The St. Louis Republic., 1901-09-08
CHAPTER II.
BROKEN VOWS.

t1Si> fstS IL.
BROKEN VOWS
II was some moments before the clerk re-
turned. and Richard Harsbury. funing with
Indignation. walked over to the window.
and looked out on the hurrying throng In
the street below, with eyes that saw moth
ing The silence In the office was broken
only by the scratching of pens; but ths
young man was keenly conscious Of the
significant looks that were being exchanged
at his expense.
He knew that every clerk In the firm OF
Philip Hamburg was aware of his position.
and why he no longer occupied the post he
had held in his fathers lifetime. and the
thought made his blood tingle with rage
and humiliation.
He was Just about TO send another mes
senger after the first, when the man re-
turned, to say that Mr.. Hanbury would see
him; and, with some twenty pairs Of eyes
directed toward him. he walked. with head
erect to the door which communicated
with his brothers private office.
He had not been in the place for some
time and as he passed down the familiar
passage rush of memories swept over him
memories of the father who had forgiven
him again and again. and had done his ut
AS he thought of the gray head bent over
the desk. and the kind face. scanned With
lines of care-which he had helped to bring
there-something very like tears gathered
in his eyes; but the callous and Indifferent
look came back as he opened the door at
the end of the passage. and entered an Of
flee marked Private"
Instead OF the gray hairs and the bent
alr -af. -
wellknit shoulders. was raised as Richard
appeared in the doorway. and a cold. NE
talic voice greeted him with an abrupt
''Good-morninr!" which salutation the
younger man answered by careless nod.
Thus the two brothers met-Phiiip Han
bury. the polished gentleman. the pride and
support of his family. the respected citizsn.
the, irreproachable business-man;. and Rich
ard, his brother, drunkard and profigate!
81 was just going out" the former said
and he glanced toward his sleek silk hat
and gold-headed umbrella, which lay Ut his
eibow-"and can only spare five minutes''
You are always out. or just going cut.
when happen 10 comet" retorted the other.
with scornful curl OF his handsome lip.
l have called about the money which was
due to me six weeks ago. Perhaps you will
Philip Hanbury's face grew a shade pslsr.
81 am afraid you will have to wal. still
longer for It," he answered. mo dividends
have yet been paid"
81 don't believe you. Philip. You have put
me off like this before / want the money.
and shall be obliged If you will write n.s
out check for the amount while walt
Il tell you the money has not been laid
tn vr.fth 1;va SI1k
white with passion. land have no mten-
ton of advancing It.
Then shall be under the painful neces-
sity Of induiring into the matter" said mis-
brother, seating himself in the nearest chair.
you had better write me out check at
once Philip, and save any unpleasantness'
And. leaning back. he surveyed the other,
with a strange light shining In his eyes
And who are you, that you shoui1 dare
to address me in this manner" And Philip
Hanbury rose to his feet, his handsome
well-cut features drawn with suppressed
fury. Leave my office at once. or I Will
have you turned outr'
Richard rose also, and the brothers atood
together, face to face
Richard was the stronger finer man Of
the two, and in their boyhood days h. had
away SoAiG ISst Al laG ueulS WuACu w
easionally took place between them. It was
difficult work at this moment to keep bis
hands OF the man whose presence seemed
always to rouse his worst passions; but he
did SO, and, moving step or two hack
wards. he said. with calmness that CUR
prised himself:
Don't let us have any more humbug.
Philip. Give me the money that Is dus TO
nd xs-;n Do, h,& NJ
rob me Of this, as you have .: everything
eset''
Philip tried to speak. but the words died
away on his lips: and. with blancked cheek
and trembling hands. he once more sat
down at the desk. and took his check book
from drawer. Then in silence, he filled in
one Of the pink slips, and handed it to his
brother, averting his eyes from Richards
face while the latter, folded It carefully and
put' it into his breast pocket.
Then. happily; for both. knock came at
the door, and, with a cold 'Good-morning."
the. brothers parted.
Richard arose from his seat in the quiet
sanctuary. resolving that he would, at any
rate. fulfill his promise to Maude. what
ever the result might be: and. passing once
more down the steps. he walked leisurely
across ST. Paui's Churehyard. intending to
60 straight back to his rooms.
why. Dick. old man. this is a piece Of
good fortune! was just contemplating put
ting a bullet through my brains when /
caught sight of your frame!'
Richard turned. with frown on his face,
toward the man who had. unconsciously to
himself. been tracking his footsteps, but the
good nature which had played very large
part in Dick Hanburys downfall got the
mastery of his sterner feelings. and for q
moment or two he surveyed the newcomer
in silence.
You lock pretty bad Bobby he rad.
What have You been lo.rg with youise,fr
"only starving. old boy" was the ngu-
brious answer. 'T haven't had a square
meal since my iandlady turned ne out Of
house -and-home six werxs ago"
You don't say sol" cried Richard, reused
to sudden compassion You shan't starvs
any longer then. If can help it have not
lnnched myself yet, SO We will have some
thing together at once"
Once more the power of evil had dosge3
his steps. and once more he yielded @ its
sway, with the result that two hours !a.er,
and reeiing through one If the
main streets of the city, he stumbled help
lessly against two gentlemen who were \
from a building, one OF whom wac
his brother Philip,
CAPTER III
..IIE CAME TO T3INSEI