Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-10-22

~ bought a copy of The Sponge and
once more read Gibberts' story on the
way down. The third reading appalled,
him. He was amazed that he had not
noticed before the deadly earnestness of
the tone. We are apt to underrate or
overrate the work Of a man with whom
we are personally familiar. Now for
the first time Shorely seemed to get the
proper perspective. The reading left
him in state Of nervous collapse. He
tried to remember whether or not he
had burned Gibberts' letter. If he had
left it on his table, what might not
happen2
The local was five minutes late at the
junction, and it orawled over the 10
miles back to Channor in a most exas.
perating way, losing time with every
mile. AT Channor he found the London
train had come and gone.
Did man get off in long ulster
and''-
For Channor Chase, sir?"
Eyes. Has he gone?'
"Oh, yes, sir. The dogcart from the
Chase was here 10 meet him, sir. 1"
How far is it?''
About five miles by road, if you
mean the Chase, sir"
Can get a conveyance"
~ don't think 80, sir. They didn't
know you were coming, suppose, sir
But if you take the path down by the
church you can get there before the
cart sir 1t isn't more than two miles
from the church. You'll find the path a
bit dirty, sir, but not worse than the
road. You can't miss the way, sir, and
you can send for your luggage"
1t had been raining and was still
drilling. A strange path is sometimes
difficult to follow, even in broad day
light, but a wet, dark evening adds
tremendously to the difficulty. Shorely
was city man aud quite unused to the
eccentricities of country lanes and paths.
He first mistook the cleaning surface Of
a ditch for a footpath and only found
his mistake when he was up to his
waist in water. The rain came on heav-
lily again and added to his troubles.
After wandering through muddy fields
for some time he came to a cottage
where he succeeded in engaging guide
to Channor Chase.
The time he had lost in wandering
through the fields would, Ghorely
thought, allow the dogcart to arrive
before him, and such he found to be the
case. The man who answered Shorely's
imperious summons to the door was sur
prised to find wild eyed, unkempt, be-
draggled individual, who looked like a
lunatic on tramp.
Has Mr.. Bromley Gibberts arrived
YETI" he asked without preliminary
talk.
Yes, sir, answered the man.
lis he in his room7"
mo; he has just come down after
dressing and is in the drawing ROOM"
Il must see him at once" gasped
1T is a matter of life and
death. Take me to the drawing ROOM"
The man in some bewilderment led
him to the door Of the drawing room,
and Shorely heard the sound Of laugh
ter from within. Thus ever is comedy
and tragedy intermingled. The man
threw the door open, and Shorely enter
ed. The sight be beheld at first dazzled
him, for the room was brilliantly light
ed. He saw number Of people, ladies
and gentlemen, all in evening dress and |
all looking toward the door with aston
ishment in their eyes. Several OF them,
he noticed, had copies of The Sponge in
their hands. Bromley Gibberts stood |
before the fire and was very evidently |
interrupted in the middle of narration. |
II assure you," he was saying, that /
is the only way by which a story of the |
highest class can be sold to a London |
editor
He stopped as he said this and turn
ed to look at the intruder. 1t was mo-
ment or two before he recognized this |
1apper editor in the bedraggled indi. |
Vidual who stood abashed at the door.
by the GODS" he cried, waving his |
hand, speak of the editor and he ap-
pears. In the name of all that's won
ierful, Shorely, how did you come
here? And have your deeds at last |
found you out and melted you your de-
serts? Have they ducked you in a horse |
pond? 1 have just been telling my
friends here how / sold you that story
which is making the fortune of The
Sponge. Come forward and show your
self, Shorely, my boy"
81 would like a word with you"
Shorely.
''Then have it here" said the nov
,list. "They all understand the circum-
stances Come and tell them your side
# the story"
II warn you" said Shorely, pulling
himself together and addressing the
THAT this man contemplates
| dreadful crime, and l have come here
% prevent it. "
Gibberts threw back his head and
aughed loudly.
Search me-" he cried. 1T am en-
irely unarmed, and, as every one here
Inows, among my best friends "
Goodness, said one old lady, "you
ion't mean to say that Channor Chase
the scene Of your story and where the
tragedy is to take placer"
"Of course it is" said Gibberts.
Didn't you recognize tho local colorH
thought I described Ohannor Chase
lown to the ground, and did not tell
'ou you were all my victimsp always
orget some important point when tell.
ng a story. Don't go yet" he said ~
ihorely turned away, "but come and
ell your story. Then we will have each
mans narrative, after the style of Will
lie Collins"
Rnk |