The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-04-01


"Read the story if you want to. But,
If you are going to swear or anything
at the close and want help, ask WI
liams to go out into the hall. Give him
a dollar, and he'll pitch into Hairs
and the News as long as you want"
John Gordon picked up the paper and
went over by the table. He seldom
saw the News, and he never read H.
His whole refined nature rebelled IN
disgust at the monstrosity Of yellow
journalism, but his curiosity was
strong enough to make him read what
Barton seemed so genuinely sorrow for.
The headlines were bold and obtru-
siye:
"Quarrels With His Father! John
Gordon, Son Of Rufus Gordon, the
Banker and Stock Manipulation, Goes
to Live ct Hope House. 4 Rich Slum-
mer. Breaks With His Fiancee, Miss
Luella Marsh. 4 Stormy Interview.
Miss Marsh Refuses to Go With Him.
All the Parties Prominent In Business
and Social Circles. Mr. Gordon Re-
pudiates His Son. Miss Marsh Refuses
to Talk. Does Not Deny Interview
With Fer Former Lover. John Gordon
to Make a Special Study Of Tenement
House Conditions In Bowen Street"
The whole "story" occupied two col
umns, and directly under the headlines,
! which covered two columns in width,
were two cuts, One of John Gordon and
the other Of Luella Marsh. The title
under these cuts read, Cupid Balks at
Social Sacrifice
John Gordon read the headlines and
glared at the pictures. Then be
crushed the paper between his hands
and flung it on the floor.
tRing the bell for Williams, John. l
think he's in the pantry. You need his
help to do it justice. Sorry I don't feel
able to chip in with YOU
For q moment John Gordon stood
still by the table; then he came over
and sat down by his friend
81 don't care for myself, but Luella!
David, it's q horrible invasion Of all
ones sacred private affairs. I have
never understood how you could believe
in that sort Of Journalism"
David Barton looked lovingly at John
Gordon. His cynical whimsical, reck-
less manner disappeared for moment.
"I don't believe in it. Never did,
John. It's purely business with me.
I'm awfully sorry for you. What do I
believe anyway? Ny whole life has
eontradicted my creed. But maybe
there's hope for me yet. What do you
think? Am too bad to repent and be
saved%
John Gordon stared at his friend, and
in moment his own deep, abiding, re-
ligious experience reminded him that
here was soul groping after light.
David" he exclaimed softly, mo
one is too bad to repent and be saved.
Oh, David, Christ makes all life worth
while"
81 believe that" the reply came IN q
whisper. "I've never said much, John,
but I've tried to-
The usually cynical voice actually
broke with sob that cut John Gordon
deep, although in that tense moment
which had come on so swiftly there
was a fierce JOY at the confession bis
friend had made.
He bent over and put a hand on Bar
tons, and they sat thus silent for a
gracious moment It was significant
that neither Of them had said word
about Bartcn's physical condition and
bis hopeless future, so far as physical
life was concerned. The stiffness in
the room was suddenly interrupted by
q clang out on the street.
Gordon went over to the window and
looked out.
"The department is making a f1ne
rum" be said briefly to Barton.
It was late and the avenue was al
most empty CT traffic. A team Of pure
white horses on the engine which pre-
cedad the hose and ladder wagons
plunged forward with desperate but
clad abandon that struck fire from the
pavement and whirled the engine along
with a mad but glorious energy that
made human blood run faster and kept
the pulses beating with sympathy. The
driver and his assistant leaned for
ward, their bare heads tossing their
free hair behind; the whole scene
flashed by in the nigh; like a bit torn
out Of a Roman chariot race Of the
dead past, transformed by chance to
the modern municipality, whose streets
are lighted with electricity, and whose
buildings loom up in the smoky air
like crags beside the prairie sea.
The whirling group swept around the
corner at the end Of the next block,
Stacking speed just enough to avoid
turning over. John Gordon came back
to Dayid's side.
s'Where is the fre?"
sI didn't notice the alarm. Must have
been a still one.''
"Ha7e you ever thought what would
happen, John, if a fire ever got good
chance around Hope House?
"Have +? think OF it every time l
20 into the double decker. They are
simply traps. If fire ever started IN
the basement Of No. d, it would be a
miracle If anybody got out alive"
Glow about Hope Eouse itself" The
question showed uneasiness.
"Hope House is a dry old shell in
side. It would go like tinder."
"The fire tonight is not down that
way?'
"No; the teams turned up Fa7ell
street"
SIS No. 81 any worse than other num-
bers?'
'No; it's better in some ways. But
there's bakery in the basement. They
fry greasy doughnuts over 2 cracked
stove. One drop Of grease catching
fire in the place might sweep a score
Of children into eternity"
They'd be better of in eternity than
in the tenement, wouldn't they? Maybe