Page:The purple pennant (IA purplepennant00barb).pdf/232

Rh any increase in his income was not to be expected and that the best thing he could do was to hit the trail back West. In short, he was rather discouraged to-day, a condition of mind very unusual with him, and when he entered the building to climb the two flights to his cheerless "home" he had just about determined to pack his battered trunk.

He stopped, as was his custom, to apply a match to the single gas-jet at the top of the first flight, and repeated the operation in the hall above. And having turned the key to his liking he heard his name spoken and looked into the anxious faces of Fudge and Perry.

"Hello!" he greeted them. "What are you fellows doing up here?"

His tone lacked warmth, but the boys didn't notice the fact.

"We came to see you about something," replied Fudge, in lowered voice. And then he glanced apprehensively toward the stairs. "Do you mind if we go in your room, sir?"

"Why, no; glad to have you." Mr. Addicks produced his key and opened his door. "Wait till I light up or you'll break your necks in here. Mighty nice of you boys to call." The gas shed light on the rather bare room and Mr. Addicks nodded