The Washington times., 1902-12-05

CHAPTER l.
Startling News.

Startling News.
TT was 4 O'Clock Of warm Septem-
Der afternoon. A heavily built
L striking looking fellow of three and
twenty came rapidly along the mar
row street toward the water front, and
halted at the door Of the shipping firm
above which was the sign Of Uniercliff
Monckton His heighth and breadth
OF shoulders we're noticeable, even
among the brawny truckmen and roust-
abouts who loitered on the curb. and his
carriage and alert movements betrayed
the all-round athlete.
AS he entered the outer Office a group
Of clerks was gathered about an indi-
vidual who leaned negligently against
one OF the desks. This central figure
was a fellow Of about the newcomers
age Of slight build, dark complexion.
and dressed in the heighth Of fashion.
"Hulloi here's another Harvardite!"
exclaimed one Of the clerks. How are
you. Mr. Thorne?"
The newcomer returned the greeting
cordially, but did not appear to notice
the man Of the dark complexion.
"Howdy, deah boy" drawled the latter.
languidly extending his gloved hand.
But Thorne bowed coolly. falling TO
see the hand and passed on 10 a rear
door marked "Chas. UndercliH. Pri-
vate"
Hes a regular bore. don't ye know. %
he heard the languid individual say. as
he opened the door.
There was but one occupant Of the
room. man Of fifty years perhaps.
with iron gray mustache. and an upright
carriage. He was pacing the floor when
Thorne entered. but turned to him with
outstretched hand and a welcome smile
as he heard the latch click
"Ah. Howard, I'm delighted to see
you" he said, returning the younger
mans warm pressure "I've been look
ing for you for an hour"
81 was on the river wnen your note
reached me, and had 70 10 70 my rooms
10 change my boating 8annels for some
thing which l could appear downtown
in" and Thorne, with a laugh, dropped
into convenient chair before the baize
cover , table. "But what's in the wind.
CuarGy7"
The expression OF the elder mans face
changed instantly. His eyes shifted
their gaze from the frank countenance
Of his questioner and a deep line ap-
peared between his brows. He set to
pacing the floor again with nervous
strides.
"Oh-ah-well Howard. hardly
know how to tell you. ! received some
news today that has quite upset me-"
'On which you want the benefit OF my
experience, % laughed the other
A little smile played under Mr.. Under
cliffs mustache for an instant
"Not exactly. my boy. But it is some
thing you must know"
"Drive ahead then. sir"
III wish ] could drive ahead" re-
turned the older man. hesitatingIy
"But to tell you the truth, l scarcely
know how 90 begin"
The others face betrayed his surprise
and curiosity.
"You wonder what has shaken me so. '
pursued Mr. UndercliT. All. Howard
old memories have been stirred today
tlat have slept for years. Little won
der that I am shaken"
"Has 81 10 do with me2"
Eyes"
"Abou; me2"
no. my boy IL is about your father
The young man started
My father" he repeated Il should
like to hear about him it Is true be-
neve you have never told me very much
concerning him. He died twenty year.
ago-bef0re I could remember hlm-di,
he uot2''
UndercliH halted in his walk and faced
the younger man. He placed both hands
upon the table and leaned forward with
his shrowd eyes upon Thcrno's face.
It Is q fact. Howard. I have never
tod you much about your parents
Otherwise / think ] have done my duty
By you he said. with some emotion.