Part 18 (1/2)
A small man stood beside him. He wore a green, battered derby hat, band and binding of which were sadly frayed. He wore spectacles, steel rimmed, over searching gray eyes. He was unshaven. A celluloid collar, b.u.t.toned behind, made an overly large cylinder for his wrinkled neck.
He wore a frock coat, also green with age, the pockets of which bulged and sagged and their torn corners spoke of long overloading. His overalls, patched and newly washed, were tucked into boots with run-down heels. In his hand he held a fountain pen.
At the entrance of Two-Bits all talk had ceased; at Curtis'
introduction, Two-Bits stopped. He swallowed, setting his Adam's apple in sharp vibration. He took off his hat. He flushed and his mild eyes wavered. Then he advanced across the room, extending a limp hand and said in a thin, embarra.s.sed voice:
”Please to meet you, Mister Beal.”
Tom Beck bit his lips but one or two of the others laughed outright; they ceased, however, when the Reverend Beal, in a voice that was tremendously deep and impressive for such a small man, said:
”My brother, I extend to you the right hand of fellows.h.i.+p! It is a deed of G.o.d that enables me to look once more into your beloved face after these years of separation. Give me your hand, brother. May the blessings of Heaven descend upon and abide with thee!”
He shook Two-Bits' paw, looking up earnestly into his face, while the blus.h.i.+ng became more furious.
”Marvelous are the ways of Providence!” he boomed. ”Let us give thanks.”
He doffed his hat, and still clinging to Two-Bits' hand, lowered his head.
”Almighty Father, whose blessings are diverse and manifold, we, brothers of the flesh, give our thanks to Thee for bringing about this reunion on earth. We realize, oh Lord, that these mundane moments are but brief forerunners of greater joys that are to come, that they are but pa.s.sing pleasures; but joy here below is a rare thing and from this valley of tears and sin we lift our hearts and our voices in thanks that such blessings have been visited upon us by Thy blessed magnanimity!”
He lifted his head and honest tears showed behind his spectacles.
”And now, brother,”--in a brusk, business-like manner, ”you, too, will be interested in this article which I was about to demonstrate to the congregation.”
He replaced his hat with a dead _punk_, held the pen aloft in gesture, drew a pad of paper from one of his sagging pockets and continued:
”Made of India rubber, combined in a secret process with Belgian talc and Swedish, water-proof sh.e.l.lac, this pen will withstand the acid action of the strongest inks. It is self-filling, durable, compact, artistic in design. The clip prevents its falling from the pocket and consequent loss.
”The point is of the finest, specially selected California, eighteen carat gold. It was designed by that peerless inventor, Thomas Edison.
Its every feature, from the safety shank to the velvet tip, is covered by patents granted by the authority of this great republic!
”It does not leak!”--shaking it vigorously. ”It does not fail to flow.
It does not scratch or p.r.i.c.k. Follow me closely, men; watch every move.”
With facility he guided the point across the paper in great flourishes, sketching a crudely designed bird on the wing.
”See? See what can be done with this invention? How can any mature man or woman do without this article? _Such_ an article!
”This, men, is a three dollar commodity, but for the purposes of advertising I am permitted by the firm to charge you--Two-fifty? No!
Two dollars? _No!_ One fifty? NO! For the sum of one dollar, American money, E Pluribus Unum and In G.o.d We Trust, I will place this invaluable article in your possession. One dollar, men! _One dollar!_
”But wait. Further”--diving into another pocket, ”we will give away absolutely free of charge to every purchaser one of these celebrated key rings and chains, made of a new conglomerate called white metal, guaranteed not to rust, tarnish or break except under excessive strain.
Keeps your keys safe and always handy. Free, with each and every individual purchase!
”Still more!”--making another dive into the inexhaustable pockets--”Another article used by every gentleman and lady. A hand mirror, a magnifying hand mirror. Carry it in your pocket, have it always handy for the thousand and one uses to which it may be put.
”Think! This magnificent fountain pen, this key-ring and chain, this pocket mirror, a collection which regularly would retail for from four to five dollars, are yours for one dollar....
”Now, who's first?”