The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-07


over. and they sat at the open window.
looking out over the park stretching away
beneath them, conyersing idly.
ssYour times nearly up. Jem," said one at
length; 'this time six weeks you'll be
yawning out your honeymoon and cursing
the man-woman / mean-who invented
them"
lem Benson stretched his long limbs in
the chair and grunted in assent.
.I've never understood it." continued
wlfred Carr, yawning. tits not in my
line at all; never had enough money FOR
my own wants. let alone for two. Perhaps
II were as rich as you or Croesus might
regard it differently"
There was Just sufficient meaning In the
latter part of the remark for his cousin to
forbear replying TO it. He continued TO
gaze out Of the window and to smoke
slowly.
mot being rich as Croesus-or you"
resumed Mr.. Carr, regarding him from
beneath lowered lids, 81 paddle my own
canoe down the stream of time and tying
It to my friends door posts go in to eat
their dinners"
..ouite venetian" said Jem Benson. still
looking out of the window. Its not
bad thing for you, wilfred. that you have
the door posts and dinners-and friends
Mr.. Carr grunted in his turn. Seriously
though. Jem," he said slowly, you're
lucky fellow, very lucky fellow. If there
is a better girl above ground than Olive
I should like TO see her."
YES" said the other quietly.
s.She's such an exceptional girl" con-
tinued Carr, staring out Of the window
"she's so good and gentle. She thinks you
are a bundle of all the virtues"
He laughed frankly and joyously. but the
other man did not join him.
..strong sense of right and wrong.
though" continued Carr, musingly. do
YOU know 1 believe that If she found out
you were not
mot what?" demanded Benson, turning
upon him fiercely. mot what?"
Everything that you are" returned his
cousin. with grin that belied his words. Il
believe she'd drop you.
Talk about something else" said Ben
son, slowly; ''your pleasantries are not al
ways in the best taste"
wnfred Carr rose. and. taking cue from
the rack, bent over the board and practiced
one or two favorite shots. 1.-THE only other
subject can talk about just at present is
my own financial affairs" he said. slowly.
as he walked round the table.
talk about something else" said Ben
son again. bluntly.
'And the two things are connected" said
Carr. and dropping his cue he half sat on
the table and eyed his cousin
There was long silence. Benson pitched
the end of his cigar out of the window, and
leaning back closed his eyes.
do you follow me?' inquired Carr at
length.
Benson opened his eyes and nodded at the
window. do you want to follow my
cigar?" he demanded
81 should prefer TO depart by the usual
way for your sake" returned the other, I'M
abashed. IF left by the window all sorts
OF questions would be asked. and you know
what talkative chap am
$50 long as you don't talk about my af
fairs" returned the other. restraining him
self by an obvious effort, you can talk
yourself hoarse."
I'm in a mess" said Carr, slowly, "a
hundred by this day fortnight. may be
getting my board and lodging free"
would that be any changer questioned
Benson.
1.-THE quantity would" retorted the other.
'sThe address also would not be good. Ser
icusly, Jem. will you let me have fifteen
hundred?"
mo-" said the other. simply.
Carr went white. 'Its to save me from
ruin" he said, thickly.
'Tve helped you till I'm tired" said Ben
son. turning and regarding him. land it is
all to no good II you've got in mess. get
out o. 1t. You should not be SO fond Of
giving autographs away"
Its foolish. admit" said Carr, deliber-
ately. 'T won't do so any more. ~ the
way, I've got some to SELL You needn't
sheer. They're not my own"
Whose are they?" inquired the other.
Yours"
Benson got up from his chair and crossed
over to him. what is this?" he asked.
quietly. "Blackmail?''
"Can 1t what you like" said Carr. i've
got some letters for sale. price fifteen hun
dred. And know a man who wants to
buy them at that price for the mere chance
Of getting Olive from you. I'll give you
'If you have got any letters bearing my
signature. you will be good enough to give
them to me-" said Benson. very slowly.
They're mine." said Carr. lightly; "given
to me by the lady you wrote them to.
must say that they are not all in the best
possible taste"
His cousin reached forward suddenly, and
catching him by the collar OF his coat,
pinned him down on the table.
"Glve me those letters" he breathed.
sticking his face close to his.
They're not here" said Carr. struggling.
"Im not a fool. Let me go. or I'll raise the
price
The other man raised him from the table
In his powerful hands. apparently with the
Intention OF dashing his head against it.
Then suddenly his hold relaxed as an as
tonished-looking maid servant entered the
room with letters. Carr sat up hastily.
That's how II was DONE" said Benson
Tor the girls benefit. as he took the let
tiers.
1T don't wonder at the other man maxi
ing him pay fer 1t. then" said Carr.
blandiy.
You wiz give me those letters?" said
Benson. SUCCESSFULLY. az the girl left the
room.
eat the price I mentioned. yes" said
Carr; but so sure as I'm living man, IL
you lay your clumsy hands on me again