Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1898-09-01
CHAPTER I.

S11AI LIN !.
The Office boy stood beside David
Temples desk, slip of paper on which
name was written in his hand. He
knew better than to interrupt the editor
when his pen was racing in that ag-
gressive way, so he stood lingering the
bit of pink paper with grimy fingers
while speculatively regarding fly run
ming unmeaning races from cloudy
Map Of the United States to the big ink
bottle occupying the center of a very
untidy desk.
The day was breathless and humid
From the earliest hours of the morning
the sun s rays had swept the streets like
destroying glances from a malevolent
eye. The dusty, ink spattered offices of
the New York Citizen We're sitting.
Beyond the open windows could be seen
sun baked roofs, spires and chimneys
swathed in a hot mist. Every man in
the editorial rooms was in his shirt
sleeves. Some had discarded moist col
lars. All were working hard.
David Temple laid down his pen and
glanced over the hastily written page,
his expression determined.
''That'll make them hum," he said,
and without looking up he touched the
bell, at the same instant becoming
aware of the boy beside him.
"Here you are. Take this down. Pete,
just as fast as you can. Eth? What's
this? Some one to see me? All right.
Tell them to wait Come back at once. I"
He picked up the paper. the kind in
use in the Office, bearing the directions:
"Name -. State business. "Anne
Garrick' was written in lead pencil
upon it. The latter request was IN
needed.
David laid it down, lit cigar and
went over to the window. 1t was still,
maddening day; the horses toiled be-
tween their shafts; the springs of life
moved YEARLY even on Park row. He
looked at his watch. 1t was half past 4.
At he was due at the Players to dine
with an actor who by means of haunt
ing voice and pair of fine eyes enjoyed
an income that equaled the vice presi-
dents. He had promised to 60 to a
dance on board yacht anchored in the
sound. He began to wish he could es-
cape the latter and instead find his way
to the hammock ON his roof top, where
he could smoke under the stars At SO,
with hair whitening, he was getting
past dances
''The young lady"-1 commenced
Pete timidly at his elbow
ooh, there is a lady. I'd forgotten.
Show her in, and be slipped on the
alpaca coat lying across the chair.
The swinging door was pushed back,
and Anne Garrick came toward him.
She seemed in the first inattentive
glance tall, slenderly made, her face
showing marks of care or illness, yet
pretty enough to be interesting. Her
eyes were long, very bright, yet soft,
and they were deep brown, like her
hair. Her gown was of mourning cloth,
and she wore black sailor hat
David drew chair forward for her,
and seating himself opposite let his
great shoulders rest easily, while he re-
garded her, as was his fashion, through
half yelled eyes.
''Miss Garrick?" he said, glancing at
the slip. what can 1 do for you?
you IL PARDON me IL tell you now
have dinner engagement at and
have only few moments to spare"
This was said with one of David's
confidential smiles.
~ shan't keep you long" she said,
leaning forward. "Dr. Ericsson, my
uncle, sent me to you.
cob, yes. How is he? I've not seen
him for q month. "
Hes very we'll. thank you.
$50 you come on business from him?'
and David breathed freely. do you
know, Miss Garrick, / was afraid you
were here as an applicant for work on
the paper?"
$50 am, she said, her eyes amused.
els it quite useless?'
"You mean you really want newspa-