Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The North Platte semi-weekly tribune. (North Platte, Neb.) 1895-1922 | View Entire Issue (June 6, 1916)
THE 8EMLWEEKLY TRIBUNE, NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA. 0 9 0 fcAUCTiaV BLOCK A thoaex. or new ycxrk: ure ILLUSTRATION 4 F PARKER. 1 8YNOP8I8. 2 Petor Knlifht, defted for political of fice in ltls town, decides to vonturo New York In order that tho family fortunes ttilsht boneflt by the expected rle of his charming- daurhter, LorelM. A well known critic interview Ixrelet Knight, now stasn beauty with Berffman'H Revuo, for a pecial art'cli. Her foln-hwrtlnr mother oetllnes Lorelei's ambition, but fllonoa. the preis acnt, later adda his n formation. i There Is a lesion here for tho small town girl who thinks she has a call to go on the stage. Too many pretty lasses from the country meet a bad fate In the sordid life of the city and too often success la bought at tho price of sorrow. CHAPTER II Continued. "Ills mother!) son. Need -wo say more? lie's a great help to the family, for ho keeps 'em from getting too proud over Lornlel. Ho sells Introduc tions to hla sister." Campbell Fopo'H exclamation was lost In u bnbbli of voice as a bevy of "Swimming GlrlS" descended from the enchanted legions abovo and seur- rlod out upon thostaga, Through the double curtain tho orchestra could be faintly heard; a voice was crying, "Places." "Somo Roul Kissers with this troupe, ch?" remarked Slosson, when the scampering figures had disappeared. "Yea. Bergman has mads a fortuno out of this kind of show. Tin's a friend to the Tired Business Man.'" "Speaking of tho weary Wall street workers, thero will bo a dor.cn of our ribbon winners at the Hammon sup per tonight" "Tell mo, Is Lorelei Knight a rogu Iarcr frequenter of these affairs?' "Sure. It's part of tho graft." "I BCO." "Slio has to plcco out hor salary llko tho dthcr girls. Why, her whole family Is around hor neck mother, brother una father. Old man Knight was run over by a taxlcab last summer. It didn't hurt tho machine, but he's got n broken back or something. Too bad It wasn't brother Jimmy. You must meet him, by tho way. I never heard of Lorelei's doing anything really- bad." Por the moment Campbell Fopo made no reply. Meanwhile a great Wave of singing flooded tho regions at "You'll Pardon U for Whispering, w Won't You?" tfio back of the theater as tho curtain rose and tho chorus broko into Bifdden ound. When he did speak it .was with Unusual bitterness. "It's tho rottcnest business In tho world, Slosson. Two years ago sho was n country girl; now she's n Broad way belle. How long will she last, 1'you think?" "Sho's too beautiful to last long," igrecd tho press agent, soberly, "espe jlally now that the wolves are on her trail, But her danger Isn't so much from the people sho meots with as tho people she eats with. That family of sera would drive auy girl to the limit Hicy intend to cash in on her; tho mother says so," "And they will, too. Sho can have kr choice of the wealthy rounders." "Don't get me wrong," Slosson has tamed to qualify. "She's squaro; un fterstand?" "Of course; 'object matrimony.' It's the old story, and her mother will see la tho ring and the orange blossoms, feflt what's the difference, after all Slosson? It'll be hell for her, and a mle to the highest bidder, olthor way." CHAPTER III. In hln summary of Lorelei's presont a 5f6 fllpsson Jmd uot been far wrong, lliuy changes, hud come to tho Knights during tho past two youtu changes of I habit, of thought and of outlook; the entlro family had found It necessary to alter their system of living. Hut It was In the girl rHat the changes showed most. When Mrs. Knight had forecast an immediate success for her daughter sho had spoken with the wis dom of a Cassandra. Moreover, sho took naturally to the work, llndlng It more like play; and, being quite free from girlish timidity, she felt no stage fright, even upon her first appearance. Her recognition had followed quickly It wiis impossible to hide such perfec tion of loveliness as hers and tho publicity pleased her. In duo course rival managers began to make offers, which Mrs. Knight, rising nobly to the llrst test of her business ability, used as lovers to ralso her daughter's salary and to pry out of Bergman a five-year contract The role of tho Fairy Prin cess was a result Lorelei had arrived at tho point whero furthor advancement depended upon sttidy and hard work; but, since theso formed no part of tho family program, sho remained Idle. Profi ciency In stugecraft of any sort comes only at the expense of peonage, and this girl was being groomed solely for matrimony. With the support of tho family en tirely upon her shoulders, sho had been driven to many shifts In order to stretch her salary to livable propor tions. Peter was a total burden, and Jim cither refused or was unable to contribute toward the common fund, whllo tho mother dovotcd her time al most sololy to managing Lorelei's af fairs. Presents wero showered upon tho girl, and these Mrs. Knight con verted Into cash. Conspicuous stugo diameters aro always welcome at tho prominent cafes; hence Lorelei never had to pay for food or drink when alone, and when escorted sho received a commission on tho money spent. Sho was well paid for posing: advertise inents of toilet articles, faco creams, dentifrices, yielded something. In tho commercial exploitation of her daugh tor Mrs. Knight developed something llko gculus. But of nil tho so-called "grafts" open to handsomo girls In her business tho quickest and best returns canto from prodigal entertainers like Jarvla nammon As Lorelei and her companion loft their taxlcabs and entered Proctor's aotol, shortly before midnight, they wero mot by a head waiter and shown Into nn ornato ivory-and-gold elevator, which lifted them noiselessly to an up por floor. Thoy mado their exit into n deep-carpeted hall, at tho end of which two splendid creatures In tho panoply of German field marshals stood guard over ono of tho smaller banquet rooms. Hammon himself greeted tho girls when they had surrendered tholr wraps, and, after his Introduction to Lorolol, engaged Lllas In earliest con versa tlon. Lorelei watched him curiously. She saw a powerfully built gray-haired man, whoso vigor ago had not lm paired. In face ho was perhaps fifty years old, In body ho was much less. no had n bold, lnclslvo manucr-that was compelling and stamped him ns a big man In more ways than one. Play fully ho pinched Lllas' check, then turned with, a smllo to say: "You'll pardon us for whispering, won't you, Miss Knight? You see, LI- as got up this llOlo party, and Ie of tho details. Awfully good of you to come. I hopo you'll find my friends agreeable and onjoy yourself." Perhaps twenty men in evening dress nnd ns many elaborately gowned young women wero gossiping and smoking as tho last comers appeared. Somoono raised a vigorous complaint at the host's tardiness, hut Hammon laughed a rejoinder, then gavo n Big mil, whereupon folding doors at the end of tho room wero thrown back, and thoso nearest tho banquet hall moved townrd It, Hammon was introducing two of hla friends ono a languid, iniddlo-nged man, tho othor a largo-featured person with a rumbling voice. The former dropped Ills clgarctta and bowed cour teously. Ills appcaranco as ho faced Lorelei waB prepossessing, and Bhe breathed a thanksgiving ns uho took his arm. Hammon clapped tho other gentle man upon tho shoulder, crying: "Han- nlbal, I saw your supper partnor flirt lug with 'Handsomo Dan Avery. Bet tor flud her quick." Lorelei recognised tho decp-volced man as Hannibal G. Wharton, ono of tho dominant figures iu tho Steel syn dlcato; sho know him Instantly from hls newspaper pictures. Tho man be- sldo her, however, was a Btranger, and sho raised her eyes to his with some curiosity. Ho was studying her with maulfest admiration, despite tho fact Uiut hla lean features wero cast In a sardonic mold. "It Is a pleasuro to meet a celebrity llko you, Miss Knight," ho murmured. As thoy entered tho banquet hall sho gavo a little cry of plcosuro, for It was evident that Hammon, noted as ho wttH for lavish expenditure, had outuouo himself tills tlmo. Tho whole room had boon transformed Into n bowor of roses, great, climbing bushes, heavy with blooms. Tho tuble, a horscshoo of sllvor and white, of glittering plato J and sparkling cut glass, faced a rustic stage which occupied one cud of tho worn; occupying the Inner arc of the half-circlo was n wldo but shallow stono fountain, upon tho surfuce of which floated large-leaved Egyptian pond lilies. Fat-bellied goldfish with filmy fins, and tails like Iridescent wed ding trains, propelled themselves lndo7 lently about But tho surprising feature of the dee orating scheme was not apparent at first glance. Through the bewildering riot of greenery had been woven an al most Invisible netting, and the spaco behind formed a prison for birds and butterflies. Disturbed by tho commo tion, the feathered creatures twittered and fluttered against the netting In u panic. As for tho butterflies, no arti ficial light could deceive them, and they clung with closed wings to leaves and branches, only now and then dis playing their full glory In n sleepy pro test "How beautiful!" gasped Lorelei, when she had taken In tho whole scene. "But tho poor llttlo things nro frightened." She looked up to find hor companion staring In Hainmon's direction with an expression of pecul lar, derlslvo amusement. Hammon was the center of an ad miring group; congratulations wero be ing hurled at him from every quarter. At his sldo was Lilas Lynn, very dark, very striking, very expensively gowned and elaborately bejeweled. Tho room was dinning with the strains of an lnvlslblo orchestra and the vocal up roar. Becoming conscious of Lorelei's gaze, her escort looked down, showing his teeth In a grin that was not of pleasure "You like It?" he asked. "It's beautiful, but the extrava- ganco is almost criminal." Don't toll mo how many starving newsboys or how many poor families tho cost of this supper would support for n year. I hate poor people. Now for the ortolans and the humming bird tongues. No doubt there's a pearl In every wlnccup. Preparo to have your palato tickled with a feather when your appetite flags." "That's what tho Romans did, Isn't It?" "Aro you n student as well as an nrflst, Miss Knight. I thought you were going to be pleasant, but you'ro not nro you?" Lorolol was Bmlllngly fixedly. "I'm nfrnld you don't intend to havo a good time, Mr. " They had found their places at the table, and Lorelei's escort was seating Jier. "I didn't catch your name when wo were introduced.' "Nor I," said he, taking his place be- sldo hor. "It sounded llko Rico Curry or somo other dish, but it's really Mer- klo John T. Mcrkle.' "Ah! You're n banker. Aren't you pretty reckless confessing your rank, as it wero?" "I'm a bachelor; also an invalid and an insomniac. You couldn't bring mo any moro trouble than I have." Again ho looked toward Hammon, and this lime ho frowned. "From indications I'll) soon havo company, howover." "Indeed. Is there talk of a divorco thero?" Sho Inclined her head in tho host's direction. Mcrklo retorted acidly: "My dear culld don,t t to t'0 YoU're in tho same show ns Miss Lynn, and you must know what's going on, This sort of thing can't contlnuo Indefi nitely, for Mrs. Hammon is very much nllvo, to say nothing of her daughters. Let's bo natural, at least I haven't slept lately, and I'm not patient enough to bo pollto." "It's a bargain. I'll try to be n3 disagreeable as you are," said Lorelei; nnd Mr, Mcrklo signified his prompt acquiescence, no lit n huge mono- grammcd cigarette, pushed asldo his hors d'ocuvrcs, and reluctantly turned down his array of wineglasses one by one. "Can't oat, can't drink, can't Bleep," !' Rrumblod. "Stowed prunes and rice for my portion. Walter, bring me a bottle of vlchy, nud when lt'a gone bring mo nnother." Tho diners had arranged themselves by now; tho suppor had begun. A bo- homlan spirit prevailed; tho ardor of tho men, lashed on by laughter, co Quetry and smiles, roso quickly; wlue flowed, and n general Intimacy began. Introductions wero no longer neces sary, tho talk flew back and forth along the rim of tho ro3e-strown semi circle. Lorelei turned from tho man on her who had regaled her with an end I t it. I a. m i.i .1. , less story, the point of which had sent the teller In hiccups of laughter, nnd said to John Merkle: "I'm glad I'm with you tonight I don't llko drinking men." "Can a girl in your position afford preferences?" ho Inquired, tartly. Thus far tho banker had fully lived up to his sour reputation. "AH womon arc extravagant I havo preferences, oven If I can't afford them. It you wero a tippler instead of a plain grouch I could tell you precise ly how you'd act aud what you'd talk nbout I'd dlo If I had to teach you tho tango," Mr, Merkle grunted, "So would I." Author of "The Iron Traill "The Spoilers" "The Silver Horde" Etc. Sho smiled sweetly. "You see, we're both unpleasant people." Mcrklo meditated In silence while she attacked her food with a healthy, youthful appetite that awoko his envy. "I suppose you eeo n lot of this sort of thing?" ho at length suggested. "There's something of the kind near ly every night This party Isn't ns bad as some, for the very reason that most of tho men are from out of town, and It's a bit of n novelty to them. (But there's a crowd of regular Now Yorkers tho younger men about town " She paused significantly. "I "I Suppose You Know She's Making a Fool of Him?" accepted onp Invitation from them. It was quite enough." "I've traveled some," observed Merklo, "but this city is getting to ho the limit" Sho nodded her amber head. "There's only one Paris, after all, and that's New York." Tho meal grow noisier; tho orches tru interspersed sensuous melodies from tho popular successes with the tantalizing ragtime airs that had set tho city to singing. Silent-footed at tendants deposited tissue-covered pack ages before tho guests. There was a flutter of excitement as tho womon be gan to examine their favors. "What is it?" Merklo Inquired, lean lug toward Lorelei. "The now saddlebag purse. See? It's very Frcnchy. Gold fittings and n coin purse and card caso inside. Sco tho monogram? Lllas picked theso out for Mr. nammon, and they're exqui site. Wo sharo tho same dressing room, you know." Merklo regarded her with a sudden new interest Then I daro say you're close friends?" "Wo'ro close enough In that room; but scarcely friends. What did you get?" "A. gold safety razor evidently a warning not to play with edged tools I wonder if Miss Lynn bought ono for Jarvla?" "No, why did you say that," Lorolol asked, quickly, "nnd why did you ask in that peculiar tone if sho and I wero friends?' Tho man loaned closer, saying in a voice that did not carry above tho clamor: "I suppose you know she's making a fool of him? I suppose you reallzo what It means when ti woman of her stamp gets a man with money In her power? lou must know all thero Is to know from the outside; It occurred to mo Umt ym, n),Kt Jl80 Unow somo dling about tho lnsldo of tho affair Do you?" "I'm afraid not All I'vo heard Is the common gossip." There's a good deal hero that doesn't show on tho surface. That woman Is a menace to a great many people, of whom I bnjipon to ho ono, "You speak as If bIio wero n danger ous character, and as If she had dellb eratcly entangled him," Lorelei said defendlngly. "As a matter of fact, sho did nothing of, tho sort; sho avoided him as long as Bhe could, but he per- slated, ho persecuted her until she was forced to accept him. Men of his wealth can do anything, you know. "She had scruples?" "No more than tho rest of us, I pre suie. ano gave her two weeks' no tlco becauso ho annoyed her; but be rore mo timo was up Bergman took a hand. He sent for her ono evening, and when sho went down thero was Mr. nammon, too. When sho camo upstairs she was hysterical. Sho cried and laughed and cursed It was tor- rlblo," "Curious," murmured tho man, star lng at the object of their controversy, "What did sho say?" "Oh, nothing counected. She called him every kind of a monster, accused him of every crime from murder to " "Murder!" The banker started. "Ho bad made a long fight to bent her down, nnd she was unstrung. Sho seemed to havo a queer physical aver sion to him." "Humph! She's got nobly over that" "I've told you this because you seemed to think she's to blame, when it is all Mr. Hamraon's doing." "It's a peculiar situation very. You've interested me. In a way I don't blame him for seeking amuse ment and happiness whero ho can find It and yet I'm afraid of the result" "The city is full of Samsons, and most of them havo their Delliahs." Merkle agreed. "These men put Hammon whero ho is. I wonder if they will let him stay there. It de pends upon that girl yonder." Ho turned to answer n question from Han nibal Wharton, nnd Lorelei gave her attention to the part of the entertain ment which was beginning on the stage. Of n sudden the clamor was silenced, and indifference gavo place to cjirloslty, for tho music had begun tho Introduction of one of Adoree Dem- orest's songs. Lorelei had never seen tills much-dlscusscd actress, whoso wickedness had set the town agog, and her first Impression was vaguely dis appointing. Miss Demorest's beauty was by no means remarkable, sue was animated, audacious, vividly alive in a daring costume of solid black, against nnd through which her limbs flashed with startling effect as sho performed her famous Danso do Nuit Hm-ral Nothing very extreme about that," remarked Mcrkle, at length. "It would be beautiful if it wero better done." Lorelei agreed. She had been star ing with all n woman's intcntness at this sister whose strength consisted of her frailty, and now Inquired: "now does she get away with it?" "By tho power of suggestion. I dare say. Her public is iooutng for some thing devilish, nnd discovers whatever it chooses to imagine in what sho says and does." Hannibal Wharton had changed his seat and, regardless of tho dancer, bo gan a conversation with Mcrkle. After a time Lorelei heard him say:- "It cost mo five thousand dollars to pay for tho damage thoso boys did They threatened to Jail Bob, but of course I didn't allow that" 'I remember. That was five years ago, and Bob hasn't changed a whit I think he's a menace to society." Wharton laughed, but his reply was lost in the clamorous demand for an encore by Mile. Demorest. "So ho gets his devilment from you, ch?" Mcrklo Inquired. "It Isn't devilment Bob's all right He's running with a fast -rowd, and ho has to keep up his end." "Bah! Ho hasn't been sober In a year." "You're a dyspeptic, John. You were born with a gray beard, and you're not growing younger. He wanted to come to this party, but I didn't caro to have him for obvious reasons, so I told Hammon to refuse him even if ho asked. He bet mo a thousand dollars ho'd come anyhow, nud I'vo been ex pecting him to overpower thoso door men or creep up tho fire escape." CHAPTER IV. Tho hand-clapping ceased as the dancer reappeared, smiling and bow lng. "I will dance again if you wish," sho nnnounccd, in perfect English, "In troducing my new partner, Mr. " sho ginnced into tho wings Inquiringly- "Senor Roberto. It Is his first public appcaranco In this country, and wo will endeavor to executo a variation of tho Argentine tnngo." Mr. Wharton was Btlll talking, That's my way of raising a son taught Bob to drink when I drank, to smoke when I smoked, and nil that, My father raised mo that way." The opening strain of a Spanish dauco floated out from tho hidden mu Blclans, Mile. Demorest whirled Into view In tho arms of a young man in eve ning dress. She was still laughing, but her partner wore a grave face, and his eyes were lowered; he followed tho in trlcate movements of tho dance with Bomo difficulty. To Lorelei ho appeared disappointingly amateurish. Then ripple of merriment, growing Into guffaw, advise! her that something out of tho ordinary wns occurring. "The scoundrel!" Hannibal Whar ton cried. Merklo observed dryly: "He's won your thousand. I withdraw what Bald about him; It requires a gigantic intelligence to outwit you." To Lorelei ho added: "This will bo considered great Joko on Broadway." "That Is Mr. Wharton's son?" "It is and tho most dissipated lump of arrogance In Nev York "Bob," tho fathor shouted, "quit that foolishness and come ewn here!" But the Junior Whr$i, his eyes fixed upon the merely danced tho harder, ev tew moments later ho sank Into it chair near his father, saying "Well, dad, what d'yo.u think of my educated legs? school." I learned that at night Whartou grumbled unintelligibly, but it wns nlaln that ho was not en tirely displeased at his spn's prank. "You were superb," said Merklo warmly. "It's the best thing I ever saw you do, Bob. Yotl could almost make a living for yourself at it" Tho young man grinned, showing rows of firm, strong teeth. Lorelei, who wns watching him, decided that he must have at least twice the usual number; yet It was a good mouth u good, big, generous mouth. "Thanks for those glorious words of praise; that's moro than we're doing on the Street nowadays. Whow! Got any grape-Juice for n growing boy?" Ho helped himself to his father's wine glass and drained It "You can settle now, dad ono thousand Iron men. I owe It to Demorest" "What do you mean?" "Debt of honor. I heard she was due here with some kind of an electric thrill, so I offered her my share of tho sweepstakes to further disgrace herself by dancing with me." He caught Lore lei's eye and stared boldly. "Hello! I believe in fairies, too, dad. Introduco mo to tho Princess." Merklo volunteered this service, nnd Bob promptly hitched his chair closer. Lorelei saw that he wa3 very drunk, nnd marveled at his control during tho recent exhibition. "Tell mc moro nbout tho 'Partl-color Petticoat' and 'Dentol Chewing Gum,' Miss Knight Your face Is a household word In every street car," he began. She replied promptly, quoting hap hazard from the various advertise ments In which she figured. "It nevet shrinks; it holds its shape; it must ba seen to be appreciated: is cool, re freshing, and prevents decay." "now did you meet that French dancer?" Hannibal Wharton queried, sourly, of bis son. "I stormed the stngo door and way laid her in tho wings. Sho thought I wns you, dad. Wharton is a grand old name." Ho chuckled at his father's exclamation. Whero did you learn thoso Argen tine wiggles?" nard times are to blame, dad. Tha old men on the exchange play golf all day, and tho young ones turkey-trot all night-1 stay up late in tho hopo that may find a quarter that some sub urbanite has dropped." Tho elder men rose nnd sauntered away In tho direction of their host, whereupon Bob winked. "They've left us flat. Why? Bo- caiiRe the wicked Mile. Demorest has finally made her appearance as a guest My dad Is u splendid shock absorber. Naughty, naughty papal" "It's probably well that you came with her; fathers aro so indiscreet" Young Wharton signaled to a waltoi who was passing with a wino bottlr and a napkin. "Tarry!" he cried. "Remove th shroud, plense; and' let mo look at poot old Koderer. Thanks. How natural ho tastes." Then to Lorelei: "Tho gov ernor is a womon hater; but no man is safe In range of your liquid orbs, Miss Knight Wouldn't mother enjoj reading the list of Hammon's guests al this party? 'Among thoso present were Mr. Hannibal 0. Wharton, the well known rolling-mill man; Miss Lorelei Knight, principal flrst-act fairy of tho Bergman Revue, and Mile. Adores Demorest, the friend of a king. A good time was had by all, and the diners enjoyed thomselves very nice.' " H laughed loudly, and tho girl stirred. "She'd be pleased to read also thai you came late, but highly Intoxicated." "Ah! Salvation Noll." Bob took no offense. "If tho hour was late she'd know my intoxication followed as a matter of course. I am n derivative of alcohol, the ono and infallible argu ment ngalnst temperance, Mis? Knight" "You talk as if you were always drunk." "Oh not always. By day I am fre quently sober, but at such times I am fit company for neither man nor bcasti nm harsh and unsympathetic; I schemo and I connive. With nightfall, however, thero comes a metamorpho sis. Onco I am stocked up with ales, -wines, liquors and cigars, I become o living, palpitating influence for good. spreading happiness nnd prosperity in my wake." "Do you consider yourself In such a condition now?" queried Lorelei, vaguely amused. "I am, and, since It is long past the closing hour of one and tho tnngo par lors are dark, suppose we blow this Who's Who in Pittsburgh' and taxi- cab out to a roadhoiiso whero tho basa fiddle is still inhabited and tho second generation Is trotting to tho 'Robert E. Lee'?" Lorelei shook her head with a smile. "I don't care to go." "Strangcl" Mr. Wharton helped himself to a goblet of wine, appearing to heap the liquor above the edge of the glass. "No, if I wero sober I could understand how you, might pre fer these 'pappy guys' to me, for no body likes me then, but I'm agreeably pickled. Merklo won't take you any where, for he's full of distilled water and has a directors' meeting at ten." A b will young Mr. wnarton prove 2 In the end to be a menace or a J salvation to this beautiful girl Z pursued by smuthounds? (TO BB CONTINUED.) Favorite Fare. A certain fathor who is fond of putting his boys through natural his tory examinations is otton surprised by their mental agility. Ho recently asked them to toll him, "What animal la satisfied with tho least amount of nourishment?" "Tho moth!" ono of i them shouted confidently. "It cats I nothlug but holes. Youth'B Compan- J ion,