most interesting stories +of the Revolution that has appeared in many a year--a charming story +from first to last.--_The Army and Navy Register_. + +"The Scarlet Coat" is an extremely interesting historical +novel.--_Springfield Republican_. + +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +THE PUPPET + +A story of adventure. + +All the work that we have seen thus far glows with happy enthusiasm. +His brush is moist with the colors that tell.--_Boston Herald_. + +Unless we are very much mistaken, he is a literary figure of great +importance. There is an ease, combined with delicacy of treatment, +which renders his stories peculiarly attractive. Add to this freshness +of motive, skill, characterization, and excellent powers of +description, and it will be seen that this young romancer has distinct +claims on our attention.--_Boston Transcript_. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Scarlet Coat." $1.25. + + +THE MEDDLING HUSSY + +The thirteen tales making up this collection have from time to time +appeared in the great magazines, and have met with great success. +Indeed, it was through these "Battle Tales" that Mr. Ross first came to +be known by the larger public, and not until the appearance of "The +Scarlet Coat" was his genius for the novel recognized. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Scarlet Coat." Illustrated. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By ROBERT HICHENS + +THE LONDONERS: AN ABSURDITY + +"The Green Carnation" was among the most amusing society sketches that +recent years have given us. After it Mr. Hichens, perhaps wisely, +devoted himself to much more serious work. In "The Londoners" he +returns to his original manner without making his burlesque so +personal. It is the story of a smart woman, wearied by her position +and its duties, who seeks to get out of society. The idea is an +original one, and when contrasted with the efforts of a second heroine +to get into society, the result is wholly delightful. The story has +already attained a considerable popularity. + +With a cover designed by Claude F. Bragdon. 12mo. Cloth. Second +impression. $1.50. + + +FLAMES: A LONDON FANTASY + +The book is sure to be widely read.--_Buffalo Commercial_. + +It carries on the attention of the reader from the first chapter to the +last. Full of exciting incidents, very modern, excessively up to +date.--_London Daily Telegraph_. + +In his last book Mr. Hichens has entirely proved himself. His talent +does not so much lie in the conventional novel, but more in his strange +and fantastic medium. "Flames" suits him, has him at his best.--_Pall +Mail Gazette_. + +"Flames" is a powerful story, not only for the novelty of its plot, but +for the skill with which it is worked out, the brilliancy of its +descriptions of the London streets, of the seamy side of the city's +life which night turns to the beholder; but the descriptions are +neither erotic nor morbid. * * * We may repudiate the central idea of +soul-transference, but the theory is made the vehicle of this striking +tale in a manner that is entirely sane and wholesome. It leaves no bad +taste in the mouth. * * * "Flames"--it is the author's fancy that the +soul is like a little flame, and hence the title--must be read with +care. There is much epigrammatic writing in it that will delight the +literary palate. It Is far and away ahead of anything that Mr. Hichens +has ever written before.--_Brooklyn Eagle_. + +With a cover designed by F. R. Kimbrough. 12mo. Cloth. Second +impression. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By JULIA MAGRUDER + +A REALIZED IDEAL + +Miss Julia Magruder has by this time firmly established her reputation +as one of the most popular of our younger writers. Many readers had +their introduction to her when "The Princess Sonia" began in the pages +of _The Century Magazine_, and all agreed that the most charming +love-story they had read for years came from this almost unknown +Southern girl. + +Since then "The Violet" and a volume of short stories, entitled, "Miss +Ayr of Virginia," have appeared. In the title of this latest volume, +Miss Magruder, in a way, makes the confession that she is an old +fashioned writer. At least she is not modern in some of the unpleasant +meanings of the word. In her book, "ideals" are sometimes to be +"realized," and the whole story is an unobtrusive protest in favor of +sweetness and of sentiment in fiction. + +The volume is bound in an exceedingly good design by Frank Hazenplug, +in three colors. + +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +MISS AYR OF VIRGINIA AND OTHER STORIES + +By means of original incident and keen portraiture, "Miss Ayr of +Virginia, and Other Stories," is made a decidedly readable collection. +In the initial tale the character of the young Southern girl is +especially well drawn; Miss Magruder's most artistic work, however, is +found at the end of the volume, under the title "Once More."--_The +Outlook_. + +The contents of "Miss Ayr of Virginia" are not less fascinating than +the cover. * * * These tales * * * are a delightful diversion for a +spare hour. They are dreamy without being candidly realistic, and are +absolutely refreshing in the simplicity of the author's style.--_Boston +Herald_. + +Julia Magruder's stores are so good that one feels like reading +passages here and there again and again. In the collection, "Miss Ayr +of Virginia and Other Stories," she is at her best, and "Miss Ayr of +Virginia," has all the daintiness, the point and pith and charm which +the author so well commands. The portraiture of a sweet, +unsophisticated, pretty, smart Southern girl is +bewitching.--_Minneapolis Times_. + +With a cover designed by F. R. Kimbrough. 16mo. $1.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + + * * * * * + + +By HAROLD FREDERIC + +GLORIA MUNDI: A NOVEL + +Mr. Frederic's two triumphs of the last few years have been "The +Damnation of Theron Ware" in serious fiction and "March Hares" in a +light and brilliantly witty style which is all his own. "Gloria Mundi" +comes as his first work since the publication of these two successful +books--and happily enough--it combines the keen thoughtful analysis of +the one with the delicacy of touch of the other. Mr. Frederic takes +for his hero a young man brought up without much attention in the south +of France, who, by a wholly unexpected combination of circumstances, +falls heir to an English earldom. His entire training has unfitted him +for the position, and Mr. Frederic makes much of the difficulties it +forces upon him. The other characters are some good and bad members of +the nobility, an "actress-lady," and a typewriter. + +12mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Damnation of Theron Ware." 11.50. + + +THE DAMNATION OF THERON WARE + +It is unnecessary at this time to say much of "The Damnation of Theron +Ware" or "Illumination" as it is called in England. The sales have +already reached thirty-five thousand, which is in itself the most +substantial evidence of the novel's readableness. Owing to the failure +of its former publishers the book was temporarily out of print, but it +is now enjoying a constant and certain success. + +The merit of the book is worthy of special praise because of the +exceptional strength, variety, and originality of the +characters.--_Cleveland World_. + +Mr. Frederic has written a daring story, and one which is doubly +impressive because of the straightforward simplicity of his manner of +presenting his case. His attack is certainly a bold one, and it will +be strange if he does not bring down the unanimous maledictions of the +cloth on his devoted head.--_Chicago Evening Post_. + +12mo. Cloth. Thirty-fifth thousand. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By H. C. CHATFIELD-TAYLOR + +THE VICE OF FOOLS + +A novel of society life in Washington. + +The great success of Mr. Chatfield-Taylor's society novels gives +assurance of a large sale to this new story. It can hardly be denied +that few persons in this country are better qualified to treat the +"smart set" in various American cities, and the life in diplomatic +circles offers an unusually picturesque opportunity. + +Mr. Chatfield-Taylor has brought out a fourth novel, and one which is +distinctly a gain in style over his previous achievements in that line. +As a series of society scenes the panorama of the book is perfect. A +dinner at the Hungarian embassy is detailed with much humor, great +pictorial power and keen knowledge. The dialogue may be characterized +heartily as crisp, witty, and sparkling. Mr. Chatfield-Taylor proves +himself a past master of epigram; and if society were to talk a tenth +as well as he represents there would be no cause for accusing it of +frivolity.--_Chicago Times-Herald_. + +16mo. Cloth. With ten full-page illustrations by Raymond M. Crosby. +Fifth thousand. $1.50. + + +TWO WOMEN AND A FOOL + +The story of an actress, an artist and a very sweet girl. The scenes +are laid in Chicago, London, and Paris; in theatres, studios, and +bachelor apartments. It is the history of an infatuation--with moral +interludes. + +Mr. H. C. Chatfield-Taylor, whom Paul Bourget has named as the most +promising novelist of American social life, has given us a clever story +in "Two Women and a Fool." The tale is retrospective; one hears it +from the lips of Guy, an artist; and it concerns his love for two +women, a very naughty and an extremely nice one, Moira and Dorothy +respectively. Moira, who becomes a soubrette, leads Guy, who becomes a +successful artist, a tremendous pace, wearying him at length, but still +holding the power to revive him with her look that allures. The +romance leaps from Chicago to London and Paris and back to the Windy +City again. It is steadily entertaining, and its dialogue, which is +always witty, is often brilliant. C. D. Gibson's pictures are really +illustrative.--_Philadelphia Press_. + +18mo. Cloth. With frontispiece by C. D. Gibson. Ninth thousand. +$0.75. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK + + + * * * * * + + +By F. FRANKFORT MOORE + +THE JESSAMY BRIDE + +One of the best stories of recent years. It had no large success on +publication but the sale has steadily increased, every reader +recommending it to others. Mr. George Merriam Hyde writes in the _Book +Buyer_: + +"The story seems to me the strongest and sincerest bit of fiction I +have read since "Quo Vadis." + +The _Bookman_ says of it: + +"A novel in praise of the most lovable of men of letters, not even +excepting Charles Lamb, must be welcome, though in it the romance of +Goldsmith's life may be made a little too much of for strict truth * * +* Mr. Moore has the history of the time and of the special circle at +his finger-ends. He has lived in its atmosphere, and his transcripts +are full of vivacity. * * * "The Jessamy Bride" is a very good story, +and Mr. Moore has never written anything else so chivalrous to man or +woman." + +12mo. Cloth. Third impression. $1.50. + + +THE IMPUDENT COMEDIAN AND OTHERS + +A volume of capital short stories relating to seventeenth and +eighteenth centuries characters--Nell Gwynn, Kitty Olive, Oliver +Goldsmith, Dr. Johnson, and David Garrick. They are bright, witty and +dramatic. + +The person who has a proper eye to the artistic in fiction will possess +them ere another day shall dawn.--_Scranton Tribune_. + +Full of the mannerisms of the stage and thoroughly Bohemian in +atmosphere.--_Boston Herald_. + +The celebrated actresses whom he takes for his heroines sparkle with +feminine liveliness of mind.--_New York Tribune_. + +A collection of short stories which has a flash of the picturesqueness, +the repartee, the dazzle of the age of Garrick and Goldsmith, and Peg +Wellington and Kitty Clive.--_Hartford Courant_. + +Mr. F. Frankfort Moore had a capital idea when he undertook to throw +into story form some of the traditional incidents of the history of the +stage in its earlier English days. Nell Gwynn, Kitty Clive, Mrs. +Siddons, Mrs. Abbington and others are cleverly depicted, with much of +the swagger and flavor of their times.--_The Outlook_. + +12mo. Cloth, $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + + * * * * * + + +By MARIA LOUISE POOL + +A GOLDEN SORROW + +This novel was running serially in _Godey's Magazine_ at the time of +Miss Pool's death. It will not, however, be completed in that +periodical, but will be issued at once in book form. It is a story of +love and adventure in St. Augustine, much more exciting than Miss +Pool's stories usually are, but with all her delightful sense of humor. + +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY + +"In Buncombe County" is bubbling over with merriment--one could not be +blue with such a companion for an hour.--_Boston Times_. + +It is brimming over with humor, and the reader who can follow the +fortunes of the redbird alone, who flutters through the first few +chapters, and not be moved to long laughter, must be sadly insensitive. +But laugh as he may, he will always revert to the graver vein which +unobtrusively runs from the first to the last page in the book. He +will lay down the narrative of almost grotesque adventure with a keen +remembrance of its tenderness and pathos.--_New York Tribune_. + +16mo. Boards. Second impression, $1.25. + + +IN A DIKE SHANTY + +Of the same general character as this author's "Tenting on Stony +Beach," but written with more vigor and compactness. Each of the +persons in this outing-sketch is strongly individualized, and an +effective little love story is interwoven. The author has a certain +hardness of tone which gives strength to her work.--_Atlantic Monthly_. + +With a cover designed by Frank Hazenplug. 16mo. Cloth. 11.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By ELIA W. PEATTIE + +PIPPINS AND CHEESE + +A book of stories and conversations telling how a number of persons ate +a number of dinners at various times and places. + +A group of stories which bear the marks of faithful care and polishing, +of deep feeling and an understanding of the heights and depths of the +soul, stories which must be a satisfaction to their author, are +included in the gray-and-green volume, with its quaint title, "Pippins +and Cheese," with the name of Mrs. Elia W. Peattie below.--_Chicago +Daily News_. + +Mrs. Peattie proves without doubt her versatility and talent for +short-story-telling, and "Pippins and Cheese" is a good example of the +work of a Western writer Chicago is glad to claim.--_Chicago Evening +Post_. + +With a cover designed by Frank Hazenplug. 16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +A MOUNTAIN WOMAN + +The collection of brief stories of Western life which Mrs. Elia W. +Peattie put forth under the title of "A Mountain Woman" is decidedly +out of the ordinary. These tales are vigorous in conception, and are +gracefully and affectively told.--_New York Tribune_. + +If anyone were to name the best quality of the Western school of +fiction, it would be a very fine sincerity untouched by cynicism; +faithfulness to reality, and yet a belief in the real human nature that +it finds. This is the best democracy. * * * Mrs. Peattie has done +some work very characteristic of her school, and yet individual. One +is impressed at the very outset with the honesty and vitality of her +observations.--_The Bookman_. + +We wish to call most particular attention to a collection of short +Western stories by Mrs. Peattie, entitled "A Mountain Woman." The book +contains several of the best tales of Western life ever written. The +Nebraska stories throw so true a light upon recent conditions in the +sub-arid belt that they explain, better than any political speeches or +arguments could do, the reasons why men in that part of the country are +advocating free silver.--_Review of Reviews_. + +With a cover designed by Bruce Rogers. 16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By GEORGE ADE + +PINK MARSH + +A story of the Streets and Town. + +There is, underlying these character sketches, a refinement of feeling +that wins and retains one's admiration.--_St. Louis Globe-Democrat_. + +Here is a perfect triumph of characterization ... Pink must become a +household word.--_Kansas City Star_. + +It is some time since we have met with a more amusing character than is +"Pink Marsh," or to give him his full title, William Pinckney Marsh of +Chicago.... "Pink" is not a conventional "coon" of the comic paper and +the variety ball, but a genuine flesh and blood type, presented with a +good deal of literary and artistic skill.--_New York Sun_. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "Artie." With forty full-page +illustrations by John T. McCutcheon. Eighth thousand. $1.25. + + +ARTIE + +A story of the Streets and Town. + +Mr. Ade shows all the qualities of a successful novelist.--_Chicago +Tribune_. + +Artie is a character, and George Ade has limned him deftly as well as +amusingly. Under his rollicking abandon and recklessness we are made +to feel the real sense and sensitiveness, and the worldly wisdom of a +youth whose only language is that of a street-gamin. As a study of the +peculiar type chosen, it is both typical and inimitable.--_Detroit Free +Press_. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "Pink Marsh." With many illustrations by +John T. McCutcheon. Sixteenth thousand. $1.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + + * * * * * + + +By HENRY JAMES + +IN THE CAGE: A NOVELETTE + +With every recent story Mr. James seems to have entered a new field. +"What Maisie Knew" was certainly a wide departure from his previous +work, and "In The Cage," the life of a girl behind the wire screen of +an English telegraph office, is as novel as one could wish. The story +is slight and the incidents are few, but the charm of Mr. James's +style, the absolute precision of his expression, the keenness of the +analysis make the book remarkable in contemporary fiction. + +We could not wish for a better representation of the art of Mr. Henry +James. In appearance it is only a sketch of a girl who works the +telegraph in an office that is part of a grocer's shop in the West End, +but as background there is the extravagant world of fashion throwing +out disjointed hints of vice and intrigue in messages handed in as +indifferently as if the operator were only part of the machine. +Nevertheless, she is a woman, too, and feminine interest and curiosity +so quicken her wits that she is able to piece together "the high +encounter with life, the large and complicated game" of her customers. +This, in fact, is the romance in her life, the awakening touch to her +imagination, and it is brought into skilful contrast with the +passionless commonplace of her own love.--_Academy_. + +12mo. Cloth. Uniform with "What Maisie Knew." $1.25. + + +WHAT MAISIE KNEW: A NOVEL + +Henry James's masterpiece.--_Chicago Times-Herald_. + +It will rank as one of his most notable achievements.--_New York Sun_. + +The book contains some of the author's cleverest dialogue.--_New York +Tribune_. + +"What Maisie Knew," taken all in all, contains some of the keenest, +most profound analysis which has yet come from the pen of that subtle +writer. There is no question that Henry James's latest work will +sell.--_New York Commercial Advertiser_. + +It is quite impossible to ignore that, if the word have any +significance and is ever to be used at all, we are here dealing with +genius. This is a work of genius as much as Mr. Meredith's best +work.--_Pall Mall Gazette_. + +12mo. Third impression. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YOKE. + + + * * * * * + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Checkers, by Henry M. 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Blossom, Jr. +</TITLE> + +<STYLE TYPE="text/css"> +BODY { color: Black; + background: White; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; + text-align: justify } + +P {text-indent: 4% } + +P.noindent {text-indent: 0% } + +P.poem {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; } + +P.letter {text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 90%; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +P.finis { font-size: larger ; + text-align: center ; + text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +H4.h4center { margin-left: 0; + margin-right: 0 ; + margin-bottom: .5% ; + margin-top: 0; + float: none ; + clear: both ; + text-align: center } + +IMG.imgcenter { margin-left: auto; + margin-bottom: 0; + margin-top: 1%; + margin-right: auto; } + +</STYLE> + +</HEAD> + +<BODY> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Checkers, by Henry M. Blossom + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Checkers + A Hard-luck Story + +Author: Henry M. Blossom + +Release Date: March 28, 2010 [EBook #31813] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHECKERS *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + +</pre> + + +<BR><BR> + +<A NAME="img-front"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-front.jpg" ALT="CHECKERS" BORDER="2" WIDTH="370" HEIGHT="634"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center" STYLE="width: 370px"> +CHECKERS +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +CHECKERS +</H1> + +<BR> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +A HARD-LUCK STORY BY +</H2> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +HENRY M. BLOSSOM Jr. +</H2> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & COMPANY +<BR> +CHICAGO & NEW YORK +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +MDCCCXCIX +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY +<BR> +HERBERT S. STONE & CO. +<BR><BR> +TWENTY-FIFTH THOUSAND +</H5> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +TO MY FRIEND, +<BR> +ELLIS WAINWRIGHT. +</H3> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap01"></A> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +Checkers +</H2> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +I +</H3> + +<P> +I had never before attended the races. "The sport of kings" is not +popular in Boston, my former home, but here in Chicago every one turns +out on Derby Day, if at no other time. And so, catching something of +the general enthusiasm, my friend Murray Jameson, who by the way is +something of a sport, and I, who by the same token am not, found +ourselves driving a very smart trap out Michigan avenue, amidst a +throng of coaches, cabs, breaks and buggies, people and conveyances of +every description—beautiful women beautifully costumed, young men, +business men, toughs and wantons—all on their way to Washington Park, +and all in a fever of excitement over the big race to be run that +afternoon—the great American Derby. +</P> + +<P> +"Now Jack," said Murray, as in due process we reached our box and sat +gazing at the crowds about and below us, "it strikes me that we should +have a small bet of some sort on the different races, just to liven +things up a bit. What say we go down into the betting ring and have a +look at the odds?" +</P> + +<P> +"As you like," I answered, rising to show my willingness; "but you will +have to do the necessary, I do n't know one horse from another." +</P> + +<P> +"The less you know the more apt you are to win," said Murray airily; +"but if you say so, I 'll make one bet for both of us, share and share +alike. No plunging goes to-day though, Jack; we do n't want to gamble. +We 'll have up a couple of dollars, just to focalize the interest. If +we lose it won't amount to much, and if we win—we win. +</P> + +<P> +"But just a word of warning before we go down. Keep your eye on your +watch and your money, or you 'll get 'touched;' and if we should chance +to be separated in a crowd, be careful not to let anyone 'tout' you." +</P> + +<P> +Now, if there 's one thing I am especially proud of, it is my ability +to take care of myself in any company, and Murray's patronizing manner, +in view of my professed ignorance, rather galled me. +</P> + +<P> +"The man who gets my watch or money is welcome to it," I answered +shortly, buttoning my coat about me as we walked along; "and as for +being 'touted'—well, I 'll try to take care of that." +</P> + +<P> +Whether to be 'touted' was to be held up, buncoed, or drugged and +robbed, I had no definite notion; but I took it to be a confidence game +of some sort and despised it accordingly. +</P> + +<P> +Just here, following Murray, I elbowed my way into the hottest, +best-natured, most conglomerate crowd it was ever my lot to mingle +with. Merchants, clerks and gilded youths, laborers, gamblers, +negroes, and what-not, money in hand, pushed, pulled and trod upon each +other indiscriminately in their efforts to reach the betting stands. +</P> + +<P> +The book-makers, ranged along in rows, stood on little platforms in +front of their booths, taking the crowd's money and calling out the +amount and nature of each bet to assistants within who scratched off +and registered corresponding pool-tickets which were quickly returned +to the struggling bettors. +</P> + +<P> +On a blackboard at the end of each booth were posted the names of the +horses with their jockeys. Against these names the book-makers chalked +up their figures, increasing or lessening the odds from time to time as +the different horses were fancied or neglected in the betting. +</P> + +<P> +"There 's nothing in this race but Maid Marian," said Murray, scanning +the blackboards critically; "but 4 to 5 is the best I see on her, and I +want even money or nothing"—the which was largely Greek to me until by +questioning and deduction I found the situation in English to be as +follows: +</P> + +<P> +Maid Marian was judged on breeding and past performance to be much the +best horse in the race, so much so that although about to run with five +or six other racers, the book-makers demanded odds from those who bet +on her in the ratio of 5 to 4. +</P> + +<P> +When I asked Murray why they did not offer $1 to $1.25 he replied that +"halves and quarters did n't go," and pointed out a sign which read: +"No bets taken under $5." There were several smaller "books," however, +which took $2 bets, and did a thriving business. +</P> + +<P> +The crowd by this time had become absolutely dense. Murray was +suddenly dragged away by a current in the mob which set towards a +book-maker who had chalked up "even money, Maid Marian." +</P> + +<P> +I followed long enough to see the "booky" change again to "4 to 5" +before Murray reached him; and then, believing myself about to be +crushed to death, I forced my way to the edge of the ring and stood +hoping that my friend would do likewise. +</P> + +<P> +A very "horsey" individual, wearing an owner's badge, and a most +disreputable-looking negro were discussing the forthcoming race just +behind me. +</P> + +<P> +"Dat Maid Marian ain't got no license to win dis race—a mile 's too +fah fo' her, suah," said the darkey. "Sister Mary 'll win—dat 's who +'ll win." +</P> + +<P> +"Naw! naw!" drawled the other. "Senator Irby 'll come purty near +gettin' de coin, wid Peytonia fer an outside chance. I see Peytonia +work a mighty fast mile yesterday mornin', and I 'm jes' takin' a flyer +on her to win today for luck." +</P> + +<P> +I glanced at the nearest blackboard—Peytonia 200 to 1!!! +</P> + +<P> +Would they dare to lay such odds against a horse that had even the +slightest chance of winning? It seemed most unlikely, and yet—I +hesitated. There must be a possibility, or why was the horse in the +race? My sporty-looking friend had said she was fast and had bet upon +her himself. Perhaps I had chanced upon some inside information; and, +after all, $2 was not a very serious matter whether I won or lost. +</P> + +<P> +I started toward the betting stand, but suddenly stopped short. No, +Murray was to make one bet for both of us, and had undoubtedly done +what he thought was best—I would abide by his judgment. +</P> + +<P> +But did he know what I knew—where could he be? +</P> + +<P> +The crowd, which was now surging out of the betting ring toward the +fence and up into the grand stand, thinned out rapidly; but I held my +place, hoping to catch sight of Murray. +</P> + +<P> +"Come on here and make your bets," yelled the book-makers, with whom +business had begun to grow slack; "they 're at the post—they 'll be +off in a minute." +</P> + +<P> +I accepted the invitation. Rushing up to the nearest stand, I handed +up two silver dollars. "Peytonia," I said, with all the nonchalance I +could assume. +</P> + +<P> +"Peytonia," repeated the book-maker; "four hundred to two," and in a +moment more I was the possessor of a fantastically-colored piece of +card-board, on which was scribbled in pencil "Peyt.—400-2." +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly there was a roar of excitement. +</P> + +<P> +"They 're off," was the cry from a thousand throats, and I and the +other tardy ones rushed to find a favorable spot from which to view the +race. +</P> + +<P> +I had n't time to hunt up our box; so making for the fence, I forced my +way in next to the rail just as the horses, all in a bunch, swung +recklessly around the first turn. +</P> + +<P> +As the race progressed they began to string out, one horse very clearly +taking the lead. +</P> + +<P> +"The Maid's in front, Senator Irby second," yelled an enthusiast just +beside me. "Where's Sister Mary? Maid Marian 's quittin'. There 's +Flora Thornton. Go on, you Flora. Maid Marian 's out of it. The +Senator 's leadin'. Flora is second. <I>Just look at Peytonia</I>. +</P> + +<P> +I leaned over the rail, my heart in my mouth. Down the stretch they +came at a terrible pace; some three were in front, running almost as +one. In a breath they were by us and under the wire, but which of the +three was first I could not determine. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly there was a babel of voices, in which Senator Irby, Peytonia +and Flora Thornton were severally declared to have won, and a general +movement toward the judges' stand was inaugurated for the purpose of +learning "the official." +</P> + +<P> +I had scarcely gone a dozen yards before I ran across Murray, viciously +elbowing his way through the crowd. +</P> + +<P> +There was something so irresistibly funny in the expression of rueful +chagrin which sat upon his good-natured face, that I forgot my +excitement and began to laugh immoderately. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, what do you think of that for luck?" he exclaimed on catching +sight of me; "Senator Irby, a stake-horse, to be beaten out by an old +dog like Peytonia? It's enough to—" +</P> + +<P> +"Peytonia!" I echoed breathlessly, "did Peytonia win?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course she won. Did n't you see the race?" +</P> + +<P> +For a moment I simply could n't speak, but clasping the tighter my +precious ticket, I swallowed heroically at the lump in my throat, while +Murray, unmindful of my silence, continued. +</P> + +<P> +"You see, Jack, after I left you, I got it straight from a friend of +mine that Maid Marian was out of condition, which left the race, it +seemed to me, a walk-over for Senator Irby. Well, it looked like a +good chance to make a 'killin',' and I put twenty on him at two and a +half to one. Of course I could n't figure on getting nosed out by a +hundred to one shot, but that's the luck I always play in. Well, I 'll +get it back on the third race; I've got a 'cinch' in that. You +understand though, Jack," he added, stopping suddenly, "you have only a +dollar's interest in the losing—I had no right to bet but $2, as was +originally agreed." +</P> + +<P> +Just here I foresaw a peculiar complication, and I was glad that, in my +desire to appear properly nonchalant, I had not as yet announced my +good fortune. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, Murray," I exclaimed, slipping my ticket into my pocket, "you are +absolutely absurd. We agreed to share and share alike in the day's +transactions, and I shall insist upon it. Suppose Senator Irby had won +instead of losing, would you have offered me but a dollar's interest in +the winning, simply because I did n't know you were going to bet so +much?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course not, you should have had your half; but that is a very +different thing." +</P> + +<P> +"Different in result perhaps, but not in principle; besides, come to +think of it, I made a little bet myself." +</P> + +<P> +"You did—how much?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, only $2." +</P> + +<P> +"Two dollars, eh? Well! That makes us twenty-two out altogether. +Eleven apiece, if you insist upon it, although——" +</P> + +<P> +"I do insist upon it; so that's settled, and now——" +</P> + +<P> +"By the way, Jack, what did you bet on?" +</P> + +<P> +This was the moment of my triumph Handing him the ticket with an air of +assumed carelessness, I covertly watched with keenest relish his +changes of expression, as he ran the gamut of varied emotion from idle +indifference to supreme excitement. +</P> + +<P> +"Jack!" he exclaimed at last, grabbing my arm. "Jack, my boy! Did you +know——" Just here I laughed and gave the thing away, and then we +both laughed, while Murray improvised superlative similes anent my +luck, and upbraided me for my duplicity. +</P> + +<P> +"Ahem! two dollars—twenty-two out—eleven apiece, eh, Murray?" I +chuckled mockingly. "Come on now, old man, and show me how to cash +this ticket;" and we made our way toward the betting ring. +</P> + +<P> +We experienced no delay in getting the money, as not one in a thousand +had won on the race, and the cashiers at the back of the stands had +little or nothing to do. +</P> + +<P> +I found great difficulty, however, in making Murray accept his rightful +half of the spoils; but out of his own mouth I judged him, and in the +end prevailed. +</P> + +<P> +The next race, the second, we decided not to bet upon, as the horses +were, according to Murray, only a lot of "selling-platers," and we +needed a little respite from the crowd. +</P> + +<P> +So we sought our box, and in highest spirits sat watching the masses +surge to and fro, while the freshening breeze blew strong and cool, and +brought up dark clouds which looked like rain. +</P> + +<P> +"The race after this is the Derby, you know," said Murray, glancing at +his programme. "Now I do n't want to influence you, old man, but I +really believe that Domino will win. He's the best horse in the race, +and with Taral to ride him he ought to be first under the wire. This +time, though, you shall bet for yourself, as you have the proverbial +beginner's luck. Ah, they're off! By Jove! that's a beautiful start." +</P> + +<P> +"Selling-platers" or not, the second race was a pretty one and I +enjoyed it thoroughly, from start to finish. +</P> + +<P> +Is there any more pleasurable or intensely interesting sight than that +of a well-appointed race between a number of sleek-limbed +thoroughbreds? The multi-colored satins of the plucky little jockeys, +the whitened fences and the trim greensward lend a picturesqueness; the +buzz and hum of the restless, pushing, ill-assorted crowd adds an +excitement to an ensemble, in my opinion, altogether fascinating. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap02"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +II +</H3> + +<P> +And now for the Derby—the great stake race worth so many thousands of +dollars to the winner; the much-talked-of race, in which the most noted +horses in the country, East and West, were to compete for supremacy in +fleetness and endurance, and the most celebrated jockeys to vie with +each other in their peculiar generalship. +</P> + +<P> +Leaving our box, we joined in the crush and forced our way into the +betting-ring. The crowd was enormous, the interest intense. One had +but to listen for a moment to hear every horse in the race +enthusiastically spoken of as "sure to win." +</P> + +<P> +As it was simply useless in that crush to try to keep together, Murray +and I decided to go our several ways, and meet in good time at a place +agreed upon. +</P> + +<P> +Now, although I had said nothing about it, I had quite decided not to +bet upon this event. I had found the second race upon which I had no +bet infinitely more enjoyable than the first, despite the good fortune +chance had thrust upon me; and reasonably so, I think, for with any +kind of a wager up one's interest naturally centers in the performance +of one horse, and the beauty of the race, as a race, is to a great +extent lost sight of. +</P> + +<P> +With something of this idea in mind, I stood watching the frantic +efforts of the crowd to reach the betting stands, wondering idly the +while where all the money so recklessly offered came from in these days +of universal hard times, when I was suddenly accosted by an unknown +youth who asked to see my programme for a minute, explaining at the +same time that "some guy had pinched his, coming through the crowd." +</P> + +<P> +I silently complied. +</P> + +<P> +He studied the programme briefly, smiled a satisfied smile, and +returned it. +</P> + +<P> +"There 's a good thing coming off in the fourth," he remarked in a +confidential manner. "If I can see you somewhere just before the race +I 'll put you on. It 'll be a 'hot one.'" +</P> + +<P> +I thanked him. +</P> + +<P> +"The owner himself is going to 'put me next,'" he continued; "it 'll be +a 'lead-pipe.'" +</P> + +<P> +I began to be interested. "I should like to know it," I replied, "and +I will wait for you after the Derby. I may not bet on it myself, but I +have a friend who doubtless will, if you will give him the information." +</P> + +<P> +"I 'll give it to him if he 'll go down the line, but it's going to win +a city block, and we ought to make a killin' on it. I went broke +myself, on Senator Irby, or I 'd have gone home to-night with a +bankroll." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," I replied, "we 'll see when the time comes. Now, what do you +fancy to win the Derby?" +</P> + +<P> +He lighted a cigarette and puffed it a moment in silence. +</P> + +<P> +"It's a dead-tough race," he at last remarked, "and I would n't play it +with counterfeit money. There 's no use in playing any race unless you +'ve got some information. These geezers that play every race go broke. +But it's an easy game to beat if you just stay off till you 're next to +something good, and then plug it hard. Why, if I could shake the +faro-bank and crap-game, I 'd have money to burn ice with. +</P> + +<P> +"Y' see, take a big stake-race like this, where every horse is a +'cracker-jack,' they 're all of 'em good, and they 've all got a +chance, and you just take my advice and stay off. We 'll have +something good in the fourth that we know, and we just won't do a thing +to it. Well, I must hurry down to the paddocks to see a stable boy I +know; if I hear anything I 'll come back and tell you. But be sure and +be here for the next with your friend, 'cause it's all over now, but +cashing the ticket—so long;" and he dodged away through the crowd. +</P> + +<P> +Oddly enough, it did not at the moment strike me as in the least +peculiar that I should have been conversing on a basis of perfect +equality with a companion of stable boys and a frequenter of gambling +hells. Nothing further. +</P> + +<P> +The spirit of easy, good-natured camaraderie was in the very air; and +in the singleness of purpose which animated all—the picking of the +winner—all ranks seemed leveled, all social barriers cast aside. +</P> + +<P> +Again, he had proved in our few minutes' talk a new, and to me an +interesting, type; and I resolved to keep the appointment, if for +nothing more than to study him further. +</P> + +<P> +He was a young man, certainly not over twenty-three, short, slight, and +becomingly dressed. His face was thin, smooth-shaven and red, but +somehow peculiarly prepossessing. His deep blue eyes and long black +lashes might have atoned for much less attractive features; and the +lines which ran from his well-shaped nose to the corners of his clear +cut lips suggested a hard lived life which I afterwards learned did not +belie them. +</P> + +<P> +A glance at my watch discovered the fact that it lacked but a few +minutes of my appointment with Murray, and I began to slowly edge my +way to the point of our rendezvous. +</P> + +<P> +I reached it promptly on the minute and stood awaiting his tardy +coming, when suddenly my arm was grasped and I turned to find my new +acquaintance. +</P> + +<P> +He was all excitement and breathing hard, as though in the greatest +possible hurry. +</P> + +<P> +"Come here," he said in a low quick voice; and he beckoned me into a +quiet corner. "I 've been looking for you everywhere. Now listen a +minute and do n't ask questions; Domino's got a 'dickey' leg, and he +won't be a thing but last. Garrison tells me that Senator Grady is +going to win in a common canter. Richard Croker 's in the ring, and +the 'bookies' are swipin' it off the boards. Hurry and get in with +your money while there 's a chance to get the odds;" and he started +into the betting ring as though fully expecting I would follow. +</P> + +<P> +His manner was intensely earnest, and his hurried words and furtive +looks were at once impressive and convincing. I felt my latent +sporting spirit rising strong again, and I began the simple process of +arguing myself out of my former position. +</P> + +<P> +Some Frenchman, I think, has somewhere said, "A man is his own worst +sharper." However that is, in an argument with one's self the other +side is usually silenced. And so it chanced that, a few minutes later, +I again held a penciled ticket, which this time called for $60 to be +paid in the event of certain contingencies, and for which I had given +$20 of my former winnings. I had also given my Mentor an extra five to +bet for the boy from whom he had received such timely and valuable +information. +</P> + +<P> +Such reckless plunging I can only excuse upon the grounds of having +been forced into it; for not the least of this versatile youth's many +and varied gifts was the power, not uncommon amongst waiters and +shop-keepers, of shaming his whilom client out of anything approaching +pettiness, by the assumption of that air of blended superiority and +indifference we have all felt the force of at times. +</P> + +<P> +I had drawn forth my roll with the laudable intention of chancing a two +or perhaps a five, when I was met with the startling proposition that I +"bet fifty each way, to win and for place," and this was followed by so +convincing an array of figures, weights, times and distances, that a +compromise of $20 to win, and a five-dollar bet for the boy, "who could +n't leave the paddocks, but had been promised that the right thing +would be done by him," seemed the least I could do, consistent with my +dignity and self-respect. +</P> + +<P> +And now to hurry back to Murray. We found him standing watch in hand, +and he began to smile when he saw my companion. +</P> + +<P> +"Well! well!" he exclaimed in a bantering tone; "so you 've fallen a +prey to Checkers, have you? What loser has he touted you onto, that's +'going to win in a walk, hands down'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Now, there's a guy that makes me sick," interrupted Checkers, ignoring +the question. "Because he dropped a couple of 'bones' not long ago at +the Harlem track, he made a roar that's echoing still between this and +the Rocky Mountains. The next time I saw him I gave him a 'good thing' +he could have win out on, but he would n't touch it. He don't know the +right way around the track. The book-makers call him 'Ready-Money'—he +'s so easy." +</P> + +<P> +"Come off now, Checkers," laughed Murray, "you know you never guess 'em +right; the only time your horses win is when the others all fall down. +But really, Jack, what did you play?" +</P> + +<P> +"I 'm playing Senator Grady, Murray; our friend here told me he could +n't lose." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, he may be right," said Murray thoughtfully, "but I 'm not +playing the race that way. Domino first, and Despot third, is the way +I figure it ought to come. Grady I think will get the place, but the +odds are better on Despot for third. Well, let's go up in the +grand-stand now, and see them all parade to the post." +</P> + +<P> +We chanced to find a place for three, in the seats almost opposite the +judges' stand, for I had taken Checkers with me for the pleasure I +found in hearing him talk. +</P> + +<P> +As yet I had n't made up my mind about Checkers, and I was anxious to +question Murray privately concerning him. He certainly did not look +like a "tout," for the meaning of the word as applied to that genus now +came to me. Rather, he seemed to be playing a fantastic rôle. He +played it well, I confess, but there was a whimsical air about all that +he said and did which puzzled me greatly. His slang, however, was +natural. Of that there could be no doubt, and he used it with a native +grace, a varied inflection and appositeness which made it seem a part +of him, and therefore robbed it of objection. +</P> + +<P> +In fact I afterwards discovered, and I grew to know him very well, that +in all his slang there was a pertinence which took a short cut to the +gist of things; a humor, dry and sometimes broad, but never vulgar, and +seldom profane. +</P> + +<P> +The bugle calling the horses to the post sounded soon after we took our +seats, and shortly they began to appear parading in order past the +grand-stand. +</P> + +<P> +Domino, Dorian and Senator Grady, the three eastern horses, favorites +in the betting, were cheered as they passed to the very echo; while +others of the eight had their many supporters, who had backed their +belief with some share of their wealth, at longer and much more +interesting odds. +</P> + +<P> +"There's the baby'll get the dough," said Checkers, as Senator Grady +passed. "He's the finest that ever came over the pike. How on earth +are they going to beat him?" +</P> + +<P> +I glanced at Murray, who simply smiled and fixed his eyes upon Domino. +</P> + +<P> +The horses were soon lined up for the start, and after three or four +attempts, the starter caught them well in motion, dropped the flag, and +the race was "off." +</P> + +<P> +"Domino in the lead," laughed Murray. "I hope he keeps it all around." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers was muttering under his breath some words of—well, +disapprobation. +</P> + +<P> +"Now look at that start and burst out cryin'," he groaned in a bitter +tone. "Grady absolutely last, and Domino gets off in front. That +starter never was any good; talk about his startin' a race, why! that +bloke could n't start a fire;" and he lighted another cigarette by way +of partial consolation. +</P> + +<P> +The horses were nearing the grand-stand now, which was for them the +half-mile post, for the race was to be a mile and one-half, or once and +one-half around the track. Their positions had changed since the drop +of the flag, for as they passed us Alcenor led, Resplendent was second, +Prince Carl third, and Senator Grady was now a good fourth. +</P> + +<P> +"Say! girls, look at Grady," yelled Checkers excitedly. "Why, he 'll +back in by twenty lengths. There's the place to have him laying, third +or fourth, till they hit the stretch; then Garrison will cut him loose, +and beat 'em all in a grand-stand finish. Those dogs in front can't +hold that pace; they 'll throw up their tails and quit at a mile;" and +Checkers puffed the cigarette between his yellow, smoke-stained +fingers, with a look of placid unconcern which I myself was far from +feeling. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly he jumped to his feet with an exclamation of surprise. Grady +had suddenly gone to the front as though the others were standing +still, and it looked as though his jockey, Garrison, intended to make +it a runaway race. At the mile he led by a length and a half, and it +seemed to me he would surely win. +</P> + +<P> +The crowds in their intense excitement bustled and buzzed like so many +bees. Cries of "Grady!" filled the air, and thousands yelled in +frenzied glee. I confess I lost my self-control and whooped as loudly +as any one. +</P> + +<P> +"D 'ye see," said Checkers, "that's what it is to have reliable +information. Talk about Domino's winning, why, he can't beat a fat man +up a hill;" and he cast a pitying glance at Murray, and climbed on his +seat for a better view. +</P> + +<P> +Across the level stretch of greensward the horses looked almost like +playthings. Up the back stretch on they went, with Grady now a length +in front. The others were rapidly closing up, and the final struggle +was soon to begin. At the further turn it seemed to me they slackened +up for a breathing spell; but on they came again faster and faster, +with Grady but half a length in front. +</P> + +<P> +The noisy chatter suddenly ceased and an interested silence fell upon +all. My heart was beating a wild tattoo. I felt as though I were +burning up. +</P> + +<P> +Murray was wholly occupied in helping Domino along, by calling his name +in a low, quick voice, and energetically snapping his fingers (a +process commonly known as "pulling," and thought by the cult to be +efficacious). +</P> + +<P> +I glanced at Checkers. Disappointment was clearly written across his +face. +</P> + +<P> +"We 're up against it," he said despondently. "Garrison 's give us the +double-cross. He had no business settin' the pace. There 's some one +going after him now. Go on, you Grady! Wiggle yourself! They 've +collared him! They 're passing him!" And sure enough some +fleet-limbed bay was drawing ahead of our beautiful brown in a way that +left us little hope of ever getting in front again. +</P> + +<P> +Around the turn and into the stretch, nearer they raced in a cloud of +dust. The leader was gaining at every jump, but Grady hung to second +place. Taral now called upon Domino, and at once the colt responded +gamely. But his time had gone, and the gallant horse that never before +had lost a race fell back with the others, hopelessly beaten, and +Taral, seeing that all was lost, pulled up and galloped slowly in. +Martin on Despot came out of the bunch, and, passing Prince Carl, set +sail for Grady, while Garrison, riding as though for his life, made +every effort to hold his own. +</P> + +<P> +Within one hundred yards of the wire the leader had six lengths to +spare. His jockey was riding in leisurely fashion, glancing around +from time to time, to watch the struggle that Despot was making to +wrest the place from Senator Grady. +</P> + +<P> +Whipping and spurring they thundered past us, fighting it out to the +finishing post. By it they flashed, the bay horse first, Grady second +and Despot third. Garrison's riding had saved him the place, but the +race had been won by "a rank outsider." +</P> + +<P> +For a moment or two the crowd was silent—dumb with surprise and +disappointment. Few, if any, cheered the winner; thousands inwardly +cursed the favorites. +</P> + +<P> +Quickly the word was passed along, "Rey El Santa Anita wins." +</P> + +<P> +"Lucky Baldwin's horse," said Checkers. "The odds were an easy fifty +to one. Grady second! D 'ye see, if you 'd have played him for place +as I wanted you to, we 'd have saved our stake. But you would n't +'thaw out,' and now your ticket's a souvenir. We 'd have win as it was +with a good boy up. That settles Garrison for me. There 's a jockey +that ought to be driving cows instead of riding a sprinter like Grady, +and pumping him out in the first three-quarters. Domino last! That +'good thing.' Well; I knew from the start that he was a 'lobster.'" +</P> + +<P> +Murray flushed up. "Well, any way, I won on Despot for third," he +said, "enough to put me ahead on the race, and cover your losing on +Grady, Jack. But, Jove, what a harvest the bookies have reaped. There +were thousands of dollars bet on Domino and the other favorites, and +there probably were n't a dozen bets in all on Rey El Santa Anita. +It's a terrible thing this gambling, Jack, when you come to look it +square in the face. Just think of the money gone to swell the pile of +a lot of miserable gamblers, and think of the poor deluded mortals who +play this game day after day, constant in the fatuous hope of some day +making a brilliant coup, and squaring themselves on their years of +losing. Fortune 'jollies' them along with temporary small successes, +and having gained their confidence proceeds to throw them down the +harder. Disappointment, misery, embezzlement, suicide, follow it all +as effect follows cause—and still the game goes on." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, anyway, I 'm glad we touched them, and we 'll take good care +that they do n't get it back. By Jove, it's nearly 4 o'clock. I 'm +afraid we ought to be going, Jack. It's a long drive in, and recollect +we have a date for dinner to-night. Come on, I 'll cash this Despot +ticket, and then we 'll make a start for home." +</P> + +<P> +"Home!" exclaimed Checkers. "You're not going home? Why this is the +race I 've been waiting for. You do n't want to miss a lunch like +this. It's a puddin'; it's a tapioca. Honest, it's a regular gift; +the chance of your life to make a 'killin'." +</P> + +<P> +But to all his entreaties we lent a deaf ear though he talked with a +masterful eloquence. I confess, however, to one more weakness. I gave +him a ten which he swore to return. (Murray was standing in line with +his ticket.) He said he would "play it carefully, and gradually win +himself out of the hole." I felt at the time that I was a "sucker," +but somehow he had a persuasive way. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap03"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +III +</H3> + +<P> +A number of weeks had come and gone ere I again laid eyes upon +Checkers, and then it chanced most unexpectedly. +</P> + +<P> +I had stayed at my office late one evening, finishing up some odd jobs +which I had allowed to accumulate. The additional work and the +lateness of the hour lent a keen edge to my appetite, and I decided to +dine down town and perhaps drop into one of the theaters. +</P> + +<P> +As I hastened along on my way to Kinsley's (I am not a member of the +down-town clubs) a figure stepped out of a neighboring doorway, and +brushed against me in passing. It was Checkers. I knew him at once. +But I gave no sign of recognition and hoped to escape him unobserved. +A futile hope, for he knew me as quickly, and in an instant was by my +side. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, Mr. Preston," he exclaimed grabbing and shaking my passive hand. +"Say, on the dead, I 'm glad to see you; why is it you have n't been +out to the track? I 've had 'something good' nearly every day. I wish +I had seen you an hour ago. I 've been playing 'the bank,' and they +'ve cleaned me flat. They say that's the squarest game on earth, but +the cards do run dead wrong for me. Where you going—to eat? Well, +say, as the tramp says, 'Me stomach tinks me troat's cut.' Back me +against a supper, will you? It's a hundred to one I get the best of +it." And so he rattled on and on, never waiting for his questions to +be answered, careless and slangy as ever. +</P> + +<P> +As I turned into Kinsley's I hesitated, as to whether simply to dismiss +him straight, or to give him a dollar and tell him to go and satisfy +his evident hunger. He saw me pause and read my thoughts, but he did +not propose thus to be disposed of. +</P> + +<P> +"Come on," he said, starting quickly ahead and entering the elevator. +"We 're going up to the café, ain't we?" +</P> + +<P> +I was greatly minded to turn on my heel and tell him to go to the +deuce, if he chose. But his manner was wholly ingenuous, and "after +all," I said to myself, "I'm tired and he 's amusing. It's something +after 8 o'clock and no one will be here at such an hour." At all +events I disliked a scene, and so I simply acquiesced, and took him to +a quiet corner of the large dining-room, where I seated myself in such +a way as to have my back to whomsoever might come in. +</P> + +<P> +Without consulting the taste of my guest, I ordered a steak with +mushrooms, potatoes, a salad, dessert and a bottle of claret, and began +to read the evening paper. +</P> + +<P> +For perhaps ten minutes we both were silent. I glanced at Checkers +several times as I folded my paper in or out. He seemed to be lost in +a reverie. But at last his thoughts came back to earth, and glancing +up he said very softly, "The last time I took supper here was with my +wife a year ago." +</P> + +<P> +"Your wife," I exclaimed, starting with surprise. "You do n't mean to +tell me you have a wife?" +</P> + +<P> +"I had a wife," he answered sorrowfully, "but——" +</P> + +<P> +"I beg you pardon, Checkers," I said, "I hope I have n't hurt your +feelings." +</P> + +<P> +"No, you have n't hurt them," he replied. "I 've got my feelings +educated. I 've had so many ups and downs I 've learned to take my +medicine. But I 'll bet I 've had the toughest luck of any guy that +ever lived. A' year ago I had money, a wife and friends, and was doing +the Vanderbilt act. In two short weeks I lost them all. I 've been +'on my rollers' ever since. +</P> + +<P> +"But say, you wouldn't have known me if you 'd seen me here with my +wife that time—my glad rags on, a stove-pipe lid, patent leather kicks +and a stone on my front. We came to Chicago to take in the Fair, and +dropped in here to eat, one night. +</P> + +<P> +"We sat at that table over there; I remember it as though it was +yesterday. I ordered all kinds of supper, and at last the waiter +brings in some cheese and crackers. It was a kind of a greenish, +mouldy cheese—Rocquefort! Yes, I believe that's it. I goes against a +little piece of it, and 'on the grave,' I like to fainted. Good! +Well, maybe you think it's good, but scratch your Uncle Dudley out of +any race where they enter Rocquefort. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; those were happy days for me. I hate to think about them now. I +had a good time while it lasted, though, and when they got me 'on the +tram,' I had to go to hustlin'. Well, here comes supper. Excuse me +now, while I get busy with a piece of that steak." +</P> + +<P> +"But, Checkers," I expostulated, "I 'd like to hear the particulars. +You must have an interesting story to tell. And if you don't mind——" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I do n't know. It's a hard luck story. I've had the hot end of +it most of my life. But you can see for yourself that I'm no 'scrub.' +I come from good people, and I 've lived with good people. I can put +up a parlor talk, or a bar-room talk. I've seen it all. But of course +when a fellow 'hits the toboggan,' he gets to going down mighty fast." +</P> + +<P> +"I appreciate all that, my boy," I said, "or I should n't have brought +you here; and now if you will, while we are eating our dinner, give me +a little sketch of how it all happened." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, there is n't very much to tell as I know of—at least, anything +that would interest you. To look back now it kind of seems as though +things just pushed themselves along. +</P> + +<P> +"You see, in the first place, my father and Uncle Giles, his brother, +both fought in the war. Well, father got shot and came home a cripple. +About ten years afterwards I was born. Then father died, and mother +got a pension. She had some little money besides. After the war Uncle +Giles came back and hung around our house. He was 'flat,' and he +couldn't get a job. But he finally got some pension-shark to push a +pension through for him, and after that he 'pulled his freight' and +went to Baltimore to live. Mother and I stayed here in Chicago. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I went to school until I was twelve, and then I went to work in +a store. Mother's health was very bad, though, and at last we went +South on account of her lungs. We went to San Antonio, and at first +the air kind of did her good. I gets a job in a dry goods store, and +things are rollin' pretty smooth, when one night mother takes to +coughing, has a hemorrhage and dies. +</P> + +<P> +"There's no use trying to tell you my feelings. Mother was dead and I +was alone. There was hardly a soul to come to her funeral. The +minister and a few of the neighbors came in—my God, it was simply +awful. I was still a kid, only fifteen, you see, and I felt the +terrible lonesomeness of it. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, mother had saved considerable money—twenty-six hundred dollars +in all. I sold our furniture and came to Chicago, and went to board +with some friends of the family. I worked more or less for two or +three years; but my money made me kind of 'flossy,' and whenever I 'd +feel like it, I 'd just throw up the job and quit. +</P> + +<P> +"After a while I got so I did n't try to work. I fell in with a gang +of sports that used to hang around the pool-rooms, and pretty soon +'your little Willie' was losing his money right and left. The local +meeting came along, and I took to going out to the track. I was nearly +broke when one day a tout tried to 'get me down' on a 'good thing' he +had. I told him I would n't play it, but I afterwards shook him and +put twenty on it—I 'm a goat if it did n't win, and I pulled down a +thousand. I looked for the guy who gave me the tip, but I could n't +find him anywhere. I guess he fell dead with surprise himself—at +least I 've never seen him since. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, about that time, I had to quit the family I was living with. +They broke up housekeeping and moved away, leaving me on a cold, cold +world. After that I did nothing but play the races. I followed them +from town to town—St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, New +Orleans—winning a little now and then, but up against it most of the +time. +</P> + +<P> +"I got the malaria down south, and I took a notion I 'd go to Hot +Springs. You ever been there? No? Well say, you talk about your +sportin' life—there is the onliest place to see it. Every kind of a +gamblin' game you ever heard of runnin' wide—and everybody goes +against 'em. +</P> + +<P> +"I had heard that some of the games were crooked, and I thought I 'd be +foxy and leave them alone. I left my leather full of bills with the +clerk up in the hotel safe. +</P> + +<P> +"A little more potato, please. Thanks, I am hungry, and that's no +dream. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, as I was saying, one day at the bath I meets a young guy in the +cooling-room, and he springs a system to beat roulette, which figures +out a mortal cinch. I do n't remember the system now, but I recollect +we tried it ourselves on a private wheel, and it could n't lose. The +only trouble with it was that with luck against us we might get soaked +in doubling up before we win. But we made up our minds to begin it +small, and be content with a little profit. +</P> + +<P> +"We had a bank-roll of $600—four from me and two from him. I was to +have two-thirds of the profits, because I risked two thirds of the +stuff. +</P> + +<P> +"It was Thursday night we set to try it. Thursday was always my Jonah +day. I wanted to wait until Saturday, but he did n't want to wait that +long. I was to do the playing while he kept tab and told me what to do +each whirl. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we buys a stack of a hundred chips, and runs them up to two +hundred and fifty. I says, 'let's quit,' but he was stuck on pushing +our luck while it came our way. We played along for half an hour, and +hardly varied $50; then, all at once, we 'struck the slide,' and I had +to buy another stack. We lost that; bought another and lost it, and +stood in the hole $300. +</P> + +<P> +"All the while we were playing the system, and I had a 'hunch' that if +we kept on it would pull us out. So I starts to buy another stack when +Kendall—his name was Arthur Kendall—stops me and says he wants to +quit. Quit, with half our money gone! I was so sore I could have +smashed him. And while we stood there arguing, without a nickel on the +board, the wheel was rollin' dead our way—enough to have put us ahead +of the game. +</P> + +<P> +"I gave him his hundred, and told him to 'take it and chase himself'—I +was through with him. I stuck to the game until five in the morning. +They got every cent I had in the world. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I went to the hotel and went to bed, but I lay there wondering +how I was going to dig up the money to pay my bill, and give me a start +when my luck turned again. The longer I wondered the tougher it +seemed. Finally I ordered an absinthe frappé—it kind of gave me a new +idea. I 'd put up a song to my Uncle Giles, and try to make a little +'touch.' +</P> + +<P> +"I had n't seen or heard of him for half a dozen years, but I thought +after all we had done for him, he could n't hardly lay down on his +nephew. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I wrote him a letter that would have brought tears to a pair of +glass eyes. Say, it was the literary effort of my life. Of course, I +did n't just stick to the facts. Then I goes down and gets me a little +breakfast, and begins to feel like myself again. +</P> + +<P> +"This was Friday. Saturday my hotel bill was coming due. I had to +make a killin' somehow to get my trunk and clothes away. +</P> + +<P> +"I chased myself from joint to joint, but I could n't get next to +anything. There was n't a thing I could hock nor no one that I could +'give the borry.' Have you ever been flat broke, Mr. Preston, with not +a nickel in your jeans; no one to stake you; no place to go, and +nothing to keep you from starving to death? You haven't, eh? Well, +then you do n't begin to know what trouble is. You feel as though +every one had you 'sized,' or as though you were going to be arrested. +You can't help thinking about the stuff you blew so reckless when you +were flush—the night you got out and spent a hundred, and say, if you +only had it now! You take a paralyzed oath on your mother that if you +ever get right again you'll 'salt your stuff' and be a 'tight-wad'—and +then you remember you 're broke again. I 've been up against some dead +tough luck, and I 've had some fancy crimps put in me, but somehow I +'ve never felt so 'on my uppers' as I did at the Springs that night. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, if this hard-luck story of mine gets tiresome to you, ring me +off. I did n't think I 'd be so long in getting to where my troubles +began." +</P> + +<P> +I assured him that I felt the tale immensely interesting, as indeed I +did, not only in its mere detail, but taken in connection with the +youth who sat there, telling me his story in his naïve way, as +unconcerned as though he had the Bank of England to draw upon. With +not a penny in his pocket, or for aught I knew a place to sleep, it +certainly seemed that, with the sparrows, he leaned most heavily on +Providence. +</P> + +<P> +"Let 's have the rest of it, Checkers," I said; "I 'm anxious to hear +how you raised the wind." +</P> + +<P> +He sipped his coffee and puffed his cigarette with a retrospective air, +inhaling the smoke at every draught, or blowing it forth in little +rings which he watched as they circled off into space. +</P> + +<P> +I waited in silence. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," he continued, "it was nothing but 'gallop on after the torch.' +About 10 o'clock I blew into a joint that I had n't been to—a gambling +house. There was a gang around the faro-bank, and I shoved in to see +what was going on. I hope I may drop if Kendall was n't sitting there, +howling, paralyzed full. He had a lot of chips in front of him, +playin' 'em like a drunken sailor. He had down bets all over the +board, and, honest, it gave me heart disease to see him play. He puts +a stack on the ace to win. In a minute or two another player coppers +it, and takes it down. I jumps in and grabs him by the arm. 'Hold +on,' I hollered, 'Arthur, here's a piker that's touchin' you for your +chips.' +</P> + +<P> +"Say, there was trouble right away. The piker made a smash at me. I +dodged and caught him an upper cut, and the bouncer grabbed him and +threw him out. This sort of sobered Arthur up, and for a while he +played 'em 'cagey.' I goes over by him, and puts up a bluff to the +gang that I 'm a friend of his. You see I wanted to get him out before +they got his money away. It was a 'pipe' he'd lose it all the minute +his luck turned. But as long as I was n't playing myself, I knew I 'd +better not get too gay, but I watched his bets, and stacked his chips, +and saw that no one pinched his sleepers. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, every few minutes he 'd call for a drink, and what do you think +he was drinking? Sherry. Did you ever get a jag on sherry? Well, +neither did I, but it gives you a 'beaut.' Arthur had a 'carry-over' +that lasted him for about three days. He 'd slap his chips down any +old place. It was the funniest thing you ever saw. But he was playing +in drunken luck, and I let him do what he wanted to. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, to make a long story short, I finally 'cashed him in' for $200. +I got him into a hack, and took him to my room. But say, when I got +that boy undressed and abed and asleep, I 'll tell you like these: I +was just three minutes ahead of a fit, and the fit was gaining on me +fast. I had to take a couple of absinthes before I could get myself +together. But you ought to have seen Kendall in the morning. He had a +horrible 'sorry' on. The wheels were buzzing around in his head until +I believe if he 'd have put his fingers in his ears, they 'd have been +cut off—I do on the square. He could n't remember a thing he 'd done, +except that he started out on a 'sandy' after he left me playing +roulette—the night before, you recollect, and he got a 'package' +aboard that he ought to have made at least two trips for. +</P> + +<P> +"I gave him his money, and told him where I found him, and how I saved +it for him, and he began to cry like a baby. You see his nerves were +all to pieces. He wanted me to take him home; nothing would do but he +must go home. He felt too rocky to go alone, and besides he could n't +trust himself. He begged me for God's sake not to leave him or he 'd +get full again, or shoot himself. +</P> + +<P> +"I found out afterward that he had solemnly promised his girl that he +'d never get drunk again. That's what it was that gave him that awful +'sorry.' You know how it is when you love a girl. While you 're with +her it seems dead easy to live decent, and do what 's right, and you +promise anything. Then some day you get out with the gang and 'fall,' +and the next morning R. E. Morse is sitting up on the edge of your bed +giving you the horrible ha-ha. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, anyhow, I finally agreed to take him home. He lived in +Clarksville, Ark. He gave me the roll to pay our bills with and buy +the tickets and one thing and another, while he went down to the bath +to boil out. But say, the hardest job of my life was not to 'pinch' +that coin and 'duck.' It was mine by rights. He 'd never have kept it +if I had n't jumped in and saved it for him. But, thank God, I can say +one thing, I never stole a cent in my life. I may have separated three +or four guys from their stuff, perhaps, at different times; but they +always got a run for their money, and if they dropped it it was n't my +fault. So I just could n't bring myself to do it. And I was thankful +afterwards that I did n't. +</P> + +<P> +"The happiest year I ever had came to me on account of that trip—and +the unhappiest. But I would n't give up the pleasant memories if I had +to go through twice the troubles again. +</P> + +<P> +"'The banister of life is full of slivers,' as old man Bradley used to +say, and when a fellow 'hits the slide,' he's apt to pick up a splinter +or two. But I 'll tell you, if you 've only got some happy times that +you 've had with your mother or sisters, your wife, or your girl, to +look back to and think about, when you 're in hard luck, it's a kind of +a bracer, and saves your life——" +</P> + +<P> +He suddenly stopped. I followed his gaze, and turning around saw +Murray and three other friends coming toward me. I felt it an +ill-timed interruption; but I ordered cigars and liquid refreshments, +and introduced, all but Murray, to Mr. Edward Campbell, which I had +learned was the proper name of my little friend. +</P> + +<P> +I was needed, Murray explained, "to make the fifth man in some game of +theirs which could not be played to advantage with less;" and knowing +that I was to work late, they had taken a chance of finding me here. +</P> + +<P> +In vain I begged to be excused, pleading indisposition, the lateness of +the hour, anything and everything which might have served to drive them +off. But "the evening was young," "the table was ready," and I "ought +to be accommodating," and so I said good-bye to Checkers, and slipping +him a dollar, told him to come to my office next day, and I would talk +with him of another matter. +</P> + +<P> +He thanked me, saying he would be there, and shaking my hand, bid us +all good night. Then tiptoeing back he whispered in my ear: "Say, I +want to give you a little advice: Never come in on less than jacks, and +never raise a one-card draw, unless you 've got a 'pat' yourself. If +you stick to that you 'll have the coin when the rest of the gang are +'on the tram.'" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap04"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +IV +</H3> + +<P> +The following morning at about 10 o'clock Checkers sauntered into my +office; his hands in his pockets; his hat on the back of his head; +smoking the ubiquitous cigarette. +</P> + +<P> +I was busy at the time with my morning's mail. +</P> + +<P> +Picking up the daily paper he tilted back comfortably in a chair, and +interested himself in the sporting news. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Checkers," I said, when at last I had finished, "How are you +this morning, my boy?" +</P> + +<P> +"If I felt any better I could n't stand it," he answered, throwing down +the paper. "But you do n't look very fit. How did you come out with +the boys last night?" +</P> + +<P> +"About even," I replied, deprecatorily. +</P> + +<P> +He smiled in a most exasperating way. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-056"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-056.jpg" ALT="MR. PRESTON" BORDER="2" WIDTH="385" HEIGHT="510"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center" STYLE="width: 385px"> +MR. PRESTON +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +"Now I'll tell you," he said growing suddenly confidential. "There 's +a 'hot thing' coming off to-day, and I want you to put a swell bet on +it. They've been laying dead with it all the meeting—pulled his head +off his last two outs—but to-day they 've got him in a good soft spot, +and they 're going to 'put it over the plate.'" +</P> + +<P> +"Checkers," I said, "I want you to understand, once and for all, that I +am no gambler. I went to the races Derby Day, as I would go to any +other show, and now and then I play a little quarter limit game with my +friends. But even that I do n't approve of. I tell you I consider +gambling the most insidious of all the vices, and it's on just that +point that I want to talk to you. +</P> + +<P> +"I want you to give up that kind of life, get a position in some good +house, and begin to make a man of yourself. I tell you you 're too +bright a boy to be throwing yourself away as you are. Suppose your +'good thing' wins to-day—suppose you do make some money on it—you +will lose it on something else to-morrow. You are simply living from +hand to mouth, growing older every day with nothing to show for the +time you have spent. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, what I propose is simply this. I shall look about among all my +friends in the wholesale lines, and try to find you a position where +you can learn some business from the beginning. If you are industrious +and quick it will be but a comparatively short time when you 'll have a +chance to go on the road, or something of that sort. Now, what do you +say?" +</P> + +<P> +I can't say that Checkers seemed wholly delighted. He looked anywhere +but into my eyes and finally said he "would like a job, but he did n't +believe I could get him one." +</P> + +<P> +I replied that I was sure I could, as my uncle was a wholesale +dry-goods merchant, and I had several friends who were heads of +departments in other large stores of various kinds. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we 'll try it and see," he said resignedly, "but I 'll tell you +just about how it is. A guy goes into a wholesale house and he starts +at the bottom in some department. He gets up at the break of day, and +he works like the devil after a Christian. If he has good luck he do +n't get 'fired,' but he never gets a raise on earth, unless the mug +above him dies, or breaks down his health and has to quit. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, I knew a joker who worked in a certain big store in this town for +fifteen years. He lived somewhere way out in the suburbs, and he told +me he had to get down so early, that when he was coming home at night +he used to meet himself starting down in the morning. Well, one day +some one gave him a pass to the Harlem track—one Saturday afternoon. +He went to the races for the first time in his life. I got ahold of +him and made him win three hundred dollars with a five-dollar bill, and +you ought to have heard the talk he put up. 'Has this game been going +on all this time,' he says, 'with me doing the Rip Van Winkle act? +Why, I 'd be worth all kinds of money now, if I 'd had any sense.' And +Monday he went down and threw up his job, and started in to play the +ponies. Of course he went broke, but not long ago he struck a streak, +and made a killin'. He started in to making a book, and now he's got a +stable with five good sprinters, and a twenty thousand dollar +bank-roll. If he had stuck to his job in that store, he 'd have +probably had nervous prostration by this time." +</P> + +<P> +"But the case you cite, Checkers, is one in a thousand," I said, +smiling broadly in spite of myself. "While that one man may have made +a success of a very questionable sort through unusual luck, or unusual +shrewdness, there have numberless others gone to ruin—utter, +irretrievable ruin, by giving way to their passion for gambling. +</P> + +<P> +"If you object to a wholesale house, I may perhaps find something else +for you to do. But it seems to me to be simply a shame that a boy of +your ability and brains should be content to be nothing but a tout, and +herd with the riff-raff and scum of creation. Now, once and for all, +if you desire to better yourself, I shall be glad to help you; but +otherwise I must simply refuse to have you about me any longer. Think +it over and come in to-morrow, and tell me your decision. Now, you +must excuse me as I have an engagement with this gentleman," and I +turned to greet a friend whose timely arrival saved me from the "touch" +which I could see Checkers was nerving himself to make. +</P> + +<P> +I found however that to secure an immediate position for my protégé was +a much more difficult matter than I had at first imagined. I spoke to +a dozen different people. Most of them assured me that they already +had more help than they had need of. Others needed no one now, but +thought they might in a month or two. My uncle said that "for my sake +he would try to make a place for my friend." But when I told him all +the facts, he shook his head and looked very dubious. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile at frequent intervals, Checkers would drop into my office, +and chat of the happenings of other days, or tell me of his present +doings. It seemed to me, as I often told him, that if he would only +exercise one-half the thought and ingenuity in the pursuit of something +legitimate that he used in "separating the angels he got next to from +their gold," he would long since have achieved a fortune. +</P> + +<P> +He delighted in telling of the successful working of some new scheme he +had figured out for the trapping of the unwary. And at each recital I +used to marvel at the boundless credulity of the average human. +</P> + +<P> +But whenever I could I would start him off upon some incident in his +former life. In the story of his boyish courtship, the trials he +underwent in securing his wife, and his subsequent sorrows and +misfortunes, there was an exquisite blending of humor and pathos which +appealed to me immeasurably. It was seldom, however, that he would +talk of those days—the sadness of it all was still too near to him. +When he was in luck he never referred to them—he seemed to live in the +present alone. But when, as was frequently the case, his luck deserted +him and things went wrong, he would sometimes get a fit of the blues, +and, falling into a reminiscent mood, would find a sort of morbid +comfort in living it all over again. He would skip abruptly from scene +to scene, one incident or person suggesting another, and in his own +peculiar way he would describe a situation or picture a character with +a vividness worthy of a Dickens. For instance, when, in speaking of +his father-in-law, he said that "the family used to have to treat him +with cocaine before he could stand it to give up a nickel," I thought +it a very forceful way of expressing the old man's carefulness. +</P> + +<P> +As the days went by and nothing came of my efforts to get a position +for Checkers, I had perforce to drop the matter, and Checkers never +again referred to it. +</P> + +<P> +Gradually his visits became less frequent, as I ceased to continue a +profitable subject; for his invention, however fertile, could not +furnish new excuses forever. But I often found myself gathering up the +threads of his story as he had told it, weaving into the growing fabric +some strands of my own imaginings, until I seemed to find in it an odd +and pathetic little romance. +</P> + +<HR ALIGN="center" WIDTH="60%"> + +<P> +The town of Clarksville, Ark., was not attractive at any time, but to +Checkers, who had arrived there with Arthur Kendall at three o'clock +that summer's morning en route from Hot Springs, the aspect of the +place seemed particularly dismal. +</P> + +<P> +The train which had brought them from Little Rock steamed away toward +the Territory, and left them standing in darkness on the station +platform. +</P> + +<P> +A 'bus from the hotel, with two forlorn old horses driven by a sleepy, +shock-headed boy, stood waiting on the other side. They entered it and +went creaking off. +</P> + +<P> +As Arthur had previously explained to Checkers, his father's home was +some miles from town, and accordingly he thought it better for them to +sleep at the hotel until morning, have their breakfast, and then drive +out. +</P> + +<P> +As they lumbered along the dusty streets in the silence of the early +morning, Checkers peered curiously out, and found his original +impressions gaining strength. +</P> + +<P> +The stars were shining clear and luminous, and in the East there was +just the faintest glow which told of the coming sunrise. A vaporish +mist hung low on the ground, and in the dim uncertain light all objects +seemed to take to themselves a weird and most uncanny look. At +frequent intervals a "razor-back," already up and browsing about, would +trot tardily out of the horses' way, grunting his dissatisfaction. +</P> + +<P> +Shortly they turned into what seemed to be the street of the town. It +was wider and dustier than any of the others, and on it stood a large +brick structure, which Checkers judged to be the court house. It +formed what is commonly known as "a square," for on opposite sides of +the street as they passed Checkers noticed that most of the buildings +were stores, with their low-burning lamps keeping watch through the +night. +</P> + +<P> +A few moments more and the 'bus drove up, and stopped before a low +brick building. +</P> + +<P> +Kendall, who had fallen asleep in his corner, awoke, and with a "here +we are," jumped out and ushered Checkers into an ill-smelling room, +where a heavy-eyed youth did the honors as clerk, and then lowering +himself to the office of bell-boy, took their luggage and showed them +the way to their room. +</P> + +<P> +Arriving, they stood in the darkness, until he succeeded in lighting, +with a sulphur match, a very much smoked little kerosene lamp, after +which he brought them a pitcher of water, and departed without the +formality of a "good night." +</P> + +<P> +Immediately Arthur began to undress. This was all an old, old story to +him. But Checkers fell to looking about him. He found that the door +had no lock upon it, and that the windows opened wide upon a low +veranda; that they boasted no screens, nor could he find that the beds +had any mosquito-bars. +</P> + +<P> +Kendall's face expressed a sleepy surprise. "Come on, old man; get +undressed," he said, "it's nearly 4 o'clock. We have n't any too much +time to sleep." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers' only reply was to pull off his coat, and to sit down and +begin to unfasten his shoes. A couple of June-bugs, attracted by the +light, flew in at the window, and bumping around in their noisy, +disagreeable way, gave Checkers an uncomfortable, crawly feeling. +</P> + +<P> +The truth was, Checkers was wholly metropolitan, and this was a new +experience. The darkness and silence disheartened and cowed him. He +missed the confusion and glare of the city. +</P> + +<P> +Kendall had fallen fast asleep, and was breathing loudly in half a +minute. But Checkers lay wide-eyed and wondering, listening to the +locusts and katydids outdoing themselves in the trees outside. +</P> + +<P> +And then he fell to speculating about his chances for the future, +wondering what the probable outcome of this new venture of his was to +be. Had n't he been foolish in coming to such a God-forsaken little +place? He might have borrowed some money from Kendall, and stayed at +the Springs and recouped. +</P> + +<P> +And now that, after several days of solicitous care and constant +watching, he had succeeded in pulling Kendall through without his +giving way to the terrible after-craving he had for liquor, would the +promises made him be fulfilled, or had he been too credulous? +</P> + +<P> +Kendall had told him that he and his father were wealthy. That besides +their large fruit farm, they were interested in a general store and +commission business. He had promised Checkers that if he would but +consent to see him to his home in Clarksville, he should be given a +good position in the store, and that if after they arrived there he +found that he did not care to remain, he should have transportation to +any place in the country he cared to go. And to Checkers, disheartened +and penniless, out of conceit with gambling, and satiated with the +excitement and uncertainty of the life he had been leading, the +opportunity seemed a very godsend. Thoughts of the country, green and +cool, appealed to him with a grateful sense of restfulness and quiet; +and the idea of going to work again at something legitimate brought +with it the feeling of conscious approval, which always accompanies +virtuous resolves. +</P> + +<P> +But since Kendall had become himself again, he seemed to have grown +less dependent and thankful. And again the glimpse that Checkers had +caught of the place had greatly dampened his ardor. +</P> + +<P> +An hour dragged slowly by, and still he lay restlessly tossing about. +The roosters began to crow and answer each other from point to point in +the distance; and a hound near by with a mournful howl bayed dismally +at intervals. +</P> + +<P> +'Twas the strangeness of it all that kept him wakeful, but at last the +tension was relieved by a knocking at the door of the room beyond which +aroused a couple of drummers, who were called to catch an early train. +He heard them through the thin partition, dressing and grumbling at +their luck. Here at least was something natural, and gradually the +humorous side of the situation appealed to him. He smiled, as with a +long-drawn sigh he murmured, "I think I 'll get fat here, nit," and +when he awoke it was broad daylight, and Kendall was standing over him, +dressed. +</P> + +<P> +"Hello, old man, awake at last," laughed Kendall. "Well, you better +get up and dress, or we 're apt to miss our breakfast. How did you +sleep? All right, I hope; you look as fresh as a mountain daisy." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers crawled slowly out of bed. "Well, then my looks are a +horrible bluff," he said, with the slight, sardonic smile which was +usual to him at nearly all times. "I feel like the last end of a +misspent life," and he fished a sock out from under the bed. "Do you +know," he continued, as he held his shirt aloft, preparatory to putting +it on, "it's wonderful how a fellow's early training comes back to him +later in life. I recollect my mother used to read a psalm about not +being 'afraid of the terror by night, nor the pestilence that walketh +in darkness.' Now, somehow, it never struck me before, but I 'll bet +the party that wrote the verse never slept in an Arkansas hotel bed. +If he did, he had on his tin pajamas, or else he could beat 'the +pestilence' walking. Say, where on earth is my other sock? I'll +gamble that one of them pinchin'-bugs pinched it?" and Checkers kept up +a running fire of quaint remarks while Kendall laughed. +</P> + +<P> +Their breakfast was a culinary horror. +</P> + +<P> +"Have you got any capsules?" asked Checkers of the waitress. +</P> + +<P> +"Capsules!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I'll have to have some, if I take this butter internally." A +kick under the table from Arthur put an end to further persiflage. +</P> + +<P> +A two-seated spring wagon, known locally as a "hack," with two sturdy +horses and a driver stood waiting for them. Arthur had sent out and +ordered it before breakfast, and his telescope bag and Checkers' trunk +he had caused to be firmly strapped into the end. +</P> + +<P> +The day was a typically beautiful one. The clear and bracing morning +air had in it just enough of a chill to make the sunshine grateful to +them, as they drove along the winding road, toward the mountainous +country lying beyond them. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers' blues had disappeared with the vapors of the night before, +and he felt the exultation of a new and pleasant experience. Arthur +was in an easy humor, and described at considerable length to Checkers +his family and their circumstances. +</P> + +<P> +Some ten years back his father had moved from Massachusetts to that +locality at the advice of his doctor. He had bronchial trouble, and he +found the thin, clear air of the Ozarks beneficial. Mrs. Kendall was +long since dead, and Arthur had been an only child. Besides these two +there were in the household Aunt Deb, who was a sister of Mr. +Kendall's, and "Cynthy," the cook, and maid of all work. There was +also a good-natured creature named Tobe, half-witted and harmless, +attached to the family, who did odd jobs for his board and keep, and +had constituted himself a fixture. +</P> + +<P> +At their store they sold everything from plows to perfumery. The +commission business was simply an adjunct. They bought for cash from +the farmers, and shipped the goods to Little Rock, and sometimes to St. +Louis. Old Mr. Bradley, who had owned the store when they first came +there, was running it now. They had bought him out, but had given him +an interest and salary as manager. +</P> + +<P> +The business was the pride of the old man's life, and he watched it as +a mother watches her babe. +</P> + +<P> +Arthur spent most of his time at the store, selling goods and talking +to the trade; but the elder Kendall seldom went there. He passed the +summer in his garden and among his fruit trees. In the winter he +generally traveled farther South. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers gathered by indirection that he was wealthy outside of his +business. Probably an eccentric individual, who simply liked the place +and stayed there. +</P> + +<P> +"I should think," said Checkers, as Arthur paused in his recital, "that +a fellow would fall into a trance in about a week, in a place like +this. What on earth do you do with yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," said Arthur, "I haven't lived here much. I've been East to +school, and knocked around in a lot of different places, and I like it +here as a kind of a change. There are a couple of very nice girls in +the town that I call on once in a while. I read a good deal in the +evenings, and, in season, the shooting is fine. I 'll admit it gets +rather stupid at times, but it's the best place in the world for me. +You know they have 'local option' here, and you can 't get a drink for +love or money. As long as I stay here, of course, I 'm all right; but +as sure as I get away some place, I make a fool of myself, and get +full, as I did when you rescued me at the Springs. Drinking is a +disease with me. I can't drink as most fellows do. If I touch a drop +it starts me off, and it's good-bye for a week or two. Each time I +come home as the prodigal did, and my father comes out and 'falls on my +neck.' He 's been devilish kind, the governor has, and I 've cost him +a lot of money and trouble." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that's what a father has to expect," remarked Checkers. "If +ever I have a son, I 'll begin storing up veal on the day that he's +born—I'll need it if he takes after 'papa.'" +</P> + +<P> +Arthur laughed and laid his hand caressingly upon Checker's shoulder. +"Old man," he said, "I like you and I want you to stay here and be my +chum. We 'll have some bully times together, and you 'll like it when +you get used to the place. You 've treated me mighty white all +through, and I want to tell you that I appreciate it." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers grew red. He felt embarrassed, and hesitated for a reply. +Arthur knew his story, or such of it as Checkers had seen fit to relate +to him. But Checkers had never intimated that he was hopelessly +dependent. He had spoken vaguely of relatives; of drawing a draft on +Uncle Giles; of telegraphing to Chicago for money; it lent him +respectability. +</P> + +<P> +It must be remembered that at this time Checkers had not been through +the most trying part of the experiences of which he had spoken while +dining with me at Kinsley's that night. And while by no means Arthur's +equal in the social scale, he was still very far from being the +hardened tout, whom two years later, I met at the race-track, Derby Day. +</P> + +<P> +Nevertheless, he himself felt a difference intuitively, and though he +had exercised to the full his talent for making himself companionable, +it had proved a very difficult task to fully break through Arthur's +reserve. This sudden show of sentiment, therefore, upon Arthur's part, +affected and pleased him; and reaching up to the hand on his shoulder, +he grasped it warmly. "I 'll go you," he said. And the two friends +smiled into each other's eyes. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap05"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +V +</H3> + +<P> +A very few days sufficed to make Checkers feel thoroughly at home in +his new surroundings. The Kendall house was a roomy, frame structure +set upon one of the highest of the Ozark Mountains, to which the road +from Clarksville was a gradual, and almost constant ascent. From his +window Checkers could see for miles down into the valley, across the +dense growth of mountain-pines, the many shaded green and yellow +squares of fields and farm lands beyond, and away in the distance the +Arkansas River glistening in the sun like a silver snake. +</P> + +<P> +Immediately surrounding the house were the orchards, their trees almost +breaking with the wealth of their red and yellow fruit. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers had found ready favor with Mr. Kendall by evincing an +enthusiastic interest, confessing at the same time an ignorance which +allowed the old gentleman full opportunity for enlarging upon his +favorite hobbies. Aunt Deb's smiles were as quickly won by a deft word +in praise of the table. +</P> + +<P> +Just how Arthur had explained the presence of his friend to the +household, Checkers did not know. But it was evident, as he remarked +to himself, that "the explanation went," and he bothered himself about +it no further. +</P> + +<P> +At the store it was found that Checkers' talents were those of a +salesman par excellence. +</P> + +<P> +He quickly learned the run of the goods, and his chief delight, to use +his own words, was "to jolly the jays into buying something they +absolutely had no need of." +</P> + +<P> +Arthur and Mr. Bradley would sometimes stand almost convulsed with +silent laughter, listening to the dialogue between Checkers and some +country customer. +</P> + +<P> +He was quick at reading character, and his intuitions were remarkably +keen. He was able, therefore, to ingratiate himself with nearly every +class of purchaser, by starting a genial conversation upon the topic he +deemed most fit, letting it take its course through all the vagaries of +a country mind, until at last it veered around to the subject of a +possible purchase. Then, in the most disinterested way, and as though +rather sorry to end the talk, he would go behind the counter and +pleasantly show forth a number of things that had n't been asked for, +as though it was only as a special favor that he had gone to the +trouble of getting the articles down. Such consideration, backed by a +judicious talk, seldom failed of the most substantial results; and +Checkers' fame soon went abroad as "a nice, young feller and a smart +'un, too." +</P> + +<P> +It was during his first few days at the store that he acquired the +soubriquet of "Checkers." It was a piece of rude, bucolic wit, but the +name stuck to him, as such names will, and followed him through his +many vicissitudes. +</P> + +<P> +Time was at a discount in Clarksville, Everyone had time to spend, but +few had money for such a purpose. And generally at the Kendall store, +some six or eight of the local talent might be found lounging +comfortably in the chairs outside, chaffing one another, chewing +tobacco, and waiting for something new to turn up. +</P> + +<P> +This was particularly the case on Saturdays, when the farmers came to +town with their apples, vegetables and eggs for barter, made their +necessary purchases, and consumed the balance of the day in standing +around, talking crops and politics. +</P> + +<P> +Although there were no saloons in the place, the greater part of the +assemblage always delayed their shopping until the last possible +moment, which naturally made a considerable rush at the various stores +as evening approached. +</P> + +<P> +It was Checkers' first Saturday there, and while endeavoring to be as +helpful as possible, he was nevertheless rather awkward, as a result of +his unaccustomedness. +</P> + +<P> +This did not fail to be observed by the natives, to whom he was an +object of much curiosity, and to whom his presence among the Kendalls +was a matter of wide and varied conjecture. The younger element +especially showed an undisguised interest in all that he did, +whispering and laughing among themselves in a way which, to Checkers, +was most exasperating. +</P> + +<P> +There is something about a city-bred youth—his manner, his clothes, +his well-groomed look, his unconscious air of superiority—which is +antagonistic to country prejudice. Such prejudice is not hard to +remove, and generally disappears upon short acquaintance. But the +initiation is very trying, and Checkers felt the ordeal keenly. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Arthur," he said, as Kendall passed, "if some of those guys do +n't chase themselves, and quit whisperin' around, and givin' me the +rah-rah, there 's going to be a fight or a foot race, and your Uncle +Dudley won't be in front." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, they're all right," said Arthur, soothingly. "They're interested +in you, because you 're a stranger. But they do n't mean the slightest +harm. You know 'a cat may look at a king.'" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I know 'a cat may look at a king,' but she 'd better not see any +flies on the king, if she wants to keep her health and strength," and +Checkers continued arranging a show-case. +</P> + +<P> +In order to save his clothes while working, Checkers had brought to the +store an old suit of a loud, checked pattern, and peculiar cut, which, +nevertheless, was very becoming. +</P> + +<P> +Towards evening the crowd began to increase, and Mr. Bradley, Arthur, +two assistants and Checkers were all as busy as it was possible to be. +Those who were being waited on took none the less time in making their +purchases, because there were others awaiting their turn. As a +consequence, there was chafing and grumbling among the procrastinators, +who were now in a hurry. +</P> + +<P> +Uncle Jerry Halter, from the back woods—a character; shrewd, crabbed +and as close as the next minute—was foremost among these, and at last +he discovered our friend, Mr. Campbell, checked suit and all, returning +from having washed his hands, after a not very successful attempt at +filling a large brown jug with molasses. +</P> + +<P> +The old man crowded through to the counter, leaning over it +expectantly, but Checkers passed him by unheeded, making his way toward +a pretty girl. +</P> + +<P> +"Hey there!" exclaimed Uncle Jerry indignantly—his voice was loud and +very nasal. "Hey! 'Checkers,' or whatever your name is—I'm in a +hurry, and I want to go." +</P> + +<P> +Instantly there was a general laugh, and Checkers stopped and turned +around. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, go if you want to—you're not tied down," he retorted, and the +laugh was on Uncle Jerry. +</P> + +<P> +The old man colored to the roots of his hair. "You 're very fresh, +young feller," he snarled. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; warranted to keep in any climate," said Checkers, smiling +good-naturedly at him. +</P> + +<P> +Arthur happened along just then, and soothed and waited upon Uncle +Jerry, getting him peaceably out of the store. +</P> + +<P> +In the morning at breakfast he related the incident to Mr. Kendall, who +he knew would appreciate it. +</P> + +<P> +"There is only one man about here meaner than old Jerry Halter," said +Mr. Kendall, addressing Checkers, "and that is the father of Arthur's +little friend, Miss Barlow. I once heard a friend of mine say of him +that 'he wouldn't smile unless it was at another man's expense,' and I +quite believe it. Arthur could tell you no end of humorous things +about him, if he only would. But I suppose he does n't want to relate +what may some day be family secrets. How is that, Arthur?" +</P> + +<P> +Arthur looked annoyed, but did not reply to this bit of parental humor. +</P> + +<P> +"As soon as Pert and Sadie come home you must take Mr. Campbell to call +on them, Arthur," said Aunt Deb. "They are two lovely girls," she +continued, turning to Checkers. "They 've been away to school; to a +seminary up in Illinois. School's out now, of course, but they 're +visiting somewhere—in St. Louis, I believe. They 're expected home +this week, though; so you 'll have the pleasure of meeting them soon." +</P> + +<P> +"Sisters?" asked Checkers. +</P> + +<P> +"No; not sisters, but cousins, and almost inseparable. Sadie is n't as +pretty as Pert, but she 's just as sweet as sweet can be, and a perfect +treasure about a house. Are you fond of young ladies, Mr. Campbell?" +</P> + +<P> +Checkers hardly knew what to say. "I 'm a great admirer of girls in +general," he replied, after a moment's hesitation, "and they 've always +struck me as being a mighty nice thing to kind of have around. But I +'ve had very little experience with them—that is, at least, in the +last two years." +</P> + +<P> +The truth was, that the friends with whom Checkers had gone to live in +Chicago, after his mother's death, had been people of true worth and +refinement. They were poor—a widowed mother and two daughters—and +the liberal sum which Checkers insisted upon paying them for his +monthly maintenance was to them a matter of grateful benefit. But +they, in return, had exercised a restraining influence over him; had +taught him to be courteous and gentlemanly, deferential to his elders, +and respectful toward women, or, at least to maintain such an outward +semblance, which answered all general purposes. +</P> + +<P> +He had conceived a boyish adoration for the elder daughter, four years +his senior, which had aided her materially in her influence over him +for good. And it was only as he began to realize the utter +hopelessness of his passion, and at the same time found himself being +supplanted by the bearded man who some months after married her and +took her away, that he grew dissatisfied with working and found the +excitement that he craved in racing and kindred gambling devices. +</P> + +<P> +For several years he had lived this life, gradually growing hard and +careless. But now that he found himself once more an inmate of a +respectable family circle, he resumed his gentleness of manner, as it +had been a half-forgotten rôle. +</P> + +<P> +"I had been keeping the girls as a little surprise for him, Aunt Deb," +said Arthur rather reproachfully. "To meet a girl who has been +described to you is like listening to a joke which is told point first." +</P> + +<P> +"I warrant he 'll find plenty to be interested in after he meets them, +for all we may tell him," replied Aunt Deb. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," said Mr. Kendall, "there is something about each girl one meets +a little different from any other. At least it was so when I was a +boy. I never found any two quite alike." +</P> + +<P> +"I never found one alike any two times," said Arthur, very feelingly; +"but their uncertainty, I suppose, is their charm. Come, let's go out +and loaf under the trees." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank God, Sunday comes once a week," said Checkers. "I could stand +two a week without straining myself." +</P> + +<P> +"The girls are to be home Friday," said Arthur. "Friday night we 'll +go down and call, if you'd like to." +</P> + +<P> +"Tickled to death," said Checkers. +</P> + +<P> +"Sadie will probably stay with Pert a while, as her father, Judge +Martin, has gone to Texas, and won't be back for a couple of weeks. +Sadie's mother is dead, you know, and she and the old man are all +alone. By the way, the Judge is rich, and Sadie is rich in her own +right, too." +</P> + +<P> +"That settles it, Sadie dear; you 're mine. A fortune-teller told me I +'d marry a rich girl." +</P> + +<P> +"Better see her before you marry her, had n't you?" suggested Arthur. +</P> + +<P> +"Why? She has n't got pen-paralysis, has she?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pen-paralysis! No; what on earth is that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, as long as she can sign a check, I guess we can manage to worry +along. She may have faults; she probably has; but any girl who marries +me won't be getting any the best of it. There' s a heap of consolation +in that idea to a man about to commit matrimony." +</P> + +<P> +"There are very few men I know of," said Arthur, "but what could 'lay +to their soul that flattering unction.'" +</P> + +<P> +"When you 're swapping 'sights unseen,'" said Checkers, "you do n't +want too good a knife, or a horse yourself, or you 'll get the hooks on +the trade." +</P> + +<P> +"With all respect to you, my boy, you'd be far from 'getting the +hooks,' as you call it, with Sadie Martin for a wife." +</P> + +<P> +"Or you with Miss Barlow, I suppose." +</P> + +<P> +Arthur's only response was a long drawn sigh, and he gazed into +distance vacantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Where did they get the name of 'Pert' for Miss Barlow, Arthur?" asked +Checkers, suddenly. +</P> + +<P> +"It's an abbreviation of a biblical name," said Arthur. "In a verse of +one of Paul's Epistles to the Romans, he says, 'Salute also the beloved +Persis.' When Pert was a child they gave her the nick-name, and it's +stuck to her ever since." +</P> + +<P> +Friday evening came at last, and Arthur and Checkers at an early hour +drove down the mountain to call upon the young ladies. +</P> + +<P> +The Barlows lived much nearer Clarksville than did the Kendalls, though +upon a different road, and the young men had a long and round-about +drive ere they reached their destination. As they entered the driveway +two large dogs came bounding toward them, growling fiercely. +</P> + +<P> +"Look out thar, boys, ye do n't git dog-bit!" shouted a voice. "Here +Lion, here Tige; commir, ye varmints! What d 'ye mean? All right now; +I 've got a-hold of 'em. That you, Arthur; how de do?" +</P> + +<P> +"How do you do, Mr. Barlow?" responded Arthur. +</P> + +<P> +"Hitch yer hosses ter that tree thar. I 'll send Joe out ter tend to +'em. Ye 'll find the girls round the side in a hammock. Here 's Pert +a-comin' now." +</P> + +<P> +"Good evening, Arthur, I 'm glad to see you," said a pleasant voice, +and out of the shadow into the light of the yellow moon, which was just +showing over the tops of the trees, the figure of a girl in white +appeared, moving quickly and gracefully toward them. +</P> + +<P> +Arthur stepped forward, and taking both of her hands in his, pressed +them silently for a moment. "Pert," he said, "I want you to meet my +friend, Mr. Campbell. Come here, old man. Miss Barlow, Mr. Campbell." +</P> + +<P> +"I am very glad to meet you, Miss Barlow," said Checkers, with a +graceful inclination. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's Sadie, Pert? Oh, here she comes," said Arthur. "That you, +Sadie? How are you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pretty well, thank you. How's yourself?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sadie, let me introduce you to a friend of mine. Miss Martin, Mr. +Campbell." +</P> + +<P> +Miss Martin straightway offered her hand, and Checkers shook it +cordially. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's go and sit where we can see the moon—it's perfectly beautiful +to-night," said Pert. "Arthur, get two chairs from the porch, and +bring them over by the hammock." +</P> + +<P> +Arthur went to fulfill his mission while Checkers walked between the +young ladies. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly he skipped nimbly forward. "Excuse me while I climb a tree," +he exclaimed, with a comical intonation. "There comes Lion and Tige, +and I 'm afraid it's another horrible case of 'They're After Me.'" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, they won't touch you while you 're with us," laughed Sadie. "Here +Lion, here Tige, good dogs." +</P> + +<P> +"Well then, I think I 'd better establish my popularity with them both +right now," said Checkers; and with an air of confidence he kindly +patted and rubbed their heads in a way that dogs love, and made them +his friends. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile Arthur arrived with the chairs. Sadie seated herself in one +of them, and motioning Checkers to place the other beside her, left the +hammock to Pert and Arthur. +</P> + +<P> +"Did you have a good time in St. Louis, girls?" asked Arthur. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh lovely!" they both exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +"We hated dreadfully to come home," continued Sadie, "but we simply had +to. Our clothes were in tatters. All the men were so sweet to us. +They kept something going on every minute." +</P> + +<P> +Then followed an enthusiastic account of their good time, which was +tiresome to Checkers, and torture to Kendall. +</P> + +<P> +"Pert, get your banjo," said Arthur, suddenly. "It seems like years +since I 've heard you play." +</P> + +<P> +"It has n't but one string on it, Arthur," laughed Pert, "but I 'll fix +it up to-morrow, sure." +</P> + +<P> +"I think it would sound very smooth out here in the moonlight, Miss +Barlow," suggested Checkers. "If you have some new strings I 'd be +glad to fix it up for you. I used to play a bit myself." +</P> + +<P> +Sadie jumped up. "Come, let's go and get it," she said; and she and +Checkers went into the house. +</P> + +<P> +She ushered Checkers into a room where Mr. Barlow, in shirt sleeves and +stocking feet, sat dozing in a rocking chair, while his wife, a +sweet-faced, grey-haired woman, worked button-holes in his new gingham +shirts. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers felt drawn towards Mrs. Barlow. She reminded him strangely of +his mother. She had a smile like a benediction; but in her weary eyes +he could read a tragedy. +</P> + +<P> +The banjo was one of Arthur's many gifts to Pert in days gone by, and +Checkers to his great relief found it a very excellent instrument. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers was not a conversationalist, where conversation had to be +made; but he was a very good amateur banjoist, and he sang an excellent +comic song; and he was glad of the opportunity offered to show himself +in perhaps his best rôle. +</P> + +<P> +While, with the banjo on his knee, he deftly adjusted the strings, Miss +Martin sat beside him, an interested spectator, and talked to him in an +undertone. +</P> + +<P> +"I thought we had better come in here and give Arthur a little chance," +she said—"poor fellow." This with a long drawn sigh, which seemed to +demand an explanation. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers looked up, inquiringly. This was his first legitimate +opportunity of taking a comprehensive look at her. The casual glance +had proclaimed her plain, but now in the bright light of a hanging-lamp +she seemed to him hopelessly unattractive. He felt chagrined and +disappointed. He was angry with Arthur for not having prepared him for +such a cruel disillusion. For somehow since his jesting words of the +previous Sabbath morning, he had allowed his fancy to run the gamut of +many glittering possibilities. +</P> + +<P> +He had started forth that evening, feeling a pleasurable excitement in +the vague presentiment that he was going to meet his destiny. But now +it simply "would n't do." He decided quickly and became resigned. +</P> + +<P> +"It was n't that she was really so ugly," he afterwards explained to +me, "but there was n't anything about her that you could tie to, and +sort of forget the rest"—except her "stuff," and he wasn't sure but +that was one of Arthur's "pipe-dreams." She had no style, no face, no +figure. Nothing at all for a little starter. She was just a girl, +that was all—just a girl. A fact which put her beyond the pale. +</P> + +<P> +"Why do you say 'poor fellow?'" said Checkers, after several moments +silence. "It seems to me he's mighty lucky to have such a tidy little +friend." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but I fear she is only a friend, and that's why I 'm so sorry for +him. I like Arthur; I think he is simply a dear. He has always been +perfectly lovely to me. But Pert—well, Pert is very peculiar, and +Arthur, you know, is awfully fast." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers put on an incredulous look. "Arthur fast!" he exclaimed with +a laugh. "Why, if he was in a city, I 'd expect him to get run over by +a hearse inside of a week." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, you men always stand up for each other; but I know all about it. +You can't fool me." +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Barlow looked up from her sewing. "You and Arthur are very old +friends, I suppose," she said, interrogatively. +</P> + +<P> +This was just the question that Checkers had feared. "We went to +school at about the same time," he replied, and immediately struck up +an air, which, for the time, precluded further questioning. "At least, +I suppose we did," he thought to himself, "as we are about the same +age." +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile Pert and Arthur sat in the hammock outside in the radiant +moonlight. It seemed to Arthur Pert had never looked so beautiful +before. Her large, dark eyes were lustrous; and a silvery halo played +about her soft, brown hair, while the pale light gave the clear skin of +her oval face the pallor of marble, save for her lips, which were the +redder by contrast. +</P> + +<P> +"Such a nice little fellow!" she had exclaimed, as Sadie and Checkers +went into the house. "Who is he, Arthur? Where did he come from?" +</P> + +<P> +Arthur hesitated awkwardly. It had been his intention to confess to +Pert all the circumstances of his last misadventure; but her few words +in praise of Checkers now suddenly emphasized in his mind the thought +that everything he had to tell was as clearly discreditable to himself +as it was favorable to Checkers, and he had n't the generosity of +nature to put the matter upon that footing. +</P> + +<P> +Still, when upon several former occasions, he had confessed to Pert his +weaknesses and sins, there had been a kindness in her ready sympathy, +her gentle chiding and disapproval, which seemed to bring her nearer to +him than she ever was during good behavior. He had found a certain +desperate pleasure at times in telling her of his misdoings. It roused +her, at least temporarily, out of her usual placid indifference toward +him—an attitude to which he sometimes felt that her hatred would have +been preferable. +</P> + +<P> +As a school-girl of sixteen, with romantic tendencies, Pert had entered +upon the task of reforming Arthur, with a childish belief that the love +he professed for her, and which she, in a measure, returned, might be +made a means to an earnest and successful endeavor upon his part to +become worthy of her. But lapse after lapse had shaken this faith, and +three years of experience found her with simply a sisterly pity for +this weak young man, whose devotion was so abject that he ceased to +interest her, and whose spasmodic vices were not of the kind which make +some men so darkly fascinating. +</P> + +<P> +And so Arthur hesitated, debating rapidly in his mind what to say, what +to leave unsaid. "Well, it's a rather peculiar story, Pert, although +it all happened naturally enough," he answered, after a little time. +"I went up to Little Rock a few weeks ago to see a party on business. +I found when I got there that he had gone to Hot Springs, and so I +followed him over there. I wound up the business in a couple of days, +but, as long as I was there, I thought I 'd stay a week or so and take +a few baths. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, one day in the cooling-room I struck up a conversation with the +man lying next to me, and I 'll pledge you my word I never laughed so +much in all my life as I did that morning at our little friend here, +who told me a lot of his hard-luck stories. +</P> + +<P> +"We dressed, and went and had lunch together, and he told me that he +was dead, flat broke. He had been 'bucking the tiger,' and was waiting +to hear from his uncle, to whom he had written for money. I met him +again a few days later, and he told me he had n't heard a word as yet; +that his trunk was in hock at the hotel, and altogether he was in the +deuce of a fix. But he seemed so cheerful about it all that I could +n't help taking a liking to him, and I proposed that he come to +Clarksville with me, and take a job in the store, till he heard from +his uncle, or had saved enough money to get straightened out again. He +jumped at the chance, and I brought him along. He 's a first-class +salesman, and jolly good company; but I 'm afraid he won 't stay with +me much longer; he's getting tired of the place already. I shall be +dreadfully lonesome when he 's gone. +</P> + +<P> +"But heavens, Pert; how lonesome I 've been without you, away at your +school all these months. It seems so good to see you here that I can +scarcely believe my eyes." +</P> + +<P> +"I 'm glad to be back on some accounts, although it grows horribly +stupid here." +</P> + +<P> +"Stupid, Pert! It wouldn't seem stupid to me on a desert island, if +you were there." +</P> + +<P> +"I should n't care to try it." +</P> + +<P> +"Pert, dear," Arthur's voice grew tender, "I want to say a few words to +you seriously, and I beg of you to listen seriously. We are children +no longer, little girl. You have finished with school, and I have +practically assumed control of father's business. I have no new story +to tell you, but you know that I love you and long for you now as I +have loved and longed for you for years. +</P> + +<P> +"You have been my good angel, Pert. It has been my love for you and +your influence over me alone that has kept me steadfast during hours of +terrible temptation. You know I 'm not naturally vicious, Pert; I must +have inherited this appetite I have had to fight so hard against. But +I am overcoming it—I 'll conquer it, Pert; and with you to be with me +to love me and help me, I 'll make a good man. I 'll make a place and +a name in the world. But I need you, darling—I love you, and I 'd +rather die than live without you. We 'll sell out this business, leave +this place, and go back to the East and civilization to live, where +there 's something to see and to do. You shall have everything, +anything, dear, that your heart desires—only say that you love me." +And bending nearer, he sought to draw her to him in a passionate +embrace. +</P> + +<P> +Pert did not move from her position in the hammock; but firmly resisted +his endeavor, and, taking his arm from around her waist, simply handed +it back to him, as it were. (A maneuvre upon a girl's part more +aggravating, <I>en passant</I>, than any other one thing she can do.) +</P> + +<P> +"I am sorry," she said, as Arthur still sat in the hammock beside her, +silent and downcast—"I 'm dreadfully sorry, Arthur, that you should +have brought this matter up again. We have been such friends so many +years, and you are such a good friend, when you are only a friend. I +hate to wound you, if, indeed, you care for me as you say you do; but I +do n't love you, Arthur, in the way you would have me, and I know I +never shall. It's best that I should tell you this plainly, and I know +you will be glad of it in the end. I am not the girl you think me, +Arthur. You do n't know me as I really am. If you did you 'd be glad +to have escaped so luckily. I always try to make a good impression, +but really I am willful, selfish and discontented. You would be +awfully sorry when it was too late. Believe me, I am telling the +truth. So let's never talk about this any more, but be the good +friends we have always been." +</P> + +<P> +Arthur jumped up impatiently. "You are trifling with me, as you always +do," he said, with a savage ring in his voice. "I do n't care what +your faults are. I want you, just as you are, to be my wife. Care for +you as I say I do! I have loved you since we were children together. +I have never cared for any one else. My every thought has been for +your happiness. I have never spared trouble, time or money in doing +what I thought would please you—and why do you suppose I 've done so? +for fun? for glory? for something to pass away time? I tell you, Pert, +I 'm getting mighty tired of this kind of foolishness. You and I are +fitted for each other by reason of natural situation, if nothing else. +What other man is there around here who is anywhere near your equal, +socially? What kind of a life will you lead cooped up on this hillside +farm as the years go by?—a living death, only think of it! +</P> + +<P> +"Your father is willing, anxious, that you should be married and safely +provided for—I have talked with him; he has told me so. My father +simply worships you, and nothing on earth would please him so much as +to have you for a daughter-in-law." +</P> + +<P> +"But, Arthur," said Pert, almost pleadingly, "I have told you how I +feel about it. I don't love you, and how can I marry a man I do n't +love? I am fonder of you, much fonder, than of any other man I know, +and I can't begin to tell you how bad I should feel to lose your +friendship, but—" +</P> + +<P> +She paused as a sound of voices reached them, and in a moment, to her +great relief, Sadie and Checkers, with the banjo, came round the house +and joined them. +</P> + +<P> +One sweep of the strings, to be sure it was in tune, and Checkers +tendered Pert the instrument. +</P> + +<P> +"No, I shan't play; we want to hear you," she laughingly exclaimed, +putting her hands behind her. "I am only a novice, and you know the +old proverb, 'The poor ye have always with ye.'" +</P> + +<P> +Without more ado Checkers sat down and played a couple of lively airs. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, a song," exclaimed Pert; "I am sure that you sing." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you guess it?" asked Checkers, smiling. "Well, what shall it +be, a 'serio-chronic,' or a song about some 'old oaken' thing?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, something funny, Mr. Campbell," said Sadie. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers sang a song of an Irish dance. This he followed with one of +the popular ballads of the day, full of melody. +</P> + +<P> +He had a clear, high voice, with a touch of that boyish sweetness in +it, which made Emmet so famous. A sweetness to which the open air and +the sharpness of the banjo added a charm. +</P> + +<P> +The girls were delighted. They called upon him for song after song, +until Arthur, pulling out his watch, said abruptly, "It is time to be +going," and went to untie the horses. +</P> + +<P> +Amid hearty hand-shakings and cordial invitations to call again soon, +Checkers said good-by, and climbed into the buggy as Arthur drove up. +</P> + +<P> +Down the driveway, out upon the moon-lit road, they sat in silence. +Each was busy with his own thoughts. Arthur cut the horses viciously +from time to time for no apparent reason. Checkers smoked a cigarette +as though altogether pleased with himself. Arthur finally broke the +spell. "Well," he exclaimed, with a rising inflection. +</P> + +<P> +"A nice line of girls. Miss Barlow's 'Class A'" answered Checkers. +"The other one is all right, too; but she 's just a few chips shy on +looks." +</P> + +<P> +"Looks are not the only thing in the world," snapped Arthur; "beauty's +only skin deep." +</P> + +<P> +"It might improve some of our friends a little to skin 'em, then, if +that's so," laughed Checkers. "That reminds me," he continued +musingly, "of what a friend of mine, 'Push' Miller, told me once. He +said he never in his life ran across two pretty girls that trotted +together. If one of 'em was a queen, her partner was safe to be about +a nine-spot. He figured that the pretty one used the other as a kind +of foil, while the homely one trailed along to get in on the excess +trade which the pretty one drew, and turned over to her." +</P> + +<P> +As Arthur neither laughed at, nor replied to, this sally, Checkers +concluded he had a grouch, and left him to his own devices. +</P> + +<P> +That night, upon going to bed, the girls, as was natural, had compared +notes, and quickly discovered the apparent discrepancy between +Checkers' statement to Mrs. Barlow, and the story Arthur had related to +Pert. +</P> + +<P> +"I am sorry to know that Mr. Campbell has told a deliberate lie," said +Pert, "but there is some excuse for him, after all, for any other +explanation would have been embarrassing." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, a little thing like a lie or two does n't stand in the way of the +average man," said Sadie. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, there is something back of Arthur's story, Sadie, I know from +the way he hesitated. We 'll know all about it before long, I guess. +He 's an awfully cute little fellow, though, isn't he? I hope he'll +decide to stay a while; he 's such jolly good company, and Arthur's so +tiresome." +</P> + +<P> +"Poor Arthur!" sighed Sadie. +</P> + +<P> +"Poor Pert," echoed Pert. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap06"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +VI +</H3> + +<P> +The following afternoon Arthur complained of feeling ill. On the way +home from the store he was taken with a violent chill, which was +followed by a raging fever. The doctor was summoned, and pronounced it +malaria, but typhoid symptoms developed later, and for weeks his life +hung in the balance. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile Checkers worked early and late at the store, to make up for +Arthur's absence. He felt this loss of a companion keenly, and soon +the long drive home alone, and the air of apprehension and +lonesomeness, which pervaded the house, became so irksome to him that +he arranged to stay in town with Mr. Bradley, who kept house with a +maiden sister in their little home just next to the store. +</P> + +<P> +It was from this same sister, who disliked Arthur, but had taken to +Checkers, as every one did, that Pert at last learned the reason of +Checkers coming to Clarksville. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Bradley had told his sister the bare facts as he had learned them +from Arthur, and these she had enlarged upon in relating them to Pert, +embellishing the story to suit her fancy. +</P> + +<P> +The discovery of this attempt upon Arthur's part to shield himself, and +belittle his friend, checked the growing pity and tenderness Pert felt +for him because of his illness, and killed every possible vestige of +regard she might have had remaining for him. Checkers, on the +contrary, grew in favor. He had discovered that it was but a pleasant +and picturesque walk from town to the Barlow place, and evening after +evening found him seated under the trees with the girls, banjo in hand, +singing for them, and telling them interesting tales of his many and +varied experiences. +</P> + +<P> +Sadie's father returned, and she went back to town to be with him. But +Checkers still took his evening walk out the country road, except when +Pert came in to spend the night with her cousin, as she often did. +</P> + +<P> +Under such conditions friendships quickly ripen, and Checkers, at +least, soon found himself upon the borderland of a warmer sentiment; +but his manner continued one of purely good-natured interest and +friendship, for, in spite of what Sadie had told him, he still felt +that Pert belonged to Arthur. +</P> + +<P> +One night he stayed somewhat later than usual. It had been dreadfully +hot all day, but now it was gratefully cool. The stars were bright, as +he had never seen them bright before; the scent of the magnolias was +delicious, and he and Pert had been singing together. She looked more +than sweet in her thin, white dress, and the night, the perfume and the +music had stirred him strangely. He longed for the power to tell her +in beautiful words, he knew not what. But he had the good sense to +realize that he and poetry were far apart. Nevertheless, as he said +good night, he held her small white hand in his, till she forcibly +withdrew it, but not with any sign of anger. +</P> + +<P> +How his heart swelled as he walked along. How he still thrilled with +the gentle pressure he fancied he had felt returned. Here was the +faintest opening to possibilities which might end, who could tell +where? He had never before known a girl like this. In fact, with the +one exception previously mentioned, girls had never in any way entered +his life. Still he had learned in his fight with the world to look at +everything from a practical standpoint, and he had not gone very far +before his natural shrewdness asserted itself. +</P> + +<P> +"It won't do, Campbell," he soliloquized, with an unconscious sigh. +"You 're 'playing a dead one.' It's a hundred-to-one shot in the first +place, and there is Arthur in the second. I wonder how he is to-day. +I wonder if he's going to get well. If he shouldn't—but, my God, I +hope he does—ain't it awful what thoughts will come to a fellow? +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder if he 's got her 'nailed;' she does n't act much like it to +me. But I do n't believe I 'm acting on the square to try to 'do' him +when he ain't around to look after his trade. I 'll go up home +to-morrow night and see the old man, if he 's able to sit up. I had my +nerve with me to hold her hand—I wonder what she 'd have done if I 'd +have kissed it? Gee! but it's tough to be on the tram," he continued +with a sigh. "With a couple of thou. what could n't I do? But a man +without money hasn't got 'openers;' he draws four to a queen and never +betters." +</P> + +<P> +He found Arthur convalescent and jealous of all the time that could be +spared to him. So, much to Checkers' disgust, his only opportunity of +now seeing Pert lay in her occasional visits to the store, when +shopping, generally accompanied by Sadie. +</P> + +<P> +As soon as Arthur was strong enough to be about the house, Aunt Deb, as +a little surprise for him, asked Sadie and Pert to one o'clock Sunday +dinner. +</P> + +<P> +Arthur's hollow eyes beamed lovingly from his thin, pale face, as Pert +entered the room. Checkers saw it, and his conscience smote him. "I +'ll scratch my entry," he inwardly resolved, "and leave Arthur a +walk-over." +</P> + +<P> +The afternoon passed uneventfully. The day was warm, the sun shone +bright, and they all sat under the shade of the trees, enjoying the air +and the beautiful view of the mountains, now made gorgeous by the +brilliant and variegated colors of the changing autumn leaves. +</P> + +<P> +Pert so managed that she was not left alone with Arthur at any time, +and she and Sadie left somewhat early in order to reach home well +before dark. +</P> + +<P> +After their departure Checkers and Arthur sat together in the hammock. +Arthur was monosyllabic. Checkers talked for a while against time, but +not with any brilliant success. "Come, 'smoke up,' old man—you 're +going out!" he exclaimed, slapping Arthur on the back, a figure +doubtless suggested to him by the dying cigarette-stump between his +fingers. +</P> + +<P> +"I wish to heaven I had 'gone out;' instead of getting well," was the +answer; "I am no good to myself, nor to any one else, and the only +being in the world I love, except my father, cares no more for me than +she does for a yellow dog." +</P> + +<P> +There was an embarrassing silence. +</P> + +<P> +"Girls are funny," said Checkers, musingly. +</P> + +<P> +Arthur saw no grounds for argument, and Checkers continued, "I never +had much time for them, myself, but my friend 'Push' Miller had them +coming his way in carriages. You never saw such a fellow for girls; he +always had three or four on his staff. He used to play a system on +them. I think he called it the Fabian System, after some old joker in +the war, who used to win his battles by running away. You see, the +other guys would come chasing after this joker, and when he got them +where he wanted, he 'd go out and nail them—easy thing. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, this Fabian System was a dead sure winner for Push, and if I +were you, I 'd try it. The next time you get together, 'jolly up' +Sadie. Don't push it too strong; but just enough so that Pert will +notice it—she'll get jealous. 'Jolly' Sadie harder, but be polite to +Pert, and pretty soon you 'll have her guessing. The chances are that +before long she 'll make a play at you—give her the frozen face. Put +up a talk about how much you used to love her; work in something about +the past, and what might have been. But keep a little up your sleeve; +you do n't want her to think you 're coming too easy, and after things +are all fixed up, do n't treat her too well again. Push used to say +'there was nothing that really spoiled a girl like treating her too +well.' He used to make a date every once in a while, and then break it +without sending any excuse, just to show the girl that he was 'good +people,' and teach her to have a proper respect for him." +</P> + +<P> +Arthur smiled wearily. "Yes;" he said, "that may have done all very +well for Push, but it would n't do for me. The girl does n't love me, +and there's the end of it. Perhaps some day—well, there's no use +discussing it; besides, it would n't be fair to Sadie to use her merely +as a cat's-paw. She is a true little girl, with a big, warm heart, and +I would n't deceive her for the world." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what's the matter with going out after Sadie in earnest, then?" +said Checkers. "Now there 's a scheme that fixes things up all +around." Checkers waxed enthusiastic. +</P> + +<P> +Arthur did not reply immediately. "Sadie is an earnest, capable girl," +he said at length, "and she 'll make some man a splendid wife. I would +cheerfully recommend her to my very best friend, but——" +</P> + +<P> +"But your friend could have her without a struggle," suggested +Checkers; and then they both laughed. +</P> + +<P> +This, Checkers afterwards told me was the nearest approach to a joke he +ever heard Arthur make. +</P> + +<P> +A week passed by uneventfully. Arthur continued to improve in health. +Checkers drove home each evening tired from his hard day's work. +Saturday night a note from Pert arrived, inviting them both to dinner +on the following day; a return of courtesies which they accepted with +pleasure. +</P> + +<P> +Sadie drove up that morning to spend a day or two with her cousin. The +dinner passed off pleasantly, and in the afternoon the four took a +stroll through the neighboring woods, to a beautiful spot where from +the top of a cliff of massive rock they could gaze for miles up the +dark, thickly wooded ravine, lying sheer many feet below. +</P> + +<P> +Sadie and Arthur walked off together. Checkers and Pert followed +leisurely. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think you deserve to be treated so well, after neglecting me as +you have lately?" asked Pert. +</P> + +<P> +"I have n't been able to get here, Miss Pert," replied Checkers. "The +Broadway cable isn't in it with the way I've been pulling to get away; +but if Arthur had known I was coming here, we would only have had a +speaking acquaintance. I'll tell you, Miss Pert, that poor boy is all +broke up about you, and to come down to cases, it ain't very safe for +me to be seeing so much of you, when—well, you know he saw you first, +and the rights of property——" +</P> + +<P> +"Now, listen to me," interrupted Pert, with a stamp of her foot, +"Arthur is nothing to me; I do n't love him and I shall never marry +him. I 've told him so, and I 'll tell you so. I 've enjoyed having +you call here very much, and there 's no reason why you shouldn't +come—unless, of course, you would rather not." +</P> + +<P> +Ahead, Arthur was carefully helping Sadie over a fallen tree which lay +across the path. "He 's playing the system, after all," thought +Checkers, "I'll help him push it along. May I come to-morrow night?" +he said; "it's the first night I 've got disengaged." +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly," laughed Pert. "Sadie is going to stay until Tuesday +morning, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"Make it Tuesday night." +</P> + +<P> +Pert assented with an audible chuckle. +</P> + +<P> +And now they had come to the fallen tree, an ancient pine of huge +dimensions. Checkers clambered atop of it, and, taking both of Perl's +hands, pulled her up; then, from the other side, he supported her +tenderly as she jumped to the ground. 'Twas a rapturous moment. The +fair, sweet face above him, and the bright, roguish eyes looking down +into his; the warm, red lips, half parted in a smile, and coming so +near as he carefully lowered her, tempted him sorely. But he resisted; +not from any strength of virtue, but because he did not dare to do +otherwise. +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you," said Pert. Checkers was silent. His emotions of mingled +excitement and regret were such that he could not trust his voice; but +as they drew near to where Arthur and Sadie were sitting, he purposely +drew away from Pert, and feigned a look of general indifference, which +was masterly in its way. +</P> + +<P> +"I may possibly stay down to-night, Arthur," called Checkers, as he +drove out of the door-yard Tuesday morning. +</P> + +<P> +Tuesday night found him seated with Pert in the cozy, old-fashioned +little sitting-room, before the blazing embers of a large, wood fire, +for it had suddenly turned cold. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers had brought up the illustrated papers, and with these and the +banjo, with nuts and apples, pop-corn and cider, for refection, time +sped merrily on. +</P> + +<P> +Now, just how it all came about that night, Checkers never adequately +explained to me. He always claimed, shamefacedly, to have a confused +recollection of the matter. But suffice it to say, there came an +opportunity, and, forgetting his former resolutions, forgetting his +poverty—everything, he told as best he could the story of his love to +the listening girl beside him. What matter how he told it? She cared +not for that, so long as the tale rang true to her ears; and of +Checkers' whole-hearted sincerity, there was never a doubt, as after +events proved. +</P> + +<P> +The strangeness of a woman's love has been a prolific source of wonder +and remark for philosophers of every age. It should not, therefore, +seem incongruous that Checkers, penniless, slangy, illiterate, should +have won, in a few, short weeks, the love of a girl whom Arthur, a +higher type, from a worldly standpoint, had tried for years to make his +own, without success. Perhaps the explanation lay in the fact that +Checkers possessed two qualities in which Arthur was wholly +lacking—tact and magnetism; and again, Pert was too young and +inexperienced to let worldly advantages weigh with her. +</P> + +<P> +At all events, they sat there together, blissful in their new-found +happiness, talking the love all lovers talk, and heedless of the +speeding hours. +</P> + +<P> +As Checkers rather coyly put it, "There was n't very much room in the +room." The fire had died almost to ashes, and for the hundredth time +he had said, "I must go," when suddenly he was jerked from his seat by +a rough hand which had laid hold of his collar. +</P> + +<P> +With a violent effort he broke away, and, turning about, faced Mr. +Barlow. +</P> + +<P> +"So!" snorted the old man, angrily, "so this is what ye 're doin', is +it, settin' here philanderin'? I reckoned somethin' was goin' on. You +go to yer room, girl; come, git along. And you, my young jack-snipe, +mosey off afore I wear ye out with a switch." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers' surprise had been so complete that for a moment he could not +collect himself. Then such was his sense of anger at the indignity +that had been put upon him that only Pert's hand upon his arm +restrained him from making a fight of it. As it was, the two men stood +with an armchair between them, grimly glaring at each other. +</P> + +<P> +"Father," cried Pert, peeping timidly from behind Checkers, "Mr. +Campbell and I are engaged to be married." +</P> + +<P> +"To be what?" howled the old man, dancing with rage. +</P> + +<P> +"To be married," said Checkers. "Now, listen to me, and don't you get +so gay with yourself. I love your daughter; she loves me; we are going +to be married, and that's the end of it." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers stepped back. It was well that he did, for the old man +suddenly reached for him, "and if he 'd have got me," said Checkers, +afterwards, relating the incident to me, "he would n't have done a +thing to me. We made a few laps around the room," he continued, "with +the chairs and table in the middle. The old man ran a bang-up second, +but he was 'carrying weight for age,' and I fouled him in the stretch, +by pulling a rocker in the way, that he stumbled over; then, I opened +the door, kissed Pert good by, grabbed my hat, and did the slide for +the road. The old joker tried to 'sic' the dogs on me, but they knew +me so well they would n't 'sic.'" +</P> + +<P> +It had long been a pet scheme of Mr. Barlow's to marry Pert to Arthur +Kendall. In fact, he considered the matter settled, and had often +congratulated himself upon his prospects of securing a wealthy +son-in-law. The presumption, therefore, of this "little pauper" drove +him nearly beside himself. +</P> + +<P> +Pert thought it wise to spend most of her time in her room next day, +until the first burst of his anger should have subsided. +</P> + +<P> +As Checkers drove home the following evening, he was met by Tobe, the +hired man, about a mile from the house. "Hello, Tobe," he called, +"what's up?" +</P> + +<P> +"Thar's hell out, Mr. Checkers," said Tobe. +</P> + +<P> +"Has old Barlow been up here?' +</P> + +<P> +"He ain't gone two hours." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers smiled. He was glad to know the worst. "I suppose I 'm not +very popular with Arthur?" +</P> + +<P> +"He swars he 'll fill ye full o' lead. I overheern the hull +conversation atween 'em, and I 'lowed I 'd come down and warn ye. Mr. +Kendall and Aunt Deb 's gone to Little Rock, and won't be back afore +to-morrow night." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, Tobe; get in and ride." +</P> + +<P> +"Wal, till we gits in sight o' the house; but don't you 'low you 'd +better go back?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; I'll go on and face the music." +</P> + +<P> +"Thar never was nawthin' but trouble come o' foolin' with women, +anyhow," said Tobe. "I 've had four on 'em in my time, and they've +worn the soul-case off'n me." +</P> + +<P> +"Four!" exclaimed Checkers. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I 've had four. My first woman spent me out o' house and home, +and then run away—I was glad to get shet o' her. The second un I jest +nachally could n't live with, she hed sech a pizen-bad temper; and I +'ve had two others to die on me. I 've worked like a nigger airnin' +'em money fer cloes, and doctor's bills and sich, and not one on 'em +but what 'ud claim she wa'n't well treated. The trouble with women is +that a man takes and treats 'em so well when he's a-courtin' of 'em, +that after they 're married, plain, ordinary, every-day treatment seems +like cruelty to 'em." +</P> + +<P> +This was a phase of the woman question which had never before occurred +to Checkers; but the weight of suspense at his heart prevented his +encouraging Tobe to further reminiscence. +</P> + +<P> +As he drove into the door-yard, Arthur came out of the house, trembling +and pale with anger and excitement. +</P> + +<P> +"Hello, Arthur?" called Checkers, cheerily. +</P> + +<P> +"Traitor, hypocrite," was the answer; "how can you look me in the face?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, get used to it." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha! you make a jest of it, do you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of what, your face?" +</P> + +<P> +Arthur grew livid. "It's easy and safe for you to taunt a man who is +just recovering from a weakening sickness," he said. "If it were n't +for my father, I 'd shoot you like the cur that you are, if I hanged +for it." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers jumped to the ground. "Now, look here, Arthur Kendall," he +said threateningly. "I won't stand any such talk from any one. If you +'re making your roar about Miss Barlow, and I suppose you are, I'll +tell you this: The girl doesn't love you and never did, and why you +should want to do the dog-in-the-manger act is more than I can see." +</P> + +<P> +"No; of course she does n't love me, if a sneaking Judas goes and +betrays me to her." +</P> + +<P> +"I never mentioned your name to her, unless it was to say something +good about you." +</P> + +<P> +"You lie! You told her all about our affair at Hot Springs." +</P> + +<P> +"I did no such thing." +</P> + +<P> +"You did. She told her father about it, and he told me this very +afternoon." +</P> + +<P> +"Did he say I told her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who else could have told her? do you think I told her?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do n't know, and, what's more, I don't care a damn. I do n't want +any trouble with you, but I have n't got the temper of an angel, and I +'d advise you to take a tumble to yourself until I 'm gone—and that +won't be longer than it takes me to get my stuff into my trunk." +</P> + +<P> +"It can't be any too quick to suit me." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers started for the house, but stopped half-way, and turned for a +parting word, while Arthur stood still, and eyed him malignantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, listen, Arthur Kendall," said Checkers earnestly; "and these are +the last words I 'm going to say. I 've been on the square with you +from the day I met you, and if our positions were reversed, I 'd take +you by the hand and wish you all kinds of happiness, but as it is, you +show the yellow streak I always thought you had in you—it's wider than +I thought it was, that's all. But just keep saying this over to +yourself: 'I love that girl and I 'm going to have her, in spite of her +father, or you, or the world.'" And turning on his heel, Checkers went +into the house to collect his few, poor, little belongings. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap07"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +VII. +</H3> + +<P> +That same night Pert, after another stormy interview with her father, +had gone to her room, and, throwing herself on her little white bed, in +a paroxysm of bitter grief, had softly sobbed herself to sleep. +</P> + +<P> +Gradually into her dreams there came the whistled notes of a familiar +little cadence, faint and far away at first, but growing louder and +nearer until she awoke with a start. +</P> + +<P> +It was "a whistle" which Checkers had taught her weeks before, and ran +as follows: +</P> + +<P CLASS="poem"> +Come, my love, and walk with me.<BR> +Yes, my love, I'll walk with thee.<BR> +Ta-ra-dum.<BR> +</P> + +<A NAME="img-131"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-131.jpg" ALT="music fragment" BORDER="" WIDTH="352" HEIGHT="253"> +</CENTER> + +<P> +At this time, however, Checkers, standing down in the road outside, had +cut the "ta-ra-dum" as flippant and irrelevant—a delicacy which, in +her trepidation, Pert failed to remark. But, jumping up, she lighted +her lamp, and cautiously exposed it at the window for a moment. Then, +thanking fortune that she chanced to be dressed, she slipped a warm +wrap over her shoulders, and stole down the stairs, out into the night. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers folded her in his arms, and kissed her gently. "My darling," +he murmured, "you haven't let them turn you against me, have you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, Checkers dear," she answered looking into his eyes, "the whole +world could n't turn me against you—I love you." Checkers kissed her +again. +</P> + +<P> +In the bright starlight they sat together, once more on the little +rustic bench under the tree, listening with ready sympathy, as each +related to each the trials of the day. +</P> + +<P> +"No, little sweetheart," said Checkers finally, "there is no possible +way for me to stay in Clarksville. The old man is practically right, I +am a pauper, but I won't be long. Pert, I can hustle, when I want to; +I 've got enough money to take me to Chicago, and keep me till I can +get a job. When I get to work I 'll salt every cent, and with any kind +of luck, I 'll come back and get you within a year. A year is not such +a very long while." And with a show of genuine enthusiasm, Checkers +ended by talking the downcast girl into a happy confidence in himself +and the future. +</P> + +<P> +"And now, Pert," he said, solicitously, "it's too cold for you to stay +out here longer; come, we must be brave, and say good-bye." +</P> + +<P> +"O, Checkers," she exclaimed, with a choking sob, suddenly throwing her +arms around his neck, "I can't bear to let you go; I shall be +miserable, miserable without you." +</P> + +<P> +Tenderly Checkers soothed and reasoned with her. Once more their plans +were gone over. Checkers was to leave in the morning for Chicago. He +was to write to her as often as possible, addressing the letters to +Sadie, whom Pert knew she could depend upon. Checkers was to bend +every effort towards getting a position and saving money; and Pert was +to be brave, and wait—the common lot of women. +</P> + +<P> +With his arm around her, lovingly, he led her slowly to the house. +Again and again they said good-bye; but there is something in the word +which makes us linger. +</P> + +<P> +"Some little keepsake, sweetheart," he whispered—"this ribbon, or your +handkerchief." +</P> + +<P> +"No; wait here a minute," she answered. Carefully entering the house, +she crept to her room, and from its hiding-place brought forth a +fifty-dollar gold piece. It was of California gold, octagonal in +shape, and minted many years before. +</P> + +<P> +"Here, dear," she said, returning noiselessly. "Here is a coin that +was given me long ago by my grandfather—take it as a lucky-piece. And +whenever you see it, think of one who loves you and is praying for you. +And, Checkers, if you should have misfortune, and should really need +to, don't hesitate to spend it; because, you see, if you don't have +good luck, so that you do n't need to spend it, why it is n't a lucky +piece, and you 'd better get rid of it—that is, if—if you have to." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers embraced her passionately. "My darling," he protested, "I +shall have to be nearer starving to death than I 've ever been, or +expect to be, before I part with this. I shall treasure it as a +keepsake from the dearest, sweetest, prettiest, sandiest girl in the +world; the one that I love and the one that loves me; and here—here's +a scarfpin that once was my father's. They say opals are unlucky. +Well, father got shot, but I wore it the lucky day I met you; so that +does n't prove anything—wear it for my sake. Now, dear, I <I>must</I> go. +Keep a stiff upper lip, and do n't let the old man get in his bluff on +you. Win your mother over—she'll help you out. I think she likes me; +I am sure I do her. I 'll write to you every day. Good-bye, my +precious—I 'll be back for you soon; good-bye, good-bye." +</P> + +<P> +One last fond embrace, one lingering kiss, and Checkers turned and +walked resolutely away. +</P> + +<P> +The next morning early he bid the Bradleys a sorrowful farewell, and +boarded the train for Little Rock. Mr. Bradley gave him letters to a +number of merchants there, but he was unable to find employment. In +fact, he only sought it in a half-hearted way; Little Rock was too +small, too near Clarksville. Chicago was his Mecca. He felt a happy +presentiment that once there circumstances would somehow solve for him +the problem of existence. But, alas, for vain hopes! Day after day, +from door to door, he sought employment without success. The answers +he received to his inquiries for work were ever the same: "Business was +dull; they were reducing rather than increasing their forces; sorry, +but if anything turned up they would let him know." At times he +received just enough encouragement to make his eventual failure the +more disheartening and cruel. +</P> + +<P> +How could he write to Pert under such circumstances? At first it had +not been so hard; but now he had put it off from day to day, dreading +to tell her of his non-success, always hoping that surely to-morrow he +must have good news, until fully a week elapsed in which he had not +written. How troublesome a thing is pride—to the poor. +</P> + +<P> +In the course of his wanderings he came across numbers of the old +companions of his pool-room days. Few of them had changed, but for the +worse. Most of them were penniless, hungry and threadbare, but still +the victims of the hopeless vice, and whenever fortune threw in their +way a dollar, it went into the insatiable maw of the race-tracks. +Checkers noted and was warned; and to their earnest solicitations to +"play their good things" he pointed them to their own condition—a +pertinent and unanswerable argument. +</P> + +<P> +But though never so careful the time came apace when his little hoard +was all but exhausted. His treasured keepsake he still vowed nothing +should make him part with. "If I 've got to starve," he grimly +resolved, "it might as well be a week or two earlier as later—but I +'ll keep Pert's gold piece." +</P> + +<P> +That same day he received from Pert a letter full of encouragement, but +pleading with him, as he loved her, to write. "All in the world that I +have to look forward to now, Checkers, dear," she said, "is your +letters; and you can 't imagine how disappointed I am, and how I worry +for fear you are sick, or something, as the days go by, and no word +comes from you." +</P> + +<P> +Standing by the window in his dismal boarding-house room Checkers read +the letter over and over. Meditatively he examined his +pockets—nothing! nothing but the gold piece. Something must be done. +There were a number of garments hanging on the wall, among them an +overcoat. "I can do without that," he said, with a shiver. +</P> + +<P> +Half an hour later, richer by a few pieces of silver, he stood in a +telegraph-office, penning a message to Pert. "Letter received," he +wrote. "Am well, but no luck. Will write to-day. Checkers." +</P> + +<P> +Beside him as he wrote, stood a man whom he recognized—one Brown, an +owner of a racing-stable. With the tail of his eye Checkers read what +he was writing. It was a telegram to some one in St. Louis, and ran: +"Stand a tap on the mare to-day. She can't lose." Checkers' heart was +in his mouth. Instantly his resolution was taken. Out into the street +he followed Brown. With the furtive care of a Hackshaw he shadowed him +in and out of hotels and saloons, until about noon they brought up at a +restaurant, where Checkers modestly seated himself at a table behind +Brown and ordered a light repast. But Brown was hungry, and Checkers +had ample time to think the thing over. "I 'm in luck at last," he +soliloquized. "Stand a tap on the mare! His friend will play it in +the foreign-book at East St. Louis and he 'll play it at the track. It +must be a 'hot one'—I wonder what the odds will be. Well, I 'll keep +this can 't-shake-me glide on my feet till I see what he plays, and +then 'get down' on it myself. I 'll put up the gold-piece, and stand +to either lose it or make a stake for myself. Somehow I 'd feel better +to have it go in one last effort to make a killin' than to spend it a +quarter at a time on sandwiches and cigarettes. To-night I 'll either +be able to write to Pert that my luck has turned, or I 'll know the +worst, and that 's some comfort. Ah, Brown 's paying his bill at last." +</P> + +<P> +The summer meeting at Washington Park, with large purses and high-class +horses, was over and gone. But there were other tracks where racing +was carried on all the fall and most of the winter; gambling-hells, +pure and simple, or rather, purely and simply gambling-hells, which the +Legislature has since effectively closed. +</P> + +<P> +In the betting-ring of one of these, that afternoon, Checkers threaded +his way through the crowd after Brown. The programme showed that Brown +had an entry in the last race—Remorse, an aged selling-plater. +Checkers remembered the horse as one that had shown considerable speed +as a three-year-old. He glanced at the programme again: Remorse, by +Gambler, dam Sweetheart. Was it an omen? Remorse would certainly +follow if he gambled away the keepsake which his sweetheart had given +him. But wouldn't an equally poignant regret possess him if after this +providential tip he failed to play the horse and she won? He felt that +it would. +</P> + +<P> +The fourth race was on, and the last was approaching. Brown stood at +the edge of the ring, his hands in his pockets, smoking idly. The +official results of the fourth were announced, and the bookmakers +tacked up the entries for the last. Still, Brown seemed nonchalant. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers anxiously watched the posting of the odds. "Remorse, four to +one," he exclaimed under his breath. Brown also glanced at the +blackboards—and lighted a fresh cigar. Every minute some one would +buttonhole him, and ask, "How about Remorse?" "O, she's got a chance," +he would answer, with a shrug which seemed to indicate that she had no +chance. +</P> + +<P> +The favorite, under a heavy play, was rapidly cut to even money, while +the odds on the others were correspondingly increased. Remorse went to +five and six to one. Brown took fifty dollars out of his pocket, and, +going up to a prominent bookmaker, played—<I>the favorite</I>. Checkers +was paralyzed. The same performance Brown repeated with another +book-maker on the other side of the ring. Gradually Remorse's price +went up to eight to one, as it became generally known that her owner +was not playing her. +</P> + +<P> +The favorite's odds went to "four to five," and Checkers fingered his +gold piece nervously. One book-maker still laid even money. Here was +his chance if he wanted to play it. He started forward, and stopped. +As he hesitated, Brown sauntered out of the ring. Checkers followed +mechanically. +</P> + +<P> +From a distance he saw Brown meet two horsemen and, after a brief +conversation, give them each a roll of bills. He saw these two enter +the betting-ring and, taking opposite sides, "start down the line" on +Remorse; then the scheme was revealed to him. +</P> + +<P> +From stand to stand they went, betting Remorse in each book, ten and +twenty dollars at a time; not enough to cause remark, but amounting to +hundreds in the aggregate. Gradually the odds began to recede. +Checkers rushed to the other end of the ring. "Gimme Remorse!" he +exclaimed, excitedly, handing his gold-piece to a convenient blockman. +</P> + +<P> +"What the 'ell's this?" asked the wondering book-maker. +</P> + +<P> +"It's fifty," answered Checkers, laconically. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it's the first time I ever seen one of them babies—but it looks +like it's good. Remorse, four hundred to fifty." +</P> + +<P> +"If I win, I want it back," said Checkers. "It was given to me +by—it's my lucky piece." +</P> + +<P> +"All right," was the answer, and Checkers walked away with his dearly +purchased ticket deep in his pocket. +</P> + +<P> +Under a steady but somewhat mysterious play, Remorse was cut to four to +one, and the favorite went up to six to five. This was gratifying to +Checkers, as indicating that Brown and his friends were confident. +</P> + +<P> +He went up into the grand stand; the horses were at the post. Remorse +was acting very badly—plunging, kicking and refusing to break. "I 'll +just about get left at the post," thought Checkers. "Say, that +favorite looks good," he remarked to a young fellow next to him. +</P> + +<P> +"Good," echoed the youth; "well, I should say he is good. He 's +cherry-ripe, and he 'll gallop in. If I had a thousand dollars, and +did n't know where I was goin' to eat to-night, I 'd put it <I>all</I> on +him. There 's a lot of 'marks' around toutin' Remorse to beat +him—why, that old mare could n't beat a carpet; her last two races she +could n't get out of her own way." +</P> + +<P> +This was pleasant for Checkers, but he held his counsel. The next +moment the starter dropped the flag. +</P> + +<P> +Remorse, with a running start from behind, got two lengths the best of +it; and, setting a hot pace, widened up the gap between herself and the +field in a way that cheered Checkers' heart. +</P> + +<P> +It was a three-quarter dash, and at the half she had a lead of at least +ten lengths, with the others strung out in a regular procession. The +favorite was trailing along in fifth place; but Checkers noticed that +he was "running easy." The jockey was leaning back in the saddle, and +the horse's mouth was pulled wide open, as he fought for his head under +a double wrap. +</P> + +<P> +As they rounded into the stretch Remorse still led, but she seemed to +be tiring rapidly. The favorite swung very wide at the turn, losing +several lengths; his jockey then drew in behind three others, and +allowed himself to be hopelessly "pocketed." +</P> + +<P> +Up to now Checkers' new acquaintance had been silent; but at this +exhibition of incompetent jockeyship he expressed a desire to be "good +and damned if that ride would n't frost a cigar-sign Indian." +</P> + +<P> +Under whip and spur Remorse staggered on two lengths in the lead. +Within fifty feet of the wire the favorite got through, and coming with +a rush, as it seemed almost in spite of his jockey's efforts to +restrain him, he nipped Remorse on the post. +</P> + +<P> +From where Checkers stood it looked as though Remorse was beaten half a +length. The crowd yelled with delight; No. 4 was posted. Checkers +looked at his programme—"Remorse, No. 4." Then it was his turn to +yell, and he rather abused his privilege. The tumult of varied emotion +within him demanded this vent, and he gave it full play. "I thought I +was out of it," he laughed delightedly to the young man beside him. +"It looked like it, did n't it, at the angle? You see, Remorse had the +rail." +</P> + +<P> +But the young man was n't interested in Checkers' good luck. Just then +he had "troubles of his own." He vouchsafed one glance of sour +contempt and hurried off to try to borrow car-fare from some one. +</P> + +<P> +Often Checkers had won and lost more money than was involved in his +present venture and stood it stoically; but never before had his need +been so great, and he had reason to know that necessity and luck have +at best little more than a speaking acquaintance. Exultantly, +therefore, he skipped down the stairs into the betting-ring. "You can +'t keep a squirrel on the ground," he chuckled. "They 've got to stop +printing money when I ain't got some." The next minute he was in line +behind the stand where he had made his purchase, tightly grasping the +ticket which was to give him back his gold-piece and four hundred +dollars. +</P> + +<P> +Four hundred dollars! It was a snug little sum. The gold-piece had +proved a mascot after all. Now, he would "get out" his overcoat and +purchase some other necessary articles. He decided to pay off his +landlady and find some more inviting quarters. But the pleasantest +thought of all was that now he could write to Pert. The delight he +found in this reflection could only have been surpassed by the joy of +seeing her in person. He did not know what he should say; but he knew +that with this load off his heart, and with the return to self-respect +which this success had brought him, he would be able to write a letter +which would encourage and cheer her—it should be his first task. He +longed to be at it, and he began to chafe at what seemed an unusual +delay in announcing "the official." +</P> + +<P> +Turning, he glanced toward the judge's stand. There was a surging, +interested crowd around it. A presentiment of sudden misfortune came +over him. Almost at the same moment the air was rent by joyous yells +from hundreds of throats. +</P> + +<P> +The crowd turned about, and with one accord made a rush for the +betting-ring. +</P> + +<P> +In the van was Checkers' surly acquaintance—surly no longer, but +radiant with a smile which extended from ear to ear. Checkers broke +from the line, and grabbed him by the arm. "What 's up?" he exclaimed. +"What's the yelling about?" +</P> + +<P> +"All bets off," was the glad rejoinder; "the favorite was 'pulled.' +The judges are onto a job in the race. It was 'fixed' for Remorse. We +all get our money back. Let go—I 'm in a hurry." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers stood as though paralyzed from an actual blow. His eyes were +fixed and his lips were colorless. "By the bald-headed, knock-kneed +Jove!" he exclaimed, suddenly rousing himself with a vehement gesture; +"if my luck ain't—" But he felt it impossible to do the occasion +justice. +</P> + +<P> +With a set face and a heavy heart he again lined up behind the stand. +In turn he was given his gold piece in exchange for his ticket, but the +$400 was gone, to return no more forever. +</P> + +<P> +Under any sudden and crucial misfortune the subsequent action of the +average man is largely a matter of temperament. Numbers, no doubt, in +Checkers' position would have felt themselves justified in drowning +their sorrows in the flowing bowl. Others, with the obstinacy of +despair, might 'ave sought, perforce, the smiles of frowning fortune, +throwing discretion to the winds, and risking their all at any +desperate game chance threw in their way until satiated. A few might +have taken their hard luck resignedly, only thankful that it was no +worse, and hoping for better luck next time—such are they who, in the +end, succeed. +</P> + +<P> +These alternatives occurred to Checkers in turn, and he effected a sort +of compromise. He needed a temporary excitement of some sort as a +counter-irritant to his nerves. He was tired and hungry, and he +decided that his first move would be to get a good supper. He did n't +care how good or what it cost—he was tired of practicing economy. But +he must have some money; it would hardly do to "spring" the fifty in a +restaurant. Ah! Uncle Isaac! Yes, he believed he could pawn the gold +piece as he would a watch, and then if luck ever came his way, he would +have a chance of redeeming it. +</P> + +<P> +The staid old waiters in a fashionable caf£ smiled that evening as a +youthful figure entered with an unaccustomed air, and, seating himself +at one of the tables, studied the menu earnestly. A few deft +suggestions from one of them, however, put him in the way of a very +good supper; and with a pint of Mumm's to wash it down, and a cigarette +to top off with, Checkers, for it was he, began to feel that things +might have been a bit worse after all. As he stepped into the street, +the glaring and impossible posters of a spectacular show at a +neighboring theater caught his eye and decided him. Five minutes later +he was comfortably seated in the front row of the orchestra chairs, +enjoying himself in present forgetfulness of troubles past or troubles +to come. +</P> + +<P> +Now, I fear, that to properly do my part, I should here create a dream +for Checkers to have had that night, in which Pert, Remorse, a waiter, +and a comedian should all take more or less senseless parts. But being +somewhat skeptical myself, I was careful to question Checkers on this +point, especially when I afterward learned what great things the morrow +had in store for him. And, in spite of all precedent, he confessed to +the oblivion of "the insensate clod," devoid of dream or premonition, +until nine the next morning, when he awoke with a start. With the +awakening came a realizing sense of his situation in all its most +disheartening phases. His course of the night before now seemed to him +the height of idiocy. He reproached himself in no measured terms for +having neglected to write to Pert as promised in his telegram. "I +ought to have a guardian appointed to look after me," he grumbled to +himself. "Think of my blowing myself for wine and the show, with +starvation staring me in the face; and then to think of that poor +little girl expecting a letter, and not getting it." +</P> + +<P> +He was interrupted by a knock at the door. "A letter for you, Mr. +Campbell," said the servant. Taking it from her he recognized the +well-known writing of his beloved. He put the letter in his pocket, +and, grabbing his hat, started down the stairs. "I 'm too late for +breakfast here," he exclaimed; "I 'll go next door to the 'beanery' and +get a roll and a cup of coffee. I 've got to play 'em close to my vest +now," he sighed. "A dime is nothing when you 've got it, but it 's +bigger than a mountain when you have n't; and it won 't be long before +I have n't at this rate." +</P> + +<P> +Seated on a little round stool at the corner in the "beanery," he gave +his order, and then opened and commenced to read his letter. A +newspaper clipping dropped to the floor; he picked it up mechanically, +continuing his reading as he did so. Suddenly he began to glance from +one to the other rapidly. An instant later he jumped to his feet, and +rushed to the window for a better light. It could n't be true—it +simply could n't! Yes, yes, it must be; for here was a notice from the +public administrator in Baltimore, advertising for him as an heir of +Giles Edward Campbell, deceased, who died intestate, etc., etc., and +Judge Martin, so Pert said in the letter, had had an inquiry regarding +him, with the statement that the only knowledge the authorities had of +such a person was based upon a letter found among the effects of the +deceased, headed "Eastman Hotel, Hot Springs," beginning "My dear +Uncle," and signed "Your affectionate nephew, Edward Campbell." The +clerk at the Eastman, when applied to, had reported a memorandum left +by Checkers, that any mail which might come for him be forwarded to +Clarksville, Ark.; hence this letter to Judge Martin, and hence Pert's +knowledge of the matter, as her uncle immediately applied to her for +the necessary information. +</P> + +<P> +"Uncle has written to Baltimore to-day," continued the letter, "and he +says you will hear from the authorities there without delay. The +inclosed clipping is from a Little Rock paper. Oh! Checkers, darling, +is n't it lovely?" +</P> + +<P> +The slovenly waiter shuffled to the counter with his cup of muddy +coffee and a soggy roll. Checkers tossed him half a dollar, and +stalked majestically out. "I think the joint where I ate last night is +just about my size this morning," he chuckled. "Gee, but I 'd like to +yell just once. The judges can't call all bets off this time." All +during breakfast his mind was busy with a thousand different +speculations, and he finally decided that in so momentous a matter he +ought to consult a lawyer. "I 'll find one in some big office +building," he mentally resolved, "and get his advice." +</P> + +<BR> + +<PRE> + +---------------------+ + | MURRAY JAMESON, | + | Attorney-at-Law. | + +---------------------+ +</PRE> + +<P> +This, in modest gold letters upon an office window, was the first thing +he saw upon reaching the street. +</P> + +<P> +"Everything 's coming my way to-day," he thought. "Well, I 'll go in +and see the old joker." +</P> + +<P> +He was much taken aback upon entering, however, to find the "old joker" +a man of about thirty. +</P> + +<P> +"Is Mr. Jameson in?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"I am Mr. Jameson," was the reply. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I wanted to get a little advice, but—" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly; come into my private office." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers was trapped. "I do n't believe," he began desperately, "that +you 'll be able to help me. It's a very important case, and—well, +I—I want some one with a lot of experience." +</P> + +<P> +"As you like," said Mr. Jameson, who, by the way, was none other than +my old friend Murray, "but I 've been practicing law for more than five +years." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that's enough practice to learn any game;" and, seating himself, +Checkers told him the facts as succinctly as possible from the +beginning. +</P> + +<P> +Of his uncle's circumstances he really knew nothing; but he remembered +hearing his mother speak of him, just before her death, as being "well +off," and "Uncle Giles was n't the kind, once he had a dollar, ever to +let it get away." +</P> + +<P> +If Checkers' chronology was correct, it was clear that he was the only +heir, and "whether his Uncle left much or little, it was that much +better than nothing at all." But Murray somewhat damped his enthusiasm +by the statement that there might be bills and claims of various sorts +against the estate, which, in the end, would show it to be insolvent. +However, he agreed to take the matter up at once, and be content to +receive his fee when the final settlement was made. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers spent the rest of the day in writing the long-delayed letter +to Pert, telegraphing her in the mean time that he had received her +letter, and expressing his thanks. +</P> + +<P> +A few days brought to light these facts concerning Giles Edward +Campbell, deceased: He had drawn a large pension undeservedly for +years, and by pinching and saving had amassed a fortune. Under +Cleveland in '84 his pension was annulled, and about the same time he +was nearly bankrupted in a greedy and foolish speculation. Then fear +of absolute want must have seized him, for, converting the little that +was left into gold, he hoarded it in miserly fashion; loaning it at +usurious rates, and hiding it when not in use in chests and crannies in +his den. At the time of his death, which was due more to lack of +nourishment than to anything else, there was found upon his person and +in nooks and corners of his room, thirty thousand dollars in gold and +government bonds, all of which in due time became the property of +Checkers. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap08"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +VIII +</H3> + +<P> +On a certain bright December day not many weeks after the occurrence of +the last related events, the town of Clarksville seemed to have assumed +a most unwonted bustle and confusion. People were actually hurrying in +and out of the little white Methodist church, carrying evergreen +boughs, chrysanthemums and sprays of holly and mistletoe. Wagons were +driving back and forth between town and the Barlow place, and the +Barlow house was in the hands of a Little Rock caterer and his +assistants. It was Checkers' wedding day. He and Pert were to be +married that night at six o'clock. Nothing they could think of had +been left undone to make the occasion a happy one. +</P> + +<P> +Though the old man fumed and fretted at the expense, Checkers insisted +upon having things "right." "This is my first and last wedding," he +said, "and there 's going to be nothing Sioux City about it." So, +though the old man groaned in spirit, caterer, orchestra, flowers, +etc., were ordered, regardless of expense, from Little Rock, and all +the town took a surpassing interest in the event. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers' return to Clarksville had been the triumphant return of +Caesar to Rome. As is usual in such cases, current report had +magnified his fortune twenty-fold. Mr. Barlow was now all smiles and +acquiescence; but his first meeting with Checkers was painfully +strained. Checkers treated him on the principle of "least said, +soonest mended;" but Mrs. Barlow he kissed and called "mother." +</P> + +<P> +He had found Pert looking a little pale, and her bright eyes seemed +somewhat larger and brighter. But the happiness which accompanied his +return soon brought the color back to her cheeks. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-160"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-160.jpg" ALT="PERT" BORDER="2" WIDTH="374" HEIGHT="611"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center" STYLE="width: 374px"> +PERT +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +Of course Checkers urged an immediate marriage, and of course there was +the usual demur; but, in the end, a date was fixed upon as near as +would conveniently allow for such preparations as Pert and her mother +felt it necessary to make. And in the mean time Checkers and Pert were +ideally happy. They took long drives and walks through the woods, and +spent long evenings in talking over their plans for the future, with a +never-flagging interest. +</P> + +<P> +It was practically decided that Checkers was to buy the Tyler place. +This was a fruit farm in perfect condition, with a neat little house +upon it, and not far from town. It could be purchased for cash at a +very low figure, and as the trees were all bearing, it seemed to +promise a large and sure return for the money, even cutting in half, +for possibilities of frost or drought, a conservative estimate of what +the trees should yield to the acre. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Barlow and Checkers figured upon it carefully from every +standpoint, and the more they figured, the more it seemed a +providential opportunity, Checkers knew nothing of any other business, +and his money was practically lying idle in the bank. No other safe +investment could promise so large an income and at the same time +furnish him with employment and a pleasant home. +</P> + +<P> +And so at last the matter was decided. The earnest money was paid, and +the order given for the execution of the necessary papers. The house +was vacated and thoroughly renovated, and Pert found a new delight in +selecting paper, carpets and furniture to her liking—Checkers had +given her <I>carte blanche</I>. +</P> + +<P> +As soon as the title to the property was found to be clear, Checkers +gave a certified check to Mr. Tyler for twenty thousand dollars, and a +warranty deed was signed, conveying the property, in fee, to Persis +Barlow. This was in accordance with Checkers' desire, and was a great +surprise to Pert and her parents. "What's mine is yours, dear," he +said with a smile, "and what's yours is your own." And that ended the +matter—unfortunately for Checkers. +</P> + +<P> +There was just one question upon which the two had a serious +difference—the case of Arthur Kendall. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Edward," said Pert one evening (when she called him 'Edward' he +knew that something important was coming), "I want to talk to you about +something that has been worrying me dreadfully." +</P> + +<P> +"What is it, sweetheart?" +</P> + +<P> +"And I want you to promise to do as I ask you." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers felt suspicious, and refused to "go it blind." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it's about the Kendalls. I want you to make up with Arthur, +somehow—" +</P> + +<P> +"Not on your—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Edward; you must. Remember the Thanksgiving sermon about +forgiveness and loving your neighbors." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, it's all well enough to love your neighbor, but there 's no +necessity for taking down the fence. Arthur treated me like a +step-child, and—" +</P> + +<P> +"But, Checkers dear, we want Aunt Deb. and Mr. Kendall at the wedding. +They won't come unless Arthur does, and Arthur won't come unless you +make up with him. Consider, Checkers, you 've been unusually blest, +and you ought to be humble and thankful, and do something to show it; +and here's your opportunity. Another thing"—this came +hesitatingly—"he 's the only fellow about here who could make a decent +appearance as your best man." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers went off into peals of laughter. "Oh," he exclaimed, "I begin +to tumble. Forgive your neighbor, if you happen to need +him—afterwards you can shake him again." +</P> + +<P> +Pert joined in the laugh. "It is no such thing," she responded. "If +you half appreciated me, you would n't blame Arthur for being angry at +you for doing what you did to him. He loved me a great deal more than +you do; he never refused me a favor in his life." +</P> + +<P> +"That's just why he lost you. Push Miller used to say—" +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind Push Miller; Arthur is to be at Sadie's to-morrow evening. +You and I are going there to call. You are to shake hands with Arthur +and tell him you 're glad to see him, and be natural and friendly. +Afterwards you can ask him to stand up with you." +</P> + +<P> +"It seems to be settled," said Checkers; and so it eventuated. +Checkers greeted Arthur with frank cordiality, and relieved the tension +by a few well-turned witticisms. No apologies passed between them, and +reference to the past was tacitly barred. Checkers' sunny nature was +not one to harbor a grudge, and if Arthur still felt rebellious, he +managed to hide it gracefully. He readily consented to act the part of +best man for Checkers; and Sadie, of course, was to be Pert's maid of +honor. Most of the evening was spent in discussing other available +material in the way of bridesmaids and groomsmen, and it was agreed +that with a few importations from Little Rock, they would be able to +present an attractive wedding party. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, I have an idea," said Arthur, "which I think is a good one. +Checkers ought to know those fellows before they are asked to be his +groomsmen; we'll go up to Little Rock to-morrow, and I 'll invite them +to meet him at an informal dinner at one of the hotels." +</P> + +<P> +"A very good scheme," assented Pert. +</P> + +<P> +"And I 'll invite the party here to supper for the night before the +wedding," put in Sadie. +</P> + +<P> +"It 's very kind of you both," said Checkers, "and I appreciate it more +than I can tell you." +</P> + +<P> +Early the next morning the two boys went to Little Rock. Arthur +invited four of the most desirable of his acquaintances to dinner that +evening, and luckily they all accepted. +</P> + +<P> +Most of Checkers' day was taken up in fulfilling missions for Pert and +her mother. He returned to the hotel late in the afternoon, and had +barely time to don his new dress-suit and join Arthur in the rotunda +before their guests arrived. +</P> + +<P> +They were jolly good fellows, all of them. Checkers was duly +presented, and after a preliminary cocktail the party adjourned to the +private dining-room, where a round table was prettily laid for six. +Checkers felt apprehensive for Arthur, when he noticed three different +glasses at each plate; but Arthur took early occasion to state that he +was "on the water-wagon," and he hoped that the boys would "not let it +make any difference with them, or with the gayety of the evening"—and +it did n't. After the first edge of their hunger was turned the +jollity grew apace. Checkers in his happiest vein related numberless +humorous anecdotes, among them his experience of Remorse and the gold +piece. Each of them told his particular pet joke, and all were +boisterously applauded. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, waiter," exclaimed Arthur, suddenly righting his down-turned +champagne glass, "fill them up again all around, and give me some. +Gentlemen, I want to propose a double toast, and I 'll ask you to drink +it standing—a bumper." All arose expectantly. "Let us drink," he +said, "to the health and happiness of the sweetest, fairest, most +lovable girl God ever put upon this earth—it is needless to name her. +Let us also drink to the health and prosperity of the thrice-fortunate +man who has won her love—Mr. Campbell, your health." He touched his +wine to his lips; the others drained their glasses, and all sat down. +</P> + +<P> +There was an expectant silence. Checkers felt the blood go surging to +his brain, while his heart seemed to sink like lead within him. He +felt powerless to rise, although he knew that all were awaiting his +response. The silence became painful. "Speech," murmured some one. +"Speech," echoed the others. With a superhuman effort he managed to +arise, and grasping a full glass of water, drained it. "I 'll tell +you, boys," he said huskily, "here's where I 'd put up the talk of my +life, if I could; but it's like it was that day they declared all bets +off—the occasion 's too much for me. I feel it all—I feel it in my +heart," he continued earnestly. "I 'm obliged to Arthur for his +motion, and to you all for making it unanimous. I know that I 'm +lucky, so lucky that I can hardly believe my good fortune myself. Half +the time I think that I must be asleep, and trying to 'cash a +hop-dream.' I 've been ready to get married for a couple of years—I +'ve had everything but the stuff and the girl; I was ready to furnish +the groom all right; but I 've always had a feeling that I could n't +have much respect for a girl that would marry me if she was 'onto' +me—every fellow feels the same, or ought to. And so when I find I +have drawn a prize girl, who, as Arthur says, is 'the fairest and +sweetest God ever put on this earth,' and it's true, it jars me, boys; +it does, on the dead. I feel like the only winner in a poker-game, as +though I ought to apologize for it—and I do, with about the same +regret. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I 've had my hard luck, and 'played out the string,' and now +that things seem to be coming my way, I 'm going to enjoy myself while +it lasts. 'Life is short, and we 're a long time dead.' That's an old +saying, but it's a good one. Boys, I hope you 'll all be as happy as I +am when it comes your turn, and may it come soon. Here 's how." He +lifted his glass, which in the mean time the waiter had filled, and, +smiling around the circle, tossed off his wine in unison with the +others and sat down. +</P> + +<P> +There was the usual clapping and cheering, after which Checkers asked +their attention for a moment more. "I want to sign two of you fellows +for groomsmen," he said. "I wish I needed four, I 'd like to have you +all; but Pert said 'two,' and what Pert says goes. Now, how shall we +decide it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why not match for it!" suggested one of them. +</P> + +<P> +"Good idea!" exclaimed Checkers; "you four match nickels, odd man out. +until two are left—come on, get busy." +</P> + +<P> +On the first trial, two called "heads," and two "tails." "No +business," said Checkers. On the second trial, three called "heads" +and one "tails." "Tough luck, old man," said Checkers to the one; "I +wanted you particularly." At the first essay of the three remaining, +all showed "heads" up; at the second two of them "switched" to "tails," +while the third kept "heads"—thus deciding the matter. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that settles that," said Checkers; "but groomsmen or not, we 'll +all be there, and I hope we'll all have a good time." +</P> + +<P> +It was in "the wee, sma' hours" when the party broke up, and Checkers +and Arthur, after seeing their guests safely out, sought their rooms, +and quickly tumbled into bed. Checkers, however, took occasion to +thank Arthur warmly for his kindness, and to express a hope that an +opportunity might soon occur for him to requite it. The next afternoon +saw them back in Clarksville. +</P> + +<P> +The few intermediate days passed quickly. Sadie's supper was a +success, as such things go; the ceremony was rehearsed, and all was in +readiness for the great event. +</P> + +<P> +The wedding morning dawned, as bright and beautiful a winter's day as +nature ever vouchsafed a happy bridal pair. Checkers was up with the +lark. He felt the weight of the nations upon his shoulders. All day +he was back and forth between house and church, anxious that nothing +should be overlooked; suggesting and helping until late in the +afternoon, when Arthur laid violent hands upon him, and insisted upon +his taking a rest before making a toilet for the evening. +</P> + +<P> +Promptly at six, to the Lohengrin March on a cabinet organ, the bridal +party came slowly down the aisle, the two ushers first, and following +them, the two bridesmaids. After these came Sadie, alone, with a huge +bouquet of roses, and lastly leaning upon her father's arm, came Pert, +in a simple white gown, her veil wreathed with orange blossoms and +pinned with a diamond star, one of Checkers' gifts. +</P> + +<P> +Every neck was craned, and every eye fastened upon her in breathless +admiration, for she was beautiful. +</P> + +<P> +From behind a screen at the side, Checkers and Arthur came forth, and +met them at the altar. The service was simple, but solemn and +impressive. The earnestness of Checkers' answers caused a quiet smile +to pass around, which culminated in down-right laughter at the ardor +with which he kissed the bride when the time came; but he was wholly +oblivious. Marching out to the accustomed music, he could scarcely +maintain a decorous step, so great was his elation. +</P> + +<P> +Their short drive to the house, during which he folded Pert in his +arms, and knew that she was his—all his—he felt to be the moment of +his supremest earthly happiness. +</P> + +<P> +The others followed quickly. The guests arrived, and soon there were +congratulations, feasting, music and merry-making galore. +</P> + +<P> +But all things—good things—have an end, and perhaps it is just as +well that they have; at least, in this case Checkers and Pert, as they +crossed the threshold of their own little home, breathed a happy sigh +at the thought that they were alone at last—together. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap09"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +IX +</H3> + +<P> +The succeeding days brought one continuous round of simple pleasures. +Christmas and the holidays followed hard upon the wedding, and New +Year's Day being Sunday, Pert invited the members of the wedding party +to the house for from Friday to the Monday following. +</P> + +<P> +At this season of the year there was nothing of actual work to be done +upon the place, and Checkers was free to hunt with the men or drive +with the girls, as he elected. +</P> + +<P> +Whether it be for the reason that "misery loves company," or for the +much more probable and kindly reason that "our truest happiness lies in +making others happy," it is certain that most young married couples +have a very strong "weakness" for match-making. And Pert and Checkers +were no exception to this rule. +</P> + +<P> +They decided that Arthur's truest good demanded that he marry Sadie; +and poor little Sadie showed but too plainly in what direction her +happiness lay. +</P> + +<P> +But in spite of Pert's well-laid plans to leave them in quiet corners +together, in spite of her many little tactful suggestions, Arthur +remained unresponsive. He was attentive in a perfunctory way, but that +was all. And often Pert would blush to find him gazing at her with a +wistful, far-away look in his eyes, which told more surely than words +what was in his heart. In fact, Sadie timidly suggested to Pert one +day that Arthur was always distrait and silent after seeing her and +Checkers together; and that instead of making him desire a domestic +little home of his own, it seemed to embitter and sour him. +</P> + +<P> +So, after the house party Checkers settled down to serious life on a +farm, and Pert busied herself with housekeeping, learning to cook from +her neat old colored servant "Mandy," trying new dishes herself, and +doing the thousand and one little things that go to make up "a woman's +work," which 't is said "is never done"—"done," of course, in the +sense of "finished." +</P> + +<P> +And so the winter glided quickly into spring—the spring of '93; a year +that many of us will long remember. +</P> + +<P> +One evening Checkers unfolded to Pert a long-cherished scheme, which +delighted her. This was nothing less than a plan to take her to +Chicago in May to see the World's Fair. "We 'll call it our wedding +trip, little girl," he said caressingly, "and we won't be gone but ten +days or two weeks." +</P> + +<P> +But when Mr. Barlow heard of it, "he made a monkey of himself," as +Checkers put it. He ranted and swore, and told them both they would +end in the poorhouse with their reckless extravagance. But Checkers +laughed him off good-naturedly. He knew that the trip would be +expensive; but he felt that he could afford it, and he had another and +a deeper reason for taking Pert to Chicago. He was greatly worried +about her health, and he desired to have her consult some eminent +physician regarding herself. +</P> + +<P> +One day, when they were out for a walk, she had run a playful race with +him along a level stretch of road, bending every energy to beat him. +He was running easily behind her, puffing and grunting to make her +think that she was really worsting him, when suddenly she stumbled, +tottered, and, putting her hand to her heart, sank limply upon a bed of +leaves at the side of the road. In an instant Checkers was kneeling +beside her. She had not fainted, but was as pale as death, and she +still held her hand to her heart and gasped for breath. Checkers +loosened her gown about her throat, then filling his hat with water at +a little stream near by, he bathed her brow and wet her lips. Fully an +hour passed before she was able with his assistance to walk to the +house, and though about, next day apparently as well as ever, she +complained thereafter, at intervals, of dizziness, chilly sensations +and strange flutterings at her heart. +</P> + +<P> +The local doctor joked her about the size of her waist, and told her +that her trouble was probably due to a combination of lacing and +indigestion. But to Checkers he confided a fear that there might be +some affection of the heart, and earnestly advised that he consult some +worthy specialist. +</P> + +<P> +So, while Checkers told nothing of his apprehensions to Pert, he would +brook no interference in his plans. The middle of May they left the +house in care of "Mandy," and set out for the land of "The Great White +City." +</P> + +<P> +What delight they found in roaming about through those wonderful +buildings and marvelous displays! Checkers, alert and all-observing, +Pert, enthusiastic and wondering—they spent whole days in a single +building or upon the ever-interesting Midway. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers had found cozy quarters in a small hotel not far from the +grounds, but they lunched and dined where it suited them best. Thus it +chanced that one night, when they were going to the theater, they dined +beforehand at Kinsley's, as related by Checkers in the opening chapters. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile, Checkers did not neglect the more serious part of his +mission. He hunted up Murray, who was surprised and glad to see him, +and who evinced a genuine interest in the story of his marital felicity. +</P> + +<P> +Upon the matter of a doctor for Pert, Murray happened to know "just the +man," a friend of his, to whom he gave Checkers a letter of +introduction. Checkers called and explained the case to the doctor, +and the next day Pert underwent a thorough examination. Checkers +awaited the verdict anxiously. In effect it was this: her heart action +was weak, and at times irregular, but there was no reason to apprehend +but what, with a careful diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and +fresh air, she would live as long as the average woman, and fully +recover from the troublesome symptoms which sudden over-exertion had +brought upon her. Violent exercise and excitement, however, were +especially to be avoided; and the use of all stimulants, narcotics and +anaesthetics must be set down as dangerous in the extreme. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers breathed a sigh of relief. He had warned the doctor to make +as light of the case to Pert as his conscience would permit, explaining +that he himself would tell her gradually, as fitting occasion offered, +what had been said to him, and would see that all instructions were +carefully carried out. Violent exercise she was already warned +against, and Checkers felt that he could guard her against unusual +excitement. He carefully avoided the harrowing plays at the theater, +but took her to operas and burlesques. But it never occurred to him as +necessary to warn her specifically against stimulants and drugs. +</P> + +<P> +A few days before their departure for home, they received a pleasant +surprise in the shape of a telegram from Arthur and Sadie, announcing +their marriage. +</P> + +<P> +A letter from Sadie arrived the next day, in which she said that she +and Arthur had hoped to join them in Chicago and surprise them, but +that conditions were such at the store that Arthur's every available +moment was demanded, and he could not possibly get away. But this was +not the half of it. The panic of '93, of which premonitory notice had +been given by numerous bank failures, was now a stern reality. +Collections were bad, business was dead, and the firm of Kendall & Co., +which had unfortunately laid in a larger stock of goods than usual that +season, found it all they could do to keep themselves from going to the +wall. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers and Pert returned and soon fell into their accustomed grooves. +They called upon Arthur and Sadie, and found them reasonably happy +under new conditions, although Arthur was evidently carrying a load of +care and responsibility; while Judge Martin sat up and cheerfully +predicted "confusion and every evil work" as a result of the +demonetization of silver and other kindred political "outrages." +</P> + +<P> +One morning as Checkers was working about the dooryard, he espied his +father-in-law coming up the road at a gait which presaged important +news. The old man reached him, out of breath. Checkers waited +expectantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what do ye think has happened now?" panted Mr. Barlow. "The +First National Bank of Little Rock has gone up—busted; got yer money." +</P> + +<P> +There was in his voice and manner something of the triumph that mean +spirits feel at being the first to bring disastrous news, as well as a +show of personal injury at the thought of Checkers allowing himself to +lose what he himself had even the shadow of an interest in. +</P> + +<P> +"My God!" exclaimed Checkers involuntarily, growing pale at the news. +Then for a moment he stood in silence, nervously biting his upper lip. +He had had long experience in controlling himself under trying +circumstances. "If that's so," he finally answered in a quiet voice, +"it 's tough." +</P> + +<P> +This exasperated Mr. Barlow. "Tough," he repeated; "you nincompoop, +it's actual ruin; the bank has been robbed by its president—looted—ye +'ll never see a cent of it ag'in," and he started toward the house. +</P> + +<P> +"Hold on!" exclaimed Checkers, grabbing him by the arm. "Not a word of +this to Pert; it will only excite her, and not do any good." +</P> + +<P> +But the old man shook him off and continued his way. Checkers picked +up a handy piece of scantling, and running up the steps, turned and +faced his father-in-law. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, see here, old man," he exclaimed, "I 've taken as much of your +slack as I 'm going to—see? I tell you you can't come into this +house; and I give you fair warning, if you put your foot on one of +those steps I 'll smash you over the head;" and he swung his weapon +threateningly to his shoulder. "What I 've made or lost is mine, not +yours," he continued, "and it don't 'cut any pie' with you—you'll +never get a cent of it. My wife is mine, not yours, and I 'll take +care of her, what ever happens. But she is n't well, and the doctor +said any sudden excitement might kill her. I 'll tell her gradually +and quietly, and go down to Little Rock this noon and see if there 's +anything can be done. If I 'd let you tell her you 'd break the news +with an ax, and I tell you I ain't going to have it; so just 'jar +loose,' and 'pull your freight.'" +</P> + +<P> +There was something in Checkers' determined look which cowed the old +man, but he would n't go without a last word. "Well, ye 'll both o' ye +end a couple of paupers and die in the poorhouse if this keeps up," he +said, "with your fancy furniture and trips to Chicago. How much did +you have in that bank?" +</P> + +<P> +Just here Pert appeared in the doorway. Checkers' threatening attitude +and her father's question, which she overheard, surprised and startled +her. "What is it?" she cried, putting her arm around Checkers and +disarming him gently. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing much," he began. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing much," interrupted her father, "except that the Little Rock +bank is busted, and all yer money's gone." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers reached for his stick, but Pert restrained him. "Never mind, +dearest," she said, "it may not be as bad as you think—things never +are; and we 've got the house and the farm, and the bonds; and, +whatever happens, we 've got each other." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; you 've got each other," said the old man cynically, "and that's +all ye will have, if things goes this way. If yer goin' to Little +Rock, boy," he said sharply, consulting his old silver watch, "ye must +hurry; ye ain't more 'n time to make it now." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers saw that this was so, and going to his room, made a hasty +toilet. "Good-bye, Pert, darling," he said, as he emerged, catching +her up and embracing her lovingly. "I 'll be back soon; don't mind +what he says;" and with a warning glance at Mr. Barlow, he hurried off +down the road toward the station. +</P> + +<P> +As he stood upon the platform awaiting the train he felt a sudden +presentiment of evil, and with a superstition born of his early +experience in gambling, he half decided to turn back. "I 've got a +feeling I ought n't to go," he muttered; "but I guess it's because I 'm +afraid the old man will worry Pert. Still, she seemed to take it calm +enough, and I ought to get there and look after my stuff." He boarded +the train and went steaming off, but he could not get rid of his +bugaboo. +</P> + +<P> +The situation with Checkers at this time was about as follows: Of the +legacy left him, $20,000 had gone for the farm, or fruit ranch, which +he had given Pert. A thousand more had been spent in refitting and +furnishing the house. Most of the wedding expenses, which Checkers had +assumed, Part's presents, an elaborate wardrobe for himself, the +household expenses, and the trip to Chicago, had consumed about another +thousand. The balance, except ten government bonds and a few hundred +dollars in the bank at Clarksville, was on deposit at interest in this +bank which failed—$4,800, for which he held a certificate of deposit. +It was very unfortunate, and the sense of his loss kept growing upon +him as time went on. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile Mr. Barlow had taken occasion to lecture Pert on her sinful +extravagance. With pencil and paper he sat before her, and showed her +how within six short months she and Checkers had spent one-tenth of +their fortune, and how with this loss at the bank they were poorer by a +third of all they had ever possessed. +</P> + +<P> +"Figures won't lie, but liars will figure." He knew, but he did not +tell her, that of what was actual expense there would be little cause +for its repetition, and that most of the money expended was visible in +assets of one sort or another. He only made her feel perfectly +miserable, and wrought her up beyond the point of thinking or answering +intelligently. +</P> + +<P> +When he had gone she tried for a while to busy herself about the house, +but she felt a growing lonesomeness—a desire for sympathy and +companionship—and she decided to put on her hat and go down to her +cousin Sadie's. +</P> + +<P> +It was now high noon, and a stifling hot day; but she braved the heat +of the blistering sun, and trudged along the dusty way to her +destination. When she reached the Martins' house she was dizzy and +faint from the heat and the blinding glare. +</P> + +<P> +Judge Martin and Arthur came home to dinner, and both expressed the +greatest sympathy for her and Checkers in their sudden misfortune. At +the table Pert tried to eat for appearance's sake, but her efforts +ended in mere pretense. Sadie noticed it, and insisted that after +dinner she go to a room on the cool side of the house and "take a nap." +To this Pert objected. "I can never sleep during the day," she said; +"the longer I lie, the wider awake I get. I am really all right," she +added, smiling bravely, "only my head aches—a very little." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll soon fix that," exclaimed Arthur. "I 've been troubled with +headache and sleeplessness lately, myself, and I 've struck a remedy +that beats anything you ever saw; knocks a headache, and makes you +sleep like an infant. It's perfectly harmless, too—guaranteed. +Excuse me a minute; I'll get the box." +</P> + +<P> +Pert felt too miserably weak and apathetic to further object to Sadie's +suggestion or Arthur's remedy; so, under her cousin's ministering +guidance, she retired to an upper room and prepared herself with what +comfort she could to rest, while Sadie opened the windows and drew the +shades. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Pert," said Sadie, "take one of these powders with a little +water, and I think you 'll feel better right away. I 'll leave the box +here on the table, near the bed, and if the first one does n 't cure +your headache and put you to sleep, take another. Now is there +anything more you want, dear? If there is, just call; I 'll leave the +door the least bit open." A sudden impulse prompted her, as she was +going out, to return and kiss Pert fondly, and though not an uncommon +thing between them, still both wondered for a moment afterward at the +unusual tenderness and feeling that each had unconsciously put into the +embrace. +</P> + +<P> +Left alone, Pert tried to compose her mind and go to sleep; but in +spite of herself her brain dwelt anxiously upon Checkers in Little +Rock, and upon what her father had said to her. Half an hour passed +and still her fancy teemed, as she restlessly tossed from side to side. +She felt herself growing nervous, and her ear upon the pillow told her +that her heart was beating rapidly. +</P> + +<P> +"At least my head feels a great deal better," she murmured, raising +herself upon her elbow; "now if I could only get to sleep I believe I +should wake up quite myself again. Perhaps another powder will do it; +I 'm afraid of them, though. Still, Arthur says they 're perfectly +harmless—I 'll take just one more. Checkers would n 't like it; he +told me never to take any medicine." She lifted her box from the +table. "Dear old Checkers," she said to herself, with a sigh, +preparing the powder; "how he loves me! His first thought was to keep +the news from me for fear I would worry." She took the draught and +sank back upon the pillow—"to be loved as he loves me—Oh, Checkers! +mother!!" +</P> + +<P> +The afternoon wore on towards dusk. Sadie went about her household +duties, humming softly. Once she thought she heard Pert call, but as +the sound was not repeated, she fancied herself mistaken, and sat down +to read, happy in the thought that Pert must have fallen asleep. It +seemed to be blowing up cooler; the wind had shifted, and a few dark +clouds were rolling up from the west, with distant rumbling. +</P> + +<P> +About five o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Barlow drove up in a buggy. Mrs. +Barlow got out, and Mr. Barlow drove on toward the store. Sadie saw +them and opened the door. +</P> + +<P> +"Is Pert here, Sadie?" was the question which greeted her. "We 've +been up to her house, and 'Mandy' said she had come down here." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; she 's here, Auntie Barlow." +</P> + +<P> +"The poor little thing! My husband only told me the news this +afternoon; he 's been down street all morning, and I wanted to see her +and comfort her." +</P> + +<P> +"She wasn't feeling well," explained Sadie, "and after dinner I sent +her up stairs to sleep. You 'll find her in the bedroom over the +parlor. She must be awake by this time." +</P> + +<P> +"Very well; I 'll go up." Mrs. Barlow ascended the stairs. +</P> + +<P> +Sadie went to the window and looked out upon the gathering storm, now +vividly foretold by constant flashes of jagged lightning. Suddenly she +started, and stood transfixed, as though turned to ice with a chilling +horror. There had come to her ears from above an awful cry of bitter +anguish, quickly followed by a jarring, muffled sound, as of a falling +body. +</P> + +<P> +"Auntie Barlow!" she gasped, regaining her faculties with a superhuman +effort, and rushing blindly toward the stairs. Staggering up with the +aid of the banister, she reached the landing and entered the room +beyond. There, prostrate upon the floor, lay Mrs. Barlow in a +deathlike swoon. Upon the bed lay the lifeless body of poor little +Pert—her pure, white soul had flown. +</P> + +<P> +There are some who faint at the thought of a thing, but are brave when +they meet it face to face. Such a one was Sadie. She realized the +situation at a glance; and though the awfulness of it benumbed her, she +did, dry-eyed and mechanically, what she knew must be done. Mrs. +Barlow she could not lift, but, she sprinkled her face with water, and +put a pillow under her head. Then with the ghost of a hope that Pert +was but in a stupor, she rushed down the stairs, and out into the +street, toward the doctor's, a few doors away. She met him just coming +out of his gate. "Come, quick," she said; and as they hurried back she +told him in a few words what had happened. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Barlow still lay in a state of semi-consciousness, moaning +pitifully at intervals. With all her soul in her eyes, Sadie watched +the doctor while he felt Pert's wrist and held a glass before her lips +for an indication of breathing. But his face gave never a sign of +hope, and his eyes, as he looked up, told her all. "She is dead," he +said softly. Sadie burst into a fit of uncontrollable weeping. The +doctor lifted Mrs. Barlow carefully and deposited her upon a bed in +another room. +</P> + +<P> +The sound of voices was heard outside—those of Arthur and Judge Martin +talking to Mr. Barlow, who had just driven up and met them as they were +coming in. Sadie went slowly down the stairs and opened the door. The +sight of her tear-stained face startled them all. "What is it?" they +exclaimed simultaneously. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, Pert—" she began; but burst again into weeping and was unable to +continue. +</P> + +<P> +The doctor appeared just behind her, and told the three men what had +happened. Mr. Barlow, his face set hard, and a ghastly white under his +yellow skin, tottered up the stairs, the doctor following. Judge +Martin penned a telegram to Checkers, and dispatched Arthur with it at +once. +</P> + +<P> +"Pert is very sick. Come home," it read, and it was signed as though +from Mr. Barlow. +</P> + +<P> +Fortunately, Checkers, in Little Rock, had but a few moments to wait +for the outgoing train after receiving the message; but every moment of +the journey was torture; every delay at way-stations, agony. When, +after what seemed to him like years, they at last pulled into +Clarksville, he jumped from the moving train to the platform. +</P> + +<P> +Judge Martin had set for himself the unwelcome task of meeting him and +breaking the sad news. But his resolution all but failed him when +Checkers, grasping both his hands, asked breathlessly, "How is she, +sir?" his face upturned with a pleading look, as though upon the answer +depended his very life and salvation. +</P> + +<P> +"She is very low, my poor boy," answered the Judge, the tears coming +into his eyes; "but you must be brave—" +</P> + +<P> +"My God, my God!" breathed Checkers, raising his hand to his eyes in a +dazed way, as though to ward off the blow of the Judge's words, the +import of which was all too plain. The Judge laid his hand upon +Checkers' shoulder and drew him toward him, protectingly. "Come," he +said, gently; "she is at my house." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers started as though from a dream. "At your house," he echoed, +"and I have been standing here wasting precious time." +</P> + +<P> +With a sudden bound he jumped to the ground and flew up the street +through the darkness, toward the Judge's house, not many yards away. +Arthur heard the sound of his footsteps, and silently opened the door. +"Upstairs, Checkers," he whispered. Checkers hurried frantically up +the stairs, but paused at the threshold, ere he entered the room. +There before him, by the light of one dim, flickering candle, sat +Sadie, silently weeping. There upon the bed, cold and silent in death, +lay the mortal remains of his sweet girl-wife. +</P> + +<P> +With an agonized cry he fell to his knees at the bedside, and taking +her cold little hand, he rubbed it and kissed it caressingly. "Pert, +my darling," he moaned, "come back to me! Don't leave me, Pert, my +precious one—tell me you won't dear—tell me you hear me!—" But only +the sound of Sadie's convulsive sobbing answered him as she stumbled +from the room. +</P> + +<P> +The long threatened storm now suddenly broke in all its fury. The rain +blew fiercely in at a window near him, and drenched him through and +through with the flying spray; but he heeded it not. Kneeling at the +bedside, his face above the little hand clasped in both of his, he +uttered mingled incoherent prayers to Pert to come back, and to God to +take him too. +</P> + +<P> +Judge Martin noiselessly entered the room and closed the window. +Gently he put a hand under each of Checkers' arms, and raised him up. +"Come, my boy," he said kindly, but firmly, "you must not stay here in +this condition. Try to bear up. It's an awful blow that has come upon +us; but God, in his inscrutable wisdom, has thought it best to take +her—" +</P> + +<P> +Again, with a sudden burst of anguish, as though his very heart had +broken within him, Checkers threw himself to his knees by the bedside, +and burying his face between his outstretched arms, poured out in +bitter, choking sobs, his utter hopeless, despairing misery. So +terrible a strain, however, brought about, in the end, its own results. +Beneficent nature intervened, and toward the morning hours Judge Martin +and Arthur gently lifted the grief-stricken boy from the kneeling +position in which he had fallen asleep, and put him comfortably upon a +bed in another room, without his awakening. +</P> + +<P> +Details of this sort are harrowing at best, but nothing imaginable +could have been sadder than was the funeral two days later. The rain, +which had never intermitted, fell with dismal hopelessness. Mrs. +Barlow had not been able to leave her bed since the shock, and, never +strong, her life was now almost despaired of. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers stood uncovered in the down-pouring rain, beside the open +grave, his clear-cut face as hard and white as marble. In spite of the +draggling wet and clinging mud, the country people were out in force; +but their gapes, their nudges and whispers, were as little to him as +the falling rain. He was dead to everything but the sense of his +utter, hopeless desolation. +</P> + +<P> +What made it all even sadder, if possible, was that a dreadful breach +had come between him and Sadie and Arthur. +</P> + +<P> +On the morning following that first awful night, he had suddenly +confronted them with the box of powders crushed in his hand, and in his +eyes a tragic, questioning look which spoke, while he stood sternly +silent. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, Checkers," cried Sadie, falling to her knees and holding out her +hands entreatingly, "forgive us—we did n't know—we didn't know! +Forgive us; please forgive us!" +</P> + +<P> +But his face only grew the harder. "Forgive you," he said, as he +raised his clenched hand to heaven, invokingly; "may God eternally—" +but he faltered, and his voice grew suddenly soft, "forgive you," he +added, dropping his arm and lowering his voice contritely. "But I," he +began again, in measured passionless words—"I can never forgive you. +I never want to see you—either of you—again." And from that hour he +never spoke to them, nor looked at them, any more than as though they +were not. +</P> + +<P> +The funeral was over. He had come home. The rain had ceased. He sat +alone on his doorstep. The minister and some well-meaning but mistaken +friends, who had tried to comfort him, were gone. Over the western +hills the lowering sun broke through the heavy, moving clouds, painting +some a lurid tinge, and lining the heavier ones with silver. Checkers +noted it absently. "Another lie nailed," he muttered, as the trite old +proverb occurred to him. "My cloud is blacker and heavier than any of +those—and silver lining? Humph! Well, silver 's demonetized!" Over +his face there flitted the ghost of a smile. A smile, not at the sorry +jest, but at the thought that at this hour there should have come to +him so whimsical a fancy. +</P> + +<P> +A number of days went by. He simply drifted, doing a few needful +duties mechanically; sometimes eating the food which Mandy prepared for +him, but oftener going without altogether; sitting, brooding, hours at +a time, gazing vacantly into space. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Barlow—he learned one day from the doctor, who stopped a moment +in passing—had taken a slight turn for the better. Mr. Barlow, the +following morning appeared, as Checkers stood meditatively surveying a +fine old apple tree, from which a large limb, hanging heavy with fruit, +had been blown during the night. +</P> + +<P> +"Thar," snorted the old man as he came up; "thar ye go, with yer +dog-durned laziness. If you 'd o' propped that limb weeks ago, as you +'d ought t' done, you 'd o' saved me a couple o' barrels o' +apples—Shannons, too. It's high time I was takin' a holt here myself. +Git the saw and the grafting-wax." Checkers obeyed, and stood +apathetically watching Mr. Barlow minister to the tree's necessity. +</P> + +<P> +"Now," said the old man, when at last he had finished, "come and set in +the shade; I want to have a talk with ye;" and he led the way around to +the doorstep. Both sat down. The old man drew a plug of "Horseshoe" +from his pocket, and cut off a liberal piece, which he chewed into a +comfortable consistency before beginning. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, boy," he said, "luck's ben a-comin' mighty hard for you and me +these last few weeks, and I ain 't a-sayin' it's over yit for both o' +us." Checkers made no response. +</P> + +<P> +The old man chewed ruminatingly, and spat at a "devil's-horse" which +sat alertly atop of a shrub near by. "Y' see," he continued, "times is +gittin' wuss and wuss; banks failin' everywhar, and nawthin' wuth a +cent on th' shillin', 'cept Gov'ment bonds. Corn aint wuth nawthin; +farmers is feedin' their wheat to th' hogs, and cotton ye could n't +give away." Again there was a silence, and again the "devil's-horse" +narrowly escaped a deluge. +</P> + +<P> +"By the way, whar 've ye got them Gov'ment bonds o' yourn?" Checkers +came out of his reverie at the question. +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Bradley 's got them put away in the safe for me at the store," he +answered. +</P> + +<P> +"Mm-hmm!" mused the old man; "I was kinder wonderin' whether ye ever +give any on 'em away, like ye done th' place here;" and he glanced at +Checkers cunningly out of the corner of his eye. +</P> + +<P> +"I never gave them away," said Checkers, drearily, "because there was +no occasion for it. What we had we owned together and shared in +common, and it makes little difference whether it was in my name or—or +any one else's." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; but it does. It makes a difference in the eye o' the law." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, the law can leave it in its eye, or get it out, if it worries it +any." +</P> + +<P> +The old man grinned sardonically on the side of his face away from +Checkers. He had never liked our little friend from the time when +Checkers had caused him to fall over a rocking-chair in the parlor the +night that he and Pert became engaged; and Checkers had fostered this +dislike by snubbing and belittling him whenever an opportunity +occurred. His entire make-up of sneaking, petty selfishness and greed +was abhorrent to one of Checkers' open, generous nature, and it was +only for Pert's sake that he had ever consented to have the old man +about or notice him at all. +</P> + +<P> +"Wal," said Mr. Barlow, musingly, "that 's one thing I kin see stickin' +out; you ain't no kind o' hand to run a place like this—ye 're too +tarnal shif'less. Somebody 's got to look after things. Now, my place +down below 's all right for raisin' cotton and sich, but it 's +onhealthy, mighty. The doctor says it 's livin' down thar gives my +wife chills and ager. So, take it all 'round, and bein' 's ye 're +fixed so nice up here, but lonesome-like by yerself, I guess me an' +wife 'll close up the ole house an' move up here to live." +</P> + +<P> +"Guess again." +</P> + +<P> +"No; I 'low I guessed it right fust time," grinned the old man. "What +'s the good in runnin' two houses when we kin all live together in one +jist ez well? Wife kin have the parlor bedroom all t' herself, and you +kin have the front or back room upstairs, either you like—I ain't +pertic'lar on that pint—" +</P> + +<P> +"Now, see here," interrupted Checkers, jumping up with an impatient +gesture, "I 've listened to enough of this bloody nonsense. I 'll live +here by myself and run this place to suit myself. Now, when you go +out, close the gate—I 'm tired of talking, and I want to be left +alone." +</P> + +<P> +But the old man never budged; and again the "devil's-horse" braved an +unrighteous fate with a stoicism worthy of a better cause. +</P> + +<P> +"Young feller," said Mr. Barlow, after several moments' cogitation, +"you ain't never treated me with the perliteness and respect as is due +from a boy yer age t' his elders and betters. But I never harbored no +grudge, 'cause I knowed it was only a matter o' time when chickens like +them 'ud come home to roost." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers had intended to move off and leave him sitting there alone; +but he stopped long enough to light a cigarette (a thing which the old +man abominated) and listen to this last remark. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-208"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-208.jpg" ALT="MR. BARLOW" BORDER="2" WIDTH="405" HEIGHT="594"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center" STYLE="width: 405px"> +MR. BARLOW +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +"<I>Now it's roostin' time</I>," continued Mr. Barlow with emphasis, "and +onless ye come down off'n th' high horse ye 're ridin', ye 're goin' +ter hear suthin' drap that 'll kinder put a crimp in that pride o' +yourn." +</P> + +<P> +This was a new tone for him to take, and Checkers turned and looked at +him surprisedly. +</P> + +<P> +"The fact is," he went on, "you ain't got no head for bizness, and it +'s providential things hez come round so 's I kin run this place and +make what they is to be made out'n it." He looked up as though he +expected to be interrogated. +</P> + +<P> +"What's your lay?" asked Checkers. +</P> + +<P> +"Wal, the situation, ez near ez I kin figger it out, accordin' to law, +is this: <I>I owns this ranch</I>." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers stood silent for a moment, and then laughed. "You owns it?" +he mimicked; "nit." +</P> + +<P> +"This real estate," began Mr. Barlow dryly, as though repeating a +well-conned lesson, "with the house upon it, was owned in fee by Persis +Barlow Campbell at the time o' her death. Said Persis Campbell died +intestate and without issue, and accordin' to th' laws o' the State of +Arkansas all real and personal property standin' in her name, or +belongin' to her at th' time o' her death, reverts to her next o' kin, +who 's her father. Now, what d 'ye say?" +</P> + +<P> +"It's a lie," exclaimed Checkers, trembling with anger at the thought +of so outrageous a thing. +</P> + +<P> +"It 's th' gospel truth," said Mr. Barlow, trying in vain to hide the +look of satisfaction which sat upon his face. His words and the tone +of his voice carried conviction. This was the final blow; the crowning +evil. Checkers staggered under it. The house and the trees floated +before his eyes like a stifling vapor, but with a mighty effort he +gathered himself together. +</P> + +<P> +"If this is so," he began, his voice hoarse with passion, "it's the +most ungodly outrage that ever—I 'm going down to ask Judge Martin if +that's the law. But let me tell you," he added, "law or no law, you +shall never live in this house while I 'm alive and able to shoot a +gun. Do you understand?" +</P> + +<P> +The old man was silent. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you understand?" repeated Checkers, more vehemently. +</P> + +<P> +"Pp-tttt," said the old man, and this time the "devil's-horse" fell a +victim to its too great temerity. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap10"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +X +</H3> + +<P> +Sadly enough, it was all too true. Judge Martin, while forced to admit +the fact, cursed Mr. Barlow in no measured terms. "The damned old +pachyderm!" he exclaimed; "suppose it is the letter of the law, by +every sense of equity, justice, and decency, the place belongs to you, +and if he tries to take it, damme, I 'll head a movement to tar and +feather him." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers went back in utter dejection. +</P> + +<P> +Mandy had a tempting dinner ready, but he barely touched it. All the +afternoon he sat under the shade of the trees, thinking deeply. Mr. +Barlow he knew too well to believe that he could be dissuaded from any +purpose once formed, if he had the law on his side, and there was any +question of money in it. He was already miserable; but to be forced to +live with the old man, even with the mitigating circumstances of his +wife—to have him around all the time—would be wholly unbearable. +</P> + +<P> +Then, too, stronger than this was the feeling that such an invasion of +the house would be a profanation. Every ornament, every chair, was +standing just as Pert had left it. No vandal hand should move or break +them, devoting them to secular use—not if he had power to help it; and +he believed he had. +</P> + +<P> +He jumped up and hurried into the house. For two hours he worked in +eager haste, opening and closing drawers, and sorting articles into +different piles on the floor. +</P> + +<P> +As night approached he entered the Kendall store, and related the whole +affair in a quiet tone to Mr. Bradley. That good old soul could hardly +contain himself for righteous indignation; but Checkers cut him short +by telling him he was in a hurry. +</P> + +<P> +"There 's two things I want to ask of you, Mr. Bradley," said Checkers. +"I want that package of bonds you have for me in the safe, and I want +you to cash a check for two hundred dollars—it's just the balance I +have in the bank here. I 'm going away to-night—for a while, at +least." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Bradley gave him the package, and luckily had enough money on hand +to cash his check. "Thank you," said Checkers, "for this and for all +your other kindness to me. Good-bye." +</P> + +<P> +"Good-bye, my son, and God bless you!" and Mr. Bradley wrung Checkers' +hand, while the tears welled up in his kind old eyes and trickled down +his wrinkled cheeks. +</P> + +<P> +Outside, Checkers met Tobe, lumbering along with a pair of mules and a +lumber wagon. +</P> + +<P> +"Tobe, you 're the very man I want!" he exclaimed; "come, turn round, +and drive up to my place." Tobe proceeded to obey without demur or +questioning. +</P> + +<P> +Since last we saw him, Tobe had tried his luck with a fifth "woman," +and lived in a two-room shanty on a clearing in the mountains. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers walked ahead until they reached the house. "Drive up as near +to the door as you can, Tobe," he said. "I 'll be out in a minute." +</P> + +<P> +Mandy was preparing his supper in the kitchen. "Mandy," said Checkers, +"I 'm afraid I 've got bad news for you. I 'm going away to-night, and +I may not come back again; so, Mandy, I 'm afraid I won't need you any +more." +</P> + +<P> +Mandy's honest black face took on a comically serious look. Her lip +hung pendulously, as she slowly shook her gaudily turbaned head. "You +aint goin' sho' 'nough, is you, Marse Checkahs?" she asked, for lack of +something better to say. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Mandy, I'm going to-night," he said, "and before I go I want to +lock up this house. So after you 've washed the dishes and put things +to rights, you 'd better arrange to go home. And, Mandy, there 's a +number of things here I 'll never need, that would make your cabin very +comfortable. Tobe is here with his wagon, and I 'll get him to give +you a lift with them to-night." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, Marse Checkahs, thank you, sah," was all the poor old soul +could say. +</P> + +<P> +Two hours later Tobe drove out of the gate with a wagonful of +furniture, carpets, bedding, and kitchen utensils, en route for Mandy's +cabin. Mandy sat beside him, rocking back and forth, and crooning to +herself in a curious mixture of boundless grief and delirious joy. +</P> + +<P> +Tobe returned and piled another wagon-load even higher. This was +destined for the cabin in the mountains. Tobe's delight was +indescribable, and his efforts to express his thanks were quite as +futile as had been those of Mandy. Checkers had allowed the two to +take every useful article they chose from all save the parlor and +Pert's room. Those rooms remained inviolate. +</P> + +<P> +"I will write to Judge Martin to-night, Tobe," said Checkers, "telling +him what I have done for you and Mandy, in case any one should question +how you came by all this plunder. This furniture belongs to me," he +muttered to himself, "whatever the law may do with the house and +ground, for I bought it and paid for it myself, and never gave it to +anybody." +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Tobe, one thing more, here 's my trunk; put it on your wagon and +drop it off at the station on your way through town. That's it. +Good-bye, old fellow; my regards to the madam—I hope she 'll be +pleased with my wedding-gift." +</P> + +<P> +Tobe buried Checker's hand in his great horny palm. "Mr. Checkers," he +said, and his voice grew husky, "ye 're God's own kind; may He have ye +in His keepin'!" and he climbed upon his wagon, and drove slowly out +into the night. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers was alone. He went slowly into the house. A clock upon the +mantel was chiming ten. There was still two hours before train time. +He sat down and wrote a long letter to Judge Martin, sealed and stamped +it, and put it in his pocket. His hat and light overcoat lay upon a +chair beside him. He arose and put them on. His satchel, cane, and +umbrella he then carefully laid on the stoop outside, and stood a while +listening in the darkness. Apparently satisfied, he returned, and, +taking one last, lingering look around, put out the lights. +</P> + +<P> +For perhaps ten minutes he was busy at something under the stairway. +He then silently emerged and locked the door. +</P> + +<P> +The people of Clarksville and that vicinity are given to retiring +early. Had they been abroad, or even awake, as late as eleven o'clock +that night, they might have seen a startling spectacle in the +distance—that of a mass of ruthless, hungry flames devouring a little +white dwelling; leaping up in their fierce ecstacy to the heavens, and +painting the sky all about a lurid, smoky crimson. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers sat perched upon the fence some distance off. One heel was +caught upon the first rail below him. His elbow rested upon his knee, +and his upturned palm supported his chin. +</P> + +<P> +The poor little house writhed helpless in the withering grasp of the +remorseless flames. "This, then, was the final ending," he +thought—"ashes to ashes," literally. This was the awakening from his +short dream of bliss. Here he had lived six happy months; then +ill-fortune singled him out for a plaything. He laughed a bitter, +mirthless laugh. +</P> + +<P> +The night was perfectly still and the myriad sparks from the flames +rose straight to heaven. "There 's one good thing about it all," he +mused, "and that is that I kept neglecting to insure the house and +furniture when I went to Little Rock. That being the case, it 's a +wonder I did n't burn out before this. I guess it was coming. I +probably got a lead of a couple of days on my luck, and beat it out a +length or two." +</P> + +<P> +He looked at his watch. He had still half an hour before train time. +The fire was burning lower. Suddenly the whole standing structure fell +in with a muffled crash. Again the flames rose high and fierce; but +they rapidly died down, and soon there remained of the fair white +cottage but a blackened, smouldering ruin. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers climbed down and went over near by. Nothing of value was +left. The very foundations were cracked and fallen in; but the sounds +of voices on the road now warned him that he must be going. +</P> + +<P> +He turned for an instant in the direction of the Barlow house, and +bowed low. "Now, you thieving old highbinder," he said, "take the +change;" and, diving into a grove of trees he took a roundabout way +through the fields to avoid the gathering crows which, finally aroused, +now flocked to the scene of the disaster. Breathless, he arrived on +the nick of time. His trunk was thrown aboard the train; he entered +the sleeper and was whisked away toward Little Rock. +</P> + +<P> +He went out again and stood upon the platform until the last vestige of +Clarksville was passed. He then found a seat in the smoking-room and +smoked until almost morning. +</P> + +<HR ALIGN="center" WIDTH="60%"> + +<P> +"Chicago!" Checkers stood once more upon his native heath. He had +come directly from Little Rock, had rented a modest room, and had taken +up again the thread of a drifting, devil-may-care existence. +Gradually, the constant, active, throbbing pain of his bereavement wore +away, and in its stead there came a sullen, morbid sense of the +uselessness of all things. He had neither friends nor acquaintances; +even Murray Jameson was out of town. He haunted the Fair grounds in +the daytime and the theatres at night. +</P> + +<P> +"Excitement and Forgetfulness"—this might have been his watchword. +</P> + +<P> +I feel that if I could have met him at this time instead of almost a +year later as I did, I might have brought an active pressure to bear +upon him, and saved to him the good that the refining influence of his +wife and his Clarksville connections had done him. But, alas! in this +busy world there is no such thing as standing still. We either advance +or retrograde. The hill is steep to climb, but going down is easy. +</P> + +<P> +Checkers went down; gradually, it is true, but still he went down. +</P> + +<P> +By degrees he met his fellow-roomers in the house—good fellows, all of +them, in their way, but worthless. Checkers craved companionship. +Often he sat in a poker game all night with them, in some one of their +rooms, or "did the Midway" with them, ever "mocking the spirit which +could be moved to such a thing," but sometimes finding in it a +temporary respite from the bitter, haunting memories of the past. +</P> + +<P> +It would be difficult to follow, and uninteresting to read, the devious +windings of Checkers' way during the next few months. Hardened, +despondent, and utterly careless; without the restraining influence of +worthy friends or home ties to soften and hold him; with money, but no +occupation; time, but nothing to do with it—little wonder is it that, +after the great White City finally closed its gates, shutting him off +from his one simple pleasure, he gradually drifted back to the stirring +scenes of his youth—the races and the betting-ring. +</P> + +<P> +The history of every one of the hundreds of thousands of men who have +"played the races" may be told in three short words: "They went +broke"—sooner or later. Generally sooner than later; but "they went +broke." +</P> + +<P> +So it was with Checkers. Good information, careful betting—playing +horses for place when he thought they could win; sometimes not risking +a cent all day; watching the owners, standing in with the jockeys—all +this put him nicely ahead for a while, and staved off the evil day for +long. But the eternal law of average will not down, and the percentage +in the betting-ring is absurdly against the bettor. A streak of hard +luck; a slaughter of the favorites; a plunge; throwing good money after +bad; doubling up once or twice; a final coup. Pouf! One afternoon +Checkers found himself penniless. +</P> + +<P> +That night he pawned his watch for all it would bring. This put him in +funds again, but gave him pause. He decided to stop gambling and go to +work. But the morning paper contained a tempting list of entries. It +was Saturday, and a short day. +</P> + +<P> +He went to the track as usual, and at the end of the third race was +"broke." Then he met Murray Jameson. Both were surprised. Checkers +told him his story, and borrowed ten dollars. Murray lost fifty more +by playing Checkers' tips, against his own better judgment. Murray was +"sore"—Checkers apologetic. This was his first experience as a tout. +After that he picked up a precarious living, selling whatever articles +of value he possessed, one after another, until he had left but the +diamond star he had given Pert as a wedding gift, and a scanty wardrobe. +</P> + +<P> +When necessity caused him to part with the star he forswore the races, +and for two full weeks conscientiously sought for legitimate +employment. But Chicago was filled with idle hands, which the closing +of the Fair months before had left there stranded. Everything was +overcrowded. Business was dead, and his search was unavailing. Then +he took up "touting" as a profession. He rotated between the various +"merry-go-rounds," which were open all seasons of the year. The tout's +stock devices—the "bank-roll" game, the "phoney" ticket, the "jockey's +cousin"—he worked with better success than most; but, as a rule, his +method was simple. He sought the acquaintance of such as he thought +might be "persuaded," and by showing confidence where they were +doubtful, knowledge where their own was lacking, he usually managed to +get some four or five men to make bets during the day. Those who won +were grateful, and generally paid him well for his "information." The +losers got an explanation of "how it was" and "a sure thing for the +next." +</P> + +<P> +One thing, however, must be said for Checkers. He never "touted" a +horse unless he thought it had a best chance of winning. That is, if +there were five horses in a race, and Checkers had five men "on his +string," he never descended to the common practice of getting each one +of the five to bet on a different horse, and thus "land a sure winner." +</P> + +<P> +All five were certain to have the same chance, and to stand or fall +upon Checkers' judgment. +</P> + +<P> +Some weeks later it was that I first met him, at Washington Park, Derby +Day. He told me afterward that the minute he saw me he knew me for a +"mark" and tried to "get next." +</P> + +<P> +Yet, for all, Checkers was not innately bad. He was weak, I 'll admit, +and cruelly mistaken; but he had a simple, lovable nature, and a +natural longing for higher things. A case in point: I learned by +chance that he never missed a Sunday at church since the death of his +wife. He had no predilection, and I espied him one day in my own +sanctuary. When questioned about it he told me these facts, and +confessed to the pleasure he found in going. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," he said; "I always enjoy it. It's quiet and cool; +everybody 's well dressed, and I like to sit there, close my eyes, +think over my troubles, and listen to the music. And then, +again"—here his voice grew soft—"I 've a feeling that it pleases Pert +to know that I 'm there. She liked me to go to church, and I think she +knows it now when I go; do n't you? I would n't take a great deal of +money and think that she did n't know." +</P> + +<P> +What Pert must have thought of his actions weekdays was perhaps a fair +question; but it was one that I had the heart not to ask. And so it +went on; my efforts to get him a position and reform him ending in +nothing, as I have previously related. +</P> + +<P> +After the big meeting closed Checkers reached his lowest ebb. It was +during these days that he made my office a loafing place. I suppose +that for six weeks I practically supported him, lending him two or +three dollars at a time, to "square his room rent," "get out his +overcoat," "pay a doctor's bill," "play a good thing," and heaven knows +what not—each time assuring him that I positively would not succumb +again, but regularly doing so. Still, I never begrudged it. A couple +of hours with him was worth a few dollars at any time. I divided the +expense between my amusement and charity accounts; and, in truth, when +with him I never could tell whether pleasure or compassion had the +upper hand with me. I have tried to set down with some succinctness +the major part of his experiences as I heard them; but I fear they have +greatly lost, in the telling, that delicious flavor of originality +which Checkers' person, voice, and manner gave to them as I heard them +piecemeal. Many of his sayings, when repeated afterward by Murray or +me, scarcely caused a smile, while coming from him they had seemed to +us excruciatingly funny. But I believe the secret was this—he never +seemed to say anything with the primary idea of being funny. He always +looked up with genuine surprise when his listeners laughed, and only +joined them, when the mirth was infectious, by deepening a little the +cynical curves at either corner of his expressive mouth. +</P> + +<P> +For two weeks I missed him. On a morning of the third he came in with +a look of happiness on his face. "I 've got a job," he said, simply. +I wrung his hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Where?" I asked. +</P> + +<P> +"With Mr. Richmond." +</P> + +<P> +Richmond was one of my friends. He was a partner in a wholesale +paper-house. As a boy Checkers had worked in a paper-house and knew +the stock. As a consequence he had been after Richmond, whom he had +met through me, to give him a position. Richmond liked him, and, when +an opportunity offered, he sent for him and put him to work in the +stock. At the end of two weeks he determined to give Checkers a chance +upon the road. So Checkers was going out that night, and had come to +say good-bye. I was delighted, you may be sure. I gave him good +advice, and bade him Godspeed. A few days later I received this +characteristic letter, dated from some little town in Kansas: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"DEAR MR. PRESTON: +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"I 'm here doing a stage-coach business—straining the leaders of my +legs, hustlin'. If trade keeps up I 'll have coin to melt when I get +home, and you bet I 'll melt it. The food out here would poison a dog. +I ain't got the health to go against it. I 've been sick ever since I +left Chicago, anyhow, on account of Murray Jameson. I met him at the +depot the night I left. He had a box of cigars he said a friend of his +brought him from Mexico. He gave me a handful. I got on the train, +and got busy with one—I like to croaked. Strong!!! Oh, no—it was +n't strong! Drop one of them in a can of dynamite and it's ten to one +it would 'do' the can. Start a 'Mexican' and a piece of Limburger in a +short dash, it's a hundred to one you 'd need a searchlight to find the +Limburger. I 've switched to cigarettes. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"I got in here at six to-night, and I 'm going to get away at one. +After supper (Supper! I 'll tell you about that later!) I went over to +the only shanty in the place that looked like a store, and opened the +door. There were a lot of 'Jaspers' sitting around the stove, chewing +tobacco and swapping lies. I asked the guy that got up when I came in +where he kept his stock (he had nothing in sight). He lighted a +lantern, walked me a quarter of a mile, and showed me four +'mooley-cows'—say, I was sore. But I 'm square with him—I gave him a +couple of 'Mexicans.' +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"That supper! Well, say, it was a 'peach.' (I had an egg this morning +and it was a 'bird.') I sat down to the table with a St. Louis +shoe-man. We turned the things down one by one as they came in. A few +soda-crackers on the table saved our lives. We tried the +griddle-cakes. They were pieces of scorched, greasy dough, as big as +pie-plates. There were a couple of 'Rubes' at the other end of the +table; a short, little, fat one, and a long, lean, thin one. We shoved +the cakes on down their way. They ate their own and ours, and ordered +more. I bet the shoe-man five on the fat one. We ordered more +ourselves and pushed them along. The thin man finally began to weaken, +but the fat one got stronger every minute. My friend said I was +'pullin',' and wanted to draw the bet; but I made him 'give up.' +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Just as we were going, the waitress came up with a grouch on, stuck +out her chin, and says, 'Pie?' +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"'Is it compulsory?' says the shoe-man. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"'Naw; it's mince.' +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"'Well, that lets us out,' he says, and we skipped." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +<I>Later</I>— +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"I got interrupted here. The boys wanted me to play 'high-five' until +train-time; I picked up a little 'perfumery money,' and came up here to +Kansas City to spend Saturday night and Sunday. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"There 's a lot of 'rummies' I used to know hanging around here, +'broke.' They 've all 'got their hand out.' One of them made me a +talk last night for enough to get to St. Louis on—said he 'must get +there.' +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"'Well,' I says, 'try the trucks; how are you on swinging under?' +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"'Yes,' he says, 'you're in luck, and makin' a swell front, with your +noisy duds and plenty of money, but it's a wonder you would n't 'let +your blood gush' a little when you see an old friend of yours in +trouble.' +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"That was a new one on me, and I 'loosened.' Well, perhaps he 'll do +me a good turn some time. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Now, I must close. I see dinner's ready. There's a big, fat guy has +been beating me out in a race for a seat I want in the dining-room. I +'ll 'put it over him a neck' to-day for the chair. The cross-eyed +fairy that waits on that table can dig up cream while the rest of the +waitresses are looking around to see if there 's any skimmed milk in +the joint. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"Yours till death—and as long after as they need me at the morgue. +</P> + +<P CLASS="letter"> +"EDWARD CAMPBELL." +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +Occasionally I met Richmond and asked him how Checkers was doing. "Not +badly," was the usual answer. "He is handicapped, though," explained +Richmond one day, "by not thoroughly knowing our goods and those of +other houses. After this trip I shall put him to work in the store +again for a while." +</P> + +<P> +But this never occurred. Either by mistake or through a serious error +in judgment, Checkers sold an unusually large bill at an absurdly low +figure. This brought a sharp reproof from the house, which he answered +cavalierly. His recall and prompt dismissal followed. +</P> + +<P> +A month elapsed before I saw him. He had been trying to get another +position before coming to me, for his pride was lowered. One morning +he came in looking careworn and threadbare. I welcomed him cordially, +as usual. But though neither of us referred to his recent misfortune, +it caused an evident embarrassment in his manner. After a few moments' +desultory conversation he drew a letter from his pocket. "Read that," +he said simply, handing it to me. With difficulty I read what seemed +to be a letter from Mr. Barlow, his father-in-law. In effect it set +forth that he was now alone. Mrs. Barlow was dead, and her last dying +request had been that he find Checkers and restore to him his own. +This he had solemnly promised to do. He complained that he was +"poorly" himself, and expected to be carried off at any time, with "a +misery in his chest." And he went on to say that if Checkers had not +married again (perish the thought!), and would come back and live with +him and take care of him, he would make him his heir to the old place +as well, and to what little else he had to leave. He "did n't bear no +grudge" for the loss of the house, as things had turned out—he "liked +a lad of sperrit." However, whether he found Checkers or not, "the +preacher and them whited sepulchers" at the church "should never finger +a cent of what he left." There followed a tirade which seemed to show +that the church people had made it hot for the old man after Checkers' +departure, and doubtless more so after the death of Mrs. Barlow. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think?" asked Checkers as I finished. +</P> + +<P> +"Think! I think it's the best of good fortune." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; with a horrible string tied to it. Of course I want my place +back; but I 'd rather be hung than go back to Clarksville." +</P> + +<P> +"Stuff and nonsense!" I exclaimed. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; everything is; what is n't 'stuff' is nonsense. But, say, the +funniest thing of all is that he seems to think I burnt up the house. +How do you suppose he got such a notion?" This with a laughable +expression of innocence. +</P> + +<P> +"Isn't it possible, Checkers," I said, "that this letter is a ruse to +get you down there and have you arrested for arson?" +</P> + +<P> +He thought a moment. "No," he replied; "I hardly think so. No judge +or jury down there would convict me, anyhow, when they heard the +facts—still, it's about his size. If I had a little money I would n't +need to be in a hurry. There 's some friends of mine got a bottled-up +'good thing' they 're going to 'turn loose' next week, that's a +'mortal'—'Bessie Bisland'—she 'll back in. If I had about fifty I 'd +win a lot of money, quit gamblin', and wait till the old man croaked." +</P> + +<P> +"Checkers!" +</P> + +<P> +"Still, that might be risky; these old guys 'take notice' again +scand'lous quick. While I was foolin' around some Arkansas fairy might +get in and nail down my little job." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," I laughed; "upon all accounts, the quicker you get there the +better." +</P> + +<P> +Checkers closed one eye and fixed the other on a spot in the ceiling. +"I wonder," he murmured, "how the walking is between here and +Clarksville?" +</P> + +<P> +"Checkers," I said, "are you broke again?" +</P> + +<P> +"If you can find the price of a car ride on me, I 'll give it to +you—and I 'll help you hunt." +</P> + +<P> +"Checkers, your acquaintance has been expensive for me," I said +soberly. "I suppose now you want me to give you the money to take you +to Clarksville." +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Preston!" he exclaimed, with an earnest expression, "I don't want +you to <I>give</I> me <I>anything</I>. All the money I 've had from you has been +<I>borrowed</I>. I 've kept a strict tab on it, and I intend to repay it. +My farm down there is worth $20,000; when I get that back I 'll be 'in +the heart of town.' But I don't want to go back looking like a 'hobo,' +and I 've got to have some money 'to make a front with.' I could write +the old man that I 'm flat, and get him to send me some money easy +enough. But that would give him the upper hand of me, and queer me on +the start. If I drop in unexpectedly, looking as though I had money to +throw to the birds, he 's likely to 'unbelt' right away, and I 'll send +you your stuff the minute I get it." +</P> + +<P> +Well, the upshot of it all was that I advanced to Checkers what he +needed—within reason. He consumed nearly a week in making his +preparations; but in the mean time I suggested that he advise Mr. +Barlow and Judge Martin of his coming. When the day finally arrived he +insisted that I dine with him before his departure; but I had an +engagement, and was forced to refuse. We compromised, however, on a +modest luncheon, during which I advised him earnestly and well. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Checkers," I said, before bidding him farewell, "you are about to +begin a new life; be a man, settle down, and make some good +resolutions." +</P> + +<P> +"I have," he said. "It'll take me a year to live down those I have +made already. Just think of Bessie Bisland running this afternoon and +me with not a nickel on her." +</P> + +<P> +"And, Checkers," I said, "you must school yourself to endure what may +come, however unpleasant. Treat the old man well—it won't be for +long; and remember what it means to you in the future. When you get +your property, whether soon or late, keep it, or rent it, and live +within your income." +</P> + +<P> +"You bet I will," he replied, "and I believe I 'll hire three or four +little sleuths to go round with me all the time, and see that nobody +'does' me." +</P> + +<P> +"Have Judge Martin advise you," I said. "He doubtless knows the law; +and write to me when you are settled—I shall be interested." I +clasped his hand warmly in one of mine, and rested my other upon his +shoulder. "And now good-bye, my boy," I said; "you have had a long run +of hard luck, and I am glad that fortune is about to smile upon you +again. Quit gambling; watch your opportunities and make the best of +them as they come. Good-bye." +</P> + +<P> +"Good-bye, Mr. Preston. What you say is no 'song without words,' and I +'ll remember it. I have had hard luck, and, no matter what comes, I +can never be as happy as I 've been in the past. But we all have our +troubles, and I 'll try to make the best of things, like the old crone +who had only two teeth, but she said 'Thank God, they hit!' Good-bye." +</P> + +<P> +Again we shook hands and parted silently, taking opposite directions. +</P> + +<HR ALIGN="center" WIDTH="60%"> + +<P> +Ten days have passed, and I have not heard from Checkers—it is +doubtless still a little early. +</P> + +<P> +The morning after we parted I chanced to see in the paper that "Bessie +Bisland" "also ran." It is quite as well, therefore, that Checkers did +not defer his going, but went that night. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<HR ALIGN="center" WIDTH="60%"> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +PRINTED AT THE LAKESIDE PRESS, +<BR> +CHICAGO, FOR THE PUBLISHERS, +<BR> +HERBERT S. STONE & CO. CHICAGO, U.S.A. +</H5> + +<HR> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap11"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By CLINTON ROSS +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE SCARLET COAT +</P> + +<P> +A tale of the siege of Yorktown. +</P> + +<P> +It is seldom that so much valuable history is to be found in a novel as +"The Scarlet Coat" contains. It is one of the most interesting stories +of the Revolution that has appeared in many a year—a charming story +from first to last.—<I>The Army and Navy Register</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"The Scarlet Coat" is an extremely interesting historical +novel.—<I>Springfield Republican</I>. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE PUPPET +</P> + +<P> +A story of adventure. +</P> + +<P> +All the work that we have seen thus far glows with happy enthusiasm. +His brush is moist with the colors that tell.—<I>Boston Herald</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Unless we are very much mistaken, he is a literary figure of great +importance. There is an ease, combined with delicacy of treatment, +which renders his stories peculiarly attractive. Add to this freshness +of motive, skill, characterization, and excellent powers of +description, and it will be seen that this young romancer has distinct +claims on our attention.—<I>Boston Transcript</I>. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Scarlet Coat." $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE MEDDLING HUSSY +</P> + +<P> +The thirteen tales making up this collection have from time to time +appeared in the great magazines, and have met with great success. +Indeed, it was through these "Battle Tales" that Mr. Ross first came to +be known by the larger public, and not until the appearance of "The +Scarlet Coat" was his genius for the novel recognized. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Scarlet Coat." Illustrated. $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By ROBERT HICHENS +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE LONDONERS: AN ABSURDITY +</P> + +<P> +"The Green Carnation" was among the most amusing society sketches that +recent years have given us. After it Mr. Hichens, perhaps wisely, +devoted himself to much more serious work. In "The Londoners" he +returns to his original manner without making his burlesque so +personal. It is the story of a smart woman, wearied by her position +and its duties, who seeks to get out of society. The idea is an +original one, and when contrasted with the efforts of a second heroine +to get into society, the result is wholly delightful. The story has +already attained a considerable popularity. +</P> + +<P> +With a cover designed by Claude F. Bragdon. 12mo. Cloth. Second +impression. $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +FLAMES: A LONDON FANTASY +</P> + +<P> +The book is sure to be widely read.—<I>Buffalo Commercial</I>. +</P> + +<P> +It carries on the attention of the reader from the first chapter to the +last. Full of exciting incidents, very modern, excessively up to +date.—<I>London Daily Telegraph</I>. +</P> + +<P> +In his last book Mr. Hichens has entirely proved himself. His talent +does not so much lie in the conventional novel, but more in his strange +and fantastic medium. "Flames" suits him, has him at his best.—<I>Pall +Mail Gazette</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"Flames" is a powerful story, not only for the novelty of its plot, but +for the skill with which it is worked out, the brilliancy of its +descriptions of the London streets, of the seamy side of the city's +life which night turns to the beholder; but the descriptions are +neither erotic nor morbid. * * * We may repudiate the central idea of +soul-transference, but the theory is made the vehicle of this striking +tale in a manner that is entirely sane and wholesome. It leaves no bad +taste in the mouth. * * * "Flames"—it is the author's fancy that the +soul is like a little flame, and hence the title—must be read with +care. There is much epigrammatic writing in it that will delight the +literary palate. It Is far and away ahead of anything that Mr. Hichens +has ever written before.—<I>Brooklyn Eagle</I>. +</P> + +<P> +With a cover designed by F. R. Kimbrough. 12mo. Cloth. Second +impression. $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By JULIA MAGRUDER +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +A REALIZED IDEAL +</P> + +<P> +Miss Julia Magruder has by this time firmly established her reputation +as one of the most popular of our younger writers. Many readers had +their introduction to her when "The Princess Sonia" began in the pages +of <I>The Century Magazine</I>, and all agreed that the most charming +love-story they had read for years came from this almost unknown +Southern girl. +</P> + +<P> +Since then "The Violet" and a volume of short stories, entitled, "Miss +Ayr of Virginia," have appeared. In the title of this latest volume, +Miss Magruder, in a way, makes the confession that she is an old +fashioned writer. At least she is not modern in some of the unpleasant +meanings of the word. In her book, "ideals" are sometimes to be +"realized," and the whole story is an unobtrusive protest in favor of +sweetness and of sentiment in fiction. +</P> + +<P> +The volume is bound in an exceedingly good design by Frank Hazenplug, +in three colors. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +MISS AYR OF VIRGINIA AND OTHER STORIES +</P> + +<P> +By means of original incident and keen portraiture, "Miss Ayr of +Virginia, and Other Stories," is made a decidedly readable collection. +In the initial tale the character of the young Southern girl is +especially well drawn; Miss Magruder's most artistic work, however, is +found at the end of the volume, under the title "Once More."—<I>The +Outlook</I>. +</P> + +<P> +The contents of "Miss Ayr of Virginia" are not less fascinating than +the cover. * * * These tales * * * are a delightful diversion for a +spare hour. They are dreamy without being candidly realistic, and are +absolutely refreshing in the simplicity of the author's style.—<I>Boston +Herald</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Julia Magruder's stores are so good that one feels like reading +passages here and there again and again. In the collection, "Miss Ayr +of Virginia and Other Stories," she is at her best, and "Miss Ayr of +Virginia," has all the daintiness, the point and pith and charm which +the author so well commands. The portraiture of a sweet, +unsophisticated, pretty, smart Southern girl is +bewitching.—<I>Minneapolis Times</I>. +</P> + +<P> +With a cover designed by F. R. Kimbrough. 16mo. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By HAROLD FREDERIC +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +GLORIA MUNDI: A NOVEL +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Frederic's two triumphs of the last few years have been "The +Damnation of Theron Ware" in serious fiction and "March Hares" in a +light and brilliantly witty style which is all his own. "Gloria Mundi" +comes as his first work since the publication of these two successful +books—and happily enough—it combines the keen thoughtful analysis of +the one with the delicacy of touch of the other. Mr. Frederic takes +for his hero a young man brought up without much attention in the south +of France, who, by a wholly unexpected combination of circumstances, +falls heir to an English earldom. His entire training has unfitted him +for the position, and Mr. Frederic makes much of the difficulties it +forces upon him. The other characters are some good and bad members of +the nobility, an "actress-lady," and a typewriter. +</P> + +<P> +12mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Damnation of Theron Ware." 11.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE DAMNATION OF THERON WARE +</P> + +<P> +It is unnecessary at this time to say much of "The Damnation of Theron +Ware" or "Illumination" as it is called in England. The sales have +already reached thirty-five thousand, which is in itself the most +substantial evidence of the novel's readableness. Owing to the failure +of its former publishers the book was temporarily out of print, but it +is now enjoying a constant and certain success. +</P> + +<P> +The merit of the book is worthy of special praise because of the +exceptional strength, variety, and originality of the +characters.—<I>Cleveland World</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Frederic has written a daring story, and one which is doubly +impressive because of the straightforward simplicity of his manner of +presenting his case. His attack is certainly a bold one, and it will +be strange if he does not bring down the unanimous maledictions of the +cloth on his devoted head.—<I>Chicago Evening Post</I>. +</P> + +<P> +12mo. Cloth. Thirty-fifth thousand. $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By H. C. CHATFIELD-TAYLOR +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE VICE OF FOOLS +</P> + +<P> +A novel of society life in Washington. +</P> + +<P> +The great success of Mr. Chatfield-Taylor's society novels gives +assurance of a large sale to this new story. It can hardly be denied +that few persons in this country are better qualified to treat the +"smart set" in various American cities, and the life in diplomatic +circles offers an unusually picturesque opportunity. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Chatfield-Taylor has brought out a fourth novel, and one which is +distinctly a gain in style over his previous achievements in that line. +As a series of society scenes the panorama of the book is perfect. A +dinner at the Hungarian embassy is detailed with much humor, great +pictorial power and keen knowledge. The dialogue may be characterized +heartily as crisp, witty, and sparkling. Mr. Chatfield-Taylor proves +himself a past master of epigram; and if society were to talk a tenth +as well as he represents there would be no cause for accusing it of +frivolity.—<I>Chicago Times-Herald</I>. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. With ten full-page illustrations by Raymond M. Crosby. +Fifth thousand. $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +TWO WOMEN AND A FOOL +</P> + +<P> +The story of an actress, an artist and a very sweet girl. The scenes +are laid in Chicago, London, and Paris; in theatres, studios, and +bachelor apartments. It is the history of an infatuation—with moral +interludes. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. H. C. Chatfield-Taylor, whom Paul Bourget has named as the most +promising novelist of American social life, has given us a clever story +in "Two Women and a Fool." The tale is retrospective; one hears it +from the lips of Guy, an artist; and it concerns his love for two +women, a very naughty and an extremely nice one, Moira and Dorothy +respectively. Moira, who becomes a soubrette, leads Guy, who becomes a +successful artist, a tremendous pace, wearying him at length, but still +holding the power to revive him with her look that allures. The +romance leaps from Chicago to London and Paris and back to the Windy +City again. It is steadily entertaining, and its dialogue, which is +always witty, is often brilliant. C. D. Gibson's pictures are really +illustrative.—<I>Philadelphia Press</I>. +</P> + +<P> +18mo. Cloth. With frontispiece by C. D. Gibson. Ninth thousand. +$0.75. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By F. FRANKFORT MOORE +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE JESSAMY BRIDE +</P> + +<P> +One of the best stories of recent years. It had no large success on +publication but the sale has steadily increased, every reader +recommending it to others. Mr. George Merriam Hyde writes in the <I>Book +Buyer</I>: +</P> + +<P> +"The story seems to me the strongest and sincerest bit of fiction I +have read since "Quo Vadis." +</P> + +<P> +The <I>Bookman</I> says of it: +</P> + +<P> +"A novel in praise of the most lovable of men of letters, not even +excepting Charles Lamb, must be welcome, though in it the romance of +Goldsmith's life may be made a little too much of for strict truth * * +* Mr. Moore has the history of the time and of the special circle at +his finger-ends. He has lived in its atmosphere, and his transcripts +are full of vivacity. * * * "The Jessamy Bride" is a very good story, +and Mr. Moore has never written anything else so chivalrous to man or +woman." +</P> + +<P> +12mo. Cloth. Third impression. $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +THE IMPUDENT COMEDIAN AND OTHERS +</P> + +<P> +A volume of capital short stories relating to seventeenth and +eighteenth centuries characters—Nell Gwynn, Kitty Olive, Oliver +Goldsmith, Dr. Johnson, and David Garrick. They are bright, witty and +dramatic. +</P> + +<P> +The person who has a proper eye to the artistic in fiction will possess +them ere another day shall dawn.—<I>Scranton Tribune</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Full of the mannerisms of the stage and thoroughly Bohemian in +atmosphere.—<I>Boston Herald</I>. +</P> + +<P> +The celebrated actresses whom he takes for his heroines sparkle with +feminine liveliness of mind.—<I>New York Tribune</I>. +</P> + +<P> +A collection of short stories which has a flash of the picturesqueness, +the repartee, the dazzle of the age of Garrick and Goldsmith, and Peg +Wellington and Kitty Clive.—<I>Hartford Courant</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. F. Frankfort Moore had a capital idea when he undertook to throw +into story form some of the traditional incidents of the history of the +stage in its earlier English days. Nell Gwynn, Kitty Clive, Mrs. +Siddons, Mrs. Abbington and others are cleverly depicted, with much of +the swagger and flavor of their times.—<I>The Outlook</I>. +</P> + +<P> +12mo. Cloth, $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By MARIA LOUISE POOL +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +A GOLDEN SORROW +</P> + +<P> +This novel was running serially in <I>Godey's Magazine</I> at the time of +Miss Pool's death. It will not, however, be completed in that +periodical, but will be issued at once in book form. It is a story of +love and adventure in St. Augustine, much more exciting than Miss +Pool's stories usually are, but with all her delightful sense of humor. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY +</P> + +<P> +"In Buncombe County" is bubbling over with merriment—one could not be +blue with such a companion for an hour.—<I>Boston Times</I>. +</P> + +<P> +It is brimming over with humor, and the reader who can follow the +fortunes of the redbird alone, who flutters through the first few +chapters, and not be moved to long laughter, must be sadly insensitive. +But laugh as he may, he will always revert to the graver vein which +unobtrusively runs from the first to the last page in the book. He +will lay down the narrative of almost grotesque adventure with a keen +remembrance of its tenderness and pathos.—<I>New York Tribune</I>. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Boards. Second impression, $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +IN A DIKE SHANTY +</P> + +<P> +Of the same general character as this author's "Tenting on Stony +Beach," but written with more vigor and compactness. Each of the +persons in this outing-sketch is strongly individualized, and an +effective little love story is interwoven. The author has a certain +hardness of tone which gives strength to her work.—<I>Atlantic Monthly</I>. +</P> + +<P> +With a cover designed by Frank Hazenplug. 16mo. Cloth. 11.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By ELIA W. PEATTIE +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +PIPPINS AND CHEESE +</P> + +<P> +A book of stories and conversations telling how a number of persons ate +a number of dinners at various times and places. +</P> + +<P> +A group of stories which bear the marks of faithful care and polishing, +of deep feeling and an understanding of the heights and depths of the +soul, stories which must be a satisfaction to their author, are +included in the gray-and-green volume, with its quaint title, "Pippins +and Cheese," with the name of Mrs. Elia W. Peattie below.—<I>Chicago +Daily News</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Mrs. Peattie proves without doubt her versatility and talent for +short-story-telling, and "Pippins and Cheese" is a good example of the +work of a Western writer Chicago is glad to claim.—<I>Chicago Evening +Post</I>. +</P> + +<P> +With a cover designed by Frank Hazenplug. 16mo. Cloth. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +A MOUNTAIN WOMAN +</P> + +<P> +The collection of brief stories of Western life which Mrs. Elia W. +Peattie put forth under the title of "A Mountain Woman" is decidedly +out of the ordinary. These tales are vigorous in conception, and are +gracefully and affectively told.—<I>New York Tribune</I>. +</P> + +<P> +If anyone were to name the best quality of the Western school of +fiction, it would be a very fine sincerity untouched by cynicism; +faithfulness to reality, and yet a belief in the real human nature that +it finds. This is the best democracy. * * * Mrs. Peattie has done +some work very characteristic of her school, and yet individual. One +is impressed at the very outset with the honesty and vitality of her +observations.—<I>The Bookman</I>. +</P> + +<P> +We wish to call most particular attention to a collection of short +Western stories by Mrs. Peattie, entitled "A Mountain Woman." The book +contains several of the best tales of Western life ever written. The +Nebraska stories throw so true a light upon recent conditions in the +sub-arid belt that they explain, better than any political speeches or +arguments could do, the reasons why men in that part of the country are +advocating free silver.—<I>Review of Reviews</I>. +</P> + +<P> +With a cover designed by Bruce Rogers. 16mo. Cloth. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By GEORGE ADE +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +PINK MARSH +</P> + +<P> +A story of the Streets and Town. +</P> + +<P> +There is, underlying these character sketches, a refinement of feeling +that wins and retains one's admiration.—<I>St. Louis Globe-Democrat</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Here is a perfect triumph of characterization ... Pink must become a +household word.—<I>Kansas City Star</I>. +</P> + +<P> +It is some time since we have met with a more amusing character than is +"Pink Marsh," or to give him his full title, William Pinckney Marsh of +Chicago.... "Pink" is not a conventional "coon" of the comic paper and +the variety ball, but a genuine flesh and blood type, presented with a +good deal of literary and artistic skill.—<I>New York Sun</I>. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "Artie." With forty full-page +illustrations by John T. McCutcheon. Eighth thousand. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +ARTIE +</P> + +<P> +A story of the Streets and Town. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. Ade shows all the qualities of a successful novelist.—<I>Chicago +Tribune</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Artie is a character, and George Ade has limned him deftly as well as +amusingly. Under his rollicking abandon and recklessness we are made +to feel the real sense and sensitiveness, and the worldly wisdom of a +youth whose only language is that of a street-gamin. As a study of the +peculiar type chosen, it is both typical and inimitable.—<I>Detroit Free +Press</I>. +</P> + +<P> +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "Pink Marsh." With many illustrations by +John T. McCutcheon. Sixteenth thousand. $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By HENRY JAMES +</H3> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +IN THE CAGE: A NOVELETTE +</P> + +<P> +With every recent story Mr. James seems to have entered a new field. +"What Maisie Knew" was certainly a wide departure from his previous +work, and "In The Cage," the life of a girl behind the wire screen of +an English telegraph office, is as novel as one could wish. The story +is slight and the incidents are few, but the charm of Mr. James's +style, the absolute precision of his expression, the keenness of the +analysis make the book remarkable in contemporary fiction. +</P> + +<P> +We could not wish for a better representation of the art of Mr. Henry +James. In appearance it is only a sketch of a girl who works the +telegraph in an office that is part of a grocer's shop in the West End, +but as background there is the extravagant world of fashion throwing +out disjointed hints of vice and intrigue in messages handed in as +indifferently as if the operator were only part of the machine. +Nevertheless, she is a woman, too, and feminine interest and curiosity +so quicken her wits that she is able to piece together "the high +encounter with life, the large and complicated game" of her customers. +This, in fact, is the romance in her life, the awakening touch to her +imagination, and it is brought into skilful contrast with the +passionless commonplace of her own love.—<I>Academy</I>. +</P> + +<P> +12mo. Cloth. Uniform with "What Maisie Knew." $1.25. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +WHAT MAISIE KNEW: A NOVEL +</P> + +<P> +Henry James's masterpiece.—<I>Chicago Times-Herald</I>. +</P> + +<P> +It will rank as one of his most notable achievements.—<I>New York Sun</I>. +</P> + +<P> +The book contains some of the author's cleverest dialogue.—<I>New York +Tribune</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"What Maisie Knew," taken all in all, contains some of the keenest, +most profound analysis which has yet come from the pen of that subtle +writer. There is no question that Henry James's latest work will +sell.—<I>New York Commercial Advertiser</I>. +</P> + +<P> +It is quite impossible to ignore that, if the word have any +significance and is ever to be used at all, we are here dealing with +genius. This is a work of genius as much as Mr. Meredith's best +work.—<I>Pall Mall Gazette</I>. +</P> + +<P> +12mo. Third impression. $1.50. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YOKE. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR><BR><BR><BR> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Checkers, by Henry M. Blossom + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHECKERS *** + +***** This file should be named 31813-h.htm or 31813-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/1/8/1/31813/ + +Produced by Al Haines + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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Blossom + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Checkers + A Hard-luck Story + +Author: Henry M. Blossom + +Release Date: March 28, 2010 [EBook #31813] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHECKERS *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + + +[Frontispiece: CHECKERS] + + + + +CHECKERS + + +A HARD-LUCK STORY BY + +HENRY M. BLOSSOM Jr. + + + + +HERBERT S. STONE & COMPANY + +CHICAGO & NEW YORK + +MDCCCXCIX + + + + +COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY + +HERBERT S. STONE & CO. + + +TWENTY-FIFTH THOUSAND + + + + +TO MY FRIEND, + +ELLIS WAINWRIGHT. + + + + +Checkers + + +I + +I had never before attended the races. "The sport of kings" is not +popular in Boston, my former home, but here in Chicago every one turns +out on Derby Day, if at no other time. And so, catching something of +the general enthusiasm, my friend Murray Jameson, who by the way is +something of a sport, and I, who by the same token am not, found +ourselves driving a very smart trap out Michigan avenue, amidst a +throng of coaches, cabs, breaks and buggies, people and conveyances of +every description--beautiful women beautifully costumed, young men, +business men, toughs and wantons--all on their way to Washington Park, +and all in a fever of excitement over the big race to be run that +afternoon--the great American Derby. + +"Now Jack," said Murray, as in due process we reached our box and sat +gazing at the crowds about and below us, "it strikes me that we should +have a small bet of some sort on the different races, just to liven +things up a bit. What say we go down into the betting ring and have a +look at the odds?" + +"As you like," I answered, rising to show my willingness; "but you will +have to do the necessary, I do n't know one horse from another." + +"The less you know the more apt you are to win," said Murray airily; +"but if you say so, I 'll make one bet for both of us, share and share +alike. No plunging goes to-day though, Jack; we do n't want to gamble. +We 'll have up a couple of dollars, just to focalize the interest. If +we lose it won't amount to much, and if we win--we win. + +"But just a word of warning before we go down. Keep your eye on your +watch and your money, or you 'll get 'touched;' and if we should chance +to be separated in a crowd, be careful not to let anyone 'tout' you." + +Now, if there 's one thing I am especially proud of, it is my ability +to take care of myself in any company, and Murray's patronizing manner, +in view of my professed ignorance, rather galled me. + +"The man who gets my watch or money is welcome to it," I answered +shortly, buttoning my coat about me as we walked along; "and as for +being 'touted'--well, I 'll try to take care of that." + +Whether to be 'touted' was to be held up, buncoed, or drugged and +robbed, I had no definite notion; but I took it to be a confidence game +of some sort and despised it accordingly. + +Just here, following Murray, I elbowed my way into the hottest, +best-natured, most conglomerate crowd it was ever my lot to mingle +with. Merchants, clerks and gilded youths, laborers, gamblers, +negroes, and what-not, money in hand, pushed, pulled and trod upon each +other indiscriminately in their efforts to reach the betting stands. + +The book-makers, ranged along in rows, stood on little platforms in +front of their booths, taking the crowd's money and calling out the +amount and nature of each bet to assistants within who scratched off +and registered corresponding pool-tickets which were quickly returned +to the struggling bettors. + +On a blackboard at the end of each booth were posted the names of the +horses with their jockeys. Against these names the book-makers chalked +up their figures, increasing or lessening the odds from time to time as +the different horses were fancied or neglected in the betting. + +"There 's nothing in this race but Maid Marian," said Murray, scanning +the blackboards critically; "but 4 to 5 is the best I see on her, and I +want even money or nothing"--the which was largely Greek to me until by +questioning and deduction I found the situation in English to be as +follows: + +Maid Marian was judged on breeding and past performance to be much the +best horse in the race, so much so that although about to run with five +or six other racers, the book-makers demanded odds from those who bet +on her in the ratio of 5 to 4. + +When I asked Murray why they did not offer $1 to $1.25 he replied that +"halves and quarters did n't go," and pointed out a sign which read: +"No bets taken under $5." There were several smaller "books," however, +which took $2 bets, and did a thriving business. + +The crowd by this time had become absolutely dense. Murray was +suddenly dragged away by a current in the mob which set towards a +book-maker who had chalked up "even money, Maid Marian." + +I followed long enough to see the "booky" change again to "4 to 5" +before Murray reached him; and then, believing myself about to be +crushed to death, I forced my way to the edge of the ring and stood +hoping that my friend would do likewise. + +A very "horsey" individual, wearing an owner's badge, and a most +disreputable-looking negro were discussing the forthcoming race just +behind me. + +"Dat Maid Marian ain't got no license to win dis race--a mile 's too +fah fo' her, suah," said the darkey. "Sister Mary 'll win--dat 's who +'ll win." + +"Naw! naw!" drawled the other. "Senator Irby 'll come purty near +gettin' de coin, wid Peytonia fer an outside chance. I see Peytonia +work a mighty fast mile yesterday mornin', and I 'm jes' takin' a flyer +on her to win today for luck." + +I glanced at the nearest blackboard--Peytonia 200 to 1!!! + +Would they dare to lay such odds against a horse that had even the +slightest chance of winning? It seemed most unlikely, and yet--I +hesitated. There must be a possibility, or why was the horse in the +race? My sporty-looking friend had said she was fast and had bet upon +her himself. Perhaps I had chanced upon some inside information; and, +after all, $2 was not a very serious matter whether I won or lost. + +I started toward the betting stand, but suddenly stopped short. No, +Murray was to make one bet for both of us, and had undoubtedly done +what he thought was best--I would abide by his judgment. + +But did he know what I knew--where could he be? + +The crowd, which was now surging out of the betting ring toward the +fence and up into the grand stand, thinned out rapidly; but I held my +place, hoping to catch sight of Murray. + +"Come on here and make your bets," yelled the book-makers, with whom +business had begun to grow slack; "they 're at the post--they 'll be +off in a minute." + +I accepted the invitation. Rushing up to the nearest stand, I handed +up two silver dollars. "Peytonia," I said, with all the nonchalance I +could assume. + +"Peytonia," repeated the book-maker; "four hundred to two," and in a +moment more I was the possessor of a fantastically-colored piece of +card-board, on which was scribbled in pencil "Peyt.--400-2." + +Suddenly there was a roar of excitement. + +"They 're off," was the cry from a thousand throats, and I and the +other tardy ones rushed to find a favorable spot from which to view the +race. + +I had n't time to hunt up our box; so making for the fence, I forced my +way in next to the rail just as the horses, all in a bunch, swung +recklessly around the first turn. + +As the race progressed they began to string out, one horse very clearly +taking the lead. + +"The Maid's in front, Senator Irby second," yelled an enthusiast just +beside me. "Where's Sister Mary? Maid Marian 's quittin'. There 's +Flora Thornton. Go on, you Flora. Maid Marian 's out of it. The +Senator 's leadin'. Flora is second. _Just look at Peytonia_. + +I leaned over the rail, my heart in my mouth. Down the stretch they +came at a terrible pace; some three were in front, running almost as +one. In a breath they were by us and under the wire, but which of the +three was first I could not determine. + +Instantly there was a babel of voices, in which Senator Irby, Peytonia +and Flora Thornton were severally declared to have won, and a general +movement toward the judges' stand was inaugurated for the purpose of +learning "the official." + +I had scarcely gone a dozen yards before I ran across Murray, viciously +elbowing his way through the crowd. + +There was something so irresistibly funny in the expression of rueful +chagrin which sat upon his good-natured face, that I forgot my +excitement and began to laugh immoderately. + +"Now, what do you think of that for luck?" he exclaimed on catching +sight of me; "Senator Irby, a stake-horse, to be beaten out by an old +dog like Peytonia? It's enough to--" + +"Peytonia!" I echoed breathlessly, "did Peytonia win?" + +"Of course she won. Did n't you see the race?" + +For a moment I simply could n't speak, but clasping the tighter my +precious ticket, I swallowed heroically at the lump in my throat, while +Murray, unmindful of my silence, continued. + +"You see, Jack, after I left you, I got it straight from a friend of +mine that Maid Marian was out of condition, which left the race, it +seemed to me, a walk-over for Senator Irby. Well, it looked like a +good chance to make a 'killin',' and I put twenty on him at two and a +half to one. Of course I could n't figure on getting nosed out by a +hundred to one shot, but that's the luck I always play in. Well, I 'll +get it back on the third race; I've got a 'cinch' in that. You +understand though, Jack," he added, stopping suddenly, "you have only a +dollar's interest in the losing--I had no right to bet but $2, as was +originally agreed." + +Just here I foresaw a peculiar complication, and I was glad that, in my +desire to appear properly nonchalant, I had not as yet announced my +good fortune. + +"Why, Murray," I exclaimed, slipping my ticket into my pocket, "you are +absolutely absurd. We agreed to share and share alike in the day's +transactions, and I shall insist upon it. Suppose Senator Irby had won +instead of losing, would you have offered me but a dollar's interest in +the winning, simply because I did n't know you were going to bet so +much?" + +"Of course not, you should have had your half; but that is a very +different thing." + +"Different in result perhaps, but not in principle; besides, come to +think of it, I made a little bet myself." + +"You did--how much?" + +"Oh, only $2." + +"Two dollars, eh? Well! That makes us twenty-two out altogether. +Eleven apiece, if you insist upon it, although----" + +"I do insist upon it; so that's settled, and now----" + +"By the way, Jack, what did you bet on?" + +This was the moment of my triumph Handing him the ticket with an air of +assumed carelessness, I covertly watched with keenest relish his +changes of expression, as he ran the gamut of varied emotion from idle +indifference to supreme excitement. + +"Jack!" he exclaimed at last, grabbing my arm. "Jack, my boy! Did you +know----" Just here I laughed and gave the thing away, and then we +both laughed, while Murray improvised superlative similes anent my +luck, and upbraided me for my duplicity. + +"Ahem! two dollars--twenty-two out--eleven apiece, eh, Murray?" I +chuckled mockingly. "Come on now, old man, and show me how to cash +this ticket;" and we made our way toward the betting ring. + +We experienced no delay in getting the money, as not one in a thousand +had won on the race, and the cashiers at the back of the stands had +little or nothing to do. + +I found great difficulty, however, in making Murray accept his rightful +half of the spoils; but out of his own mouth I judged him, and in the +end prevailed. + +The next race, the second, we decided not to bet upon, as the horses +were, according to Murray, only a lot of "selling-platers," and we +needed a little respite from the crowd. + +So we sought our box, and in highest spirits sat watching the masses +surge to and fro, while the freshening breeze blew strong and cool, and +brought up dark clouds which looked like rain. + +"The race after this is the Derby, you know," said Murray, glancing at +his programme. "Now I do n't want to influence you, old man, but I +really believe that Domino will win. He's the best horse in the race, +and with Taral to ride him he ought to be first under the wire. This +time, though, you shall bet for yourself, as you have the proverbial +beginner's luck. Ah, they're off! By Jove! that's a beautiful start." + +"Selling-platers" or not, the second race was a pretty one and I +enjoyed it thoroughly, from start to finish. + +Is there any more pleasurable or intensely interesting sight than that +of a well-appointed race between a number of sleek-limbed +thoroughbreds? The multi-colored satins of the plucky little jockeys, +the whitened fences and the trim greensward lend a picturesqueness; the +buzz and hum of the restless, pushing, ill-assorted crowd adds an +excitement to an ensemble, in my opinion, altogether fascinating. + + + + +II + +And now for the Derby--the great stake race worth so many thousands of +dollars to the winner; the much-talked-of race, in which the most noted +horses in the country, East and West, were to compete for supremacy in +fleetness and endurance, and the most celebrated jockeys to vie with +each other in their peculiar generalship. + +Leaving our box, we joined in the crush and forced our way into the +betting-ring. The crowd was enormous, the interest intense. One had +but to listen for a moment to hear every horse in the race +enthusiastically spoken of as "sure to win." + +As it was simply useless in that crush to try to keep together, Murray +and I decided to go our several ways, and meet in good time at a place +agreed upon. + +Now, although I had said nothing about it, I had quite decided not to +bet upon this event. I had found the second race upon which I had no +bet infinitely more enjoyable than the first, despite the good fortune +chance had thrust upon me; and reasonably so, I think, for with any +kind of a wager up one's interest naturally centers in the performance +of one horse, and the beauty of the race, as a race, is to a great +extent lost sight of. + +With something of this idea in mind, I stood watching the frantic +efforts of the crowd to reach the betting stands, wondering idly the +while where all the money so recklessly offered came from in these days +of universal hard times, when I was suddenly accosted by an unknown +youth who asked to see my programme for a minute, explaining at the +same time that "some guy had pinched his, coming through the crowd." + +I silently complied. + +He studied the programme briefly, smiled a satisfied smile, and +returned it. + +"There 's a good thing coming off in the fourth," he remarked in a +confidential manner. "If I can see you somewhere just before the race +I 'll put you on. It 'll be a 'hot one.'" + +I thanked him. + +"The owner himself is going to 'put me next,'" he continued; "it 'll be +a 'lead-pipe.'" + +I began to be interested. "I should like to know it," I replied, "and +I will wait for you after the Derby. I may not bet on it myself, but I +have a friend who doubtless will, if you will give him the information." + +"I 'll give it to him if he 'll go down the line, but it's going to win +a city block, and we ought to make a killin' on it. I went broke +myself, on Senator Irby, or I 'd have gone home to-night with a +bankroll." + +"Well," I replied, "we 'll see when the time comes. Now, what do you +fancy to win the Derby?" + +He lighted a cigarette and puffed it a moment in silence. + +"It's a dead-tough race," he at last remarked, "and I would n't play it +with counterfeit money. There 's no use in playing any race unless you +'ve got some information. These geezers that play every race go broke. +But it's an easy game to beat if you just stay off till you 're next to +something good, and then plug it hard. Why, if I could shake the +faro-bank and crap-game, I 'd have money to burn ice with. + +"Y' see, take a big stake-race like this, where every horse is a +'cracker-jack,' they 're all of 'em good, and they 've all got a +chance, and you just take my advice and stay off. We 'll have +something good in the fourth that we know, and we just won't do a thing +to it. Well, I must hurry down to the paddocks to see a stable boy I +know; if I hear anything I 'll come back and tell you. But be sure and +be here for the next with your friend, 'cause it's all over now, but +cashing the ticket--so long;" and he dodged away through the crowd. + +Oddly enough, it did not at the moment strike me as in the least +peculiar that I should have been conversing on a basis of perfect +equality with a companion of stable boys and a frequenter of gambling +hells. Nothing further. + +The spirit of easy, good-natured camaraderie was in the very air; and +in the singleness of purpose which animated all--the picking of the +winner--all ranks seemed leveled, all social barriers cast aside. + +Again, he had proved in our few minutes' talk a new, and to me an +interesting, type; and I resolved to keep the appointment, if for +nothing more than to study him further. + +He was a young man, certainly not over twenty-three, short, slight, and +becomingly dressed. His face was thin, smooth-shaven and red, but +somehow peculiarly prepossessing. His deep blue eyes and long black +lashes might have atoned for much less attractive features; and the +lines which ran from his well-shaped nose to the corners of his clear +cut lips suggested a hard lived life which I afterwards learned did not +belie them. + +A glance at my watch discovered the fact that it lacked but a few +minutes of my appointment with Murray, and I began to slowly edge my +way to the point of our rendezvous. + +I reached it promptly on the minute and stood awaiting his tardy +coming, when suddenly my arm was grasped and I turned to find my new +acquaintance. + +He was all excitement and breathing hard, as though in the greatest +possible hurry. + +"Come here," he said in a low quick voice; and he beckoned me into a +quiet corner. "I 've been looking for you everywhere. Now listen a +minute and do n't ask questions; Domino's got a 'dickey' leg, and he +won't be a thing but last. Garrison tells me that Senator Grady is +going to win in a common canter. Richard Croker 's in the ring, and +the 'bookies' are swipin' it off the boards. Hurry and get in with +your money while there 's a chance to get the odds;" and he started +into the betting ring as though fully expecting I would follow. + +His manner was intensely earnest, and his hurried words and furtive +looks were at once impressive and convincing. I felt my latent +sporting spirit rising strong again, and I began the simple process of +arguing myself out of my former position. + +Some Frenchman, I think, has somewhere said, "A man is his own worst +sharper." However that is, in an argument with one's self the other +side is usually silenced. And so it chanced that, a few minutes later, +I again held a penciled ticket, which this time called for $60 to be +paid in the event of certain contingencies, and for which I had given +$20 of my former winnings. I had also given my Mentor an extra five to +bet for the boy from whom he had received such timely and valuable +information. + +Such reckless plunging I can only excuse upon the grounds of having +been forced into it; for not the least of this versatile youth's many +and varied gifts was the power, not uncommon amongst waiters and +shop-keepers, of shaming his whilom client out of anything approaching +pettiness, by the assumption of that air of blended superiority and +indifference we have all felt the force of at times. + +I had drawn forth my roll with the laudable intention of chancing a two +or perhaps a five, when I was met with the startling proposition that I +"bet fifty each way, to win and for place," and this was followed by so +convincing an array of figures, weights, times and distances, that a +compromise of $20 to win, and a five-dollar bet for the boy, "who could +n't leave the paddocks, but had been promised that the right thing +would be done by him," seemed the least I could do, consistent with my +dignity and self-respect. + +And now to hurry back to Murray. We found him standing watch in hand, +and he began to smile when he saw my companion. + +"Well! well!" he exclaimed in a bantering tone; "so you 've fallen a +prey to Checkers, have you? What loser has he touted you onto, that's +'going to win in a walk, hands down'?" + +"Now, there's a guy that makes me sick," interrupted Checkers, ignoring +the question. "Because he dropped a couple of 'bones' not long ago at +the Harlem track, he made a roar that's echoing still between this and +the Rocky Mountains. The next time I saw him I gave him a 'good thing' +he could have win out on, but he would n't touch it. He don't know the +right way around the track. The book-makers call him 'Ready-Money'--he +'s so easy." + +"Come off now, Checkers," laughed Murray, "you know you never guess 'em +right; the only time your horses win is when the others all fall down. +But really, Jack, what did you play?" + +"I 'm playing Senator Grady, Murray; our friend here told me he could +n't lose." + +"Well, he may be right," said Murray thoughtfully, "but I 'm not +playing the race that way. Domino first, and Despot third, is the way +I figure it ought to come. Grady I think will get the place, but the +odds are better on Despot for third. Well, let's go up in the +grand-stand now, and see them all parade to the post." + +We chanced to find a place for three, in the seats almost opposite the +judges' stand, for I had taken Checkers with me for the pleasure I +found in hearing him talk. + +As yet I had n't made up my mind about Checkers, and I was anxious to +question Murray privately concerning him. He certainly did not look +like a "tout," for the meaning of the word as applied to that genus now +came to me. Rather, he seemed to be playing a fantastic role. He +played it well, I confess, but there was a whimsical air about all that +he said and did which puzzled me greatly. His slang, however, was +natural. Of that there could be no doubt, and he used it with a native +grace, a varied inflection and appositeness which made it seem a part +of him, and therefore robbed it of objection. + +In fact I afterwards discovered, and I grew to know him very well, that +in all his slang there was a pertinence which took a short cut to the +gist of things; a humor, dry and sometimes broad, but never vulgar, and +seldom profane. + +The bugle calling the horses to the post sounded soon after we took our +seats, and shortly they began to appear parading in order past the +grand-stand. + +Domino, Dorian and Senator Grady, the three eastern horses, favorites +in the betting, were cheered as they passed to the very echo; while +others of the eight had their many supporters, who had backed their +belief with some share of their wealth, at longer and much more +interesting odds. + +"There's the baby'll get the dough," said Checkers, as Senator Grady +passed. "He's the finest that ever came over the pike. How on earth +are they going to beat him?" + +I glanced at Murray, who simply smiled and fixed his eyes upon Domino. + +The horses were soon lined up for the start, and after three or four +attempts, the starter caught them well in motion, dropped the flag, and +the race was "off." + +"Domino in the lead," laughed Murray. "I hope he keeps it all around." + +Checkers was muttering under his breath some words of--well, +disapprobation. + +"Now look at that start and burst out cryin'," he groaned in a bitter +tone. "Grady absolutely last, and Domino gets off in front. That +starter never was any good; talk about his startin' a race, why! that +bloke could n't start a fire;" and he lighted another cigarette by way +of partial consolation. + +The horses were nearing the grand-stand now, which was for them the +half-mile post, for the race was to be a mile and one-half, or once and +one-half around the track. Their positions had changed since the drop +of the flag, for as they passed us Alcenor led, Resplendent was second, +Prince Carl third, and Senator Grady was now a good fourth. + +"Say! girls, look at Grady," yelled Checkers excitedly. "Why, he 'll +back in by twenty lengths. There's the place to have him laying, third +or fourth, till they hit the stretch; then Garrison will cut him loose, +and beat 'em all in a grand-stand finish. Those dogs in front can't +hold that pace; they 'll throw up their tails and quit at a mile;" and +Checkers puffed the cigarette between his yellow, smoke-stained +fingers, with a look of placid unconcern which I myself was far from +feeling. + +Suddenly he jumped to his feet with an exclamation of surprise. Grady +had suddenly gone to the front as though the others were standing +still, and it looked as though his jockey, Garrison, intended to make +it a runaway race. At the mile he led by a length and a half, and it +seemed to me he would surely win. + +The crowds in their intense excitement bustled and buzzed like so many +bees. Cries of "Grady!" filled the air, and thousands yelled in +frenzied glee. I confess I lost my self-control and whooped as loudly +as any one. + +"D 'ye see," said Checkers, "that's what it is to have reliable +information. Talk about Domino's winning, why, he can't beat a fat man +up a hill;" and he cast a pitying glance at Murray, and climbed on his +seat for a better view. + +Across the level stretch of greensward the horses looked almost like +playthings. Up the back stretch on they went, with Grady now a length +in front. The others were rapidly closing up, and the final struggle +was soon to begin. At the further turn it seemed to me they slackened +up for a breathing spell; but on they came again faster and faster, +with Grady but half a length in front. + +The noisy chatter suddenly ceased and an interested silence fell upon +all. My heart was beating a wild tattoo. I felt as though I were +burning up. + +Murray was wholly occupied in helping Domino along, by calling his name +in a low, quick voice, and energetically snapping his fingers (a +process commonly known as "pulling," and thought by the cult to be +efficacious). + +I glanced at Checkers. Disappointment was clearly written across his +face. + +"We 're up against it," he said despondently. "Garrison 's give us the +double-cross. He had no business settin' the pace. There 's some one +going after him now. Go on, you Grady! Wiggle yourself! They 've +collared him! They 're passing him!" And sure enough some +fleet-limbed bay was drawing ahead of our beautiful brown in a way that +left us little hope of ever getting in front again. + +Around the turn and into the stretch, nearer they raced in a cloud of +dust. The leader was gaining at every jump, but Grady hung to second +place. Taral now called upon Domino, and at once the colt responded +gamely. But his time had gone, and the gallant horse that never before +had lost a race fell back with the others, hopelessly beaten, and +Taral, seeing that all was lost, pulled up and galloped slowly in. +Martin on Despot came out of the bunch, and, passing Prince Carl, set +sail for Grady, while Garrison, riding as though for his life, made +every effort to hold his own. + +Within one hundred yards of the wire the leader had six lengths to +spare. His jockey was riding in leisurely fashion, glancing around +from time to time, to watch the struggle that Despot was making to +wrest the place from Senator Grady. + +Whipping and spurring they thundered past us, fighting it out to the +finishing post. By it they flashed, the bay horse first, Grady second +and Despot third. Garrison's riding had saved him the place, but the +race had been won by "a rank outsider." + +For a moment or two the crowd was silent--dumb with surprise and +disappointment. Few, if any, cheered the winner; thousands inwardly +cursed the favorites. + +Quickly the word was passed along, "Rey El Santa Anita wins." + +"Lucky Baldwin's horse," said Checkers. "The odds were an easy fifty +to one. Grady second! D 'ye see, if you 'd have played him for place +as I wanted you to, we 'd have saved our stake. But you would n't +'thaw out,' and now your ticket's a souvenir. We 'd have win as it was +with a good boy up. That settles Garrison for me. There 's a jockey +that ought to be driving cows instead of riding a sprinter like Grady, +and pumping him out in the first three-quarters. Domino last! That +'good thing.' Well; I knew from the start that he was a 'lobster.'" + +Murray flushed up. "Well, any way, I won on Despot for third," he +said, "enough to put me ahead on the race, and cover your losing on +Grady, Jack. But, Jove, what a harvest the bookies have reaped. There +were thousands of dollars bet on Domino and the other favorites, and +there probably were n't a dozen bets in all on Rey El Santa Anita. +It's a terrible thing this gambling, Jack, when you come to look it +square in the face. Just think of the money gone to swell the pile of +a lot of miserable gamblers, and think of the poor deluded mortals who +play this game day after day, constant in the fatuous hope of some day +making a brilliant coup, and squaring themselves on their years of +losing. Fortune 'jollies' them along with temporary small successes, +and having gained their confidence proceeds to throw them down the +harder. Disappointment, misery, embezzlement, suicide, follow it all +as effect follows cause--and still the game goes on." + +"Well, anyway, I 'm glad we touched them, and we 'll take good care +that they do n't get it back. By Jove, it's nearly 4 o'clock. I 'm +afraid we ought to be going, Jack. It's a long drive in, and recollect +we have a date for dinner to-night. Come on, I 'll cash this Despot +ticket, and then we 'll make a start for home." + +"Home!" exclaimed Checkers. "You're not going home? Why this is the +race I 've been waiting for. You do n't want to miss a lunch like +this. It's a puddin'; it's a tapioca. Honest, it's a regular gift; +the chance of your life to make a 'killin'." + +But to all his entreaties we lent a deaf ear though he talked with a +masterful eloquence. I confess, however, to one more weakness. I gave +him a ten which he swore to return. (Murray was standing in line with +his ticket.) He said he would "play it carefully, and gradually win +himself out of the hole." I felt at the time that I was a "sucker," +but somehow he had a persuasive way. + + + + +III + +A number of weeks had come and gone ere I again laid eyes upon +Checkers, and then it chanced most unexpectedly. + +I had stayed at my office late one evening, finishing up some odd jobs +which I had allowed to accumulate. The additional work and the +lateness of the hour lent a keen edge to my appetite, and I decided to +dine down town and perhaps drop into one of the theaters. + +As I hastened along on my way to Kinsley's (I am not a member of the +down-town clubs) a figure stepped out of a neighboring doorway, and +brushed against me in passing. It was Checkers. I knew him at once. +But I gave no sign of recognition and hoped to escape him unobserved. +A futile hope, for he knew me as quickly, and in an instant was by my +side. + +"Why, Mr. Preston," he exclaimed grabbing and shaking my passive hand. +"Say, on the dead, I 'm glad to see you; why is it you have n't been +out to the track? I 've had 'something good' nearly every day. I wish +I had seen you an hour ago. I 've been playing 'the bank,' and they +'ve cleaned me flat. They say that's the squarest game on earth, but +the cards do run dead wrong for me. Where you going--to eat? Well, +say, as the tramp says, 'Me stomach tinks me troat's cut.' Back me +against a supper, will you? It's a hundred to one I get the best of +it." And so he rattled on and on, never waiting for his questions to +be answered, careless and slangy as ever. + +As I turned into Kinsley's I hesitated, as to whether simply to dismiss +him straight, or to give him a dollar and tell him to go and satisfy +his evident hunger. He saw me pause and read my thoughts, but he did +not propose thus to be disposed of. + +"Come on," he said, starting quickly ahead and entering the elevator. +"We 're going up to the cafe, ain't we?" + +I was greatly minded to turn on my heel and tell him to go to the +deuce, if he chose. But his manner was wholly ingenuous, and "after +all," I said to myself, "I'm tired and he 's amusing. It's something +after 8 o'clock and no one will be here at such an hour." At all +events I disliked a scene, and so I simply acquiesced, and took him to +a quiet corner of the large dining-room, where I seated myself in such +a way as to have my back to whomsoever might come in. + +Without consulting the taste of my guest, I ordered a steak with +mushrooms, potatoes, a salad, dessert and a bottle of claret, and began +to read the evening paper. + +For perhaps ten minutes we both were silent. I glanced at Checkers +several times as I folded my paper in or out. He seemed to be lost in +a reverie. But at last his thoughts came back to earth, and glancing +up he said very softly, "The last time I took supper here was with my +wife a year ago." + +"Your wife," I exclaimed, starting with surprise. "You do n't mean to +tell me you have a wife?" + +"I had a wife," he answered sorrowfully, "but----" + +"I beg you pardon, Checkers," I said, "I hope I have n't hurt your +feelings." + +"No, you have n't hurt them," he replied. "I 've got my feelings +educated. I 've had so many ups and downs I 've learned to take my +medicine. But I 'll bet I 've had the toughest luck of any guy that +ever lived. A' year ago I had money, a wife and friends, and was doing +the Vanderbilt act. In two short weeks I lost them all. I 've been +'on my rollers' ever since. + +"But say, you wouldn't have known me if you 'd seen me here with my +wife that time--my glad rags on, a stove-pipe lid, patent leather kicks +and a stone on my front. We came to Chicago to take in the Fair, and +dropped in here to eat, one night. + +"We sat at that table over there; I remember it as though it was +yesterday. I ordered all kinds of supper, and at last the waiter +brings in some cheese and crackers. It was a kind of a greenish, +mouldy cheese--Rocquefort! Yes, I believe that's it. I goes against a +little piece of it, and 'on the grave,' I like to fainted. Good! +Well, maybe you think it's good, but scratch your Uncle Dudley out of +any race where they enter Rocquefort. + +"Yes; those were happy days for me. I hate to think about them now. I +had a good time while it lasted, though, and when they got me 'on the +tram,' I had to go to hustlin'. Well, here comes supper. Excuse me +now, while I get busy with a piece of that steak." + +"But, Checkers," I expostulated, "I 'd like to hear the particulars. +You must have an interesting story to tell. And if you don't mind----" + +"Oh, I do n't know. It's a hard luck story. I've had the hot end of +it most of my life. But you can see for yourself that I'm no 'scrub.' +I come from good people, and I 've lived with good people. I can put +up a parlor talk, or a bar-room talk. I've seen it all. But of course +when a fellow 'hits the toboggan,' he gets to going down mighty fast." + +"I appreciate all that, my boy," I said, "or I should n't have brought +you here; and now if you will, while we are eating our dinner, give me +a little sketch of how it all happened." + +"Well, there is n't very much to tell as I know of--at least, anything +that would interest you. To look back now it kind of seems as though +things just pushed themselves along. + +"You see, in the first place, my father and Uncle Giles, his brother, +both fought in the war. Well, father got shot and came home a cripple. +About ten years afterwards I was born. Then father died, and mother +got a pension. She had some little money besides. After the war Uncle +Giles came back and hung around our house. He was 'flat,' and he +couldn't get a job. But he finally got some pension-shark to push a +pension through for him, and after that he 'pulled his freight' and +went to Baltimore to live. Mother and I stayed here in Chicago. + +"Well, I went to school until I was twelve, and then I went to work in +a store. Mother's health was very bad, though, and at last we went +South on account of her lungs. We went to San Antonio, and at first +the air kind of did her good. I gets a job in a dry goods store, and +things are rollin' pretty smooth, when one night mother takes to +coughing, has a hemorrhage and dies. + +"There's no use trying to tell you my feelings. Mother was dead and I +was alone. There was hardly a soul to come to her funeral. The +minister and a few of the neighbors came in--my God, it was simply +awful. I was still a kid, only fifteen, you see, and I felt the +terrible lonesomeness of it. + +"Well, mother had saved considerable money--twenty-six hundred dollars +in all. I sold our furniture and came to Chicago, and went to board +with some friends of the family. I worked more or less for two or +three years; but my money made me kind of 'flossy,' and whenever I 'd +feel like it, I 'd just throw up the job and quit. + +"After a while I got so I did n't try to work. I fell in with a gang +of sports that used to hang around the pool-rooms, and pretty soon +'your little Willie' was losing his money right and left. The local +meeting came along, and I took to going out to the track. I was nearly +broke when one day a tout tried to 'get me down' on a 'good thing' he +had. I told him I would n't play it, but I afterwards shook him and +put twenty on it--I 'm a goat if it did n't win, and I pulled down a +thousand. I looked for the guy who gave me the tip, but I could n't +find him anywhere. I guess he fell dead with surprise himself--at +least I 've never seen him since. + +"Now, about that time, I had to quit the family I was living with. +They broke up housekeeping and moved away, leaving me on a cold, cold +world. After that I did nothing but play the races. I followed them +from town to town--St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, New +Orleans--winning a little now and then, but up against it most of the +time. + +"I got the malaria down south, and I took a notion I 'd go to Hot +Springs. You ever been there? No? Well say, you talk about your +sportin' life--there is the onliest place to see it. Every kind of a +gamblin' game you ever heard of runnin' wide--and everybody goes +against 'em. + +"I had heard that some of the games were crooked, and I thought I 'd be +foxy and leave them alone. I left my leather full of bills with the +clerk up in the hotel safe. + +"A little more potato, please. Thanks, I am hungry, and that's no +dream. + +"Well, as I was saying, one day at the bath I meets a young guy in the +cooling-room, and he springs a system to beat roulette, which figures +out a mortal cinch. I do n't remember the system now, but I recollect +we tried it ourselves on a private wheel, and it could n't lose. The +only trouble with it was that with luck against us we might get soaked +in doubling up before we win. But we made up our minds to begin it +small, and be content with a little profit. + +"We had a bank-roll of $600--four from me and two from him. I was to +have two-thirds of the profits, because I risked two thirds of the +stuff. + +"It was Thursday night we set to try it. Thursday was always my Jonah +day. I wanted to wait until Saturday, but he did n't want to wait that +long. I was to do the playing while he kept tab and told me what to do +each whirl. + +"Well, we buys a stack of a hundred chips, and runs them up to two +hundred and fifty. I says, 'let's quit,' but he was stuck on pushing +our luck while it came our way. We played along for half an hour, and +hardly varied $50; then, all at once, we 'struck the slide,' and I had +to buy another stack. We lost that; bought another and lost it, and +stood in the hole $300. + +"All the while we were playing the system, and I had a 'hunch' that if +we kept on it would pull us out. So I starts to buy another stack when +Kendall--his name was Arthur Kendall--stops me and says he wants to +quit. Quit, with half our money gone! I was so sore I could have +smashed him. And while we stood there arguing, without a nickel on the +board, the wheel was rollin' dead our way--enough to have put us ahead +of the game. + +"I gave him his hundred, and told him to 'take it and chase himself'--I +was through with him. I stuck to the game until five in the morning. +They got every cent I had in the world. + +"Well, I went to the hotel and went to bed, but I lay there wondering +how I was going to dig up the money to pay my bill, and give me a start +when my luck turned again. The longer I wondered the tougher it +seemed. Finally I ordered an absinthe frappe--it kind of gave me a new +idea. I 'd put up a song to my Uncle Giles, and try to make a little +'touch.' + +"I had n't seen or heard of him for half a dozen years, but I thought +after all we had done for him, he could n't hardly lay down on his +nephew. + +"Well, I wrote him a letter that would have brought tears to a pair of +glass eyes. Say, it was the literary effort of my life. Of course, I +did n't just stick to the facts. Then I goes down and gets me a little +breakfast, and begins to feel like myself again. + +"This was Friday. Saturday my hotel bill was coming due. I had to +make a killin' somehow to get my trunk and clothes away. + +"I chased myself from joint to joint, but I could n't get next to +anything. There was n't a thing I could hock nor no one that I could +'give the borry.' Have you ever been flat broke, Mr. Preston, with not +a nickel in your jeans; no one to stake you; no place to go, and +nothing to keep you from starving to death? You haven't, eh? Well, +then you do n't begin to know what trouble is. You feel as though +every one had you 'sized,' or as though you were going to be arrested. +You can't help thinking about the stuff you blew so reckless when you +were flush--the night you got out and spent a hundred, and say, if you +only had it now! You take a paralyzed oath on your mother that if you +ever get right again you'll 'salt your stuff' and be a 'tight-wad'--and +then you remember you 're broke again. I 've been up against some dead +tough luck, and I 've had some fancy crimps put in me, but somehow I +'ve never felt so 'on my uppers' as I did at the Springs that night. + +"Say, if this hard-luck story of mine gets tiresome to you, ring me +off. I did n't think I 'd be so long in getting to where my troubles +began." + +I assured him that I felt the tale immensely interesting, as indeed I +did, not only in its mere detail, but taken in connection with the +youth who sat there, telling me his story in his naive way, as +unconcerned as though he had the Bank of England to draw upon. With +not a penny in his pocket, or for aught I knew a place to sleep, it +certainly seemed that, with the sparrows, he leaned most heavily on +Providence. + +"Let 's have the rest of it, Checkers," I said; "I 'm anxious to hear +how you raised the wind." + +He sipped his coffee and puffed his cigarette with a retrospective air, +inhaling the smoke at every draught, or blowing it forth in little +rings which he watched as they circled off into space. + +I waited in silence. + +"Well," he continued, "it was nothing but 'gallop on after the torch.' +About 10 o'clock I blew into a joint that I had n't been to--a gambling +house. There was a gang around the faro-bank, and I shoved in to see +what was going on. I hope I may drop if Kendall was n't sitting there, +howling, paralyzed full. He had a lot of chips in front of him, +playin' 'em like a drunken sailor. He had down bets all over the +board, and, honest, it gave me heart disease to see him play. He puts +a stack on the ace to win. In a minute or two another player coppers +it, and takes it down. I jumps in and grabs him by the arm. 'Hold +on,' I hollered, 'Arthur, here's a piker that's touchin' you for your +chips.' + +"Say, there was trouble right away. The piker made a smash at me. I +dodged and caught him an upper cut, and the bouncer grabbed him and +threw him out. This sort of sobered Arthur up, and for a while he +played 'em 'cagey.' I goes over by him, and puts up a bluff to the +gang that I 'm a friend of his. You see I wanted to get him out before +they got his money away. It was a 'pipe' he'd lose it all the minute +his luck turned. But as long as I was n't playing myself, I knew I 'd +better not get too gay, but I watched his bets, and stacked his chips, +and saw that no one pinched his sleepers. + +"Well, every few minutes he 'd call for a drink, and what do you think +he was drinking? Sherry. Did you ever get a jag on sherry? Well, +neither did I, but it gives you a 'beaut.' Arthur had a 'carry-over' +that lasted him for about three days. He 'd slap his chips down any +old place. It was the funniest thing you ever saw. But he was playing +in drunken luck, and I let him do what he wanted to. + +"Well, to make a long story short, I finally 'cashed him in' for $200. +I got him into a hack, and took him to my room. But say, when I got +that boy undressed and abed and asleep, I 'll tell you like these: I +was just three minutes ahead of a fit, and the fit was gaining on me +fast. I had to take a couple of absinthes before I could get myself +together. But you ought to have seen Kendall in the morning. He had a +horrible 'sorry' on. The wheels were buzzing around in his head until +I believe if he 'd have put his fingers in his ears, they 'd have been +cut off--I do on the square. He could n't remember a thing he 'd done, +except that he started out on a 'sandy' after he left me playing +roulette--the night before, you recollect, and he got a 'package' +aboard that he ought to have made at least two trips for. + +"I gave him his money, and told him where I found him, and how I saved +it for him, and he began to cry like a baby. You see his nerves were +all to pieces. He wanted me to take him home; nothing would do but he +must go home. He felt too rocky to go alone, and besides he could n't +trust himself. He begged me for God's sake not to leave him or he 'd +get full again, or shoot himself. + +"I found out afterward that he had solemnly promised his girl that he +'d never get drunk again. That's what it was that gave him that awful +'sorry.' You know how it is when you love a girl. While you 're with +her it seems dead easy to live decent, and do what 's right, and you +promise anything. Then some day you get out with the gang and 'fall,' +and the next morning R. E. Morse is sitting up on the edge of your bed +giving you the horrible ha-ha. + +"Well, anyhow, I finally agreed to take him home. He lived in +Clarksville, Ark. He gave me the roll to pay our bills with and buy +the tickets and one thing and another, while he went down to the bath +to boil out. But say, the hardest job of my life was not to 'pinch' +that coin and 'duck.' It was mine by rights. He 'd never have kept it +if I had n't jumped in and saved it for him. But, thank God, I can say +one thing, I never stole a cent in my life. I may have separated three +or four guys from their stuff, perhaps, at different times; but they +always got a run for their money, and if they dropped it it was n't my +fault. So I just could n't bring myself to do it. And I was thankful +afterwards that I did n't. + +"The happiest year I ever had came to me on account of that trip--and +the unhappiest. But I would n't give up the pleasant memories if I had +to go through twice the troubles again. + +"'The banister of life is full of slivers,' as old man Bradley used to +say, and when a fellow 'hits the slide,' he's apt to pick up a splinter +or two. But I 'll tell you, if you 've only got some happy times that +you 've had with your mother or sisters, your wife, or your girl, to +look back to and think about, when you 're in hard luck, it's a kind of +a bracer, and saves your life----" + +He suddenly stopped. I followed his gaze, and turning around saw +Murray and three other friends coming toward me. I felt it an +ill-timed interruption; but I ordered cigars and liquid refreshments, +and introduced, all but Murray, to Mr. Edward Campbell, which I had +learned was the proper name of my little friend. + +I was needed, Murray explained, "to make the fifth man in some game of +theirs which could not be played to advantage with less;" and knowing +that I was to work late, they had taken a chance of finding me here. + +In vain I begged to be excused, pleading indisposition, the lateness of +the hour, anything and everything which might have served to drive them +off. But "the evening was young," "the table was ready," and I "ought +to be accommodating," and so I said good-bye to Checkers, and slipping +him a dollar, told him to come to my office next day, and I would talk +with him of another matter. + +He thanked me, saying he would be there, and shaking my hand, bid us +all good night. Then tiptoeing back he whispered in my ear: "Say, I +want to give you a little advice: Never come in on less than jacks, and +never raise a one-card draw, unless you 've got a 'pat' yourself. If +you stick to that you 'll have the coin when the rest of the gang are +'on the tram.'" + + + + +IV + +The following morning at about 10 o'clock Checkers sauntered into my +office; his hands in his pockets; his hat on the back of his head; +smoking the ubiquitous cigarette. + +I was busy at the time with my morning's mail. + +Picking up the daily paper he tilted back comfortably in a chair, and +interested himself in the sporting news. + +"Well, Checkers," I said, when at last I had finished, "How are you +this morning, my boy?" + +"If I felt any better I could n't stand it," he answered, throwing down +the paper. "But you do n't look very fit. How did you come out with +the boys last night?" + +"About even," I replied, deprecatorily. + +He smiled in a most exasperating way. + +[Illustration: MR. PRESTON] + +"Now I'll tell you," he said growing suddenly confidential. "There 's +a 'hot thing' coming off to-day, and I want you to put a swell bet on +it. They've been laying dead with it all the meeting--pulled his head +off his last two outs--but to-day they 've got him in a good soft spot, +and they 're going to 'put it over the plate.'" + +"Checkers," I said, "I want you to understand, once and for all, that I +am no gambler. I went to the races Derby Day, as I would go to any +other show, and now and then I play a little quarter limit game with my +friends. But even that I do n't approve of. I tell you I consider +gambling the most insidious of all the vices, and it's on just that +point that I want to talk to you. + +"I want you to give up that kind of life, get a position in some good +house, and begin to make a man of yourself. I tell you you 're too +bright a boy to be throwing yourself away as you are. Suppose your +'good thing' wins to-day--suppose you do make some money on it--you +will lose it on something else to-morrow. You are simply living from +hand to mouth, growing older every day with nothing to show for the +time you have spent. + +"Now, what I propose is simply this. I shall look about among all my +friends in the wholesale lines, and try to find you a position where +you can learn some business from the beginning. If you are industrious +and quick it will be but a comparatively short time when you 'll have a +chance to go on the road, or something of that sort. Now, what do you +say?" + +I can't say that Checkers seemed wholly delighted. He looked anywhere +but into my eyes and finally said he "would like a job, but he did n't +believe I could get him one." + +I replied that I was sure I could, as my uncle was a wholesale +dry-goods merchant, and I had several friends who were heads of +departments in other large stores of various kinds. + +"Well, we 'll try it and see," he said resignedly, "but I 'll tell you +just about how it is. A guy goes into a wholesale house and he starts +at the bottom in some department. He gets up at the break of day, and +he works like the devil after a Christian. If he has good luck he do +n't get 'fired,' but he never gets a raise on earth, unless the mug +above him dies, or breaks down his health and has to quit. + +"Why, I knew a joker who worked in a certain big store in this town for +fifteen years. He lived somewhere way out in the suburbs, and he told +me he had to get down so early, that when he was coming home at night +he used to meet himself starting down in the morning. Well, one day +some one gave him a pass to the Harlem track--one Saturday afternoon. +He went to the races for the first time in his life. I got ahold of +him and made him win three hundred dollars with a five-dollar bill, and +you ought to have heard the talk he put up. 'Has this game been going +on all this time,' he says, 'with me doing the Rip Van Winkle act? +Why, I 'd be worth all kinds of money now, if I 'd had any sense.' And +Monday he went down and threw up his job, and started in to play the +ponies. Of course he went broke, but not long ago he struck a streak, +and made a killin'. He started in to making a book, and now he's got a +stable with five good sprinters, and a twenty thousand dollar +bank-roll. If he had stuck to his job in that store, he 'd have +probably had nervous prostration by this time." + +"But the case you cite, Checkers, is one in a thousand," I said, +smiling broadly in spite of myself. "While that one man may have made +a success of a very questionable sort through unusual luck, or unusual +shrewdness, there have numberless others gone to ruin--utter, +irretrievable ruin, by giving way to their passion for gambling. + +"If you object to a wholesale house, I may perhaps find something else +for you to do. But it seems to me to be simply a shame that a boy of +your ability and brains should be content to be nothing but a tout, and +herd with the riff-raff and scum of creation. Now, once and for all, +if you desire to better yourself, I shall be glad to help you; but +otherwise I must simply refuse to have you about me any longer. Think +it over and come in to-morrow, and tell me your decision. Now, you +must excuse me as I have an engagement with this gentleman," and I +turned to greet a friend whose timely arrival saved me from the "touch" +which I could see Checkers was nerving himself to make. + +I found however that to secure an immediate position for my protege was +a much more difficult matter than I had at first imagined. I spoke to +a dozen different people. Most of them assured me that they already +had more help than they had need of. Others needed no one now, but +thought they might in a month or two. My uncle said that "for my sake +he would try to make a place for my friend." But when I told him all +the facts, he shook his head and looked very dubious. + +Meanwhile at frequent intervals, Checkers would drop into my office, +and chat of the happenings of other days, or tell me of his present +doings. It seemed to me, as I often told him, that if he would only +exercise one-half the thought and ingenuity in the pursuit of something +legitimate that he used in "separating the angels he got next to from +their gold," he would long since have achieved a fortune. + +He delighted in telling of the successful working of some new scheme he +had figured out for the trapping of the unwary. And at each recital I +used to marvel at the boundless credulity of the average human. + +But whenever I could I would start him off upon some incident in his +former life. In the story of his boyish courtship, the trials he +underwent in securing his wife, and his subsequent sorrows and +misfortunes, there was an exquisite blending of humor and pathos which +appealed to me immeasurably. It was seldom, however, that he would +talk of those days--the sadness of it all was still too near to him. +When he was in luck he never referred to them--he seemed to live in the +present alone. But when, as was frequently the case, his luck deserted +him and things went wrong, he would sometimes get a fit of the blues, +and, falling into a reminiscent mood, would find a sort of morbid +comfort in living it all over again. He would skip abruptly from scene +to scene, one incident or person suggesting another, and in his own +peculiar way he would describe a situation or picture a character with +a vividness worthy of a Dickens. For instance, when, in speaking of +his father-in-law, he said that "the family used to have to treat him +with cocaine before he could stand it to give up a nickel," I thought +it a very forceful way of expressing the old man's carefulness. + +As the days went by and nothing came of my efforts to get a position +for Checkers, I had perforce to drop the matter, and Checkers never +again referred to it. + +Gradually his visits became less frequent, as I ceased to continue a +profitable subject; for his invention, however fertile, could not +furnish new excuses forever. But I often found myself gathering up the +threads of his story as he had told it, weaving into the growing fabric +some strands of my own imaginings, until I seemed to find in it an odd +and pathetic little romance. + + * * * * * + +The town of Clarksville, Ark., was not attractive at any time, but to +Checkers, who had arrived there with Arthur Kendall at three o'clock +that summer's morning en route from Hot Springs, the aspect of the +place seemed particularly dismal. + +The train which had brought them from Little Rock steamed away toward +the Territory, and left them standing in darkness on the station +platform. + +A 'bus from the hotel, with two forlorn old horses driven by a sleepy, +shock-headed boy, stood waiting on the other side. They entered it and +went creaking off. + +As Arthur had previously explained to Checkers, his father's home was +some miles from town, and accordingly he thought it better for them to +sleep at the hotel until morning, have their breakfast, and then drive +out. + +As they lumbered along the dusty streets in the silence of the early +morning, Checkers peered curiously out, and found his original +impressions gaining strength. + +The stars were shining clear and luminous, and in the East there was +just the faintest glow which told of the coming sunrise. A vaporish +mist hung low on the ground, and in the dim uncertain light all objects +seemed to take to themselves a weird and most uncanny look. At +frequent intervals a "razor-back," already up and browsing about, would +trot tardily out of the horses' way, grunting his dissatisfaction. + +Shortly they turned into what seemed to be the street of the town. It +was wider and dustier than any of the others, and on it stood a large +brick structure, which Checkers judged to be the court house. It +formed what is commonly known as "a square," for on opposite sides of +the street as they passed Checkers noticed that most of the buildings +were stores, with their low-burning lamps keeping watch through the +night. + +A few moments more and the 'bus drove up, and stopped before a low +brick building. + +Kendall, who had fallen asleep in his corner, awoke, and with a "here +we are," jumped out and ushered Checkers into an ill-smelling room, +where a heavy-eyed youth did the honors as clerk, and then lowering +himself to the office of bell-boy, took their luggage and showed them +the way to their room. + +Arriving, they stood in the darkness, until he succeeded in lighting, +with a sulphur match, a very much smoked little kerosene lamp, after +which he brought them a pitcher of water, and departed without the +formality of a "good night." + +Immediately Arthur began to undress. This was all an old, old story to +him. But Checkers fell to looking about him. He found that the door +had no lock upon it, and that the windows opened wide upon a low +veranda; that they boasted no screens, nor could he find that the beds +had any mosquito-bars. + +Kendall's face expressed a sleepy surprise. "Come on, old man; get +undressed," he said, "it's nearly 4 o'clock. We have n't any too much +time to sleep." + +Checkers' only reply was to pull off his coat, and to sit down and +begin to unfasten his shoes. A couple of June-bugs, attracted by the +light, flew in at the window, and bumping around in their noisy, +disagreeable way, gave Checkers an uncomfortable, crawly feeling. + +The truth was, Checkers was wholly metropolitan, and this was a new +experience. The darkness and silence disheartened and cowed him. He +missed the confusion and glare of the city. + +Kendall had fallen fast asleep, and was breathing loudly in half a +minute. But Checkers lay wide-eyed and wondering, listening to the +locusts and katydids outdoing themselves in the trees outside. + +And then he fell to speculating about his chances for the future, +wondering what the probable outcome of this new venture of his was to +be. Had n't he been foolish in coming to such a God-forsaken little +place? He might have borrowed some money from Kendall, and stayed at +the Springs and recouped. + +And now that, after several days of solicitous care and constant +watching, he had succeeded in pulling Kendall through without his +giving way to the terrible after-craving he had for liquor, would the +promises made him be fulfilled, or had he been too credulous? + +Kendall had told him that he and his father were wealthy. That besides +their large fruit farm, they were interested in a general store and +commission business. He had promised Checkers that if he would but +consent to see him to his home in Clarksville, he should be given a +good position in the store, and that if after they arrived there he +found that he did not care to remain, he should have transportation to +any place in the country he cared to go. And to Checkers, disheartened +and penniless, out of conceit with gambling, and satiated with the +excitement and uncertainty of the life he had been leading, the +opportunity seemed a very godsend. Thoughts of the country, green and +cool, appealed to him with a grateful sense of restfulness and quiet; +and the idea of going to work again at something legitimate brought +with it the feeling of conscious approval, which always accompanies +virtuous resolves. + +But since Kendall had become himself again, he seemed to have grown +less dependent and thankful. And again the glimpse that Checkers had +caught of the place had greatly dampened his ardor. + +An hour dragged slowly by, and still he lay restlessly tossing about. +The roosters began to crow and answer each other from point to point in +the distance; and a hound near by with a mournful howl bayed dismally +at intervals. + +'Twas the strangeness of it all that kept him wakeful, but at last the +tension was relieved by a knocking at the door of the room beyond which +aroused a couple of drummers, who were called to catch an early train. +He heard them through the thin partition, dressing and grumbling at +their luck. Here at least was something natural, and gradually the +humorous side of the situation appealed to him. He smiled, as with a +long-drawn sigh he murmured, "I think I 'll get fat here, nit," and +when he awoke it was broad daylight, and Kendall was standing over him, +dressed. + +"Hello, old man, awake at last," laughed Kendall. "Well, you better +get up and dress, or we 're apt to miss our breakfast. How did you +sleep? All right, I hope; you look as fresh as a mountain daisy." + +Checkers crawled slowly out of bed. "Well, then my looks are a +horrible bluff," he said, with the slight, sardonic smile which was +usual to him at nearly all times. "I feel like the last end of a +misspent life," and he fished a sock out from under the bed. "Do you +know," he continued, as he held his shirt aloft, preparatory to putting +it on, "it's wonderful how a fellow's early training comes back to him +later in life. I recollect my mother used to read a psalm about not +being 'afraid of the terror by night, nor the pestilence that walketh +in darkness.' Now, somehow, it never struck me before, but I 'll bet +the party that wrote the verse never slept in an Arkansas hotel bed. +If he did, he had on his tin pajamas, or else he could beat 'the +pestilence' walking. Say, where on earth is my other sock? I'll +gamble that one of them pinchin'-bugs pinched it?" and Checkers kept up +a running fire of quaint remarks while Kendall laughed. + +Their breakfast was a culinary horror. + +"Have you got any capsules?" asked Checkers of the waitress. + +"Capsules!" + +"Yes, I'll have to have some, if I take this butter internally." A +kick under the table from Arthur put an end to further persiflage. + +A two-seated spring wagon, known locally as a "hack," with two sturdy +horses and a driver stood waiting for them. Arthur had sent out and +ordered it before breakfast, and his telescope bag and Checkers' trunk +he had caused to be firmly strapped into the end. + +The day was a typically beautiful one. The clear and bracing morning +air had in it just enough of a chill to make the sunshine grateful to +them, as they drove along the winding road, toward the mountainous +country lying beyond them. + +Checkers' blues had disappeared with the vapors of the night before, +and he felt the exultation of a new and pleasant experience. Arthur +was in an easy humor, and described at considerable length to Checkers +his family and their circumstances. + +Some ten years back his father had moved from Massachusetts to that +locality at the advice of his doctor. He had bronchial trouble, and he +found the thin, clear air of the Ozarks beneficial. Mrs. Kendall was +long since dead, and Arthur had been an only child. Besides these two +there were in the household Aunt Deb, who was a sister of Mr. +Kendall's, and "Cynthy," the cook, and maid of all work. There was +also a good-natured creature named Tobe, half-witted and harmless, +attached to the family, who did odd jobs for his board and keep, and +had constituted himself a fixture. + +At their store they sold everything from plows to perfumery. The +commission business was simply an adjunct. They bought for cash from +the farmers, and shipped the goods to Little Rock, and sometimes to St. +Louis. Old Mr. Bradley, who had owned the store when they first came +there, was running it now. They had bought him out, but had given him +an interest and salary as manager. + +The business was the pride of the old man's life, and he watched it as +a mother watches her babe. + +Arthur spent most of his time at the store, selling goods and talking +to the trade; but the elder Kendall seldom went there. He passed the +summer in his garden and among his fruit trees. In the winter he +generally traveled farther South. + +Checkers gathered by indirection that he was wealthy outside of his +business. Probably an eccentric individual, who simply liked the place +and stayed there. + +"I should think," said Checkers, as Arthur paused in his recital, "that +a fellow would fall into a trance in about a week, in a place like +this. What on earth do you do with yourself." + +"Well," said Arthur, "I haven't lived here much. I've been East to +school, and knocked around in a lot of different places, and I like it +here as a kind of a change. There are a couple of very nice girls in +the town that I call on once in a while. I read a good deal in the +evenings, and, in season, the shooting is fine. I 'll admit it gets +rather stupid at times, but it's the best place in the world for me. +You know they have 'local option' here, and you can 't get a drink for +love or money. As long as I stay here, of course, I 'm all right; but +as sure as I get away some place, I make a fool of myself, and get +full, as I did when you rescued me at the Springs. Drinking is a +disease with me. I can't drink as most fellows do. If I touch a drop +it starts me off, and it's good-bye for a week or two. Each time I +come home as the prodigal did, and my father comes out and 'falls on my +neck.' He 's been devilish kind, the governor has, and I 've cost him +a lot of money and trouble." + +"Well, that's what a father has to expect," remarked Checkers. "If +ever I have a son, I 'll begin storing up veal on the day that he's +born--I'll need it if he takes after 'papa.'" + +Arthur laughed and laid his hand caressingly upon Checker's shoulder. +"Old man," he said, "I like you and I want you to stay here and be my +chum. We 'll have some bully times together, and you 'll like it when +you get used to the place. You 've treated me mighty white all +through, and I want to tell you that I appreciate it." + +Checkers grew red. He felt embarrassed, and hesitated for a reply. +Arthur knew his story, or such of it as Checkers had seen fit to relate +to him. But Checkers had never intimated that he was hopelessly +dependent. He had spoken vaguely of relatives; of drawing a draft on +Uncle Giles; of telegraphing to Chicago for money; it lent him +respectability. + +It must be remembered that at this time Checkers had not been through +the most trying part of the experiences of which he had spoken while +dining with me at Kinsley's that night. And while by no means Arthur's +equal in the social scale, he was still very far from being the +hardened tout, whom two years later, I met at the race-track, Derby Day. + +Nevertheless, he himself felt a difference intuitively, and though he +had exercised to the full his talent for making himself companionable, +it had proved a very difficult task to fully break through Arthur's +reserve. This sudden show of sentiment, therefore, upon Arthur's part, +affected and pleased him; and reaching up to the hand on his shoulder, +he grasped it warmly. "I 'll go you," he said. And the two friends +smiled into each other's eyes. + + + + +V + +A very few days sufficed to make Checkers feel thoroughly at home in +his new surroundings. The Kendall house was a roomy, frame structure +set upon one of the highest of the Ozark Mountains, to which the road +from Clarksville was a gradual, and almost constant ascent. From his +window Checkers could see for miles down into the valley, across the +dense growth of mountain-pines, the many shaded green and yellow +squares of fields and farm lands beyond, and away in the distance the +Arkansas River glistening in the sun like a silver snake. + +Immediately surrounding the house were the orchards, their trees almost +breaking with the wealth of their red and yellow fruit. + +Checkers had found ready favor with Mr. Kendall by evincing an +enthusiastic interest, confessing at the same time an ignorance which +allowed the old gentleman full opportunity for enlarging upon his +favorite hobbies. Aunt Deb's smiles were as quickly won by a deft word +in praise of the table. + +Just how Arthur had explained the presence of his friend to the +household, Checkers did not know. But it was evident, as he remarked +to himself, that "the explanation went," and he bothered himself about +it no further. + +At the store it was found that Checkers' talents were those of a +salesman par excellence. + +He quickly learned the run of the goods, and his chief delight, to use +his own words, was "to jolly the jays into buying something they +absolutely had no need of." + +Arthur and Mr. Bradley would sometimes stand almost convulsed with +silent laughter, listening to the dialogue between Checkers and some +country customer. + +He was quick at reading character, and his intuitions were remarkably +keen. He was able, therefore, to ingratiate himself with nearly every +class of purchaser, by starting a genial conversation upon the topic he +deemed most fit, letting it take its course through all the vagaries of +a country mind, until at last it veered around to the subject of a +possible purchase. Then, in the most disinterested way, and as though +rather sorry to end the talk, he would go behind the counter and +pleasantly show forth a number of things that had n't been asked for, +as though it was only as a special favor that he had gone to the +trouble of getting the articles down. Such consideration, backed by a +judicious talk, seldom failed of the most substantial results; and +Checkers' fame soon went abroad as "a nice, young feller and a smart +'un, too." + +It was during his first few days at the store that he acquired the +soubriquet of "Checkers." It was a piece of rude, bucolic wit, but the +name stuck to him, as such names will, and followed him through his +many vicissitudes. + +Time was at a discount in Clarksville, Everyone had time to spend, but +few had money for such a purpose. And generally at the Kendall store, +some six or eight of the local talent might be found lounging +comfortably in the chairs outside, chaffing one another, chewing +tobacco, and waiting for something new to turn up. + +This was particularly the case on Saturdays, when the farmers came to +town with their apples, vegetables and eggs for barter, made their +necessary purchases, and consumed the balance of the day in standing +around, talking crops and politics. + +Although there were no saloons in the place, the greater part of the +assemblage always delayed their shopping until the last possible +moment, which naturally made a considerable rush at the various stores +as evening approached. + +It was Checkers' first Saturday there, and while endeavoring to be as +helpful as possible, he was nevertheless rather awkward, as a result of +his unaccustomedness. + +This did not fail to be observed by the natives, to whom he was an +object of much curiosity, and to whom his presence among the Kendalls +was a matter of wide and varied conjecture. The younger element +especially showed an undisguised interest in all that he did, +whispering and laughing among themselves in a way which, to Checkers, +was most exasperating. + +There is something about a city-bred youth--his manner, his clothes, +his well-groomed look, his unconscious air of superiority--which is +antagonistic to country prejudice. Such prejudice is not hard to +remove, and generally disappears upon short acquaintance. But the +initiation is very trying, and Checkers felt the ordeal keenly. + +"Say, Arthur," he said, as Kendall passed, "if some of those guys do +n't chase themselves, and quit whisperin' around, and givin' me the +rah-rah, there 's going to be a fight or a foot race, and your Uncle +Dudley won't be in front." + +"Why, they're all right," said Arthur, soothingly. "They're interested +in you, because you 're a stranger. But they do n't mean the slightest +harm. You know 'a cat may look at a king.'" + +"Yes, I know 'a cat may look at a king,' but she 'd better not see any +flies on the king, if she wants to keep her health and strength," and +Checkers continued arranging a show-case. + +In order to save his clothes while working, Checkers had brought to the +store an old suit of a loud, checked pattern, and peculiar cut, which, +nevertheless, was very becoming. + +Towards evening the crowd began to increase, and Mr. Bradley, Arthur, +two assistants and Checkers were all as busy as it was possible to be. +Those who were being waited on took none the less time in making their +purchases, because there were others awaiting their turn. As a +consequence, there was chafing and grumbling among the procrastinators, +who were now in a hurry. + +Uncle Jerry Halter, from the back woods--a character; shrewd, crabbed +and as close as the next minute--was foremost among these, and at last +he discovered our friend, Mr. Campbell, checked suit and all, returning +from having washed his hands, after a not very successful attempt at +filling a large brown jug with molasses. + +The old man crowded through to the counter, leaning over it +expectantly, but Checkers passed him by unheeded, making his way toward +a pretty girl. + +"Hey there!" exclaimed Uncle Jerry indignantly--his voice was loud and +very nasal. "Hey! 'Checkers,' or whatever your name is--I'm in a +hurry, and I want to go." + +Instantly there was a general laugh, and Checkers stopped and turned +around. + +"Well, go if you want to--you're not tied down," he retorted, and the +laugh was on Uncle Jerry. + +The old man colored to the roots of his hair. "You 're very fresh, +young feller," he snarled. + +"Yes; warranted to keep in any climate," said Checkers, smiling +good-naturedly at him. + +Arthur happened along just then, and soothed and waited upon Uncle +Jerry, getting him peaceably out of the store. + +In the morning at breakfast he related the incident to Mr. Kendall, who +he knew would appreciate it. + +"There is only one man about here meaner than old Jerry Halter," said +Mr. Kendall, addressing Checkers, "and that is the father of Arthur's +little friend, Miss Barlow. I once heard a friend of mine say of him +that 'he wouldn't smile unless it was at another man's expense,' and I +quite believe it. Arthur could tell you no end of humorous things +about him, if he only would. But I suppose he does n't want to relate +what may some day be family secrets. How is that, Arthur?" + +Arthur looked annoyed, but did not reply to this bit of parental humor. + +"As soon as Pert and Sadie come home you must take Mr. Campbell to call +on them, Arthur," said Aunt Deb. "They are two lovely girls," she +continued, turning to Checkers. "They 've been away to school; to a +seminary up in Illinois. School's out now, of course, but they 're +visiting somewhere--in St. Louis, I believe. They 're expected home +this week, though; so you 'll have the pleasure of meeting them soon." + +"Sisters?" asked Checkers. + +"No; not sisters, but cousins, and almost inseparable. Sadie is n't as +pretty as Pert, but she 's just as sweet as sweet can be, and a perfect +treasure about a house. Are you fond of young ladies, Mr. Campbell?" + +Checkers hardly knew what to say. "I 'm a great admirer of girls in +general," he replied, after a moment's hesitation, "and they 've always +struck me as being a mighty nice thing to kind of have around. But I +'ve had very little experience with them--that is, at least, in the +last two years." + +The truth was, that the friends with whom Checkers had gone to live in +Chicago, after his mother's death, had been people of true worth and +refinement. They were poor--a widowed mother and two daughters--and +the liberal sum which Checkers insisted upon paying them for his +monthly maintenance was to them a matter of grateful benefit. But +they, in return, had exercised a restraining influence over him; had +taught him to be courteous and gentlemanly, deferential to his elders, +and respectful toward women, or, at least to maintain such an outward +semblance, which answered all general purposes. + +He had conceived a boyish adoration for the elder daughter, four years +his senior, which had aided her materially in her influence over him +for good. And it was only as he began to realize the utter +hopelessness of his passion, and at the same time found himself being +supplanted by the bearded man who some months after married her and +took her away, that he grew dissatisfied with working and found the +excitement that he craved in racing and kindred gambling devices. + +For several years he had lived this life, gradually growing hard and +careless. But now that he found himself once more an inmate of a +respectable family circle, he resumed his gentleness of manner, as it +had been a half-forgotten role. + +"I had been keeping the girls as a little surprise for him, Aunt Deb," +said Arthur rather reproachfully. "To meet a girl who has been +described to you is like listening to a joke which is told point first." + +"I warrant he 'll find plenty to be interested in after he meets them, +for all we may tell him," replied Aunt Deb. + +"Yes," said Mr. Kendall, "there is something about each girl one meets +a little different from any other. At least it was so when I was a +boy. I never found any two quite alike." + +"I never found one alike any two times," said Arthur, very feelingly; +"but their uncertainty, I suppose, is their charm. Come, let's go out +and loaf under the trees." + +"Thank God, Sunday comes once a week," said Checkers. "I could stand +two a week without straining myself." + +"The girls are to be home Friday," said Arthur. "Friday night we 'll +go down and call, if you'd like to." + +"Tickled to death," said Checkers. + +"Sadie will probably stay with Pert a while, as her father, Judge +Martin, has gone to Texas, and won't be back for a couple of weeks. +Sadie's mother is dead, you know, and she and the old man are all +alone. By the way, the Judge is rich, and Sadie is rich in her own +right, too." + +"That settles it, Sadie dear; you 're mine. A fortune-teller told me I +'d marry a rich girl." + +"Better see her before you marry her, had n't you?" suggested Arthur. + +"Why? She has n't got pen-paralysis, has she?" + +"Pen-paralysis! No; what on earth is that?" + +"Well, as long as she can sign a check, I guess we can manage to worry +along. She may have faults; she probably has; but any girl who marries +me won't be getting any the best of it. There' s a heap of consolation +in that idea to a man about to commit matrimony." + +"There are very few men I know of," said Arthur, "but what could 'lay +to their soul that flattering unction.'" + +"When you 're swapping 'sights unseen,'" said Checkers, "you do n't +want too good a knife, or a horse yourself, or you 'll get the hooks on +the trade." + +"With all respect to you, my boy, you'd be far from 'getting the +hooks,' as you call it, with Sadie Martin for a wife." + +"Or you with Miss Barlow, I suppose." + +Arthur's only response was a long drawn sigh, and he gazed into +distance vacantly. + +"Where did they get the name of 'Pert' for Miss Barlow, Arthur?" asked +Checkers, suddenly. + +"It's an abbreviation of a biblical name," said Arthur. "In a verse of +one of Paul's Epistles to the Romans, he says, 'Salute also the beloved +Persis.' When Pert was a child they gave her the nick-name, and it's +stuck to her ever since." + +Friday evening came at last, and Arthur and Checkers at an early hour +drove down the mountain to call upon the young ladies. + +The Barlows lived much nearer Clarksville than did the Kendalls, though +upon a different road, and the young men had a long and round-about +drive ere they reached their destination. As they entered the driveway +two large dogs came bounding toward them, growling fiercely. + +"Look out thar, boys, ye do n't git dog-bit!" shouted a voice. "Here +Lion, here Tige; commir, ye varmints! What d 'ye mean? All right now; +I 've got a-hold of 'em. That you, Arthur; how de do?" + +"How do you do, Mr. Barlow?" responded Arthur. + +"Hitch yer hosses ter that tree thar. I 'll send Joe out ter tend to +'em. Ye 'll find the girls round the side in a hammock. Here 's Pert +a-comin' now." + +"Good evening, Arthur, I 'm glad to see you," said a pleasant voice, +and out of the shadow into the light of the yellow moon, which was just +showing over the tops of the trees, the figure of a girl in white +appeared, moving quickly and gracefully toward them. + +Arthur stepped forward, and taking both of her hands in his, pressed +them silently for a moment. "Pert," he said, "I want you to meet my +friend, Mr. Campbell. Come here, old man. Miss Barlow, Mr. Campbell." + +"I am very glad to meet you, Miss Barlow," said Checkers, with a +graceful inclination. + +"Where's Sadie, Pert? Oh, here she comes," said Arthur. "That you, +Sadie? How are you?" + +"Pretty well, thank you. How's yourself?" + +"Sadie, let me introduce you to a friend of mine. Miss Martin, Mr. +Campbell." + +Miss Martin straightway offered her hand, and Checkers shook it +cordially. + +"Let's go and sit where we can see the moon--it's perfectly beautiful +to-night," said Pert. "Arthur, get two chairs from the porch, and +bring them over by the hammock." + +Arthur went to fulfill his mission while Checkers walked between the +young ladies. + +Suddenly he skipped nimbly forward. "Excuse me while I climb a tree," +he exclaimed, with a comical intonation. "There comes Lion and Tige, +and I 'm afraid it's another horrible case of 'They're After Me.'" + +"Oh, they won't touch you while you 're with us," laughed Sadie. "Here +Lion, here Tige, good dogs." + +"Well then, I think I 'd better establish my popularity with them both +right now," said Checkers; and with an air of confidence he kindly +patted and rubbed their heads in a way that dogs love, and made them +his friends. + +Meanwhile Arthur arrived with the chairs. Sadie seated herself in one +of them, and motioning Checkers to place the other beside her, left the +hammock to Pert and Arthur. + +"Did you have a good time in St. Louis, girls?" asked Arthur. + +"Oh lovely!" they both exclaimed. + +"We hated dreadfully to come home," continued Sadie, "but we simply had +to. Our clothes were in tatters. All the men were so sweet to us. +They kept something going on every minute." + +Then followed an enthusiastic account of their good time, which was +tiresome to Checkers, and torture to Kendall. + +"Pert, get your banjo," said Arthur, suddenly. "It seems like years +since I 've heard you play." + +"It has n't but one string on it, Arthur," laughed Pert, "but I 'll fix +it up to-morrow, sure." + +"I think it would sound very smooth out here in the moonlight, Miss +Barlow," suggested Checkers. "If you have some new strings I 'd be +glad to fix it up for you. I used to play a bit myself." + +Sadie jumped up. "Come, let's go and get it," she said; and she and +Checkers went into the house. + +She ushered Checkers into a room where Mr. Barlow, in shirt sleeves and +stocking feet, sat dozing in a rocking chair, while his wife, a +sweet-faced, grey-haired woman, worked button-holes in his new gingham +shirts. + +Checkers felt drawn towards Mrs. Barlow. She reminded him strangely of +his mother. She had a smile like a benediction; but in her weary eyes +he could read a tragedy. + +The banjo was one of Arthur's many gifts to Pert in days gone by, and +Checkers to his great relief found it a very excellent instrument. + +Checkers was not a conversationalist, where conversation had to be +made; but he was a very good amateur banjoist, and he sang an excellent +comic song; and he was glad of the opportunity offered to show himself +in perhaps his best role. + +While, with the banjo on his knee, he deftly adjusted the strings, Miss +Martin sat beside him, an interested spectator, and talked to him in an +undertone. + +"I thought we had better come in here and give Arthur a little chance," +she said--"poor fellow." This with a long drawn sigh, which seemed to +demand an explanation. + +Checkers looked up, inquiringly. This was his first legitimate +opportunity of taking a comprehensive look at her. The casual glance +had proclaimed her plain, but now in the bright light of a hanging-lamp +she seemed to him hopelessly unattractive. He felt chagrined and +disappointed. He was angry with Arthur for not having prepared him for +such a cruel disillusion. For somehow since his jesting words of the +previous Sabbath morning, he had allowed his fancy to run the gamut of +many glittering possibilities. + +He had started forth that evening, feeling a pleasurable excitement in +the vague presentiment that he was going to meet his destiny. But now +it simply "would n't do." He decided quickly and became resigned. + +"It was n't that she was really so ugly," he afterwards explained to +me, "but there was n't anything about her that you could tie to, and +sort of forget the rest"--except her "stuff," and he wasn't sure but +that was one of Arthur's "pipe-dreams." She had no style, no face, no +figure. Nothing at all for a little starter. She was just a girl, +that was all--just a girl. A fact which put her beyond the pale. + +"Why do you say 'poor fellow?'" said Checkers, after several moments +silence. "It seems to me he's mighty lucky to have such a tidy little +friend." + +"Yes, but I fear she is only a friend, and that's why I 'm so sorry for +him. I like Arthur; I think he is simply a dear. He has always been +perfectly lovely to me. But Pert--well, Pert is very peculiar, and +Arthur, you know, is awfully fast." + +Checkers put on an incredulous look. "Arthur fast!" he exclaimed with +a laugh. "Why, if he was in a city, I 'd expect him to get run over by +a hearse inside of a week." + +"Oh, you men always stand up for each other; but I know all about it. +You can't fool me." + +Mrs. Barlow looked up from her sewing. "You and Arthur are very old +friends, I suppose," she said, interrogatively. + +This was just the question that Checkers had feared. "We went to +school at about the same time," he replied, and immediately struck up +an air, which, for the time, precluded further questioning. "At least, +I suppose we did," he thought to himself, "as we are about the same +age." + +Meanwhile Pert and Arthur sat in the hammock outside in the radiant +moonlight. It seemed to Arthur Pert had never looked so beautiful +before. Her large, dark eyes were lustrous; and a silvery halo played +about her soft, brown hair, while the pale light gave the clear skin of +her oval face the pallor of marble, save for her lips, which were the +redder by contrast. + +"Such a nice little fellow!" she had exclaimed, as Sadie and Checkers +went into the house. "Who is he, Arthur? Where did he come from?" + +Arthur hesitated awkwardly. It had been his intention to confess to +Pert all the circumstances of his last misadventure; but her few words +in praise of Checkers now suddenly emphasized in his mind the thought +that everything he had to tell was as clearly discreditable to himself +as it was favorable to Checkers, and he had n't the generosity of +nature to put the matter upon that footing. + +Still, when upon several former occasions, he had confessed to Pert his +weaknesses and sins, there had been a kindness in her ready sympathy, +her gentle chiding and disapproval, which seemed to bring her nearer to +him than she ever was during good behavior. He had found a certain +desperate pleasure at times in telling her of his misdoings. It roused +her, at least temporarily, out of her usual placid indifference toward +him--an attitude to which he sometimes felt that her hatred would have +been preferable. + +As a school-girl of sixteen, with romantic tendencies, Pert had entered +upon the task of reforming Arthur, with a childish belief that the love +he professed for her, and which she, in a measure, returned, might be +made a means to an earnest and successful endeavor upon his part to +become worthy of her. But lapse after lapse had shaken this faith, and +three years of experience found her with simply a sisterly pity for +this weak young man, whose devotion was so abject that he ceased to +interest her, and whose spasmodic vices were not of the kind which make +some men so darkly fascinating. + +And so Arthur hesitated, debating rapidly in his mind what to say, what +to leave unsaid. "Well, it's a rather peculiar story, Pert, although +it all happened naturally enough," he answered, after a little time. +"I went up to Little Rock a few weeks ago to see a party on business. +I found when I got there that he had gone to Hot Springs, and so I +followed him over there. I wound up the business in a couple of days, +but, as long as I was there, I thought I 'd stay a week or so and take +a few baths. + +"Well, one day in the cooling-room I struck up a conversation with the +man lying next to me, and I 'll pledge you my word I never laughed so +much in all my life as I did that morning at our little friend here, +who told me a lot of his hard-luck stories. + +"We dressed, and went and had lunch together, and he told me that he +was dead, flat broke. He had been 'bucking the tiger,' and was waiting +to hear from his uncle, to whom he had written for money. I met him +again a few days later, and he told me he had n't heard a word as yet; +that his trunk was in hock at the hotel, and altogether he was in the +deuce of a fix. But he seemed so cheerful about it all that I could +n't help taking a liking to him, and I proposed that he come to +Clarksville with me, and take a job in the store, till he heard from +his uncle, or had saved enough money to get straightened out again. He +jumped at the chance, and I brought him along. He 's a first-class +salesman, and jolly good company; but I 'm afraid he won 't stay with +me much longer; he's getting tired of the place already. I shall be +dreadfully lonesome when he 's gone. + +"But heavens, Pert; how lonesome I 've been without you, away at your +school all these months. It seems so good to see you here that I can +scarcely believe my eyes." + +"I 'm glad to be back on some accounts, although it grows horribly +stupid here." + +"Stupid, Pert! It wouldn't seem stupid to me on a desert island, if +you were there." + +"I should n't care to try it." + +"Pert, dear," Arthur's voice grew tender, "I want to say a few words to +you seriously, and I beg of you to listen seriously. We are children +no longer, little girl. You have finished with school, and I have +practically assumed control of father's business. I have no new story +to tell you, but you know that I love you and long for you now as I +have loved and longed for you for years. + +"You have been my good angel, Pert. It has been my love for you and +your influence over me alone that has kept me steadfast during hours of +terrible temptation. You know I 'm not naturally vicious, Pert; I must +have inherited this appetite I have had to fight so hard against. But +I am overcoming it--I 'll conquer it, Pert; and with you to be with me +to love me and help me, I 'll make a good man. I 'll make a place and +a name in the world. But I need you, darling--I love you, and I 'd +rather die than live without you. We 'll sell out this business, leave +this place, and go back to the East and civilization to live, where +there 's something to see and to do. You shall have everything, +anything, dear, that your heart desires--only say that you love me." +And bending nearer, he sought to draw her to him in a passionate +embrace. + +Pert did not move from her position in the hammock; but firmly resisted +his endeavor, and, taking his arm from around her waist, simply handed +it back to him, as it were. (A maneuvre upon a girl's part more +aggravating, _en passant_, than any other one thing she can do.) + +"I am sorry," she said, as Arthur still sat in the hammock beside her, +silent and downcast--"I 'm dreadfully sorry, Arthur, that you should +have brought this matter up again. We have been such friends so many +years, and you are such a good friend, when you are only a friend. I +hate to wound you, if, indeed, you care for me as you say you do; but I +do n't love you, Arthur, in the way you would have me, and I know I +never shall. It's best that I should tell you this plainly, and I know +you will be glad of it in the end. I am not the girl you think me, +Arthur. You do n't know me as I really am. If you did you 'd be glad +to have escaped so luckily. I always try to make a good impression, +but really I am willful, selfish and discontented. You would be +awfully sorry when it was too late. Believe me, I am telling the +truth. So let's never talk about this any more, but be the good +friends we have always been." + +Arthur jumped up impatiently. "You are trifling with me, as you always +do," he said, with a savage ring in his voice. "I do n't care what +your faults are. I want you, just as you are, to be my wife. Care for +you as I say I do! I have loved you since we were children together. +I have never cared for any one else. My every thought has been for +your happiness. I have never spared trouble, time or money in doing +what I thought would please you--and why do you suppose I 've done so? +for fun? for glory? for something to pass away time? I tell you, Pert, +I 'm getting mighty tired of this kind of foolishness. You and I are +fitted for each other by reason of natural situation, if nothing else. +What other man is there around here who is anywhere near your equal, +socially? What kind of a life will you lead cooped up on this hillside +farm as the years go by?--a living death, only think of it! + +"Your father is willing, anxious, that you should be married and safely +provided for--I have talked with him; he has told me so. My father +simply worships you, and nothing on earth would please him so much as +to have you for a daughter-in-law." + +"But, Arthur," said Pert, almost pleadingly, "I have told you how I +feel about it. I don't love you, and how can I marry a man I do n't +love? I am fonder of you, much fonder, than of any other man I know, +and I can't begin to tell you how bad I should feel to lose your +friendship, but--" + +She paused as a sound of voices reached them, and in a moment, to her +great relief, Sadie and Checkers, with the banjo, came round the house +and joined them. + +One sweep of the strings, to be sure it was in tune, and Checkers +tendered Pert the instrument. + +"No, I shan't play; we want to hear you," she laughingly exclaimed, +putting her hands behind her. "I am only a novice, and you know the +old proverb, 'The poor ye have always with ye.'" + +Without more ado Checkers sat down and played a couple of lively airs. + +"Now, a song," exclaimed Pert; "I am sure that you sing." + +"How did you guess it?" asked Checkers, smiling. "Well, what shall it +be, a 'serio-chronic,' or a song about some 'old oaken' thing?" + +"Oh, something funny, Mr. Campbell," said Sadie. + +Checkers sang a song of an Irish dance. This he followed with one of +the popular ballads of the day, full of melody. + +He had a clear, high voice, with a touch of that boyish sweetness in +it, which made Emmet so famous. A sweetness to which the open air and +the sharpness of the banjo added a charm. + +The girls were delighted. They called upon him for song after song, +until Arthur, pulling out his watch, said abruptly, "It is time to be +going," and went to untie the horses. + +Amid hearty hand-shakings and cordial invitations to call again soon, +Checkers said good-by, and climbed into the buggy as Arthur drove up. + +Down the driveway, out upon the moon-lit road, they sat in silence. +Each was busy with his own thoughts. Arthur cut the horses viciously +from time to time for no apparent reason. Checkers smoked a cigarette +as though altogether pleased with himself. Arthur finally broke the +spell. "Well," he exclaimed, with a rising inflection. + +"A nice line of girls. Miss Barlow's 'Class A'" answered Checkers. +"The other one is all right, too; but she 's just a few chips shy on +looks." + +"Looks are not the only thing in the world," snapped Arthur; "beauty's +only skin deep." + +"It might improve some of our friends a little to skin 'em, then, if +that's so," laughed Checkers. "That reminds me," he continued +musingly, "of what a friend of mine, 'Push' Miller, told me once. He +said he never in his life ran across two pretty girls that trotted +together. If one of 'em was a queen, her partner was safe to be about +a nine-spot. He figured that the pretty one used the other as a kind +of foil, while the homely one trailed along to get in on the excess +trade which the pretty one drew, and turned over to her." + +As Arthur neither laughed at, nor replied to, this sally, Checkers +concluded he had a grouch, and left him to his own devices. + +That night, upon going to bed, the girls, as was natural, had compared +notes, and quickly discovered the apparent discrepancy between +Checkers' statement to Mrs. Barlow, and the story Arthur had related to +Pert. + +"I am sorry to know that Mr. Campbell has told a deliberate lie," said +Pert, "but there is some excuse for him, after all, for any other +explanation would have been embarrassing." + +"Oh, a little thing like a lie or two does n't stand in the way of the +average man," said Sadie. + +"Well, there is something back of Arthur's story, Sadie, I know from +the way he hesitated. We 'll know all about it before long, I guess. +He 's an awfully cute little fellow, though, isn't he? I hope he'll +decide to stay a while; he 's such jolly good company, and Arthur's so +tiresome." + +"Poor Arthur!" sighed Sadie. + +"Poor Pert," echoed Pert. + + + + +VI + +The following afternoon Arthur complained of feeling ill. On the way +home from the store he was taken with a violent chill, which was +followed by a raging fever. The doctor was summoned, and pronounced it +malaria, but typhoid symptoms developed later, and for weeks his life +hung in the balance. + +Meanwhile Checkers worked early and late at the store, to make up for +Arthur's absence. He felt this loss of a companion keenly, and soon +the long drive home alone, and the air of apprehension and +lonesomeness, which pervaded the house, became so irksome to him that +he arranged to stay in town with Mr. Bradley, who kept house with a +maiden sister in their little home just next to the store. + +It was from this same sister, who disliked Arthur, but had taken to +Checkers, as every one did, that Pert at last learned the reason of +Checkers coming to Clarksville. + +Mr. Bradley had told his sister the bare facts as he had learned them +from Arthur, and these she had enlarged upon in relating them to Pert, +embellishing the story to suit her fancy. + +The discovery of this attempt upon Arthur's part to shield himself, and +belittle his friend, checked the growing pity and tenderness Pert felt +for him because of his illness, and killed every possible vestige of +regard she might have had remaining for him. Checkers, on the +contrary, grew in favor. He had discovered that it was but a pleasant +and picturesque walk from town to the Barlow place, and evening after +evening found him seated under the trees with the girls, banjo in hand, +singing for them, and telling them interesting tales of his many and +varied experiences. + +Sadie's father returned, and she went back to town to be with him. But +Checkers still took his evening walk out the country road, except when +Pert came in to spend the night with her cousin, as she often did. + +Under such conditions friendships quickly ripen, and Checkers, at +least, soon found himself upon the borderland of a warmer sentiment; +but his manner continued one of purely good-natured interest and +friendship, for, in spite of what Sadie had told him, he still felt +that Pert belonged to Arthur. + +One night he stayed somewhat later than usual. It had been dreadfully +hot all day, but now it was gratefully cool. The stars were bright, as +he had never seen them bright before; the scent of the magnolias was +delicious, and he and Pert had been singing together. She looked more +than sweet in her thin, white dress, and the night, the perfume and the +music had stirred him strangely. He longed for the power to tell her +in beautiful words, he knew not what. But he had the good sense to +realize that he and poetry were far apart. Nevertheless, as he said +good night, he held her small white hand in his, till she forcibly +withdrew it, but not with any sign of anger. + +How his heart swelled as he walked along. How he still thrilled with +the gentle pressure he fancied he had felt returned. Here was the +faintest opening to possibilities which might end, who could tell +where? He had never before known a girl like this. In fact, with the +one exception previously mentioned, girls had never in any way entered +his life. Still he had learned in his fight with the world to look at +everything from a practical standpoint, and he had not gone very far +before his natural shrewdness asserted itself. + +"It won't do, Campbell," he soliloquized, with an unconscious sigh. +"You 're 'playing a dead one.' It's a hundred-to-one shot in the first +place, and there is Arthur in the second. I wonder how he is to-day. +I wonder if he's going to get well. If he shouldn't--but, my God, I +hope he does--ain't it awful what thoughts will come to a fellow? + +"I wonder if he 's got her 'nailed;' she does n't act much like it to +me. But I do n't believe I 'm acting on the square to try to 'do' him +when he ain't around to look after his trade. I 'll go up home +to-morrow night and see the old man, if he 's able to sit up. I had my +nerve with me to hold her hand--I wonder what she 'd have done if I 'd +have kissed it? Gee! but it's tough to be on the tram," he continued +with a sigh. "With a couple of thou. what could n't I do? But a man +without money hasn't got 'openers;' he draws four to a queen and never +betters." + +He found Arthur convalescent and jealous of all the time that could be +spared to him. So, much to Checkers' disgust, his only opportunity of +now seeing Pert lay in her occasional visits to the store, when +shopping, generally accompanied by Sadie. + +As soon as Arthur was strong enough to be about the house, Aunt Deb, as +a little surprise for him, asked Sadie and Pert to one o'clock Sunday +dinner. + +Arthur's hollow eyes beamed lovingly from his thin, pale face, as Pert +entered the room. Checkers saw it, and his conscience smote him. "I +'ll scratch my entry," he inwardly resolved, "and leave Arthur a +walk-over." + +The afternoon passed uneventfully. The day was warm, the sun shone +bright, and they all sat under the shade of the trees, enjoying the air +and the beautiful view of the mountains, now made gorgeous by the +brilliant and variegated colors of the changing autumn leaves. + +Pert so managed that she was not left alone with Arthur at any time, +and she and Sadie left somewhat early in order to reach home well +before dark. + +After their departure Checkers and Arthur sat together in the hammock. +Arthur was monosyllabic. Checkers talked for a while against time, but +not with any brilliant success. "Come, 'smoke up,' old man--you 're +going out!" he exclaimed, slapping Arthur on the back, a figure +doubtless suggested to him by the dying cigarette-stump between his +fingers. + +"I wish to heaven I had 'gone out;' instead of getting well," was the +answer; "I am no good to myself, nor to any one else, and the only +being in the world I love, except my father, cares no more for me than +she does for a yellow dog." + +There was an embarrassing silence. + +"Girls are funny," said Checkers, musingly. + +Arthur saw no grounds for argument, and Checkers continued, "I never +had much time for them, myself, but my friend 'Push' Miller had them +coming his way in carriages. You never saw such a fellow for girls; he +always had three or four on his staff. He used to play a system on +them. I think he called it the Fabian System, after some old joker in +the war, who used to win his battles by running away. You see, the +other guys would come chasing after this joker, and when he got them +where he wanted, he 'd go out and nail them--easy thing. + +"Well, this Fabian System was a dead sure winner for Push, and if I +were you, I 'd try it. The next time you get together, 'jolly up' +Sadie. Don't push it too strong; but just enough so that Pert will +notice it--she'll get jealous. 'Jolly' Sadie harder, but be polite to +Pert, and pretty soon you 'll have her guessing. The chances are that +before long she 'll make a play at you--give her the frozen face. Put +up a talk about how much you used to love her; work in something about +the past, and what might have been. But keep a little up your sleeve; +you do n't want her to think you 're coming too easy, and after things +are all fixed up, do n't treat her too well again. Push used to say +'there was nothing that really spoiled a girl like treating her too +well.' He used to make a date every once in a while, and then break it +without sending any excuse, just to show the girl that he was 'good +people,' and teach her to have a proper respect for him." + +Arthur smiled wearily. "Yes;" he said, "that may have done all very +well for Push, but it would n't do for me. The girl does n't love me, +and there's the end of it. Perhaps some day--well, there's no use +discussing it; besides, it would n't be fair to Sadie to use her merely +as a cat's-paw. She is a true little girl, with a big, warm heart, and +I would n't deceive her for the world." + +"Well, what's the matter with going out after Sadie in earnest, then?" +said Checkers. "Now there 's a scheme that fixes things up all +around." Checkers waxed enthusiastic. + +Arthur did not reply immediately. "Sadie is an earnest, capable girl," +he said at length, "and she 'll make some man a splendid wife. I would +cheerfully recommend her to my very best friend, but----" + +"But your friend could have her without a struggle," suggested +Checkers; and then they both laughed. + +This, Checkers afterwards told me was the nearest approach to a joke he +ever heard Arthur make. + +A week passed by uneventfully. Arthur continued to improve in health. +Checkers drove home each evening tired from his hard day's work. +Saturday night a note from Pert arrived, inviting them both to dinner +on the following day; a return of courtesies which they accepted with +pleasure. + +Sadie drove up that morning to spend a day or two with her cousin. The +dinner passed off pleasantly, and in the afternoon the four took a +stroll through the neighboring woods, to a beautiful spot where from +the top of a cliff of massive rock they could gaze for miles up the +dark, thickly wooded ravine, lying sheer many feet below. + +Sadie and Arthur walked off together. Checkers and Pert followed +leisurely. + +"Do you think you deserve to be treated so well, after neglecting me as +you have lately?" asked Pert. + +"I have n't been able to get here, Miss Pert," replied Checkers. "The +Broadway cable isn't in it with the way I've been pulling to get away; +but if Arthur had known I was coming here, we would only have had a +speaking acquaintance. I'll tell you, Miss Pert, that poor boy is all +broke up about you, and to come down to cases, it ain't very safe for +me to be seeing so much of you, when--well, you know he saw you first, +and the rights of property----" + +"Now, listen to me," interrupted Pert, with a stamp of her foot, +"Arthur is nothing to me; I do n't love him and I shall never marry +him. I 've told him so, and I 'll tell you so. I 've enjoyed having +you call here very much, and there 's no reason why you shouldn't +come--unless, of course, you would rather not." + +Ahead, Arthur was carefully helping Sadie over a fallen tree which lay +across the path. "He 's playing the system, after all," thought +Checkers, "I'll help him push it along. May I come to-morrow night?" +he said; "it's the first night I 've got disengaged." + +"Certainly," laughed Pert. "Sadie is going to stay until Tuesday +morning, and--" + +"Make it Tuesday night." + +Pert assented with an audible chuckle. + +And now they had come to the fallen tree, an ancient pine of huge +dimensions. Checkers clambered atop of it, and, taking both of Perl's +hands, pulled her up; then, from the other side, he supported her +tenderly as she jumped to the ground. 'Twas a rapturous moment. The +fair, sweet face above him, and the bright, roguish eyes looking down +into his; the warm, red lips, half parted in a smile, and coming so +near as he carefully lowered her, tempted him sorely. But he resisted; +not from any strength of virtue, but because he did not dare to do +otherwise. + +"Thank you," said Pert. Checkers was silent. His emotions of mingled +excitement and regret were such that he could not trust his voice; but +as they drew near to where Arthur and Sadie were sitting, he purposely +drew away from Pert, and feigned a look of general indifference, which +was masterly in its way. + +"I may possibly stay down to-night, Arthur," called Checkers, as he +drove out of the door-yard Tuesday morning. + +Tuesday night found him seated with Pert in the cozy, old-fashioned +little sitting-room, before the blazing embers of a large, wood fire, +for it had suddenly turned cold. + +Checkers had brought up the illustrated papers, and with these and the +banjo, with nuts and apples, pop-corn and cider, for refection, time +sped merrily on. + +Now, just how it all came about that night, Checkers never adequately +explained to me. He always claimed, shamefacedly, to have a confused +recollection of the matter. But suffice it to say, there came an +opportunity, and, forgetting his former resolutions, forgetting his +poverty--everything, he told as best he could the story of his love to +the listening girl beside him. What matter how he told it? She cared +not for that, so long as the tale rang true to her ears; and of +Checkers' whole-hearted sincerity, there was never a doubt, as after +events proved. + +The strangeness of a woman's love has been a prolific source of wonder +and remark for philosophers of every age. It should not, therefore, +seem incongruous that Checkers, penniless, slangy, illiterate, should +have won, in a few, short weeks, the love of a girl whom Arthur, a +higher type, from a worldly standpoint, had tried for years to make his +own, without success. Perhaps the explanation lay in the fact that +Checkers possessed two qualities in which Arthur was wholly +lacking--tact and magnetism; and again, Pert was too young and +inexperienced to let worldly advantages weigh with her. + +At all events, they sat there together, blissful in their new-found +happiness, talking the love all lovers talk, and heedless of the +speeding hours. + +As Checkers rather coyly put it, "There was n't very much room in the +room." The fire had died almost to ashes, and for the hundredth time +he had said, "I must go," when suddenly he was jerked from his seat by +a rough hand which had laid hold of his collar. + +With a violent effort he broke away, and, turning about, faced Mr. +Barlow. + +"So!" snorted the old man, angrily, "so this is what ye 're doin', is +it, settin' here philanderin'? I reckoned somethin' was goin' on. You +go to yer room, girl; come, git along. And you, my young jack-snipe, +mosey off afore I wear ye out with a switch." + +Checkers' surprise had been so complete that for a moment he could not +collect himself. Then such was his sense of anger at the indignity +that had been put upon him that only Pert's hand upon his arm +restrained him from making a fight of it. As it was, the two men stood +with an armchair between them, grimly glaring at each other. + +"Father," cried Pert, peeping timidly from behind Checkers, "Mr. +Campbell and I are engaged to be married." + +"To be what?" howled the old man, dancing with rage. + +"To be married," said Checkers. "Now, listen to me, and don't you get +so gay with yourself. I love your daughter; she loves me; we are going +to be married, and that's the end of it." + +Checkers stepped back. It was well that he did, for the old man +suddenly reached for him, "and if he 'd have got me," said Checkers, +afterwards, relating the incident to me, "he would n't have done a +thing to me. We made a few laps around the room," he continued, "with +the chairs and table in the middle. The old man ran a bang-up second, +but he was 'carrying weight for age,' and I fouled him in the stretch, +by pulling a rocker in the way, that he stumbled over; then, I opened +the door, kissed Pert good by, grabbed my hat, and did the slide for +the road. The old joker tried to 'sic' the dogs on me, but they knew +me so well they would n't 'sic.'" + +It had long been a pet scheme of Mr. Barlow's to marry Pert to Arthur +Kendall. In fact, he considered the matter settled, and had often +congratulated himself upon his prospects of securing a wealthy +son-in-law. The presumption, therefore, of this "little pauper" drove +him nearly beside himself. + +Pert thought it wise to spend most of her time in her room next day, +until the first burst of his anger should have subsided. + +As Checkers drove home the following evening, he was met by Tobe, the +hired man, about a mile from the house. "Hello, Tobe," he called, +"what's up?" + +"Thar's hell out, Mr. Checkers," said Tobe. + +"Has old Barlow been up here?' + +"He ain't gone two hours." + +Checkers smiled. He was glad to know the worst. "I suppose I 'm not +very popular with Arthur?" + +"He swars he 'll fill ye full o' lead. I overheern the hull +conversation atween 'em, and I 'lowed I 'd come down and warn ye. Mr. +Kendall and Aunt Deb 's gone to Little Rock, and won't be back afore +to-morrow night." + +"Thank you, Tobe; get in and ride." + +"Wal, till we gits in sight o' the house; but don't you 'low you 'd +better go back?" + +"No; I'll go on and face the music." + +"Thar never was nawthin' but trouble come o' foolin' with women, +anyhow," said Tobe. "I 've had four on 'em in my time, and they've +worn the soul-case off'n me." + +"Four!" exclaimed Checkers. + +"Yes, I 've had four. My first woman spent me out o' house and home, +and then run away--I was glad to get shet o' her. The second un I jest +nachally could n't live with, she hed sech a pizen-bad temper; and I +'ve had two others to die on me. I 've worked like a nigger airnin' +'em money fer cloes, and doctor's bills and sich, and not one on 'em +but what 'ud claim she wa'n't well treated. The trouble with women is +that a man takes and treats 'em so well when he's a-courtin' of 'em, +that after they 're married, plain, ordinary, every-day treatment seems +like cruelty to 'em." + +This was a phase of the woman question which had never before occurred +to Checkers; but the weight of suspense at his heart prevented his +encouraging Tobe to further reminiscence. + +As he drove into the door-yard, Arthur came out of the house, trembling +and pale with anger and excitement. + +"Hello, Arthur?" called Checkers, cheerily. + +"Traitor, hypocrite," was the answer; "how can you look me in the face?" + +"Oh, get used to it." + +"Ha! you make a jest of it, do you?" + +"Of what, your face?" + +Arthur grew livid. "It's easy and safe for you to taunt a man who is +just recovering from a weakening sickness," he said. "If it were n't +for my father, I 'd shoot you like the cur that you are, if I hanged +for it." + +Checkers jumped to the ground. "Now, look here, Arthur Kendall," he +said threateningly. "I won't stand any such talk from any one. If you +'re making your roar about Miss Barlow, and I suppose you are, I'll +tell you this: The girl doesn't love you and never did, and why you +should want to do the dog-in-the-manger act is more than I can see." + +"No; of course she does n't love me, if a sneaking Judas goes and +betrays me to her." + +"I never mentioned your name to her, unless it was to say something +good about you." + +"You lie! You told her all about our affair at Hot Springs." + +"I did no such thing." + +"You did. She told her father about it, and he told me this very +afternoon." + +"Did he say I told her?" + +"Who else could have told her? do you think I told her?" + +"I do n't know, and, what's more, I don't care a damn. I do n't want +any trouble with you, but I have n't got the temper of an angel, and I +'d advise you to take a tumble to yourself until I 'm gone--and that +won't be longer than it takes me to get my stuff into my trunk." + +"It can't be any too quick to suit me." + +Checkers started for the house, but stopped half-way, and turned for a +parting word, while Arthur stood still, and eyed him malignantly. + +"Now, listen, Arthur Kendall," said Checkers earnestly; "and these are +the last words I 'm going to say. I 've been on the square with you +from the day I met you, and if our positions were reversed, I 'd take +you by the hand and wish you all kinds of happiness, but as it is, you +show the yellow streak I always thought you had in you--it's wider than +I thought it was, that's all. But just keep saying this over to +yourself: 'I love that girl and I 'm going to have her, in spite of her +father, or you, or the world.'" And turning on his heel, Checkers went +into the house to collect his few, poor, little belongings. + + + + +VII. + +That same night Pert, after another stormy interview with her father, +had gone to her room, and, throwing herself on her little white bed, in +a paroxysm of bitter grief, had softly sobbed herself to sleep. + +Gradually into her dreams there came the whistled notes of a familiar +little cadence, faint and far away at first, but growing louder and +nearer until she awoke with a start. + +It was "a whistle" which Checkers had taught her weeks before, and ran +as follows: + + Come, my love, and walk with me. + Yes, my love, I'll walk with thee. + Ta-ra-dum. + +[Illustration: music fragment] + +At this time, however, Checkers, standing down in the road outside, had +cut the "ta-ra-dum" as flippant and irrelevant--a delicacy which, in +her trepidation, Pert failed to remark. But, jumping up, she lighted +her lamp, and cautiously exposed it at the window for a moment. Then, +thanking fortune that she chanced to be dressed, she slipped a warm +wrap over her shoulders, and stole down the stairs, out into the night. + +Checkers folded her in his arms, and kissed her gently. "My darling," +he murmured, "you haven't let them turn you against me, have you?" + +"Why, Checkers dear," she answered looking into his eyes, "the whole +world could n't turn me against you--I love you." Checkers kissed her +again. + +In the bright starlight they sat together, once more on the little +rustic bench under the tree, listening with ready sympathy, as each +related to each the trials of the day. + +"No, little sweetheart," said Checkers finally, "there is no possible +way for me to stay in Clarksville. The old man is practically right, I +am a pauper, but I won't be long. Pert, I can hustle, when I want to; +I 've got enough money to take me to Chicago, and keep me till I can +get a job. When I get to work I 'll salt every cent, and with any kind +of luck, I 'll come back and get you within a year. A year is not such +a very long while." And with a show of genuine enthusiasm, Checkers +ended by talking the downcast girl into a happy confidence in himself +and the future. + +"And now, Pert," he said, solicitously, "it's too cold for you to stay +out here longer; come, we must be brave, and say good-bye." + +"O, Checkers," she exclaimed, with a choking sob, suddenly throwing her +arms around his neck, "I can't bear to let you go; I shall be +miserable, miserable without you." + +Tenderly Checkers soothed and reasoned with her. Once more their plans +were gone over. Checkers was to leave in the morning for Chicago. He +was to write to her as often as possible, addressing the letters to +Sadie, whom Pert knew she could depend upon. Checkers was to bend +every effort towards getting a position and saving money; and Pert was +to be brave, and wait--the common lot of women. + +With his arm around her, lovingly, he led her slowly to the house. +Again and again they said good-bye; but there is something in the word +which makes us linger. + +"Some little keepsake, sweetheart," he whispered--"this ribbon, or your +handkerchief." + +"No; wait here a minute," she answered. Carefully entering the house, +she crept to her room, and from its hiding-place brought forth a +fifty-dollar gold piece. It was of California gold, octagonal in +shape, and minted many years before. + +"Here, dear," she said, returning noiselessly. "Here is a coin that +was given me long ago by my grandfather--take it as a lucky-piece. And +whenever you see it, think of one who loves you and is praying for you. +And, Checkers, if you should have misfortune, and should really need +to, don't hesitate to spend it; because, you see, if you don't have +good luck, so that you do n't need to spend it, why it is n't a lucky +piece, and you 'd better get rid of it--that is, if--if you have to." + +Checkers embraced her passionately. "My darling," he protested, "I +shall have to be nearer starving to death than I 've ever been, or +expect to be, before I part with this. I shall treasure it as a +keepsake from the dearest, sweetest, prettiest, sandiest girl in the +world; the one that I love and the one that loves me; and here--here's +a scarfpin that once was my father's. They say opals are unlucky. +Well, father got shot, but I wore it the lucky day I met you; so that +does n't prove anything--wear it for my sake. Now, dear, I _must_ go. +Keep a stiff upper lip, and do n't let the old man get in his bluff on +you. Win your mother over--she'll help you out. I think she likes me; +I am sure I do her. I 'll write to you every day. Good-bye, my +precious--I 'll be back for you soon; good-bye, good-bye." + +One last fond embrace, one lingering kiss, and Checkers turned and +walked resolutely away. + +The next morning early he bid the Bradleys a sorrowful farewell, and +boarded the train for Little Rock. Mr. Bradley gave him letters to a +number of merchants there, but he was unable to find employment. In +fact, he only sought it in a half-hearted way; Little Rock was too +small, too near Clarksville. Chicago was his Mecca. He felt a happy +presentiment that once there circumstances would somehow solve for him +the problem of existence. But, alas, for vain hopes! Day after day, +from door to door, he sought employment without success. The answers +he received to his inquiries for work were ever the same: "Business was +dull; they were reducing rather than increasing their forces; sorry, +but if anything turned up they would let him know." At times he +received just enough encouragement to make his eventual failure the +more disheartening and cruel. + +How could he write to Pert under such circumstances? At first it had +not been so hard; but now he had put it off from day to day, dreading +to tell her of his non-success, always hoping that surely to-morrow he +must have good news, until fully a week elapsed in which he had not +written. How troublesome a thing is pride--to the poor. + +In the course of his wanderings he came across numbers of the old +companions of his pool-room days. Few of them had changed, but for the +worse. Most of them were penniless, hungry and threadbare, but still +the victims of the hopeless vice, and whenever fortune threw in their +way a dollar, it went into the insatiable maw of the race-tracks. +Checkers noted and was warned; and to their earnest solicitations to +"play their good things" he pointed them to their own condition--a +pertinent and unanswerable argument. + +But though never so careful the time came apace when his little hoard +was all but exhausted. His treasured keepsake he still vowed nothing +should make him part with. "If I 've got to starve," he grimly +resolved, "it might as well be a week or two earlier as later--but I +'ll keep Pert's gold piece." + +That same day he received from Pert a letter full of encouragement, but +pleading with him, as he loved her, to write. "All in the world that I +have to look forward to now, Checkers, dear," she said, "is your +letters; and you can 't imagine how disappointed I am, and how I worry +for fear you are sick, or something, as the days go by, and no word +comes from you." + +Standing by the window in his dismal boarding-house room Checkers read +the letter over and over. Meditatively he examined his +pockets--nothing! nothing but the gold piece. Something must be done. +There were a number of garments hanging on the wall, among them an +overcoat. "I can do without that," he said, with a shiver. + +Half an hour later, richer by a few pieces of silver, he stood in a +telegraph-office, penning a message to Pert. "Letter received," he +wrote. "Am well, but no luck. Will write to-day. Checkers." + +Beside him as he wrote, stood a man whom he recognized--one Brown, an +owner of a racing-stable. With the tail of his eye Checkers read what +he was writing. It was a telegram to some one in St. Louis, and ran: +"Stand a tap on the mare to-day. She can't lose." Checkers' heart was +in his mouth. Instantly his resolution was taken. Out into the street +he followed Brown. With the furtive care of a Hackshaw he shadowed him +in and out of hotels and saloons, until about noon they brought up at a +restaurant, where Checkers modestly seated himself at a table behind +Brown and ordered a light repast. But Brown was hungry, and Checkers +had ample time to think the thing over. "I 'm in luck at last," he +soliloquized. "Stand a tap on the mare! His friend will play it in +the foreign-book at East St. Louis and he 'll play it at the track. It +must be a 'hot one'--I wonder what the odds will be. Well, I 'll keep +this can 't-shake-me glide on my feet till I see what he plays, and +then 'get down' on it myself. I 'll put up the gold-piece, and stand +to either lose it or make a stake for myself. Somehow I 'd feel better +to have it go in one last effort to make a killin' than to spend it a +quarter at a time on sandwiches and cigarettes. To-night I 'll either +be able to write to Pert that my luck has turned, or I 'll know the +worst, and that 's some comfort. Ah, Brown 's paying his bill at last." + +The summer meeting at Washington Park, with large purses and high-class +horses, was over and gone. But there were other tracks where racing +was carried on all the fall and most of the winter; gambling-hells, +pure and simple, or rather, purely and simply gambling-hells, which the +Legislature has since effectively closed. + +In the betting-ring of one of these, that afternoon, Checkers threaded +his way through the crowd after Brown. The programme showed that Brown +had an entry in the last race--Remorse, an aged selling-plater. +Checkers remembered the horse as one that had shown considerable speed +as a three-year-old. He glanced at the programme again: Remorse, by +Gambler, dam Sweetheart. Was it an omen? Remorse would certainly +follow if he gambled away the keepsake which his sweetheart had given +him. But wouldn't an equally poignant regret possess him if after this +providential tip he failed to play the horse and she won? He felt that +it would. + +The fourth race was on, and the last was approaching. Brown stood at +the edge of the ring, his hands in his pockets, smoking idly. The +official results of the fourth were announced, and the bookmakers +tacked up the entries for the last. Still, Brown seemed nonchalant. + +Checkers anxiously watched the posting of the odds. "Remorse, four to +one," he exclaimed under his breath. Brown also glanced at the +blackboards--and lighted a fresh cigar. Every minute some one would +buttonhole him, and ask, "How about Remorse?" "O, she's got a chance," +he would answer, with a shrug which seemed to indicate that she had no +chance. + +The favorite, under a heavy play, was rapidly cut to even money, while +the odds on the others were correspondingly increased. Remorse went to +five and six to one. Brown took fifty dollars out of his pocket, and, +going up to a prominent bookmaker, played--_the favorite_. Checkers +was paralyzed. The same performance Brown repeated with another +book-maker on the other side of the ring. Gradually Remorse's price +went up to eight to one, as it became generally known that her owner +was not playing her. + +The favorite's odds went to "four to five," and Checkers fingered his +gold piece nervously. One book-maker still laid even money. Here was +his chance if he wanted to play it. He started forward, and stopped. +As he hesitated, Brown sauntered out of the ring. Checkers followed +mechanically. + +From a distance he saw Brown meet two horsemen and, after a brief +conversation, give them each a roll of bills. He saw these two enter +the betting-ring and, taking opposite sides, "start down the line" on +Remorse; then the scheme was revealed to him. + +From stand to stand they went, betting Remorse in each book, ten and +twenty dollars at a time; not enough to cause remark, but amounting to +hundreds in the aggregate. Gradually the odds began to recede. +Checkers rushed to the other end of the ring. "Gimme Remorse!" he +exclaimed, excitedly, handing his gold-piece to a convenient blockman. + +"What the 'ell's this?" asked the wondering book-maker. + +"It's fifty," answered Checkers, laconically. + +"Well, it's the first time I ever seen one of them babies--but it looks +like it's good. Remorse, four hundred to fifty." + +"If I win, I want it back," said Checkers. "It was given to me +by--it's my lucky piece." + +"All right," was the answer, and Checkers walked away with his dearly +purchased ticket deep in his pocket. + +Under a steady but somewhat mysterious play, Remorse was cut to four to +one, and the favorite went up to six to five. This was gratifying to +Checkers, as indicating that Brown and his friends were confident. + +He went up into the grand stand; the horses were at the post. Remorse +was acting very badly--plunging, kicking and refusing to break. "I 'll +just about get left at the post," thought Checkers. "Say, that +favorite looks good," he remarked to a young fellow next to him. + +"Good," echoed the youth; "well, I should say he is good. He 's +cherry-ripe, and he 'll gallop in. If I had a thousand dollars, and +did n't know where I was goin' to eat to-night, I 'd put it _all_ on +him. There 's a lot of 'marks' around toutin' Remorse to beat +him--why, that old mare could n't beat a carpet; her last two races she +could n't get out of her own way." + +This was pleasant for Checkers, but he held his counsel. The next +moment the starter dropped the flag. + +Remorse, with a running start from behind, got two lengths the best of +it; and, setting a hot pace, widened up the gap between herself and the +field in a way that cheered Checkers' heart. + +It was a three-quarter dash, and at the half she had a lead of at least +ten lengths, with the others strung out in a regular procession. The +favorite was trailing along in fifth place; but Checkers noticed that +he was "running easy." The jockey was leaning back in the saddle, and +the horse's mouth was pulled wide open, as he fought for his head under +a double wrap. + +As they rounded into the stretch Remorse still led, but she seemed to +be tiring rapidly. The favorite swung very wide at the turn, losing +several lengths; his jockey then drew in behind three others, and +allowed himself to be hopelessly "pocketed." + +Up to now Checkers' new acquaintance had been silent; but at this +exhibition of incompetent jockeyship he expressed a desire to be "good +and damned if that ride would n't frost a cigar-sign Indian." + +Under whip and spur Remorse staggered on two lengths in the lead. +Within fifty feet of the wire the favorite got through, and coming with +a rush, as it seemed almost in spite of his jockey's efforts to +restrain him, he nipped Remorse on the post. + +From where Checkers stood it looked as though Remorse was beaten half a +length. The crowd yelled with delight; No. 4 was posted. Checkers +looked at his programme--"Remorse, No. 4." Then it was his turn to +yell, and he rather abused his privilege. The tumult of varied emotion +within him demanded this vent, and he gave it full play. "I thought I +was out of it," he laughed delightedly to the young man beside him. +"It looked like it, did n't it, at the angle? You see, Remorse had the +rail." + +But the young man was n't interested in Checkers' good luck. Just then +he had "troubles of his own." He vouchsafed one glance of sour +contempt and hurried off to try to borrow car-fare from some one. + +Often Checkers had won and lost more money than was involved in his +present venture and stood it stoically; but never before had his need +been so great, and he had reason to know that necessity and luck have +at best little more than a speaking acquaintance. Exultantly, +therefore, he skipped down the stairs into the betting-ring. "You can +'t keep a squirrel on the ground," he chuckled. "They 've got to stop +printing money when I ain't got some." The next minute he was in line +behind the stand where he had made his purchase, tightly grasping the +ticket which was to give him back his gold-piece and four hundred +dollars. + +Four hundred dollars! It was a snug little sum. The gold-piece had +proved a mascot after all. Now, he would "get out" his overcoat and +purchase some other necessary articles. He decided to pay off his +landlady and find some more inviting quarters. But the pleasantest +thought of all was that now he could write to Pert. The delight he +found in this reflection could only have been surpassed by the joy of +seeing her in person. He did not know what he should say; but he knew +that with this load off his heart, and with the return to self-respect +which this success had brought him, he would be able to write a letter +which would encourage and cheer her--it should be his first task. He +longed to be at it, and he began to chafe at what seemed an unusual +delay in announcing "the official." + +Turning, he glanced toward the judge's stand. There was a surging, +interested crowd around it. A presentiment of sudden misfortune came +over him. Almost at the same moment the air was rent by joyous yells +from hundreds of throats. + +The crowd turned about, and with one accord made a rush for the +betting-ring. + +In the van was Checkers' surly acquaintance--surly no longer, but +radiant with a smile which extended from ear to ear. Checkers broke +from the line, and grabbed him by the arm. "What 's up?" he exclaimed. +"What's the yelling about?" + +"All bets off," was the glad rejoinder; "the favorite was 'pulled.' +The judges are onto a job in the race. It was 'fixed' for Remorse. We +all get our money back. Let go--I 'm in a hurry." + +Checkers stood as though paralyzed from an actual blow. His eyes were +fixed and his lips were colorless. "By the bald-headed, knock-kneed +Jove!" he exclaimed, suddenly rousing himself with a vehement gesture; +"if my luck ain't--" But he felt it impossible to do the occasion +justice. + +With a set face and a heavy heart he again lined up behind the stand. +In turn he was given his gold piece in exchange for his ticket, but the +$400 was gone, to return no more forever. + +Under any sudden and crucial misfortune the subsequent action of the +average man is largely a matter of temperament. Numbers, no doubt, in +Checkers' position would have felt themselves justified in drowning +their sorrows in the flowing bowl. Others, with the obstinacy of +despair, might 'ave sought, perforce, the smiles of frowning fortune, +throwing discretion to the winds, and risking their all at any +desperate game chance threw in their way until satiated. A few might +have taken their hard luck resignedly, only thankful that it was no +worse, and hoping for better luck next time--such are they who, in the +end, succeed. + +These alternatives occurred to Checkers in turn, and he effected a sort +of compromise. He needed a temporary excitement of some sort as a +counter-irritant to his nerves. He was tired and hungry, and he +decided that his first move would be to get a good supper. He did n't +care how good or what it cost--he was tired of practicing economy. But +he must have some money; it would hardly do to "spring" the fifty in a +restaurant. Ah! Uncle Isaac! Yes, he believed he could pawn the gold +piece as he would a watch, and then if luck ever came his way, he would +have a chance of redeeming it. + +The staid old waiters in a fashionable cafL smiled that evening as a +youthful figure entered with an unaccustomed air, and, seating himself +at one of the tables, studied the menu earnestly. A few deft +suggestions from one of them, however, put him in the way of a very +good supper; and with a pint of Mumm's to wash it down, and a cigarette +to top off with, Checkers, for it was he, began to feel that things +might have been a bit worse after all. As he stepped into the street, +the glaring and impossible posters of a spectacular show at a +neighboring theater caught his eye and decided him. Five minutes later +he was comfortably seated in the front row of the orchestra chairs, +enjoying himself in present forgetfulness of troubles past or troubles +to come. + +Now, I fear, that to properly do my part, I should here create a dream +for Checkers to have had that night, in which Pert, Remorse, a waiter, +and a comedian should all take more or less senseless parts. But being +somewhat skeptical myself, I was careful to question Checkers on this +point, especially when I afterward learned what great things the morrow +had in store for him. And, in spite of all precedent, he confessed to +the oblivion of "the insensate clod," devoid of dream or premonition, +until nine the next morning, when he awoke with a start. With the +awakening came a realizing sense of his situation in all its most +disheartening phases. His course of the night before now seemed to him +the height of idiocy. He reproached himself in no measured terms for +having neglected to write to Pert as promised in his telegram. "I +ought to have a guardian appointed to look after me," he grumbled to +himself. "Think of my blowing myself for wine and the show, with +starvation staring me in the face; and then to think of that poor +little girl expecting a letter, and not getting it." + +He was interrupted by a knock at the door. "A letter for you, Mr. +Campbell," said the servant. Taking it from her he recognized the +well-known writing of his beloved. He put the letter in his pocket, +and, grabbing his hat, started down the stairs. "I 'm too late for +breakfast here," he exclaimed; "I 'll go next door to the 'beanery' and +get a roll and a cup of coffee. I 've got to play 'em close to my vest +now," he sighed. "A dime is nothing when you 've got it, but it 's +bigger than a mountain when you have n't; and it won 't be long before +I have n't at this rate." + +Seated on a little round stool at the corner in the "beanery," he gave +his order, and then opened and commenced to read his letter. A +newspaper clipping dropped to the floor; he picked it up mechanically, +continuing his reading as he did so. Suddenly he began to glance from +one to the other rapidly. An instant later he jumped to his feet, and +rushed to the window for a better light. It could n't be true--it +simply could n't! Yes, yes, it must be; for here was a notice from the +public administrator in Baltimore, advertising for him as an heir of +Giles Edward Campbell, deceased, who died intestate, etc., etc., and +Judge Martin, so Pert said in the letter, had had an inquiry regarding +him, with the statement that the only knowledge the authorities had of +such a person was based upon a letter found among the effects of the +deceased, headed "Eastman Hotel, Hot Springs," beginning "My dear +Uncle," and signed "Your affectionate nephew, Edward Campbell." The +clerk at the Eastman, when applied to, had reported a memorandum left +by Checkers, that any mail which might come for him be forwarded to +Clarksville, Ark.; hence this letter to Judge Martin, and hence Pert's +knowledge of the matter, as her uncle immediately applied to her for +the necessary information. + +"Uncle has written to Baltimore to-day," continued the letter, "and he +says you will hear from the authorities there without delay. The +inclosed clipping is from a Little Rock paper. Oh! Checkers, darling, +is n't it lovely?" + +The slovenly waiter shuffled to the counter with his cup of muddy +coffee and a soggy roll. Checkers tossed him half a dollar, and +stalked majestically out. "I think the joint where I ate last night is +just about my size this morning," he chuckled. "Gee, but I 'd like to +yell just once. The judges can't call all bets off this time." All +during breakfast his mind was busy with a thousand different +speculations, and he finally decided that in so momentous a matter he +ought to consult a lawyer. "I 'll find one in some big office +building," he mentally resolved, "and get his advice." + + + +---------------------+ + | MURRAY JAMESON, | + | Attorney-at-Law. | + +---------------------+ + +This, in modest gold letters upon an office window, was the first thing +he saw upon reaching the street. + +"Everything 's coming my way to-day," he thought. "Well, I 'll go in +and see the old joker." + +He was much taken aback upon entering, however, to find the "old joker" +a man of about thirty. + +"Is Mr. Jameson in?" he asked. + +"I am Mr. Jameson," was the reply. + +"Well, I wanted to get a little advice, but--" + +"Certainly; come into my private office." + +Checkers was trapped. "I do n't believe," he began desperately, "that +you 'll be able to help me. It's a very important case, and--well, +I--I want some one with a lot of experience." + +"As you like," said Mr. Jameson, who, by the way, was none other than +my old friend Murray, "but I 've been practicing law for more than five +years." + +"Well, that's enough practice to learn any game;" and, seating himself, +Checkers told him the facts as succinctly as possible from the +beginning. + +Of his uncle's circumstances he really knew nothing; but he remembered +hearing his mother speak of him, just before her death, as being "well +off," and "Uncle Giles was n't the kind, once he had a dollar, ever to +let it get away." + +If Checkers' chronology was correct, it was clear that he was the only +heir, and "whether his Uncle left much or little, it was that much +better than nothing at all." But Murray somewhat damped his enthusiasm +by the statement that there might be bills and claims of various sorts +against the estate, which, in the end, would show it to be insolvent. +However, he agreed to take the matter up at once, and be content to +receive his fee when the final settlement was made. + +Checkers spent the rest of the day in writing the long-delayed letter +to Pert, telegraphing her in the mean time that he had received her +letter, and expressing his thanks. + +A few days brought to light these facts concerning Giles Edward +Campbell, deceased: He had drawn a large pension undeservedly for +years, and by pinching and saving had amassed a fortune. Under +Cleveland in '84 his pension was annulled, and about the same time he +was nearly bankrupted in a greedy and foolish speculation. Then fear +of absolute want must have seized him, for, converting the little that +was left into gold, he hoarded it in miserly fashion; loaning it at +usurious rates, and hiding it when not in use in chests and crannies in +his den. At the time of his death, which was due more to lack of +nourishment than to anything else, there was found upon his person and +in nooks and corners of his room, thirty thousand dollars in gold and +government bonds, all of which in due time became the property of +Checkers. + + + + +VIII + +On a certain bright December day not many weeks after the occurrence of +the last related events, the town of Clarksville seemed to have assumed +a most unwonted bustle and confusion. People were actually hurrying in +and out of the little white Methodist church, carrying evergreen +boughs, chrysanthemums and sprays of holly and mistletoe. Wagons were +driving back and forth between town and the Barlow place, and the +Barlow house was in the hands of a Little Rock caterer and his +assistants. It was Checkers' wedding day. He and Pert were to be +married that night at six o'clock. Nothing they could think of had +been left undone to make the occasion a happy one. + +Though the old man fumed and fretted at the expense, Checkers insisted +upon having things "right." "This is my first and last wedding," he +said, "and there 's going to be nothing Sioux City about it." So, +though the old man groaned in spirit, caterer, orchestra, flowers, +etc., were ordered, regardless of expense, from Little Rock, and all +the town took a surpassing interest in the event. + +Checkers' return to Clarksville had been the triumphant return of +Caesar to Rome. As is usual in such cases, current report had +magnified his fortune twenty-fold. Mr. Barlow was now all smiles and +acquiescence; but his first meeting with Checkers was painfully +strained. Checkers treated him on the principle of "least said, +soonest mended;" but Mrs. Barlow he kissed and called "mother." + +He had found Pert looking a little pale, and her bright eyes seemed +somewhat larger and brighter. But the happiness which accompanied his +return soon brought the color back to her cheeks. + +[Illustration: PERT] + +Of course Checkers urged an immediate marriage, and of course there was +the usual demur; but, in the end, a date was fixed upon as near as +would conveniently allow for such preparations as Pert and her mother +felt it necessary to make. And in the mean time Checkers and Pert were +ideally happy. They took long drives and walks through the woods, and +spent long evenings in talking over their plans for the future, with a +never-flagging interest. + +It was practically decided that Checkers was to buy the Tyler place. +This was a fruit farm in perfect condition, with a neat little house +upon it, and not far from town. It could be purchased for cash at a +very low figure, and as the trees were all bearing, it seemed to +promise a large and sure return for the money, even cutting in half, +for possibilities of frost or drought, a conservative estimate of what +the trees should yield to the acre. + +Mr. Barlow and Checkers figured upon it carefully from every +standpoint, and the more they figured, the more it seemed a +providential opportunity, Checkers knew nothing of any other business, +and his money was practically lying idle in the bank. No other safe +investment could promise so large an income and at the same time +furnish him with employment and a pleasant home. + +And so at last the matter was decided. The earnest money was paid, and +the order given for the execution of the necessary papers. The house +was vacated and thoroughly renovated, and Pert found a new delight in +selecting paper, carpets and furniture to her liking--Checkers had +given her _carte blanche_. + +As soon as the title to the property was found to be clear, Checkers +gave a certified check to Mr. Tyler for twenty thousand dollars, and a +warranty deed was signed, conveying the property, in fee, to Persis +Barlow. This was in accordance with Checkers' desire, and was a great +surprise to Pert and her parents. "What's mine is yours, dear," he +said with a smile, "and what's yours is your own." And that ended the +matter--unfortunately for Checkers. + +There was just one question upon which the two had a serious +difference--the case of Arthur Kendall. + +"Now, Edward," said Pert one evening (when she called him 'Edward' he +knew that something important was coming), "I want to talk to you about +something that has been worrying me dreadfully." + +"What is it, sweetheart?" + +"And I want you to promise to do as I ask you." + +Checkers felt suspicious, and refused to "go it blind." + +"Well, it's about the Kendalls. I want you to make up with Arthur, +somehow--" + +"Not on your--" + +"Yes, Edward; you must. Remember the Thanksgiving sermon about +forgiveness and loving your neighbors." + +"Oh, it's all well enough to love your neighbor, but there 's no +necessity for taking down the fence. Arthur treated me like a +step-child, and--" + +"But, Checkers dear, we want Aunt Deb. and Mr. Kendall at the wedding. +They won't come unless Arthur does, and Arthur won't come unless you +make up with him. Consider, Checkers, you 've been unusually blest, +and you ought to be humble and thankful, and do something to show it; +and here's your opportunity. Another thing"--this came +hesitatingly--"he 's the only fellow about here who could make a decent +appearance as your best man." + +Checkers went off into peals of laughter. "Oh," he exclaimed, "I begin +to tumble. Forgive your neighbor, if you happen to need +him--afterwards you can shake him again." + +Pert joined in the laugh. "It is no such thing," she responded. "If +you half appreciated me, you would n't blame Arthur for being angry at +you for doing what you did to him. He loved me a great deal more than +you do; he never refused me a favor in his life." + +"That's just why he lost you. Push Miller used to say--" + +"Never mind Push Miller; Arthur is to be at Sadie's to-morrow evening. +You and I are going there to call. You are to shake hands with Arthur +and tell him you 're glad to see him, and be natural and friendly. +Afterwards you can ask him to stand up with you." + +"It seems to be settled," said Checkers; and so it eventuated. +Checkers greeted Arthur with frank cordiality, and relieved the tension +by a few well-turned witticisms. No apologies passed between them, and +reference to the past was tacitly barred. Checkers' sunny nature was +not one to harbor a grudge, and if Arthur still felt rebellious, he +managed to hide it gracefully. He readily consented to act the part of +best man for Checkers; and Sadie, of course, was to be Pert's maid of +honor. Most of the evening was spent in discussing other available +material in the way of bridesmaids and groomsmen, and it was agreed +that with a few importations from Little Rock, they would be able to +present an attractive wedding party. + +"Now, I have an idea," said Arthur, "which I think is a good one. +Checkers ought to know those fellows before they are asked to be his +groomsmen; we'll go up to Little Rock to-morrow, and I 'll invite them +to meet him at an informal dinner at one of the hotels." + +"A very good scheme," assented Pert. + +"And I 'll invite the party here to supper for the night before the +wedding," put in Sadie. + +"It 's very kind of you both," said Checkers, "and I appreciate it more +than I can tell you." + +Early the next morning the two boys went to Little Rock. Arthur +invited four of the most desirable of his acquaintances to dinner that +evening, and luckily they all accepted. + +Most of Checkers' day was taken up in fulfilling missions for Pert and +her mother. He returned to the hotel late in the afternoon, and had +barely time to don his new dress-suit and join Arthur in the rotunda +before their guests arrived. + +They were jolly good fellows, all of them. Checkers was duly +presented, and after a preliminary cocktail the party adjourned to the +private dining-room, where a round table was prettily laid for six. +Checkers felt apprehensive for Arthur, when he noticed three different +glasses at each plate; but Arthur took early occasion to state that he +was "on the water-wagon," and he hoped that the boys would "not let it +make any difference with them, or with the gayety of the evening"--and +it did n't. After the first edge of their hunger was turned the +jollity grew apace. Checkers in his happiest vein related numberless +humorous anecdotes, among them his experience of Remorse and the gold +piece. Each of them told his particular pet joke, and all were +boisterously applauded. + +"Now, waiter," exclaimed Arthur, suddenly righting his down-turned +champagne glass, "fill them up again all around, and give me some. +Gentlemen, I want to propose a double toast, and I 'll ask you to drink +it standing--a bumper." All arose expectantly. "Let us drink," he +said, "to the health and happiness of the sweetest, fairest, most +lovable girl God ever put upon this earth--it is needless to name her. +Let us also drink to the health and prosperity of the thrice-fortunate +man who has won her love--Mr. Campbell, your health." He touched his +wine to his lips; the others drained their glasses, and all sat down. + +There was an expectant silence. Checkers felt the blood go surging to +his brain, while his heart seemed to sink like lead within him. He +felt powerless to rise, although he knew that all were awaiting his +response. The silence became painful. "Speech," murmured some one. +"Speech," echoed the others. With a superhuman effort he managed to +arise, and grasping a full glass of water, drained it. "I 'll tell +you, boys," he said huskily, "here's where I 'd put up the talk of my +life, if I could; but it's like it was that day they declared all bets +off--the occasion 's too much for me. I feel it all--I feel it in my +heart," he continued earnestly. "I 'm obliged to Arthur for his +motion, and to you all for making it unanimous. I know that I 'm +lucky, so lucky that I can hardly believe my good fortune myself. Half +the time I think that I must be asleep, and trying to 'cash a +hop-dream.' I 've been ready to get married for a couple of years--I +'ve had everything but the stuff and the girl; I was ready to furnish +the groom all right; but I 've always had a feeling that I could n't +have much respect for a girl that would marry me if she was 'onto' +me--every fellow feels the same, or ought to. And so when I find I +have drawn a prize girl, who, as Arthur says, is 'the fairest and +sweetest God ever put on this earth,' and it's true, it jars me, boys; +it does, on the dead. I feel like the only winner in a poker-game, as +though I ought to apologize for it--and I do, with about the same +regret. + +"Well, I 've had my hard luck, and 'played out the string,' and now +that things seem to be coming my way, I 'm going to enjoy myself while +it lasts. 'Life is short, and we 're a long time dead.' That's an old +saying, but it's a good one. Boys, I hope you 'll all be as happy as I +am when it comes your turn, and may it come soon. Here 's how." He +lifted his glass, which in the mean time the waiter had filled, and, +smiling around the circle, tossed off his wine in unison with the +others and sat down. + +There was the usual clapping and cheering, after which Checkers asked +their attention for a moment more. "I want to sign two of you fellows +for groomsmen," he said. "I wish I needed four, I 'd like to have you +all; but Pert said 'two,' and what Pert says goes. Now, how shall we +decide it?" + +"Why not match for it!" suggested one of them. + +"Good idea!" exclaimed Checkers; "you four match nickels, odd man out. +until two are left--come on, get busy." + +On the first trial, two called "heads," and two "tails." "No +business," said Checkers. On the second trial, three called "heads" +and one "tails." "Tough luck, old man," said Checkers to the one; "I +wanted you particularly." At the first essay of the three remaining, +all showed "heads" up; at the second two of them "switched" to "tails," +while the third kept "heads"--thus deciding the matter. + +"Well, that settles that," said Checkers; "but groomsmen or not, we 'll +all be there, and I hope we'll all have a good time." + +It was in "the wee, sma' hours" when the party broke up, and Checkers +and Arthur, after seeing their guests safely out, sought their rooms, +and quickly tumbled into bed. Checkers, however, took occasion to +thank Arthur warmly for his kindness, and to express a hope that an +opportunity might soon occur for him to requite it. The next afternoon +saw them back in Clarksville. + +The few intermediate days passed quickly. Sadie's supper was a +success, as such things go; the ceremony was rehearsed, and all was in +readiness for the great event. + +The wedding morning dawned, as bright and beautiful a winter's day as +nature ever vouchsafed a happy bridal pair. Checkers was up with the +lark. He felt the weight of the nations upon his shoulders. All day +he was back and forth between house and church, anxious that nothing +should be overlooked; suggesting and helping until late in the +afternoon, when Arthur laid violent hands upon him, and insisted upon +his taking a rest before making a toilet for the evening. + +Promptly at six, to the Lohengrin March on a cabinet organ, the bridal +party came slowly down the aisle, the two ushers first, and following +them, the two bridesmaids. After these came Sadie, alone, with a huge +bouquet of roses, and lastly leaning upon her father's arm, came Pert, +in a simple white gown, her veil wreathed with orange blossoms and +pinned with a diamond star, one of Checkers' gifts. + +Every neck was craned, and every eye fastened upon her in breathless +admiration, for she was beautiful. + +From behind a screen at the side, Checkers and Arthur came forth, and +met them at the altar. The service was simple, but solemn and +impressive. The earnestness of Checkers' answers caused a quiet smile +to pass around, which culminated in down-right laughter at the ardor +with which he kissed the bride when the time came; but he was wholly +oblivious. Marching out to the accustomed music, he could scarcely +maintain a decorous step, so great was his elation. + +Their short drive to the house, during which he folded Pert in his +arms, and knew that she was his--all his--he felt to be the moment of +his supremest earthly happiness. + +The others followed quickly. The guests arrived, and soon there were +congratulations, feasting, music and merry-making galore. + +But all things--good things--have an end, and perhaps it is just as +well that they have; at least, in this case Checkers and Pert, as they +crossed the threshold of their own little home, breathed a happy sigh +at the thought that they were alone at last--together. + + + + +IX + +The succeeding days brought one continuous round of simple pleasures. +Christmas and the holidays followed hard upon the wedding, and New +Year's Day being Sunday, Pert invited the members of the wedding party +to the house for from Friday to the Monday following. + +At this season of the year there was nothing of actual work to be done +upon the place, and Checkers was free to hunt with the men or drive +with the girls, as he elected. + +Whether it be for the reason that "misery loves company," or for the +much more probable and kindly reason that "our truest happiness lies in +making others happy," it is certain that most young married couples +have a very strong "weakness" for match-making. And Pert and Checkers +were no exception to this rule. + +They decided that Arthur's truest good demanded that he marry Sadie; +and poor little Sadie showed but too plainly in what direction her +happiness lay. + +But in spite of Pert's well-laid plans to leave them in quiet corners +together, in spite of her many little tactful suggestions, Arthur +remained unresponsive. He was attentive in a perfunctory way, but that +was all. And often Pert would blush to find him gazing at her with a +wistful, far-away look in his eyes, which told more surely than words +what was in his heart. In fact, Sadie timidly suggested to Pert one +day that Arthur was always distrait and silent after seeing her and +Checkers together; and that instead of making him desire a domestic +little home of his own, it seemed to embitter and sour him. + +So, after the house party Checkers settled down to serious life on a +farm, and Pert busied herself with housekeeping, learning to cook from +her neat old colored servant "Mandy," trying new dishes herself, and +doing the thousand and one little things that go to make up "a woman's +work," which 't is said "is never done"--"done," of course, in the +sense of "finished." + +And so the winter glided quickly into spring--the spring of '93; a year +that many of us will long remember. + +One evening Checkers unfolded to Pert a long-cherished scheme, which +delighted her. This was nothing less than a plan to take her to +Chicago in May to see the World's Fair. "We 'll call it our wedding +trip, little girl," he said caressingly, "and we won't be gone but ten +days or two weeks." + +But when Mr. Barlow heard of it, "he made a monkey of himself," as +Checkers put it. He ranted and swore, and told them both they would +end in the poorhouse with their reckless extravagance. But Checkers +laughed him off good-naturedly. He knew that the trip would be +expensive; but he felt that he could afford it, and he had another and +a deeper reason for taking Pert to Chicago. He was greatly worried +about her health, and he desired to have her consult some eminent +physician regarding herself. + +One day, when they were out for a walk, she had run a playful race with +him along a level stretch of road, bending every energy to beat him. +He was running easily behind her, puffing and grunting to make her +think that she was really worsting him, when suddenly she stumbled, +tottered, and, putting her hand to her heart, sank limply upon a bed of +leaves at the side of the road. In an instant Checkers was kneeling +beside her. She had not fainted, but was as pale as death, and she +still held her hand to her heart and gasped for breath. Checkers +loosened her gown about her throat, then filling his hat with water at +a little stream near by, he bathed her brow and wet her lips. Fully an +hour passed before she was able with his assistance to walk to the +house, and though about, next day apparently as well as ever, she +complained thereafter, at intervals, of dizziness, chilly sensations +and strange flutterings at her heart. + +The local doctor joked her about the size of her waist, and told her +that her trouble was probably due to a combination of lacing and +indigestion. But to Checkers he confided a fear that there might be +some affection of the heart, and earnestly advised that he consult some +worthy specialist. + +So, while Checkers told nothing of his apprehensions to Pert, he would +brook no interference in his plans. The middle of May they left the +house in care of "Mandy," and set out for the land of "The Great White +City." + +What delight they found in roaming about through those wonderful +buildings and marvelous displays! Checkers, alert and all-observing, +Pert, enthusiastic and wondering--they spent whole days in a single +building or upon the ever-interesting Midway. + +Checkers had found cozy quarters in a small hotel not far from the +grounds, but they lunched and dined where it suited them best. Thus it +chanced that one night, when they were going to the theater, they dined +beforehand at Kinsley's, as related by Checkers in the opening chapters. + +Meanwhile, Checkers did not neglect the more serious part of his +mission. He hunted up Murray, who was surprised and glad to see him, +and who evinced a genuine interest in the story of his marital felicity. + +Upon the matter of a doctor for Pert, Murray happened to know "just the +man," a friend of his, to whom he gave Checkers a letter of +introduction. Checkers called and explained the case to the doctor, +and the next day Pert underwent a thorough examination. Checkers +awaited the verdict anxiously. In effect it was this: her heart action +was weak, and at times irregular, but there was no reason to apprehend +but what, with a careful diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and +fresh air, she would live as long as the average woman, and fully +recover from the troublesome symptoms which sudden over-exertion had +brought upon her. Violent exercise and excitement, however, were +especially to be avoided; and the use of all stimulants, narcotics and +anaesthetics must be set down as dangerous in the extreme. + +Checkers breathed a sigh of relief. He had warned the doctor to make +as light of the case to Pert as his conscience would permit, explaining +that he himself would tell her gradually, as fitting occasion offered, +what had been said to him, and would see that all instructions were +carefully carried out. Violent exercise she was already warned +against, and Checkers felt that he could guard her against unusual +excitement. He carefully avoided the harrowing plays at the theater, +but took her to operas and burlesques. But it never occurred to him as +necessary to warn her specifically against stimulants and drugs. + +A few days before their departure for home, they received a pleasant +surprise in the shape of a telegram from Arthur and Sadie, announcing +their marriage. + +A letter from Sadie arrived the next day, in which she said that she +and Arthur had hoped to join them in Chicago and surprise them, but +that conditions were such at the store that Arthur's every available +moment was demanded, and he could not possibly get away. But this was +not the half of it. The panic of '93, of which premonitory notice had +been given by numerous bank failures, was now a stern reality. +Collections were bad, business was dead, and the firm of Kendall & Co., +which had unfortunately laid in a larger stock of goods than usual that +season, found it all they could do to keep themselves from going to the +wall. + +Checkers and Pert returned and soon fell into their accustomed grooves. +They called upon Arthur and Sadie, and found them reasonably happy +under new conditions, although Arthur was evidently carrying a load of +care and responsibility; while Judge Martin sat up and cheerfully +predicted "confusion and every evil work" as a result of the +demonetization of silver and other kindred political "outrages." + +One morning as Checkers was working about the dooryard, he espied his +father-in-law coming up the road at a gait which presaged important +news. The old man reached him, out of breath. Checkers waited +expectantly. + +"Well, what do ye think has happened now?" panted Mr. Barlow. "The +First National Bank of Little Rock has gone up--busted; got yer money." + +There was in his voice and manner something of the triumph that mean +spirits feel at being the first to bring disastrous news, as well as a +show of personal injury at the thought of Checkers allowing himself to +lose what he himself had even the shadow of an interest in. + +"My God!" exclaimed Checkers involuntarily, growing pale at the news. +Then for a moment he stood in silence, nervously biting his upper lip. +He had had long experience in controlling himself under trying +circumstances. "If that's so," he finally answered in a quiet voice, +"it 's tough." + +This exasperated Mr. Barlow. "Tough," he repeated; "you nincompoop, +it's actual ruin; the bank has been robbed by its president--looted--ye +'ll never see a cent of it ag'in," and he started toward the house. + +"Hold on!" exclaimed Checkers, grabbing him by the arm. "Not a word of +this to Pert; it will only excite her, and not do any good." + +But the old man shook him off and continued his way. Checkers picked +up a handy piece of scantling, and running up the steps, turned and +faced his father-in-law. + +"Now, see here, old man," he exclaimed, "I 've taken as much of your +slack as I 'm going to--see? I tell you you can't come into this +house; and I give you fair warning, if you put your foot on one of +those steps I 'll smash you over the head;" and he swung his weapon +threateningly to his shoulder. "What I 've made or lost is mine, not +yours," he continued, "and it don't 'cut any pie' with you--you'll +never get a cent of it. My wife is mine, not yours, and I 'll take +care of her, what ever happens. But she is n't well, and the doctor +said any sudden excitement might kill her. I 'll tell her gradually +and quietly, and go down to Little Rock this noon and see if there 's +anything can be done. If I 'd let you tell her you 'd break the news +with an ax, and I tell you I ain't going to have it; so just 'jar +loose,' and 'pull your freight.'" + +There was something in Checkers' determined look which cowed the old +man, but he would n't go without a last word. "Well, ye 'll both o' ye +end a couple of paupers and die in the poorhouse if this keeps up," he +said, "with your fancy furniture and trips to Chicago. How much did +you have in that bank?" + +Just here Pert appeared in the doorway. Checkers' threatening attitude +and her father's question, which she overheard, surprised and startled +her. "What is it?" she cried, putting her arm around Checkers and +disarming him gently. + +"Nothing much," he began. + +"Nothing much," interrupted her father, "except that the Little Rock +bank is busted, and all yer money's gone." + +Checkers reached for his stick, but Pert restrained him. "Never mind, +dearest," she said, "it may not be as bad as you think--things never +are; and we 've got the house and the farm, and the bonds; and, +whatever happens, we 've got each other." + +"Yes; you 've got each other," said the old man cynically, "and that's +all ye will have, if things goes this way. If yer goin' to Little +Rock, boy," he said sharply, consulting his old silver watch, "ye must +hurry; ye ain't more 'n time to make it now." + +Checkers saw that this was so, and going to his room, made a hasty +toilet. "Good-bye, Pert, darling," he said, as he emerged, catching +her up and embracing her lovingly. "I 'll be back soon; don't mind +what he says;" and with a warning glance at Mr. Barlow, he hurried off +down the road toward the station. + +As he stood upon the platform awaiting the train he felt a sudden +presentiment of evil, and with a superstition born of his early +experience in gambling, he half decided to turn back. "I 've got a +feeling I ought n't to go," he muttered; "but I guess it's because I 'm +afraid the old man will worry Pert. Still, she seemed to take it calm +enough, and I ought to get there and look after my stuff." He boarded +the train and went steaming off, but he could not get rid of his +bugaboo. + +The situation with Checkers at this time was about as follows: Of the +legacy left him, $20,000 had gone for the farm, or fruit ranch, which +he had given Pert. A thousand more had been spent in refitting and +furnishing the house. Most of the wedding expenses, which Checkers had +assumed, Part's presents, an elaborate wardrobe for himself, the +household expenses, and the trip to Chicago, had consumed about another +thousand. The balance, except ten government bonds and a few hundred +dollars in the bank at Clarksville, was on deposit at interest in this +bank which failed--$4,800, for which he held a certificate of deposit. +It was very unfortunate, and the sense of his loss kept growing upon +him as time went on. + +Meanwhile Mr. Barlow had taken occasion to lecture Pert on her sinful +extravagance. With pencil and paper he sat before her, and showed her +how within six short months she and Checkers had spent one-tenth of +their fortune, and how with this loss at the bank they were poorer by a +third of all they had ever possessed. + +"Figures won't lie, but liars will figure." He knew, but he did not +tell her, that of what was actual expense there would be little cause +for its repetition, and that most of the money expended was visible in +assets of one sort or another. He only made her feel perfectly +miserable, and wrought her up beyond the point of thinking or answering +intelligently. + +When he had gone she tried for a while to busy herself about the house, +but she felt a growing lonesomeness--a desire for sympathy and +companionship--and she decided to put on her hat and go down to her +cousin Sadie's. + +It was now high noon, and a stifling hot day; but she braved the heat +of the blistering sun, and trudged along the dusty way to her +destination. When she reached the Martins' house she was dizzy and +faint from the heat and the blinding glare. + +Judge Martin and Arthur came home to dinner, and both expressed the +greatest sympathy for her and Checkers in their sudden misfortune. At +the table Pert tried to eat for appearance's sake, but her efforts +ended in mere pretense. Sadie noticed it, and insisted that after +dinner she go to a room on the cool side of the house and "take a nap." +To this Pert objected. "I can never sleep during the day," she said; +"the longer I lie, the wider awake I get. I am really all right," she +added, smiling bravely, "only my head aches--a very little." + +"We'll soon fix that," exclaimed Arthur. "I 've been troubled with +headache and sleeplessness lately, myself, and I 've struck a remedy +that beats anything you ever saw; knocks a headache, and makes you +sleep like an infant. It's perfectly harmless, too--guaranteed. +Excuse me a minute; I'll get the box." + +Pert felt too miserably weak and apathetic to further object to Sadie's +suggestion or Arthur's remedy; so, under her cousin's ministering +guidance, she retired to an upper room and prepared herself with what +comfort she could to rest, while Sadie opened the windows and drew the +shades. + +"Now, Pert," said Sadie, "take one of these powders with a little +water, and I think you 'll feel better right away. I 'll leave the box +here on the table, near the bed, and if the first one does n 't cure +your headache and put you to sleep, take another. Now is there +anything more you want, dear? If there is, just call; I 'll leave the +door the least bit open." A sudden impulse prompted her, as she was +going out, to return and kiss Pert fondly, and though not an uncommon +thing between them, still both wondered for a moment afterward at the +unusual tenderness and feeling that each had unconsciously put into the +embrace. + +Left alone, Pert tried to compose her mind and go to sleep; but in +spite of herself her brain dwelt anxiously upon Checkers in Little +Rock, and upon what her father had said to her. Half an hour passed +and still her fancy teemed, as she restlessly tossed from side to side. +She felt herself growing nervous, and her ear upon the pillow told her +that her heart was beating rapidly. + +"At least my head feels a great deal better," she murmured, raising +herself upon her elbow; "now if I could only get to sleep I believe I +should wake up quite myself again. Perhaps another powder will do it; +I 'm afraid of them, though. Still, Arthur says they 're perfectly +harmless--I 'll take just one more. Checkers would n 't like it; he +told me never to take any medicine." She lifted her box from the +table. "Dear old Checkers," she said to herself, with a sigh, +preparing the powder; "how he loves me! His first thought was to keep +the news from me for fear I would worry." She took the draught and +sank back upon the pillow--"to be loved as he loves me--Oh, Checkers! +mother!!" + +The afternoon wore on towards dusk. Sadie went about her household +duties, humming softly. Once she thought she heard Pert call, but as +the sound was not repeated, she fancied herself mistaken, and sat down +to read, happy in the thought that Pert must have fallen asleep. It +seemed to be blowing up cooler; the wind had shifted, and a few dark +clouds were rolling up from the west, with distant rumbling. + +About five o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Barlow drove up in a buggy. Mrs. +Barlow got out, and Mr. Barlow drove on toward the store. Sadie saw +them and opened the door. + +"Is Pert here, Sadie?" was the question which greeted her. "We 've +been up to her house, and 'Mandy' said she had come down here." + +"Yes; she 's here, Auntie Barlow." + +"The poor little thing! My husband only told me the news this +afternoon; he 's been down street all morning, and I wanted to see her +and comfort her." + +"She wasn't feeling well," explained Sadie, "and after dinner I sent +her up stairs to sleep. You 'll find her in the bedroom over the +parlor. She must be awake by this time." + +"Very well; I 'll go up." Mrs. Barlow ascended the stairs. + +Sadie went to the window and looked out upon the gathering storm, now +vividly foretold by constant flashes of jagged lightning. Suddenly she +started, and stood transfixed, as though turned to ice with a chilling +horror. There had come to her ears from above an awful cry of bitter +anguish, quickly followed by a jarring, muffled sound, as of a falling +body. + +"Auntie Barlow!" she gasped, regaining her faculties with a superhuman +effort, and rushing blindly toward the stairs. Staggering up with the +aid of the banister, she reached the landing and entered the room +beyond. There, prostrate upon the floor, lay Mrs. Barlow in a +deathlike swoon. Upon the bed lay the lifeless body of poor little +Pert--her pure, white soul had flown. + +There are some who faint at the thought of a thing, but are brave when +they meet it face to face. Such a one was Sadie. She realized the +situation at a glance; and though the awfulness of it benumbed her, she +did, dry-eyed and mechanically, what she knew must be done. Mrs. +Barlow she could not lift, but, she sprinkled her face with water, and +put a pillow under her head. Then with the ghost of a hope that Pert +was but in a stupor, she rushed down the stairs, and out into the +street, toward the doctor's, a few doors away. She met him just coming +out of his gate. "Come, quick," she said; and as they hurried back she +told him in a few words what had happened. + +Mrs. Barlow still lay in a state of semi-consciousness, moaning +pitifully at intervals. With all her soul in her eyes, Sadie watched +the doctor while he felt Pert's wrist and held a glass before her lips +for an indication of breathing. But his face gave never a sign of +hope, and his eyes, as he looked up, told her all. "She is dead," he +said softly. Sadie burst into a fit of uncontrollable weeping. The +doctor lifted Mrs. Barlow carefully and deposited her upon a bed in +another room. + +The sound of voices was heard outside--those of Arthur and Judge Martin +talking to Mr. Barlow, who had just driven up and met them as they were +coming in. Sadie went slowly down the stairs and opened the door. The +sight of her tear-stained face startled them all. "What is it?" they +exclaimed simultaneously. + +"Oh, Pert--" she began; but burst again into weeping and was unable to +continue. + +The doctor appeared just behind her, and told the three men what had +happened. Mr. Barlow, his face set hard, and a ghastly white under his +yellow skin, tottered up the stairs, the doctor following. Judge +Martin penned a telegram to Checkers, and dispatched Arthur with it at +once. + +"Pert is very sick. Come home," it read, and it was signed as though +from Mr. Barlow. + +Fortunately, Checkers, in Little Rock, had but a few moments to wait +for the outgoing train after receiving the message; but every moment of +the journey was torture; every delay at way-stations, agony. When, +after what seemed to him like years, they at last pulled into +Clarksville, he jumped from the moving train to the platform. + +Judge Martin had set for himself the unwelcome task of meeting him and +breaking the sad news. But his resolution all but failed him when +Checkers, grasping both his hands, asked breathlessly, "How is she, +sir?" his face upturned with a pleading look, as though upon the answer +depended his very life and salvation. + +"She is very low, my poor boy," answered the Judge, the tears coming +into his eyes; "but you must be brave--" + +"My God, my God!" breathed Checkers, raising his hand to his eyes in a +dazed way, as though to ward off the blow of the Judge's words, the +import of which was all too plain. The Judge laid his hand upon +Checkers' shoulder and drew him toward him, protectingly. "Come," he +said, gently; "she is at my house." + +Checkers started as though from a dream. "At your house," he echoed, +"and I have been standing here wasting precious time." + +With a sudden bound he jumped to the ground and flew up the street +through the darkness, toward the Judge's house, not many yards away. +Arthur heard the sound of his footsteps, and silently opened the door. +"Upstairs, Checkers," he whispered. Checkers hurried frantically up +the stairs, but paused at the threshold, ere he entered the room. +There before him, by the light of one dim, flickering candle, sat +Sadie, silently weeping. There upon the bed, cold and silent in death, +lay the mortal remains of his sweet girl-wife. + +With an agonized cry he fell to his knees at the bedside, and taking +her cold little hand, he rubbed it and kissed it caressingly. "Pert, +my darling," he moaned, "come back to me! Don't leave me, Pert, my +precious one--tell me you won't dear--tell me you hear me!--" But only +the sound of Sadie's convulsive sobbing answered him as she stumbled +from the room. + +The long threatened storm now suddenly broke in all its fury. The rain +blew fiercely in at a window near him, and drenched him through and +through with the flying spray; but he heeded it not. Kneeling at the +bedside, his face above the little hand clasped in both of his, he +uttered mingled incoherent prayers to Pert to come back, and to God to +take him too. + +Judge Martin noiselessly entered the room and closed the window. +Gently he put a hand under each of Checkers' arms, and raised him up. +"Come, my boy," he said kindly, but firmly, "you must not stay here in +this condition. Try to bear up. It's an awful blow that has come upon +us; but God, in his inscrutable wisdom, has thought it best to take +her--" + +Again, with a sudden burst of anguish, as though his very heart had +broken within him, Checkers threw himself to his knees by the bedside, +and burying his face between his outstretched arms, poured out in +bitter, choking sobs, his utter hopeless, despairing misery. So +terrible a strain, however, brought about, in the end, its own results. +Beneficent nature intervened, and toward the morning hours Judge Martin +and Arthur gently lifted the grief-stricken boy from the kneeling +position in which he had fallen asleep, and put him comfortably upon a +bed in another room, without his awakening. + +Details of this sort are harrowing at best, but nothing imaginable +could have been sadder than was the funeral two days later. The rain, +which had never intermitted, fell with dismal hopelessness. Mrs. +Barlow had not been able to leave her bed since the shock, and, never +strong, her life was now almost despaired of. + +Checkers stood uncovered in the down-pouring rain, beside the open +grave, his clear-cut face as hard and white as marble. In spite of the +draggling wet and clinging mud, the country people were out in force; +but their gapes, their nudges and whispers, were as little to him as +the falling rain. He was dead to everything but the sense of his +utter, hopeless desolation. + +What made it all even sadder, if possible, was that a dreadful breach +had come between him and Sadie and Arthur. + +On the morning following that first awful night, he had suddenly +confronted them with the box of powders crushed in his hand, and in his +eyes a tragic, questioning look which spoke, while he stood sternly +silent. + +"Oh, Checkers," cried Sadie, falling to her knees and holding out her +hands entreatingly, "forgive us--we did n't know--we didn't know! +Forgive us; please forgive us!" + +But his face only grew the harder. "Forgive you," he said, as he +raised his clenched hand to heaven, invokingly; "may God eternally--" +but he faltered, and his voice grew suddenly soft, "forgive you," he +added, dropping his arm and lowering his voice contritely. "But I," he +began again, in measured passionless words--"I can never forgive you. +I never want to see you--either of you--again." And from that hour he +never spoke to them, nor looked at them, any more than as though they +were not. + +The funeral was over. He had come home. The rain had ceased. He sat +alone on his doorstep. The minister and some well-meaning but mistaken +friends, who had tried to comfort him, were gone. Over the western +hills the lowering sun broke through the heavy, moving clouds, painting +some a lurid tinge, and lining the heavier ones with silver. Checkers +noted it absently. "Another lie nailed," he muttered, as the trite old +proverb occurred to him. "My cloud is blacker and heavier than any of +those--and silver lining? Humph! Well, silver 's demonetized!" Over +his face there flitted the ghost of a smile. A smile, not at the sorry +jest, but at the thought that at this hour there should have come to +him so whimsical a fancy. + +A number of days went by. He simply drifted, doing a few needful +duties mechanically; sometimes eating the food which Mandy prepared for +him, but oftener going without altogether; sitting, brooding, hours at +a time, gazing vacantly into space. + +Mrs. Barlow--he learned one day from the doctor, who stopped a moment +in passing--had taken a slight turn for the better. Mr. Barlow, the +following morning appeared, as Checkers stood meditatively surveying a +fine old apple tree, from which a large limb, hanging heavy with fruit, +had been blown during the night. + +"Thar," snorted the old man as he came up; "thar ye go, with yer +dog-durned laziness. If you 'd o' propped that limb weeks ago, as you +'d ought t' done, you 'd o' saved me a couple o' barrels o' +apples--Shannons, too. It's high time I was takin' a holt here myself. +Git the saw and the grafting-wax." Checkers obeyed, and stood +apathetically watching Mr. Barlow minister to the tree's necessity. + +"Now," said the old man, when at last he had finished, "come and set in +the shade; I want to have a talk with ye;" and he led the way around to +the doorstep. Both sat down. The old man drew a plug of "Horseshoe" +from his pocket, and cut off a liberal piece, which he chewed into a +comfortable consistency before beginning. + +"Now, boy," he said, "luck's ben a-comin' mighty hard for you and me +these last few weeks, and I ain 't a-sayin' it's over yit for both o' +us." Checkers made no response. + +The old man chewed ruminatingly, and spat at a "devil's-horse" which +sat alertly atop of a shrub near by. "Y' see," he continued, "times is +gittin' wuss and wuss; banks failin' everywhar, and nawthin' wuth a +cent on th' shillin', 'cept Gov'ment bonds. Corn aint wuth nawthin; +farmers is feedin' their wheat to th' hogs, and cotton ye could n't +give away." Again there was a silence, and again the "devil's-horse" +narrowly escaped a deluge. + +"By the way, whar 've ye got them Gov'ment bonds o' yourn?" Checkers +came out of his reverie at the question. + +"Mr. Bradley 's got them put away in the safe for me at the store," he +answered. + +"Mm-hmm!" mused the old man; "I was kinder wonderin' whether ye ever +give any on 'em away, like ye done th' place here;" and he glanced at +Checkers cunningly out of the corner of his eye. + +"I never gave them away," said Checkers, drearily, "because there was +no occasion for it. What we had we owned together and shared in +common, and it makes little difference whether it was in my name or--or +any one else's." + +"Yes; but it does. It makes a difference in the eye o' the law." + +"Well, the law can leave it in its eye, or get it out, if it worries it +any." + +The old man grinned sardonically on the side of his face away from +Checkers. He had never liked our little friend from the time when +Checkers had caused him to fall over a rocking-chair in the parlor the +night that he and Pert became engaged; and Checkers had fostered this +dislike by snubbing and belittling him whenever an opportunity +occurred. His entire make-up of sneaking, petty selfishness and greed +was abhorrent to one of Checkers' open, generous nature, and it was +only for Pert's sake that he had ever consented to have the old man +about or notice him at all. + +"Wal," said Mr. Barlow, musingly, "that 's one thing I kin see stickin' +out; you ain't no kind o' hand to run a place like this--ye 're too +tarnal shif'less. Somebody 's got to look after things. Now, my place +down below 's all right for raisin' cotton and sich, but it 's +onhealthy, mighty. The doctor says it 's livin' down thar gives my +wife chills and ager. So, take it all 'round, and bein' 's ye 're +fixed so nice up here, but lonesome-like by yerself, I guess me an' +wife 'll close up the ole house an' move up here to live." + +"Guess again." + +"No; I 'low I guessed it right fust time," grinned the old man. "What +'s the good in runnin' two houses when we kin all live together in one +jist ez well? Wife kin have the parlor bedroom all t' herself, and you +kin have the front or back room upstairs, either you like--I ain't +pertic'lar on that pint--" + +"Now, see here," interrupted Checkers, jumping up with an impatient +gesture, "I 've listened to enough of this bloody nonsense. I 'll live +here by myself and run this place to suit myself. Now, when you go +out, close the gate--I 'm tired of talking, and I want to be left +alone." + +But the old man never budged; and again the "devil's-horse" braved an +unrighteous fate with a stoicism worthy of a better cause. + +"Young feller," said Mr. Barlow, after several moments' cogitation, +"you ain't never treated me with the perliteness and respect as is due +from a boy yer age t' his elders and betters. But I never harbored no +grudge, 'cause I knowed it was only a matter o' time when chickens like +them 'ud come home to roost." + +Checkers had intended to move off and leave him sitting there alone; +but he stopped long enough to light a cigarette (a thing which the old +man abominated) and listen to this last remark. + +[Illustration: MR. BARLOW] + +"_Now it's roostin' time_," continued Mr. Barlow with emphasis, "and +onless ye come down off'n th' high horse ye 're ridin', ye 're goin' +ter hear suthin' drap that 'll kinder put a crimp in that pride o' +yourn." + +This was a new tone for him to take, and Checkers turned and looked at +him surprisedly. + +"The fact is," he went on, "you ain't got no head for bizness, and it +'s providential things hez come round so 's I kin run this place and +make what they is to be made out'n it." He looked up as though he +expected to be interrogated. + +"What's your lay?" asked Checkers. + +"Wal, the situation, ez near ez I kin figger it out, accordin' to law, +is this: _I owns this ranch_." + +Checkers stood silent for a moment, and then laughed. "You owns it?" +he mimicked; "nit." + +"This real estate," began Mr. Barlow dryly, as though repeating a +well-conned lesson, "with the house upon it, was owned in fee by Persis +Barlow Campbell at the time o' her death. Said Persis Campbell died +intestate and without issue, and accordin' to th' laws o' the State of +Arkansas all real and personal property standin' in her name, or +belongin' to her at th' time o' her death, reverts to her next o' kin, +who 's her father. Now, what d 'ye say?" + +"It's a lie," exclaimed Checkers, trembling with anger at the thought +of so outrageous a thing. + +"It 's th' gospel truth," said Mr. Barlow, trying in vain to hide the +look of satisfaction which sat upon his face. His words and the tone +of his voice carried conviction. This was the final blow; the crowning +evil. Checkers staggered under it. The house and the trees floated +before his eyes like a stifling vapor, but with a mighty effort he +gathered himself together. + +"If this is so," he began, his voice hoarse with passion, "it's the +most ungodly outrage that ever--I 'm going down to ask Judge Martin if +that's the law. But let me tell you," he added, "law or no law, you +shall never live in this house while I 'm alive and able to shoot a +gun. Do you understand?" + +The old man was silent. + +"Do you understand?" repeated Checkers, more vehemently. + +"Pp-tttt," said the old man, and this time the "devil's-horse" fell a +victim to its too great temerity. + + + + +X + +Sadly enough, it was all too true. Judge Martin, while forced to admit +the fact, cursed Mr. Barlow in no measured terms. "The damned old +pachyderm!" he exclaimed; "suppose it is the letter of the law, by +every sense of equity, justice, and decency, the place belongs to you, +and if he tries to take it, damme, I 'll head a movement to tar and +feather him." + +Checkers went back in utter dejection. + +Mandy had a tempting dinner ready, but he barely touched it. All the +afternoon he sat under the shade of the trees, thinking deeply. Mr. +Barlow he knew too well to believe that he could be dissuaded from any +purpose once formed, if he had the law on his side, and there was any +question of money in it. He was already miserable; but to be forced to +live with the old man, even with the mitigating circumstances of his +wife--to have him around all the time--would be wholly unbearable. + +Then, too, stronger than this was the feeling that such an invasion of +the house would be a profanation. Every ornament, every chair, was +standing just as Pert had left it. No vandal hand should move or break +them, devoting them to secular use--not if he had power to help it; and +he believed he had. + +He jumped up and hurried into the house. For two hours he worked in +eager haste, opening and closing drawers, and sorting articles into +different piles on the floor. + +As night approached he entered the Kendall store, and related the whole +affair in a quiet tone to Mr. Bradley. That good old soul could hardly +contain himself for righteous indignation; but Checkers cut him short +by telling him he was in a hurry. + +"There 's two things I want to ask of you, Mr. Bradley," said Checkers. +"I want that package of bonds you have for me in the safe, and I want +you to cash a check for two hundred dollars--it's just the balance I +have in the bank here. I 'm going away to-night--for a while, at +least." + +Mr. Bradley gave him the package, and luckily had enough money on hand +to cash his check. "Thank you," said Checkers, "for this and for all +your other kindness to me. Good-bye." + +"Good-bye, my son, and God bless you!" and Mr. Bradley wrung Checkers' +hand, while the tears welled up in his kind old eyes and trickled down +his wrinkled cheeks. + +Outside, Checkers met Tobe, lumbering along with a pair of mules and a +lumber wagon. + +"Tobe, you 're the very man I want!" he exclaimed; "come, turn round, +and drive up to my place." Tobe proceeded to obey without demur or +questioning. + +Since last we saw him, Tobe had tried his luck with a fifth "woman," +and lived in a two-room shanty on a clearing in the mountains. + +Checkers walked ahead until they reached the house. "Drive up as near +to the door as you can, Tobe," he said. "I 'll be out in a minute." + +Mandy was preparing his supper in the kitchen. "Mandy," said Checkers, +"I 'm afraid I 've got bad news for you. I 'm going away to-night, and +I may not come back again; so, Mandy, I 'm afraid I won't need you any +more." + +Mandy's honest black face took on a comically serious look. Her lip +hung pendulously, as she slowly shook her gaudily turbaned head. "You +aint goin' sho' 'nough, is you, Marse Checkahs?" she asked, for lack of +something better to say. + +"Yes, Mandy, I'm going to-night," he said, "and before I go I want to +lock up this house. So after you 've washed the dishes and put things +to rights, you 'd better arrange to go home. And, Mandy, there 's a +number of things here I 'll never need, that would make your cabin very +comfortable. Tobe is here with his wagon, and I 'll get him to give +you a lift with them to-night." + +"Thank you, Marse Checkahs, thank you, sah," was all the poor old soul +could say. + +Two hours later Tobe drove out of the gate with a wagonful of +furniture, carpets, bedding, and kitchen utensils, en route for Mandy's +cabin. Mandy sat beside him, rocking back and forth, and crooning to +herself in a curious mixture of boundless grief and delirious joy. + +Tobe returned and piled another wagon-load even higher. This was +destined for the cabin in the mountains. Tobe's delight was +indescribable, and his efforts to express his thanks were quite as +futile as had been those of Mandy. Checkers had allowed the two to +take every useful article they chose from all save the parlor and +Pert's room. Those rooms remained inviolate. + +"I will write to Judge Martin to-night, Tobe," said Checkers, "telling +him what I have done for you and Mandy, in case any one should question +how you came by all this plunder. This furniture belongs to me," he +muttered to himself, "whatever the law may do with the house and +ground, for I bought it and paid for it myself, and never gave it to +anybody." + +"Now, Tobe, one thing more, here 's my trunk; put it on your wagon and +drop it off at the station on your way through town. That's it. +Good-bye, old fellow; my regards to the madam--I hope she 'll be +pleased with my wedding-gift." + +Tobe buried Checker's hand in his great horny palm. "Mr. Checkers," he +said, and his voice grew husky, "ye 're God's own kind; may He have ye +in His keepin'!" and he climbed upon his wagon, and drove slowly out +into the night. + +Checkers was alone. He went slowly into the house. A clock upon the +mantel was chiming ten. There was still two hours before train time. +He sat down and wrote a long letter to Judge Martin, sealed and stamped +it, and put it in his pocket. His hat and light overcoat lay upon a +chair beside him. He arose and put them on. His satchel, cane, and +umbrella he then carefully laid on the stoop outside, and stood a while +listening in the darkness. Apparently satisfied, he returned, and, +taking one last, lingering look around, put out the lights. + +For perhaps ten minutes he was busy at something under the stairway. +He then silently emerged and locked the door. + +The people of Clarksville and that vicinity are given to retiring +early. Had they been abroad, or even awake, as late as eleven o'clock +that night, they might have seen a startling spectacle in the +distance--that of a mass of ruthless, hungry flames devouring a little +white dwelling; leaping up in their fierce ecstacy to the heavens, and +painting the sky all about a lurid, smoky crimson. + +Checkers sat perched upon the fence some distance off. One heel was +caught upon the first rail below him. His elbow rested upon his knee, +and his upturned palm supported his chin. + +The poor little house writhed helpless in the withering grasp of the +remorseless flames. "This, then, was the final ending," he +thought--"ashes to ashes," literally. This was the awakening from his +short dream of bliss. Here he had lived six happy months; then +ill-fortune singled him out for a plaything. He laughed a bitter, +mirthless laugh. + +The night was perfectly still and the myriad sparks from the flames +rose straight to heaven. "There 's one good thing about it all," he +mused, "and that is that I kept neglecting to insure the house and +furniture when I went to Little Rock. That being the case, it 's a +wonder I did n't burn out before this. I guess it was coming. I +probably got a lead of a couple of days on my luck, and beat it out a +length or two." + +He looked at his watch. He had still half an hour before train time. +The fire was burning lower. Suddenly the whole standing structure fell +in with a muffled crash. Again the flames rose high and fierce; but +they rapidly died down, and soon there remained of the fair white +cottage but a blackened, smouldering ruin. + +Checkers climbed down and went over near by. Nothing of value was +left. The very foundations were cracked and fallen in; but the sounds +of voices on the road now warned him that he must be going. + +He turned for an instant in the direction of the Barlow house, and +bowed low. "Now, you thieving old highbinder," he said, "take the +change;" and, diving into a grove of trees he took a roundabout way +through the fields to avoid the gathering crows which, finally aroused, +now flocked to the scene of the disaster. Breathless, he arrived on +the nick of time. His trunk was thrown aboard the train; he entered +the sleeper and was whisked away toward Little Rock. + +He went out again and stood upon the platform until the last vestige of +Clarksville was passed. He then found a seat in the smoking-room and +smoked until almost morning. + + * * * * * + +"Chicago!" Checkers stood once more upon his native heath. He had +come directly from Little Rock, had rented a modest room, and had taken +up again the thread of a drifting, devil-may-care existence. +Gradually, the constant, active, throbbing pain of his bereavement wore +away, and in its stead there came a sullen, morbid sense of the +uselessness of all things. He had neither friends nor acquaintances; +even Murray Jameson was out of town. He haunted the Fair grounds in +the daytime and the theatres at night. + +"Excitement and Forgetfulness"--this might have been his watchword. + +I feel that if I could have met him at this time instead of almost a +year later as I did, I might have brought an active pressure to bear +upon him, and saved to him the good that the refining influence of his +wife and his Clarksville connections had done him. But, alas! in this +busy world there is no such thing as standing still. We either advance +or retrograde. The hill is steep to climb, but going down is easy. + +Checkers went down; gradually, it is true, but still he went down. + +By degrees he met his fellow-roomers in the house--good fellows, all of +them, in their way, but worthless. Checkers craved companionship. +Often he sat in a poker game all night with them, in some one of their +rooms, or "did the Midway" with them, ever "mocking the spirit which +could be moved to such a thing," but sometimes finding in it a +temporary respite from the bitter, haunting memories of the past. + +It would be difficult to follow, and uninteresting to read, the devious +windings of Checkers' way during the next few months. Hardened, +despondent, and utterly careless; without the restraining influence of +worthy friends or home ties to soften and hold him; with money, but no +occupation; time, but nothing to do with it--little wonder is it that, +after the great White City finally closed its gates, shutting him off +from his one simple pleasure, he gradually drifted back to the stirring +scenes of his youth--the races and the betting-ring. + +The history of every one of the hundreds of thousands of men who have +"played the races" may be told in three short words: "They went +broke"--sooner or later. Generally sooner than later; but "they went +broke." + +So it was with Checkers. Good information, careful betting--playing +horses for place when he thought they could win; sometimes not risking +a cent all day; watching the owners, standing in with the jockeys--all +this put him nicely ahead for a while, and staved off the evil day for +long. But the eternal law of average will not down, and the percentage +in the betting-ring is absurdly against the bettor. A streak of hard +luck; a slaughter of the favorites; a plunge; throwing good money after +bad; doubling up once or twice; a final coup. Pouf! One afternoon +Checkers found himself penniless. + +That night he pawned his watch for all it would bring. This put him in +funds again, but gave him pause. He decided to stop gambling and go to +work. But the morning paper contained a tempting list of entries. It +was Saturday, and a short day. + +He went to the track as usual, and at the end of the third race was +"broke." Then he met Murray Jameson. Both were surprised. Checkers +told him his story, and borrowed ten dollars. Murray lost fifty more +by playing Checkers' tips, against his own better judgment. Murray was +"sore"--Checkers apologetic. This was his first experience as a tout. +After that he picked up a precarious living, selling whatever articles +of value he possessed, one after another, until he had left but the +diamond star he had given Pert as a wedding gift, and a scanty wardrobe. + +When necessity caused him to part with the star he forswore the races, +and for two full weeks conscientiously sought for legitimate +employment. But Chicago was filled with idle hands, which the closing +of the Fair months before had left there stranded. Everything was +overcrowded. Business was dead, and his search was unavailing. Then +he took up "touting" as a profession. He rotated between the various +"merry-go-rounds," which were open all seasons of the year. The tout's +stock devices--the "bank-roll" game, the "phoney" ticket, the "jockey's +cousin"--he worked with better success than most; but, as a rule, his +method was simple. He sought the acquaintance of such as he thought +might be "persuaded," and by showing confidence where they were +doubtful, knowledge where their own was lacking, he usually managed to +get some four or five men to make bets during the day. Those who won +were grateful, and generally paid him well for his "information." The +losers got an explanation of "how it was" and "a sure thing for the +next." + +One thing, however, must be said for Checkers. He never "touted" a +horse unless he thought it had a best chance of winning. That is, if +there were five horses in a race, and Checkers had five men "on his +string," he never descended to the common practice of getting each one +of the five to bet on a different horse, and thus "land a sure winner." + +All five were certain to have the same chance, and to stand or fall +upon Checkers' judgment. + +Some weeks later it was that I first met him, at Washington Park, Derby +Day. He told me afterward that the minute he saw me he knew me for a +"mark" and tried to "get next." + +Yet, for all, Checkers was not innately bad. He was weak, I 'll admit, +and cruelly mistaken; but he had a simple, lovable nature, and a +natural longing for higher things. A case in point: I learned by +chance that he never missed a Sunday at church since the death of his +wife. He had no predilection, and I espied him one day in my own +sanctuary. When questioned about it he told me these facts, and +confessed to the pleasure he found in going. + +"I don't know," he said; "I always enjoy it. It's quiet and cool; +everybody 's well dressed, and I like to sit there, close my eyes, +think over my troubles, and listen to the music. And then, +again"--here his voice grew soft--"I 've a feeling that it pleases Pert +to know that I 'm there. She liked me to go to church, and I think she +knows it now when I go; do n't you? I would n't take a great deal of +money and think that she did n't know." + +What Pert must have thought of his actions weekdays was perhaps a fair +question; but it was one that I had the heart not to ask. And so it +went on; my efforts to get him a position and reform him ending in +nothing, as I have previously related. + +After the big meeting closed Checkers reached his lowest ebb. It was +during these days that he made my office a loafing place. I suppose +that for six weeks I practically supported him, lending him two or +three dollars at a time, to "square his room rent," "get out his +overcoat," "pay a doctor's bill," "play a good thing," and heaven knows +what not--each time assuring him that I positively would not succumb +again, but regularly doing so. Still, I never begrudged it. A couple +of hours with him was worth a few dollars at any time. I divided the +expense between my amusement and charity accounts; and, in truth, when +with him I never could tell whether pleasure or compassion had the +upper hand with me. I have tried to set down with some succinctness +the major part of his experiences as I heard them; but I fear they have +greatly lost, in the telling, that delicious flavor of originality +which Checkers' person, voice, and manner gave to them as I heard them +piecemeal. Many of his sayings, when repeated afterward by Murray or +me, scarcely caused a smile, while coming from him they had seemed to +us excruciatingly funny. But I believe the secret was this--he never +seemed to say anything with the primary idea of being funny. He always +looked up with genuine surprise when his listeners laughed, and only +joined them, when the mirth was infectious, by deepening a little the +cynical curves at either corner of his expressive mouth. + +For two weeks I missed him. On a morning of the third he came in with +a look of happiness on his face. "I 've got a job," he said, simply. +I wrung his hand. + +"Where?" I asked. + +"With Mr. Richmond." + +Richmond was one of my friends. He was a partner in a wholesale +paper-house. As a boy Checkers had worked in a paper-house and knew +the stock. As a consequence he had been after Richmond, whom he had +met through me, to give him a position. Richmond liked him, and, when +an opportunity offered, he sent for him and put him to work in the +stock. At the end of two weeks he determined to give Checkers a chance +upon the road. So Checkers was going out that night, and had come to +say good-bye. I was delighted, you may be sure. I gave him good +advice, and bade him Godspeed. A few days later I received this +characteristic letter, dated from some little town in Kansas: + +"DEAR MR. PRESTON: + +"I 'm here doing a stage-coach business--straining the leaders of my +legs, hustlin'. If trade keeps up I 'll have coin to melt when I get +home, and you bet I 'll melt it. The food out here would poison a dog. +I ain't got the health to go against it. I 've been sick ever since I +left Chicago, anyhow, on account of Murray Jameson. I met him at the +depot the night I left. He had a box of cigars he said a friend of his +brought him from Mexico. He gave me a handful. I got on the train, +and got busy with one--I like to croaked. Strong!!! Oh, no--it was +n't strong! Drop one of them in a can of dynamite and it's ten to one +it would 'do' the can. Start a 'Mexican' and a piece of Limburger in a +short dash, it's a hundred to one you 'd need a searchlight to find the +Limburger. I 've switched to cigarettes. + +"I got in here at six to-night, and I 'm going to get away at one. +After supper (Supper! I 'll tell you about that later!) I went over to +the only shanty in the place that looked like a store, and opened the +door. There were a lot of 'Jaspers' sitting around the stove, chewing +tobacco and swapping lies. I asked the guy that got up when I came in +where he kept his stock (he had nothing in sight). He lighted a +lantern, walked me a quarter of a mile, and showed me four +'mooley-cows'--say, I was sore. But I 'm square with him--I gave him a +couple of 'Mexicans.' + +"That supper! Well, say, it was a 'peach.' (I had an egg this morning +and it was a 'bird.') I sat down to the table with a St. Louis +shoe-man. We turned the things down one by one as they came in. A few +soda-crackers on the table saved our lives. We tried the +griddle-cakes. They were pieces of scorched, greasy dough, as big as +pie-plates. There were a couple of 'Rubes' at the other end of the +table; a short, little, fat one, and a long, lean, thin one. We shoved +the cakes on down their way. They ate their own and ours, and ordered +more. I bet the shoe-man five on the fat one. We ordered more +ourselves and pushed them along. The thin man finally began to weaken, +but the fat one got stronger every minute. My friend said I was +'pullin',' and wanted to draw the bet; but I made him 'give up.' + +"Just as we were going, the waitress came up with a grouch on, stuck +out her chin, and says, 'Pie?' + +"'Is it compulsory?' says the shoe-man. + +"'Naw; it's mince.' + +"'Well, that lets us out,' he says, and we skipped." + + +_Later_-- + +"I got interrupted here. The boys wanted me to play 'high-five' until +train-time; I picked up a little 'perfumery money,' and came up here to +Kansas City to spend Saturday night and Sunday. + +"There 's a lot of 'rummies' I used to know hanging around here, +'broke.' They 've all 'got their hand out.' One of them made me a +talk last night for enough to get to St. Louis on--said he 'must get +there.' + +"'Well,' I says, 'try the trucks; how are you on swinging under?' + +"'Yes,' he says, 'you're in luck, and makin' a swell front, with your +noisy duds and plenty of money, but it's a wonder you would n't 'let +your blood gush' a little when you see an old friend of yours in +trouble.' + +"That was a new one on me, and I 'loosened.' Well, perhaps he 'll do +me a good turn some time. + +"Now, I must close. I see dinner's ready. There's a big, fat guy has +been beating me out in a race for a seat I want in the dining-room. I +'ll 'put it over him a neck' to-day for the chair. The cross-eyed +fairy that waits on that table can dig up cream while the rest of the +waitresses are looking around to see if there 's any skimmed milk in +the joint. + +"Yours till death--and as long after as they need me at the morgue. + +"EDWARD CAMPBELL." + + +Occasionally I met Richmond and asked him how Checkers was doing. "Not +badly," was the usual answer. "He is handicapped, though," explained +Richmond one day, "by not thoroughly knowing our goods and those of +other houses. After this trip I shall put him to work in the store +again for a while." + +But this never occurred. Either by mistake or through a serious error +in judgment, Checkers sold an unusually large bill at an absurdly low +figure. This brought a sharp reproof from the house, which he answered +cavalierly. His recall and prompt dismissal followed. + +A month elapsed before I saw him. He had been trying to get another +position before coming to me, for his pride was lowered. One morning +he came in looking careworn and threadbare. I welcomed him cordially, +as usual. But though neither of us referred to his recent misfortune, +it caused an evident embarrassment in his manner. After a few moments' +desultory conversation he drew a letter from his pocket. "Read that," +he said simply, handing it to me. With difficulty I read what seemed +to be a letter from Mr. Barlow, his father-in-law. In effect it set +forth that he was now alone. Mrs. Barlow was dead, and her last dying +request had been that he find Checkers and restore to him his own. +This he had solemnly promised to do. He complained that he was +"poorly" himself, and expected to be carried off at any time, with "a +misery in his chest." And he went on to say that if Checkers had not +married again (perish the thought!), and would come back and live with +him and take care of him, he would make him his heir to the old place +as well, and to what little else he had to leave. He "did n't bear no +grudge" for the loss of the house, as things had turned out--he "liked +a lad of sperrit." However, whether he found Checkers or not, "the +preacher and them whited sepulchers" at the church "should never finger +a cent of what he left." There followed a tirade which seemed to show +that the church people had made it hot for the old man after Checkers' +departure, and doubtless more so after the death of Mrs. Barlow. + +"What do you think?" asked Checkers as I finished. + +"Think! I think it's the best of good fortune." + +"Yes; with a horrible string tied to it. Of course I want my place +back; but I 'd rather be hung than go back to Clarksville." + +"Stuff and nonsense!" I exclaimed. + +"Yes; everything is; what is n't 'stuff' is nonsense. But, say, the +funniest thing of all is that he seems to think I burnt up the house. +How do you suppose he got such a notion?" This with a laughable +expression of innocence. + +"Isn't it possible, Checkers," I said, "that this letter is a ruse to +get you down there and have you arrested for arson?" + +He thought a moment. "No," he replied; "I hardly think so. No judge +or jury down there would convict me, anyhow, when they heard the +facts--still, it's about his size. If I had a little money I would n't +need to be in a hurry. There 's some friends of mine got a bottled-up +'good thing' they 're going to 'turn loose' next week, that's a +'mortal'--'Bessie Bisland'--she 'll back in. If I had about fifty I 'd +win a lot of money, quit gamblin', and wait till the old man croaked." + +"Checkers!" + +"Still, that might be risky; these old guys 'take notice' again +scand'lous quick. While I was foolin' around some Arkansas fairy might +get in and nail down my little job." + +"Yes," I laughed; "upon all accounts, the quicker you get there the +better." + +Checkers closed one eye and fixed the other on a spot in the ceiling. +"I wonder," he murmured, "how the walking is between here and +Clarksville?" + +"Checkers," I said, "are you broke again?" + +"If you can find the price of a car ride on me, I 'll give it to +you--and I 'll help you hunt." + +"Checkers, your acquaintance has been expensive for me," I said +soberly. "I suppose now you want me to give you the money to take you +to Clarksville." + +"Mr. Preston!" he exclaimed, with an earnest expression, "I don't want +you to _give_ me _anything_. All the money I 've had from you has been +_borrowed_. I 've kept a strict tab on it, and I intend to repay it. +My farm down there is worth $20,000; when I get that back I 'll be 'in +the heart of town.' But I don't want to go back looking like a 'hobo,' +and I 've got to have some money 'to make a front with.' I could write +the old man that I 'm flat, and get him to send me some money easy +enough. But that would give him the upper hand of me, and queer me on +the start. If I drop in unexpectedly, looking as though I had money to +throw to the birds, he 's likely to 'unbelt' right away, and I 'll send +you your stuff the minute I get it." + +Well, the upshot of it all was that I advanced to Checkers what he +needed--within reason. He consumed nearly a week in making his +preparations; but in the mean time I suggested that he advise Mr. +Barlow and Judge Martin of his coming. When the day finally arrived he +insisted that I dine with him before his departure; but I had an +engagement, and was forced to refuse. We compromised, however, on a +modest luncheon, during which I advised him earnestly and well. + +"Now, Checkers," I said, before bidding him farewell, "you are about to +begin a new life; be a man, settle down, and make some good +resolutions." + +"I have," he said. "It'll take me a year to live down those I have +made already. Just think of Bessie Bisland running this afternoon and +me with not a nickel on her." + +"And, Checkers," I said, "you must school yourself to endure what may +come, however unpleasant. Treat the old man well--it won't be for +long; and remember what it means to you in the future. When you get +your property, whether soon or late, keep it, or rent it, and live +within your income." + +"You bet I will," he replied, "and I believe I 'll hire three or four +little sleuths to go round with me all the time, and see that nobody +'does' me." + +"Have Judge Martin advise you," I said. "He doubtless knows the law; +and write to me when you are settled--I shall be interested." I +clasped his hand warmly in one of mine, and rested my other upon his +shoulder. "And now good-bye, my boy," I said; "you have had a long run +of hard luck, and I am glad that fortune is about to smile upon you +again. Quit gambling; watch your opportunities and make the best of +them as they come. Good-bye." + +"Good-bye, Mr. Preston. What you say is no 'song without words,' and I +'ll remember it. I have had hard luck, and, no matter what comes, I +can never be as happy as I 've been in the past. But we all have our +troubles, and I 'll try to make the best of things, like the old crone +who had only two teeth, but she said 'Thank God, they hit!' Good-bye." + +Again we shook hands and parted silently, taking opposite directions. + + * * * * * + +Ten days have passed, and I have not heard from Checkers--it is +doubtless still a little early. + +The morning after we parted I chanced to see in the paper that "Bessie +Bisland" "also ran." It is quite as well, therefore, that Checkers did +not defer his going, but went that night. + + + + + * * * * * + +PRINTED AT THE LAKESIDE PRESS, + +CHICAGO, FOR THE PUBLISHERS, + +HERBERT S. STONE & CO. CHICAGO, U.S.A. + + * * * * * + + + + +By CLINTON ROSS + +THE SCARLET COAT + +A tale of the siege of Yorktown. + +It is seldom that so much valuable history is to be found in a novel as +"The Scarlet Coat" contains. It is one of the most interesting stories +of the Revolution that has appeared in many a year--a charming story +from first to last.--_The Army and Navy Register_. + +"The Scarlet Coat" is an extremely interesting historical +novel.--_Springfield Republican_. + +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +THE PUPPET + +A story of adventure. + +All the work that we have seen thus far glows with happy enthusiasm. +His brush is moist with the colors that tell.--_Boston Herald_. + +Unless we are very much mistaken, he is a literary figure of great +importance. There is an ease, combined with delicacy of treatment, +which renders his stories peculiarly attractive. Add to this freshness +of motive, skill, characterization, and excellent powers of +description, and it will be seen that this young romancer has distinct +claims on our attention.--_Boston Transcript_. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Scarlet Coat." $1.25. + + +THE MEDDLING HUSSY + +The thirteen tales making up this collection have from time to time +appeared in the great magazines, and have met with great success. +Indeed, it was through these "Battle Tales" that Mr. Ross first came to +be known by the larger public, and not until the appearance of "The +Scarlet Coat" was his genius for the novel recognized. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Scarlet Coat." Illustrated. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By ROBERT HICHENS + +THE LONDONERS: AN ABSURDITY + +"The Green Carnation" was among the most amusing society sketches that +recent years have given us. After it Mr. Hichens, perhaps wisely, +devoted himself to much more serious work. In "The Londoners" he +returns to his original manner without making his burlesque so +personal. It is the story of a smart woman, wearied by her position +and its duties, who seeks to get out of society. The idea is an +original one, and when contrasted with the efforts of a second heroine +to get into society, the result is wholly delightful. The story has +already attained a considerable popularity. + +With a cover designed by Claude F. Bragdon. 12mo. Cloth. Second +impression. $1.50. + + +FLAMES: A LONDON FANTASY + +The book is sure to be widely read.--_Buffalo Commercial_. + +It carries on the attention of the reader from the first chapter to the +last. Full of exciting incidents, very modern, excessively up to +date.--_London Daily Telegraph_. + +In his last book Mr. Hichens has entirely proved himself. His talent +does not so much lie in the conventional novel, but more in his strange +and fantastic medium. "Flames" suits him, has him at his best.--_Pall +Mail Gazette_. + +"Flames" is a powerful story, not only for the novelty of its plot, but +for the skill with which it is worked out, the brilliancy of its +descriptions of the London streets, of the seamy side of the city's +life which night turns to the beholder; but the descriptions are +neither erotic nor morbid. * * * We may repudiate the central idea of +soul-transference, but the theory is made the vehicle of this striking +tale in a manner that is entirely sane and wholesome. It leaves no bad +taste in the mouth. * * * "Flames"--it is the author's fancy that the +soul is like a little flame, and hence the title--must be read with +care. There is much epigrammatic writing in it that will delight the +literary palate. It Is far and away ahead of anything that Mr. Hichens +has ever written before.--_Brooklyn Eagle_. + +With a cover designed by F. R. Kimbrough. 12mo. Cloth. Second +impression. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By JULIA MAGRUDER + +A REALIZED IDEAL + +Miss Julia Magruder has by this time firmly established her reputation +as one of the most popular of our younger writers. Many readers had +their introduction to her when "The Princess Sonia" began in the pages +of _The Century Magazine_, and all agreed that the most charming +love-story they had read for years came from this almost unknown +Southern girl. + +Since then "The Violet" and a volume of short stories, entitled, "Miss +Ayr of Virginia," have appeared. In the title of this latest volume, +Miss Magruder, in a way, makes the confession that she is an old +fashioned writer. At least she is not modern in some of the unpleasant +meanings of the word. In her book, "ideals" are sometimes to be +"realized," and the whole story is an unobtrusive protest in favor of +sweetness and of sentiment in fiction. + +The volume is bound in an exceedingly good design by Frank Hazenplug, +in three colors. + +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +MISS AYR OF VIRGINIA AND OTHER STORIES + +By means of original incident and keen portraiture, "Miss Ayr of +Virginia, and Other Stories," is made a decidedly readable collection. +In the initial tale the character of the young Southern girl is +especially well drawn; Miss Magruder's most artistic work, however, is +found at the end of the volume, under the title "Once More."--_The +Outlook_. + +The contents of "Miss Ayr of Virginia" are not less fascinating than +the cover. * * * These tales * * * are a delightful diversion for a +spare hour. They are dreamy without being candidly realistic, and are +absolutely refreshing in the simplicity of the author's style.--_Boston +Herald_. + +Julia Magruder's stores are so good that one feels like reading +passages here and there again and again. In the collection, "Miss Ayr +of Virginia and Other Stories," she is at her best, and "Miss Ayr of +Virginia," has all the daintiness, the point and pith and charm which +the author so well commands. The portraiture of a sweet, +unsophisticated, pretty, smart Southern girl is +bewitching.--_Minneapolis Times_. + +With a cover designed by F. R. Kimbrough. 16mo. $1.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + + * * * * * + + +By HAROLD FREDERIC + +GLORIA MUNDI: A NOVEL + +Mr. Frederic's two triumphs of the last few years have been "The +Damnation of Theron Ware" in serious fiction and "March Hares" in a +light and brilliantly witty style which is all his own. "Gloria Mundi" +comes as his first work since the publication of these two successful +books--and happily enough--it combines the keen thoughtful analysis of +the one with the delicacy of touch of the other. Mr. Frederic takes +for his hero a young man brought up without much attention in the south +of France, who, by a wholly unexpected combination of circumstances, +falls heir to an English earldom. His entire training has unfitted him +for the position, and Mr. Frederic makes much of the difficulties it +forces upon him. The other characters are some good and bad members of +the nobility, an "actress-lady," and a typewriter. + +12mo. Cloth. Uniform with "The Damnation of Theron Ware." 11.50. + + +THE DAMNATION OF THERON WARE + +It is unnecessary at this time to say much of "The Damnation of Theron +Ware" or "Illumination" as it is called in England. The sales have +already reached thirty-five thousand, which is in itself the most +substantial evidence of the novel's readableness. Owing to the failure +of its former publishers the book was temporarily out of print, but it +is now enjoying a constant and certain success. + +The merit of the book is worthy of special praise because of the +exceptional strength, variety, and originality of the +characters.--_Cleveland World_. + +Mr. Frederic has written a daring story, and one which is doubly +impressive because of the straightforward simplicity of his manner of +presenting his case. His attack is certainly a bold one, and it will +be strange if he does not bring down the unanimous maledictions of the +cloth on his devoted head.--_Chicago Evening Post_. + +12mo. Cloth. Thirty-fifth thousand. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By H. C. CHATFIELD-TAYLOR + +THE VICE OF FOOLS + +A novel of society life in Washington. + +The great success of Mr. Chatfield-Taylor's society novels gives +assurance of a large sale to this new story. It can hardly be denied +that few persons in this country are better qualified to treat the +"smart set" in various American cities, and the life in diplomatic +circles offers an unusually picturesque opportunity. + +Mr. Chatfield-Taylor has brought out a fourth novel, and one which is +distinctly a gain in style over his previous achievements in that line. +As a series of society scenes the panorama of the book is perfect. A +dinner at the Hungarian embassy is detailed with much humor, great +pictorial power and keen knowledge. The dialogue may be characterized +heartily as crisp, witty, and sparkling. Mr. Chatfield-Taylor proves +himself a past master of epigram; and if society were to talk a tenth +as well as he represents there would be no cause for accusing it of +frivolity.--_Chicago Times-Herald_. + +16mo. Cloth. With ten full-page illustrations by Raymond M. Crosby. +Fifth thousand. $1.50. + + +TWO WOMEN AND A FOOL + +The story of an actress, an artist and a very sweet girl. The scenes +are laid in Chicago, London, and Paris; in theatres, studios, and +bachelor apartments. It is the history of an infatuation--with moral +interludes. + +Mr. H. C. Chatfield-Taylor, whom Paul Bourget has named as the most +promising novelist of American social life, has given us a clever story +in "Two Women and a Fool." The tale is retrospective; one hears it +from the lips of Guy, an artist; and it concerns his love for two +women, a very naughty and an extremely nice one, Moira and Dorothy +respectively. Moira, who becomes a soubrette, leads Guy, who becomes a +successful artist, a tremendous pace, wearying him at length, but still +holding the power to revive him with her look that allures. The +romance leaps from Chicago to London and Paris and back to the Windy +City again. It is steadily entertaining, and its dialogue, which is +always witty, is often brilliant. C. D. Gibson's pictures are really +illustrative.--_Philadelphia Press_. + +18mo. Cloth. With frontispiece by C. D. Gibson. Ninth thousand. +$0.75. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK + + + * * * * * + + +By F. FRANKFORT MOORE + +THE JESSAMY BRIDE + +One of the best stories of recent years. It had no large success on +publication but the sale has steadily increased, every reader +recommending it to others. Mr. George Merriam Hyde writes in the _Book +Buyer_: + +"The story seems to me the strongest and sincerest bit of fiction I +have read since "Quo Vadis." + +The _Bookman_ says of it: + +"A novel in praise of the most lovable of men of letters, not even +excepting Charles Lamb, must be welcome, though in it the romance of +Goldsmith's life may be made a little too much of for strict truth * * +* Mr. Moore has the history of the time and of the special circle at +his finger-ends. He has lived in its atmosphere, and his transcripts +are full of vivacity. * * * "The Jessamy Bride" is a very good story, +and Mr. Moore has never written anything else so chivalrous to man or +woman." + +12mo. Cloth. Third impression. $1.50. + + +THE IMPUDENT COMEDIAN AND OTHERS + +A volume of capital short stories relating to seventeenth and +eighteenth centuries characters--Nell Gwynn, Kitty Olive, Oliver +Goldsmith, Dr. Johnson, and David Garrick. They are bright, witty and +dramatic. + +The person who has a proper eye to the artistic in fiction will possess +them ere another day shall dawn.--_Scranton Tribune_. + +Full of the mannerisms of the stage and thoroughly Bohemian in +atmosphere.--_Boston Herald_. + +The celebrated actresses whom he takes for his heroines sparkle with +feminine liveliness of mind.--_New York Tribune_. + +A collection of short stories which has a flash of the picturesqueness, +the repartee, the dazzle of the age of Garrick and Goldsmith, and Peg +Wellington and Kitty Clive.--_Hartford Courant_. + +Mr. F. Frankfort Moore had a capital idea when he undertook to throw +into story form some of the traditional incidents of the history of the +stage in its earlier English days. Nell Gwynn, Kitty Clive, Mrs. +Siddons, Mrs. Abbington and others are cleverly depicted, with much of +the swagger and flavor of their times.--_The Outlook_. + +12mo. Cloth, $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + + * * * * * + + +By MARIA LOUISE POOL + +A GOLDEN SORROW + +This novel was running serially in _Godey's Magazine_ at the time of +Miss Pool's death. It will not, however, be completed in that +periodical, but will be issued at once in book form. It is a story of +love and adventure in St. Augustine, much more exciting than Miss +Pool's stories usually are, but with all her delightful sense of humor. + +16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY + +"In Buncombe County" is bubbling over with merriment--one could not be +blue with such a companion for an hour.--_Boston Times_. + +It is brimming over with humor, and the reader who can follow the +fortunes of the redbird alone, who flutters through the first few +chapters, and not be moved to long laughter, must be sadly insensitive. +But laugh as he may, he will always revert to the graver vein which +unobtrusively runs from the first to the last page in the book. He +will lay down the narrative of almost grotesque adventure with a keen +remembrance of its tenderness and pathos.--_New York Tribune_. + +16mo. Boards. Second impression, $1.25. + + +IN A DIKE SHANTY + +Of the same general character as this author's "Tenting on Stony +Beach," but written with more vigor and compactness. Each of the +persons in this outing-sketch is strongly individualized, and an +effective little love story is interwoven. The author has a certain +hardness of tone which gives strength to her work.--_Atlantic Monthly_. + +With a cover designed by Frank Hazenplug. 16mo. Cloth. 11.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By ELIA W. PEATTIE + +PIPPINS AND CHEESE + +A book of stories and conversations telling how a number of persons ate +a number of dinners at various times and places. + +A group of stories which bear the marks of faithful care and polishing, +of deep feeling and an understanding of the heights and depths of the +soul, stories which must be a satisfaction to their author, are +included in the gray-and-green volume, with its quaint title, "Pippins +and Cheese," with the name of Mrs. Elia W. Peattie below.--_Chicago +Daily News_. + +Mrs. Peattie proves without doubt her versatility and talent for +short-story-telling, and "Pippins and Cheese" is a good example of the +work of a Western writer Chicago is glad to claim.--_Chicago Evening +Post_. + +With a cover designed by Frank Hazenplug. 16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +A MOUNTAIN WOMAN + +The collection of brief stories of Western life which Mrs. Elia W. +Peattie put forth under the title of "A Mountain Woman" is decidedly +out of the ordinary. These tales are vigorous in conception, and are +gracefully and affectively told.--_New York Tribune_. + +If anyone were to name the best quality of the Western school of +fiction, it would be a very fine sincerity untouched by cynicism; +faithfulness to reality, and yet a belief in the real human nature that +it finds. This is the best democracy. * * * Mrs. Peattie has done +some work very characteristic of her school, and yet individual. One +is impressed at the very outset with the honesty and vitality of her +observations.--_The Bookman_. + +We wish to call most particular attention to a collection of short +Western stories by Mrs. Peattie, entitled "A Mountain Woman." The book +contains several of the best tales of Western life ever written. The +Nebraska stories throw so true a light upon recent conditions in the +sub-arid belt that they explain, better than any political speeches or +arguments could do, the reasons why men in that part of the country are +advocating free silver.--_Review of Reviews_. + +With a cover designed by Bruce Rogers. 16mo. Cloth. $1.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + * * * * * + + +By GEORGE ADE + +PINK MARSH + +A story of the Streets and Town. + +There is, underlying these character sketches, a refinement of feeling +that wins and retains one's admiration.--_St. Louis Globe-Democrat_. + +Here is a perfect triumph of characterization ... Pink must become a +household word.--_Kansas City Star_. + +It is some time since we have met with a more amusing character than is +"Pink Marsh," or to give him his full title, William Pinckney Marsh of +Chicago.... "Pink" is not a conventional "coon" of the comic paper and +the variety ball, but a genuine flesh and blood type, presented with a +good deal of literary and artistic skill.--_New York Sun_. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "Artie." With forty full-page +illustrations by John T. McCutcheon. Eighth thousand. $1.25. + + +ARTIE + +A story of the Streets and Town. + +Mr. Ade shows all the qualities of a successful novelist.--_Chicago +Tribune_. + +Artie is a character, and George Ade has limned him deftly as well as +amusingly. Under his rollicking abandon and recklessness we are made +to feel the real sense and sensitiveness, and the worldly wisdom of a +youth whose only language is that of a street-gamin. As a study of the +peculiar type chosen, it is both typical and inimitable.--_Detroit Free +Press_. + +16mo. Cloth. Uniform with "Pink Marsh." With many illustrations by +John T. McCutcheon. Sixteenth thousand. $1.25. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YORK. + + + + * * * * * + + +By HENRY JAMES + +IN THE CAGE: A NOVELETTE + +With every recent story Mr. James seems to have entered a new field. +"What Maisie Knew" was certainly a wide departure from his previous +work, and "In The Cage," the life of a girl behind the wire screen of +an English telegraph office, is as novel as one could wish. The story +is slight and the incidents are few, but the charm of Mr. James's +style, the absolute precision of his expression, the keenness of the +analysis make the book remarkable in contemporary fiction. + +We could not wish for a better representation of the art of Mr. Henry +James. In appearance it is only a sketch of a girl who works the +telegraph in an office that is part of a grocer's shop in the West End, +but as background there is the extravagant world of fashion throwing +out disjointed hints of vice and intrigue in messages handed in as +indifferently as if the operator were only part of the machine. +Nevertheless, she is a woman, too, and feminine interest and curiosity +so quicken her wits that she is able to piece together "the high +encounter with life, the large and complicated game" of her customers. +This, in fact, is the romance in her life, the awakening touch to her +imagination, and it is brought into skilful contrast with the +passionless commonplace of her own love.--_Academy_. + +12mo. Cloth. Uniform with "What Maisie Knew." $1.25. + + +WHAT MAISIE KNEW: A NOVEL + +Henry James's masterpiece.--_Chicago Times-Herald_. + +It will rank as one of his most notable achievements.--_New York Sun_. + +The book contains some of the author's cleverest dialogue.--_New York +Tribune_. + +"What Maisie Knew," taken all in all, contains some of the keenest, +most profound analysis which has yet come from the pen of that subtle +writer. There is no question that Henry James's latest work will +sell.--_New York Commercial Advertiser_. + +It is quite impossible to ignore that, if the word have any +significance and is ever to be used at all, we are here dealing with +genius. This is a work of genius as much as Mr. Meredith's best +work.--_Pall Mall Gazette_. + +12mo. Third impression. $1.50. + + +HERBERT S. STONE & Co., CHICAGO & NEW YOKE. + + + * * * * * + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Checkers, by Henry M. 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