The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-31

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players left the tables and stood or sat in
little homelike groups, all talking and
laughing at once In a merry tumult. The
Eabsence of Harrington had ceased to be
noticed by any one but Atterbury winen
the sound Of wheels was heard grating on
the driveway outside. He clutched the
chair he stood by, although his face was
impassive.
Mrs. Harrington ran into the hall with
an exclamation Of pleasure, as the door
opened letting in a flood Of cold air and a
large man heavily wrapped in fur. The
What in-time--have you got this
crowd here tonight for?" The words
were respectable, but the tone cursed.
There was a stiffening change In her
voice. Hush! Didn't you get my let
ter?''
What letter.? No., if had wouldn't
have been fool enough to come home for a
Equiet nights rest. You can't live with
out a lot Of people cackling around YOU"
go to bed, then. Nobody wants to see
your -
Much rest I'd get with that mob in
| there"
| For very =hanne's sake, the guests
hurriedly talking to ocover the sounds Of
strife.
"Harrington's trip evidently hasn't done
him much good,' said Nichols to After
its possible" said Atterbury, thought
fully. ~
1T doesn't do to take things like that;
If you lose your grip you can't get on"
That's what I'm finding out now.
don't mind telling you, Mr.. Nichols, that
I'm in hole. But you have no expert
cure"
The two men had drawn to one side
and were talking In low and confidential
tones. T.. II
us it? I tell you, Atterbury, the time
\ went through five years ago was awful,
to soul here; nobody even suspected
There was one time when I thought I'd
have to send Sue and the babies home to
her father, and light out for the Klon-
dixie @"'r.*>-ssg
"But you didn't said Atterbury, his
own pulse leaping to the courage Of the
other man with sudden kinship.
mo, I didn't go. You can't be dig
couraged when you have a wife and chill
dren to support. Things turned out
it was most unexpected. III tell you all
/ about it some day."
/ They looked at each other in silence.
i ''By the way, we are rather at stand
j still at present. said Nichols after
pause. We've got to get some one to
represent us in South Africa at once
business possibilities are opening up
there tremendously. You don't happen to
know of the right person?'
Myself said Atterbury. 50. .
II wish it were possible. ;" said Nichols
politely. But we must have some one
who thoroughly understands the bust
ness, and the machines. The fact Is.
either Calender or ought to go, but
we can't leave. We virtually need third
man in the firm, but he must have CAPT.
tal"
please come into the other room, all
tof you" said the hostess, pulling aside
the portieres. There was heightened
color in her face, and her eyes were hard.
" mr. Harrington says that he is going
to stay in here until we have finished,
but know you won't miss MIN.
%"Oh, come along in. Harrington, said
Nichols good naturedly.8 Tell us OF your
travels in the wild and Woooly west.
There's nothing to tell, . said Harring-
ton shortly, turning away from the in
stinctive question in Atterbury' look with
almost brutal rudeness, and pushing past
him to an armchair. He was a big man
with thick, black hair and black mus
tache, which dropped over a heavy chin
1--WE. passed the nights in beastly sleep
ing cars and the days in dining and win
ing a. lot Of low, greasy politicians ! m
dog-tired" There were deep lines IN MS
low forehead and under his eyes, ana MS
large; white, powerful hands clasped an6
unclasped nervously.
.seYu $50 in there both of ~you.z I'm al
- chatter drives me mad
<"I'll stay here with you,''' said After
rbury resolutely.r zj9f3 !.5az5 ~,
81 will send your supper in to you
called Mrs. Harrington lightly, as she saw
him drag up a, chair to one of the de.
serted card tables nearSswhich Harrington
was sitting with his eyes still closed an'
his head leaned back against the cushions
He paid no attention to the dishes, gu
Atterbury ate and drank quickly Tx
the hungry man he was, though .hardl:
knowing what he tasted, except That j
was warm and good Then ne sat absent
Nv looking at the scene in the supper room
where the guests were grouped around thu
table. 49,.
"Weu," said Atterbury suddenly ate
I: a. while, "what have you got to say TO me
Harrington"
! Harrington Enclosed his heavy dark
lrinsed eyes and gazed at him. -
.What have I got to say to your! III
gave. a short laugh. why, nothing tina
I know of-nothing but that I have al
Internal headache
YOU are ill.," said Atterbury In level tones
.hut a word will suffice, Harrington.
Y. Inow that the land Is virtually sold
er was in the evening paper. How much OIL
e. it bring?'
. what land?"
" my land"
st don't KNOW ally NSN>
le property. The ground that the cempan
I; bought belonged to me-
ID "To YOU! You never told mo that vo
. owned any in Missouri
10 "Do 7 have to tell you everything!
" Harrington's black eyes were contemptu
e ously defiant. ..,-
n. mo; but you'll have to tell me this
;, Harrington shifted uneasily. Wei
IN then. take the truth if you want It.
meant to keep faith with you fairly enoug
We and I would have stuck to your ln.efes'
n II T could have afforded to-thats Tn
20 whole gist of the matter. AND you've n
as case for complaint. We hadn't slsne
any agreement
of Harrington nodded. Nearly as GOOD
he "You used the private information
cir rave YOU, I suppose?" said Atterpury
at Generously low tones. <s
MI / A flicker of a smile crossed harrington
ct moody face.
to t"Well, yes. You gave me the point
es and T used them. Any man would.
On ..You miserable, sneaking; Har!' sal
ed Atterbury, very slowly. He rose' al,
lily brought both hands down on the TAB
lie viii, a gesture that did not lose IN po"e
ct hecause it made no sound. He did not Sc
he the startled glance CT Nichols ana Canen
er der as he went over to a place pesld
81 thew dt(