Part 51 (1/2)
”So there is Well, what shall it be? Mechanics? Fine opening for an inventive genius there--but you , as the poet says”
”You had all the chances when you were e,” replied Moriarty bitterly
”I''s invented now”
”True,” I observed ”I hadn't thought of that objection Then why not take up so study, and work it out from post to finish?
Political Economy, for instance?”
”Anybody could do that,” replied the young fellow conteuish myself”
”Then I'll tell you what you'll do, Moriarty Take a narrow branch of some scientific study, and restrict yourself to that Say you devote your life to some special division of the Formicae?”
”The what?”
”Formicae The name is plural It embraces all the different species of ants”
”Why, there's only about three species of ants altogether; and there's nothing to learn about theive different kinds of bites That sort of study would about suit you
Fat lot of distinction a person could get out of ants”
”Still, every avenue to distinction is not closed,” I urged ”We're knocking at the gates of Futurity for the Australian pioneer of poetry--fiction--philosophy--what not? You've got all the working plant ready in your office There you are!”
”No use, Collins,” he replied hopelessly ”I've got the talent, right enough, but I haven't got the patience In fact, I'-hole, brother,” I sighed
”No; I can't very well do that I haven't been there for the last ht if I had a horse”
”Heavens above!” I murmured; ”ould he be like if he was clean?
He would distinguish himself in one direction The material is there”
”Jealousy, jealousy,” replied Moriarty disgustedly ”Never s hum yet Do you know--I stand to enty-four notes on the regatta, besides ton, let alone private bets We'll get news of both events to-day; and I have a presentiood Gosh!+ I wish Toby was here!”
”And how much do you stand to lose, if your mozzle is out?” I asked
”By-the-way, didn't I incidentally hear that you were playing cards all last Sunday?”
”I don't believe that has anything to do with it,” replied Moriarty, in an altered tone ”But, to tell you the truth, I dare n't count up how ed too heavy--there's no doubt about that--but I did it with the best intention I ; and, for that matter, I in to preach about the evils of gaet news of these events Doesn't everybody gamble, from the Governor doard--bar you, and a couple or three rave, and the other in the devil's mouth?
Why, Nosey Alf is the only fellow on this station that has no interest in the sweep, besides no end of private bets”
”Is n't that Toby?” I asked, indicating a horseman, half-a-mile away
”Gosh, yes!” replied Moriarty nervously ”I wonder what brings hiive me five to one he has letters for you? I'll take it at that”
”Indeed you won't, sonny”