Chapter 10
"'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_.
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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.
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* * * * *
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_.
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* * * * *
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.
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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_.
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* * * * *
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.
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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_.
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* * * * *
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_.
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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.
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* * * * *
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."
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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.
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* * * * *
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.
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* * * * *
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.