Middletown transcript., 1903-05-02

TWO men OF business. But his report OF
the worthlessness of her husbands plans
refuted that. Her loyalty and faith in
his ability forbade her to believe any such
thing. Enmity was evident.
Yet her faith in John Hodcaster was
almost equal to that in her husband.
She prided herself on her ability to read
character, and if any man possessed a
noble nature she believed that man to
be John Hodcaster. With wearisome re-
iteracy she went over the old problem.
The next day Lance Wilmerding came
home, broken, and the picture oil peace
and mother love that met his eyes as he
pushed open the door only added to his
detection.
John Hodcaster had secured the prize.
And this, said Wilmerding, is the way
he secured it. He told the railroad that
he doubted if bridge could be built at
that point. He offered to undertake the
foundations-exelusiyely at his own per-
sonal risk and expense. If he succeeded,
his company would make contract for
the completion OF the work; the railroad
then also reimbursing him for the cost of
the foundations. If he failed, they lost
nothing-he bore the expense. They
were pleased with his 'frankness,' and
his offer, and gave him the work. He
knows in his heart there is no risk! or do
you suppose business man would make
such contract? He is scoundrel!
VII.
Here follows the true story of John
Hodcaster's connection with the Mississ-
ippi bridge.
After he had sent in his report to the
railroad company he began to think.
1t commenced by his pitying Wilmerd-
ing. He was undoubtedly an able man;
he. had done work of which anyone
might be proud; but he was little cock
sure, little obstinate. He had never
"monkeyed'' with the Mississippi, and
he had not spent just those two days
with Josiah Pratt. Wilmerdinge plan
was utter impracticable. 1t meant dis
astrous failure, the possible sacrifice of
many lives-of Wilmerding's own.
He sat up straight in his chair. Joyce's
husband! Ah-Joyce.
Then his eyes cleaned.
An awful temptation came upon him
in its mightiness. Words-her words
recalled themselves. If had met you
first, 1 might perhaps Every vein
swelled with future trump. He would
come to his own!
He fell back into his chair, limp.
He was willing the death of man
that he might have his wifel
Beneath his tumbIed hair the drops
stood out upon his forehead.
But presently the shock had spent it.
self. He had nothing to do with the
matter. He had done his duty. He had
made a report to the railroad. If, on
top of that, they choose to give the work
to Wilmerding, it was none of his affair.
That was where it belonged. He had
done all the 3D., @. & c." work. Why
had they brought himself into the mat
ter? 1t was none of his seeking. He
was but looking out for his own safety.
Let Wilmerding do the same.
The temptation was back in all its
force. And it stayed.
At times he could not believe it to be
temptation. He laughed at his own
squeamishness. He was a sentimental
fooll What had he to do with Lance
Wilmerding?
Or his wife? whispered that thing
within.
Then it was all to go over anew, for
hard headed, business-like, capable, as
he was, John Hodcaster was possessed of
that blessed and that cursed thing-im-
agination.
He could see them all = the conse-
uuences of either course-clearer than you
or can see them. He was desperate.
He would even have gone to Wilmerding,
frankly, SO far as the bridge was con-
cerned. But without divulging his mo-
tiyes, his love for Joyce Impossible
thing!), his action would be resented
with bitter resentment. f
So the weeks passed. By day he could
forget his problem-sometimes; but night
often found him beneath the stars. He
searched his consciousness for something
he felt lay hidden there-dim, intangible.
At last he had it. If he could but see
Joyce! She, the source of his problem,
would be also its solutioni All his diff.
culty-his questioning-would melt away
would cease, could he but see her. His
decision would be made. If it were
| made in one way, he would need to see
her-to bid her farewell. But she should
never know.
Two nights later, after a journey across
half continent, he stood beneath win
dow and looked within.
Before him was a cosey retreat. As he
looked within, nurse with snowy caI
passed.close at hand, then moved on intt
the hall beyond.
The lamplight fell full on Wilmerdins
standing by table. By him sat Joyce
bending anxiously over child OH tht
couch-Joyce's child.
A sob caught him in the throat; he hat
never known OF this.
He raised his head. Joyce was bend
ing lower, peering into the little face; he
own was strained, full of care, Lane
laid his hand oyer hers, and they facet
each other with a smile each tried t.
make brave, helpful.
John Hodcaster turned away. His sou
was purified.
The next morning he called at tn
offices of the railroad company. 1t wa
upon the steps that he met WilmerdinI
coming away. He entered and made TIN
proposal which put the work irrevocabl.
into his own hands. Quixotic? He ha(
| 4 IL. t. o.st