Moran of the Lady Letty by Frank Norris
page 7 of 184 (03%)
page 7 of 184 (03%)
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this occasion, when a little, undersized fellow in dirty brown
sweater and clothes of Barbary coast cut asked him for a match to light his pipe, Wilbur offered a cigar and passed the time of day with him. Wilbur had not forgotten that he himself was dressed for an afternoon function. But the incongruity of the business was precisely what most amused him. After a time the fellow suggested drinks. Wilbur hesitated for a moment. It would be something to tell about, however, so, "All right, I'll drink with you," he said. The brown sweater led the way to a sailors' boarding-house hard by. The rear of the place was built upon piles over the water. But in front, on the ground floor, was a barroom. "Rum an' gum," announced the brown sweater, as the two came in and took their places at the bar. "Rum an' gum, Tuck; wattle you have, sir?" "Oh--I don't know," hesitated Wilbur; "give me a mild Manhattan." While the drinks were being mixed the brown sweater called Wilbur's attention to a fighting head-dress from the Marquesas that was hung on the wall over the free-lunch counter and opposite the bar. Wilbur turned about to look at it, and remained so, his back to the barkeeper, till the latter told them their drinks were ready. "Well, mate, here's big blocks an' taut hawse-pipes," said the |
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