The Argosy, October 1906 — page 40: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

% 414 bly the first time in its history that the Hambletonian has entertained a corner ~ peanut-vendor.”’ CHAPTER X. ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT. ELEGANT in well-fitting attire and im- maculate linen, Mr. Horace M. Clarkson descended from his room in the morning and made a leisurely transit through the lobby. of the hotel. In spite of the accusing pricks of see science, he had passed a restful night, and there was nothing in either manner Or appearance to indicate that he might not at that moment have a thousand dol- lars, or even more, upon his person, . As a matter of fact, he did- have stowed away in various. quarters ©f his apparel a number of articles which gen- tlemén do not usually’carry about. with them except im a grip or traveling-case. In his vest-pocket was thrust /his razor; in«each side-pockgt of his coat were sil: ver-backed brushes, combs and toilet arti- cles; on one ‘hip ‘rested, in true Wald- West fashion, a big revolver, and the other bulged™out “suspiciously »with ‘his silver shaving-mug. Fortunately, the weather happened to be drizzling and overcast that morning, and he was able to cover up his some- what bulky appearance with a- long, loose rain-coat; otherwise,* he* would hardly have had the faces to. run that gantlet of staring eyes in the lobby. The coat was buttoned up to the chin, anaking, its wearer uncomfortably warm, especially as he had on underneath it two or three extra shirts and a couple of suits of ‘underwear; but he-did not mind that, he told. himself, so long as some of the ‘things in his’ pockets did not chink to- gether and give him away. It was this fear, indeed; which caused- his slow and stately progress toward thé entrance. He scarcely dared to’ breathe « until it was gained, lest an unguarded movement-should produce a catastrophe. As he passed the door of the dining* © room there came to him an appetizing waft of steaming coffee and delicately broiled ham, and he was half-tempted to throw discretion to the winds and strain his credit at the hotel still further” by signing a check for a meal. Indeed, he me THE ARGOSY.- > = - » might have Sti had not the eras ence of ‘the heterogeneous cargo with‘ which he was laden restrained him! Nevertheless, he took credit to himself for fighting down the dishonest impulse. “No,” he said sternly, ‘‘ there will be no breakfast for, me matil I have com- pleted my business and have really got hold of the roaster. And ‘even then, the menu will consist of. my own wares. intend to practise economy in ‘the fu- ture.” Once free of the ‘hotel and able to Rep , less cautiously, he broke into a brisk walk and consequently. was.very shortly at the pdwnshop. to which -his friend; the dere-” y lict, had» directed him on the‘ previous — day. The hints given him by the hobo now stood Horace in’ good stead, for. through . them, aided by his own ‘shrewd business sense, he was able-to strike a deal with the pawnbroker which, after the -bar- ~ gain was concluded, caused that werthy * to shake his head ruefully and insinuate that Clarkson was lying’ when he averred . = > > => $ that he. himselfi#was Hot one of the». e chosen people. =~ < As.a net result of. his dickering. Hor- ie ace obtained a fairly presentable suit of clothes and $27.90: in money. “Thank heaven,” he muttered to chink self as he left the place, toilet things of:mine ‘Were. practically ~ ‘that those =. new, and ‘that* when I bought them I. bought them good.’’ With the roll- of bills and the_little 3 sheaf of pawn-tickets safely tucked away in his new-outfit he then hastened to Union Square, and finding Antonie anx- -iously awaiting Ris coming, at once closed up the deal whereby the roaster and a \ full stock of nuts became his sole and _ unquestioned property. “ Bon voyage!” he called ade ‘the Italian, as the latter hurried off oe display his gains to Rosina. - ‘’ Good-a-luck,”’ shouted back. Attoniey * 4 with a flash.of his white, téeth.~ “I hope © you make-a more’n a million dollar!” © *“ Small hope of that,” murmured Hor-- ace with a derogatory glance at the grimy roaster, now covered with a tattered oil- cloth... “If the pesky thing will only grind out enough to provide me with a cheap little room somewhere, an@ some- thing more to eat now and then than. the 4 comicbooks qo) ~~ = = +%