Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 34, Number 69, 16 January 1909 — Page 6

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TWO good-looking young men came from the card room of the Argots Club Into che deserted library. Billy Meredith, the elder of the two, held out his hand. "I guess we'd better say good-by here, Jimmy." Be spoke In a low tone. The man addressed Jimmy Grant did not reply. His boyish face' was very pale and stolid, like that of a man who has been through a tragedy too deep for him to understand. "For. Heaven's sake, don't look like that," Meredith went on, with a shudder; "this is better than -! for both of us to clear out. I'm sorry It's me, but iiTm mighty glad it isn't you. You stay, Jimmy nd have a good time, boy." Grant spoke. His voice was harsh and unnatural. "Where are you going?" he asked, j "Oh, I don't know," Meredith answered. "I'll hide somewhere. Don't you worry." i He put out his hand again, and seized that of 'Grant In a powerful grasp. "Good-by, Jimmy," he said bravely; "don't let them be too hard on me. We were in it together, boy." He walked to the door opening into the hall, and turned, the light of his great friendship shining in his eyes. "Good-by, Jimmy," he repeated. He disappeared. Grant stood looking after him, his lips parted. Once he took a step as though to follow Meredith. But finally he turned, and walked softly back into jthe card room. It was a warm spring evening, and a breeze, born seemingly in far-off fields; swept gayly through the streets. Crowds hurried to and fro; from afar came the crash of the elevated; occasionally was heard the roll of wheels over the smooth asphalt. In the distance a reluctant street piano ground out a tune new to Meredith, but ancient to the ennuled policeman who balanced himself on a near-by curb. Suburban couples bound from the trains to the bright street of the theaters passed chattering gayly of home affairs. Hundreds of advertiisng lamps intermittently pasted lurid legends against a starlit sky. Here was life as Meredith had pictured it through the years of exile; In these very colors had he painted his brilliant paradise, while he sat waiting ' for Heaven knew what in a forgotten tropic town. A dreary' surf had pounded eternally at its Bhore; green palms waved forever against the steel gray background of . the mountains. There had been an . impossible hotel, on the hot balcony of which Meredith had lolled life away In a haze of smoke, lighting each cigarette at the glowing stump of its predecessor.- There he had drunk bitter brandy with wrecks that had once been men, and amidst God's forgotten he had waited and wondered, in a town that knew neither hope, nor happiness, nor treaty of extradition. A very dirty newspaper, much bethumbed, once In a long" while reached him with its home message. But Meredith, and, the other eager exiles, gleaned from these chance messengers little news cave that home was sweet, and far. And when, after a long time, he dared write to the man who, like himself, was guilty, his letters were unanswered. The others those who had believed, trusted he had not had. the heart to Inform of his whereabouts. Then came the day when the drink turned bitterer than usual in his throat, . when the cigarettes sickened, and he left forever the balcony whereon he had lived ten years of life. He came north on an obscure steamer, to And himself, this pleasant night In spring, in the oity of his unfortunate youth. It was the memory of that youth, walking with him in the streets, that kept his step slow and In the shadow. As he stood in the entrance to . the park he fancied he saw approaching a man he had once known, and he drew tremblingly farther back Into the darkness. The man passed by, a stranger. Meredith came forth and started on his way, ashamed of the cowardice which was by no means physical, but the result of an over-sensitiveness which had damned him from boyhood. His aimless way carried him at length into a desolate street which he had known in other days as a boy knows his own dooryard. After a few paces, he stood, with a sort of sob in his throat, looking up at the Argots Club House. There it stood, the club of his father and grandfather, grim and stately as his staid ancestors themselves, in the half light. But two or three of its windows were aglow. Often, in the years just passed, he had pictured himself, head up, shoulders back, marching into the Argots as of old, and handing his coat to the servant who had met his father, at that door. He remembered the club was small, and, at that hour, usually deserted.; Summoning all his courage, he walked boldly up the steps. Henry greeted him at the door. He detected In the old man's wrinkled face no surprise, no excitement. With his accustomed countenance of a sphinx, the servant took his coat. When he returned with the check, an uncontrollable impulse to talk seized Meredith. He wanted to sit with Henry on his bench beside the door, and inquire for Jimmy Grant, for Doe Griggs, for Shire Maxwell, and the others, to ask if they still came and went as of old, if they were happy and pros perous. Almost he had his hand on Henry's

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Then he remembered that he was a thief, and that Henry probably knew it, so he turned quickly and went upstairs. At the head of the stairs he pushed aside a pair of heavy curtains and entered the library. The room was in darkness save for a green-globed lamD which some casual reader had left burning over a chair in a distant corner. He stepped to the table, and almost caressingly ran his fingers over the magazines and papers that lay upon it. Then he walked slowly about the room, and with the same almost loving touch passed his hands over the leather of chair and book. Something welled up within him a terrible self-pity, the nausea of half-satisfied longing. Home! it was home he had. come home! He sank into a chair and buried his face in his hands. He pictured the scene in this very room, that memorable night when Jimmy Grant and he had known that the game was up. The money which was not theirs was invested, and the stocks which, according to every rule and precedent, should have soared and brought them untold wealth, were slowly, persistently dropping. Discovery was nearly upon them. It had been Meredith's suggestion that one bear the guilt of both, and dis appear. In the library had taken place the draw ing of lots, and the turn of a card the work or a second had sent Billy Meredith to hell. Meredith thought very tenderly of Jimmy Grant now. There had been times in the brilliant tropic nights, when he had hated him; but that was when he had thought of him, not as Jimmy Grant, but as a man as guilty as he, who had stayed behind to enjoy all things worth while the laughter of friends perhaps the love of woman while he must sit alone, with only his haze of smoke and his gulp of brandy, swallowed with wrecks of men. He thought of Jimmy now most tenderly of the boy he had known at the university, careless, gay, and loyal. He wondered what Jimmy was doing if he was happy, successful. He ran downstairs to the telephone and with feverish hands searched the directory for Jimmy Grant's number. There were so many Grants he had to look twice three times. The fourth time, he realized that Jimmy's name was not in the book. He leaned back in his chair and tried to think. He must see Grant and at once. He felt a sense of security in the clubhouse that had not been his even in the darkest streets. If he went out again some one might meet him who would be disposed to settle old scores, and the thing that had been the nightmare of the years would be upon him. He fancied that Henry, in the distance, was looking at him rather, queerly. He knew but one man he dared ask to lead him to Jimmy now that was Doc Griggs. Doc probably hated him he was always so straight so square. Still, hate him 'or not. Doc would tell him of Jimmy. He called up the office, but was told that Dr. Griggs was at the theater. Getting the playhouse on the wire, he directed a tired box-office voice to send Dr. Griggs to the Argot Club at once. He went upstairs to wait. While he walked back and forth, back and . forth, he wondered what would be Doc Griggs's words of greeting? At college Meredith and Doc and Jimmy had been inseparable a triumvirate of good fellowship. Now. probably, it was Doc and - Jimmy. What would be Doc's word of greeting to the branded the exiled? He waited. He took up a magazine, and sat down under the single light. But his hands were hot they trembled he threw it from him. Again he walked walked. Footsteps on the stairs set his heart to beating wildly, and he telt in his cheek the flush he could not see. But the footsteps died away. He went to the window, and leaned far out Into the spring night. He was still leanig thus, looking down at the deserted street, when he heard the rustle of the

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stood erect, but dared not turn at once. Again the shame that had been his through the years burned in his cheeks. Then a figure bounded across the room, and a strong hand grasped his. "Billy Billy Meredith!" Doc Griggs cried. "Thank God!" Billy felt the grip of the big hand over his. His own tightened in it. "You're glad to see me?" he almost whispered. "Glad!" cried Griggs, "glad!" "Yes," Meredith answered; "it isn't every man -who's glad, to see his friend the thief." Griggs turned him about, and looked search" ingly into his face. The light above the chair, though it threw a white blaze upon the brown leather, left the rest of the room in a greenish dusk. Griggs saw Meredith's face, pale, marked with lines of care and trouble, molded by loneliness into a ghastly semblance of its old contour, and he turned his own away. He was all that is well groomed, successful and Billy Meredith and he had once been inseparable. "Don't say that, Billy!" he commanded. "Where have you been, anyhow? We've gone over the world with a rake to find you. What have you I TURNED IT OVER AND IT WAS A heard what brought you back?" "What brought me back?" Meredith cried. "If a man knew the road from hell back home, what would it need to bring him back? I came , because I had to. I've heard nothing. I've been ten years in hell. Doc in the loneliest hell they make. I've been ten years In a. tomb a funny comic opera tomb, where silly palms were forever waving, and a foolish surf kept pounding. I had to come back. And it's been a proud home-coming I can tell you that. I made the joyous homeward voyage on a dirty tramp steamer, and to-night I've been sneaking up and down dark streets like a th like a coward. I've been afraid to go near the lights I've longed for ten black years. .I've stolen into my ' club, trembling with fear. But I'm back. Doc I'm back home. , Thief or no thief " Griggs took him firmly by the shoulders and forced him Into a chair near the table. Then he stepped to the opposite wall and poshed a buttion. "If I hear yon nse that word again. 111 thrash - you," he said, with a pathetic attempt at the old- s time raillery. "What you need is a drink. Then then I'll tell you a few bits of news that evidently haven't penetrated to the particular no-man's land you've lived in." Griggs ordered whisky and soda, and slowly walked the floor until the man reappeared with the bottles -and glasses. Then he poured out a drink and drew a chair close to Meredith. - "Have a cigar, "Billy." he said; "no one of mine. They always were better than yours." Meredith took the cigar, and lighted it at the match - Griggs held for him. Then, as Griggs busied himself with his ova perfecto, he leaned quickly forward. "See here. Doe f ho said savagely. "There's a lot to ten yon, Billy." Griggs began . Quietly, -"so mueh that X dont know exactly

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thing. Jimmy told me just nine years ago." Meredith started. "You know that Jimmy too ?" Griggs's clean-cut face was very grave. He nodded his head slowly. "Yes." he sald.a They sat a moment in silence. "The news I've got for you is good. Billy." went on Griggs. "That is it's pretty good. Of course looking at it one way there's the ten years but it's good news, after all. "It's this nothing happened Billy. It's all cleared up. The day after you left, some big interests, for reasons of their own. got back of your stocks, and they boomed. Jimmy got all the money out safely. He put it back In the bank and no one ever knew. Nothing ever happened." Meredith laughed. He snatched up the drink and drained the glass, choking and laughing together. Then he drew out his handkerchief and passed it across his forehead. "My Gad," he said, "my God. what a fool I've been!" Griggs rose nervously and walked the floor. "There's one thing I want you to remember, Billy," he said, "always remember, all your life, whatever happens. Jimmy Grant looked for you. Good lord, how he hunted! He scoured the earth. He told me that before your ship was eight hours out, he was trying like mad to get you. You didn't tell him where you were going but he ' "Looked!" broke in Meredith bitterly, "looked! I've been ten years in hell. I've paid hell's price for nothing, and my consolation is that Jimmy Grant looked for me." Griggs did not reply, but continued walking slowly to and fro. After a moment Meredith looked up and smiled. "I beg your pardon," he said; "I'm a little mad. Jimmy and I did wrong and some one should pay, even if the wrong was never found out. I've paid I was chosen I've paid. That's all!" Griggs came toward him earnestly.

MEASLY LITTLE RED TWO-SPOT. "He hunted, Billy" he began. "Of course," Meredith broke in. "He'd do everything he could to find me. Trust Jimmy for that! And now that I'm found, don't yon think we're doing him an Injustice, In keeping the good news from him? Get your coat, and we'll look him np. I tried to 'phone him. but " "Walt a minute!" Griggs Interrupted. "Sit down. Billy. Sit down and have another drink. You see, I haven't told you all yet. I I well you see. we can't go to him to-night- We can't go at alL For for Jimmy Grant Is dead. He shot himself nine years ago." Meredith leaned quickly toward him. "Shot himself?" be' gasped. "Why?" ' Griggs leaned back in his chair and snapped his lips firmly shut. "I don't know," he said shortly. "Shot himself." Meredith repeated. "I don't understand. Not because of me, surely oh, no, not that. Killed himself? I don't understand. Doc There was nothing wrong at the bank?" "Nothing," return Griggs gently. "No one understands, Billy." They sat long and quietly, gazing at the cheerless hearth, and listening to the loud ticking of the clock above it. Then Meredith began softly to tell old college tales of Jimmy Grant, prefacing each one with a "Do yon remember. Doc " Soon the wild boyishness of some of the pranks had them smiling. , "I want yon to think of the cafe where they have the brightest light," said Meredith later after his flood of reminiscences had ebbed. "Because that's where we're going for supper." "But first I want to glance around a little." said Meredith. He opened a door behind a curtain, and holdlnf the latter aside, stood peering Into the half-darkness of a spadons card room. At the far end. under one of the shaded lamps, a assail maa with a

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up tor the lack of hair on his head, sat playing solitaire.' Meredith stepped back, and laughed sharply. "Major Burleigh, and still at that eternal gam of his," he said. "Do you know, he was playing at that very table, ten years ago. and the night I came here for for the last time. I " "He's played his tool game steadily for fifteen years." Griggs broke in. "until he's come to be si fixture here, like that chandelier, or Henry dowa at the door. You'll soon get used to him." "I don't know." said Meredith. He went oa reminlscently. "He was playing there, at that very table. When I came Into the library hero saw him. Jimmy Grant was watching him. Tha Major finished his game, and got up to go. Then Jimmy saw me. He came in here." "Yes. yes." said Griggs. "I know. Billy. But we haven't time to go over that now. It's late." "I'm just telling you." said Meredith. '"Yon can't imagine how this brings it all back to me. Jimmy came in. and I told him my scheme that only one need clear out. He said I was right and God! how funny his face looked! He ran into the card room, and I followed. On the table whero the Major had been playing lay two decks, face up. Jimmy snatched one up. shuffled it, and held It toward me. His face I can see it yet. "He told me to draw a card," Meredith went oa softly; "he told me to draw. He said if the card was black, he'd clear out. "But It it's red. Billy.' he said, 'why you you got to go.' I held my breath, and drew. It was a full minute before I dared look at it. Then I turned It over and It was red a measly little red two-spot. At first X was sick all over, but in a second I braced up and Jimmy hustled me off. He hardly spoke I'll never forget his face." He paused. Griggs leaned forward. "It's late. Billy " he began. "I know," broke In Meredith. "I've bored yen. I suppose. But nights ever since long, lonesome nights when I was miles away from everything I ever cared for I've seen this room. I've seen old Major Burleigh In there doddering over his confounded game. I've seen Jimmy Grant's white face. And I've seen a red card, a devilish red card, dancing before me and mocking me. If it had been black. Doc, if It had been black! Poor Jimmy poor old Jimmy!" "It's late. I tell you." persisted Griggs. "You come with me,' Billy. I know just the place. We're due for that supper." v "Just a minute. Doc." Billy said. "I want to step in there and shake the Major's hand. He was an old friend of my father's. I want to see how it feels to look a man in the face again." "Oh. no." Griggs protested hurriedly, "not now. It's too late. Some other time. Billy." "No, to-night," argued Meredith childishly. He turned suddenly oa Grigge. "You didn't He when you said they found out nothing. It wasn't a lieDoc Griggs?" "Nonsense," replied Griggs in a hurt tone. He released Meredith's arm. "What alls you. Billy? Run in and shake the Major's hand, if that will make you feel better. Only don't stop. ' Hero, give me your check. I'll get the coats and wait for yon in the hall downstairs.- Remember. I'm waiting. Don't stop but a second." There was a note of pleading in his voice. "I won't." Meredith promised. He handed1 Grigra -the bit of brass, and gave him a playful posh. "Run , along. Doc." he said. As Griggs disappeared Meredith turned and. entering the card room, threaded his way among the tables toward Major Burleigh. The old gentleman was absorbed in his game and did not look up until Meredith had nearly reached him. Then glancing up causally, he recognized the younger man. and pushing away from the table, ran toward him. "Why, it's young Billy Meredith," he cried, taking both of Meredith's hands In his. "Where the devil have yon been, sir? I'm glad to see yon d u glad to see you!" - Meredith flushed happily. "Thank yon. Major." he said softly. Major Burleigh placed his arm through Meredith's and led him back to the circle of light, la which lay his beloved cards. The excitement of the game still burned In his gray eyes. "Still at the old game, Major." Meredith said. "Don't let me Interrupt. Please go on." "You'll pardon me if I do go on?" the older man said eagerly. lie sat down at the table. "Draw up a chair, and talk. Do you know, Billy, It's been years since the game worked out so beautifully as it has to-night. I really, believe, sirbut talk away. Where did yon say yon had been?" "I've traveled a bit." Meredith returned. The glow of the man's companionship thrilled him, he still felt the touch of the band on his arm. Leaa- ' Ing over, for the first time In his life he took an Interest in the Major's game. - "How do you play the thing?" he inquired pleasantly, leaning forward. "Ah. you're getting old. Billy." the Major said. They never want to know how to play my game until they begin to grow old. But it's a great game, sir, a great game.. I learned it from a British officer in Burmah in '82. I've tried to teach It to some of the young cubs here but they ridicule me, sir ridicule me. Ah, well, they'll not always be young. Solitaire is an old man's game." His thin hands wen groomed, hovered nervously over the cards. His eyes grew brighter. Meredlth leaned closer; In his own eyes a faint reflection of the excitement. "The six of clubs." murmured the Major. "Ah splendid, splendid. It's a simple game, my boy.' Yon nse two decks, exactly alike now the eight of hearts right here yon shuffle the decks together and the jack of ah, yes aad lay the cards in fours, like, this " He paused, with a card in his hand, a troubled expression crossed his face. Then followed a smile of triumph, and he continued building joyously. "And so you build. Billy." he continued, "the reds and the blacks You build the blacks on the right and the reds on the left like that just like that now that king that ace we're on the homestretch, now, my boy ah. splendid, splendid!" Ho leaned back In his chair.- "It's worth years of playing to have the game end like that," he said. But Meredith's eyes were on the table aad the two decks that lay upon ft. "And when you've finished," he asked, "when you've finished ?" The Major picked np the deck on his right. "All black." he said, "when the game goes well. "And the other V Meredith continued softly. He pointed to the remaining deck. A terrible smile of understanding drew his thin lips taut.

From below the strong voice of Doe Griggs reverberating through, the empty club: BlllyT "And tha other T" persisted Meredith. "All rod." said the Major casually. He picked np the dock and shuffled through It, to prove his point. jm rea, no repeaiea. une earn suppea from the dock and lay face np upon tha table. Ib