Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-12-25

the paper color. l also realize that
you have need of money to carry out
some of these plans. That is the rca-
son | stand prepared to make this
offer. If you will undertake this work,
/ will pay you 5000 Il month and in adj
dition help carry out some Of these
IDEAS where money is needed. | don't
care to say Just how much I'll give
Time enough for that when we get to
it."
He stopped abruptly. and then, to
the surprise of the two friends, he
suddenly rose and said as he camc up
to the table ana took his hat, which he
had laid down there:
"Don't answer now. Give it consid-
Grafton. Whatever you choose to ar
range with Barton will he satisfactory
Barton, you'd better get out TO Colora
do for Il month. as advised. Knowles
can manage very well for awhile Ion
ger. Good night"
He walked out, and Barton and Cor
don sat silent for moment.
"Of course he heard what you said
about the paper having no influence
with the best people," said Barton.
with Il chucl,lc.
Il believe he did but his manner did
not hctraY il except once"
eyes, I noticed that oh. the old
man would give his long white hand to
POSSESS real influence. That's his am
bition, my boy. III he said about the
boulevard and the SUM was pure non
sense He doesn't believe it any more
than do"
81 believe it, though. He spoke the
truth whether he meant to or not"
What difference" David Barton
spoke CarclcsSly. "But this PROPOSE
ton. John" he added. kcculy watching
Gordon "Ilow about that. ELI! The
opening. the leverage the money. Wait
a minute This confounded cough is
going to get me again"
lie went into the other room this
time. ard his coughing spell lasted SO
long that Gordon was alarmed. lie
went in where his friend was sitting
with his head down between his knees
his whole body raCkCd with the effort
and when it was over he still main
tanned the same position until Gordon
demonstrated with him.
David. you're in no condition to 90
on with work. You're killing yourself
ON the News. | had no idea you had
such cough. How long have you
been this way"
"The average limit of usefulness on
the News" said David Barton as he
lifted up his head, lis less than ten
years from the time of beginning. I've
been with it now going on six. The
rule in a daily paper is. no old men in
any department. If you see an old
man anywhere around the office, he's
visitor or stranger Modern jour.
nalism is a man killer. I'm just one of
the fools caught between the rollers.
See? It's like this. Harris prizes me
because know how. But when once
let go he knows he can get another fool
to take my place. Food for the lion.
Three cheers for the press! It's the
great agency of civilization. Its the
prize life takcr It's the-look out!
Here | 20 again"
He put his head down and couchcd
SO long and violently that ut the end
of it John Gordon found himself on his
knees by the side of his friend holding
his head and now thoroughly alarmed.
"Why, this can't go on, David" he
cXpostulated.
Yes, it can apparently. At least it
seems to 20 on quite easily"
'hut you'll simply commit suicide
if YOU don't listen to reason and quit
all work for at least six months"
Cant do it, Got too much at stake -
Barton answered He rose. and. going
! into an adjoinin" room. he took some
medicine, hathcd his face ana came
out looking so much better that John
Gordon was amazed
"Ouly trininG little cough. John.
It's not on my lungs. lust throat
trouble | got caught out in the rain
down near Hope House the Other
night and didn't have a chance to steal
an umbrella without getting caught
again. Come in and let's have out the
reform business. You can't let Harris
offer 20 by. It's too much of a
Glance"
"Eut I'm keeping you up too late
Gordon said douLtull%.
"Why, old man. haven't You sent
your things over here to stay until you
get married or something: Whose are
4 thpf, buds out in the hail?"
"Thc%'rc mine, expect | sent them
over this afternoon The break had tc
come at home some time, and knew
you would take me in at any time"
"Sit down, them" said Barton. giving
his friend Il push into an easy chair
He himself went over to lounge and
lay down on il, turning his pale, thin
face. with its great, glowing eyes, 10
ward John Gordon.
The grim death had already laid a
long hand on BHrtons chest, but with
the stubborn cyniciSm of his character
Barton refused 10 acknowledge any
mastery although, contrary to mos
victims Of consumption, he knew anC
acknowledged himself that do what Inc
would he could not shake that hand
off.
John Gordon mournfully eyed the re
cumbent figure on the lounge.
Forgive me, David. | have been sc
busy over my own plans that | have
not thought Of you. Why have you moi
let me know about