Part 34 (2/2)

At last the clop-clop-clop of a horse's hoofs sounded close by, and an unshaven man in an ancient high hat steered a four-wheeler to the curb, barking: ”Keb, keb!”

Bob lurched forward and laid a hand upon the driver's knee. ”Very man I'm lookin' for.” The hiccup that followed was by no means intentional.

”Yes, sir. Where to, sir?”

But Bob shook his head vigorously and waved a comprehensive gesture toward the west. ”Got a party of my own back yonder-- everybody soused but me--understand? I'm the only sober one, so I'm goin' to drive 'em home, see? How much?”

”How much for what?” demanded the cabman.

”For the cab--one hour. I'll bring it back.”

”Nothin' doin'! I'll take you where you want to go.”

”Sorry. Mus' have my little joke, no matter what it costs. Next cabby'll do it.”

Nothing except Bob's personal appearance prevented the driver from whipping up without more ado, but a s.h.i.+ny top-hat, an immaculate expanse of s.h.i.+rt-bosom, and silken waistcoat, especially when linked with a spend-thrift air, command respect from the cab- driving brotherhood. The night was old--and these jokers sometimes pay well, the man reflected.

”How'd I know you'd bring it back?” he inquired.

”Matter of honor with me. I'll be back in no time. Will ten dollars be right?”

”Hop in, Mister. I'll drive you an' your friends to Philadelphy for ten dollars,” the cabby offered, invitingly.

But Bob was obdurate. ”I'll make it fifteen, and you can lend me your coat and hat. We'll exchange--have to, or no joke. Is it a go?”

The offer was tempting, but the driver cannily demanded Wharton's name and address before committing himself. The card that Bob handed him put an end to the parley; he wheeled into the side- street and removed his long nickel-b.u.t.toned coat and his battered tile, taking Bob's broadcloth garment and well-blocked hat in return.

”First one o' these I ever had on,” he chuckled. ”But it's a bit cool for s.h.i.+rt-sleeves, ain't it? Mind now, if you get lost give the horse his head and he'll find the stable, but don't run 'im.

If you ain't back in an hour I'll know you've got a puncture. Ha!

In the mornin' I'll take these glad rags to Charley Voice's hotel, eh?”

”Right! The Charlevoix. But I'll be back.” Bob drove away with a parting flourish of his whip.

The elevator was in its place, the hall-man was dozing, with heels propped upon the telephone switchboard, when Wharton entered the Elegancia and rang the bell of Lilas Lynn's apartment; but a careless glimpse of the glittering b.u.t.tons and the rusty hat sent the attendant back into his drowse.

Once Bob had gained admittance little time was wasted. He and Merkle helped Hammon to his feet, then each took an arm; but the exertion told, and Jarvis hung between them like a drunken man, a gray look of death upon his face.

”Watch out for the door-man,” Jimmy Knight cautioned for the twentieth time. ”Make him think you've got a souse.”

”Aren't you coming along?” asked Bob.

But Jim recoiled. ”Me? No. I'll stay and help Lilas make her get- away.”

Merkle nodded agreement. ”Don't let her get out of your sight, either, understand? There's a s.h.i.+p sailing in the morning. See that she's aboard.”

Jarvis Hammon spoke. ”I want you all to know that I'm entirely to blame and that I did this myself. Lilas is a--good girl.” The words came laboriously, but his heavy brows were drawn down, his jaw was square. ”I was clumsy. I might have killed her. But she's all right, and I'll be all right, too, when I get a doctor. Now put that pistol in my pocket, John. Do as I say. There! Now I'm ready.”

The hall-man of the Elegancia was somewhat amused at sight of the three figures that emerged from Miss Lynn's apartment, and surmised that there had been a gay time within, judging from the condition of the old man in the center. Theatrical people were a giddy lot, anyhow. Since there was no likelihood of a tip from one so deeply in his cups, the attendant did not trouble to lend a hand, but raised his heels to the switchboard and dozed off again.

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