News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1903-02-11


and the News as long as you want"
! Joha Gordon picked up the paper and
went over by the table. He seldom
saw the News, and he never read it.
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 go genuinely sorrow for.
The headlines were bold and obtru-
siTe:
"Quarrels With His Father! John
Gordon, Son of Rufus Gordon the
Banker and Stock Manipulation, Goes
to Live at Hope House. \ Rich Slum-
ner Breaks With His Fiancee Miss
Lucia Marsh. a Stormy Interview.
Miss Marsh Refuses to Go With Him.
All the Parties Prominent In Business
and Social Circles. Mr.. Gordon Re-
pudates His Son. Miss Marsh Refuses
to Talk. Docs Not Deny Interview
With Her Former Lover. John Gordon
to Make Il Special Study of Tenement
House Conditions In Bowen Street"
The whole STORY occupied two col
/
which covered two columns in width,
were two cuts, one Of John Gordon and
the other of Lucia Marsh The title
under these cuts read, Cupid Balks at
Social Sacrifice"
John Gordon read the headlines and
glared at the pictures Then he
crushed the paper between his hands
and flung it on the floor.
Ring the bell for Williams, John. l
think he's in the pantry. You need his
. help to do it justice. Sorry l don't feel
able to chip in with you"
For Il moment John Gordon stood
still by the table; then he came over
and sat down 10y his friend.
Il don't care for myself, but Luellal
David, it's a horrible invasion of all
ones sacred private affairs. | 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 a moment.
Il don't believe in it. Never did,
John. It's purely business with me.
III dNlullN SOllS lOL SOu' w nat w
believe anyway? My whole life has
contradicted my creed. But maybe
there's hope for me yet. What do you
think? Am | too bad to repent and be
savedE"
John Gordon stared at his friend, and
in moment his own deep. abiding, re-
ligious experience reminded him that
a 1irrlnt
David" he exclaimed softly, "no
! one is too bad to repent and be saved.
Oh, David, Christ makes all life worth
while"
Il believe that" the reply came in a
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 his
friend had made.
He bent over and put hand on Bar
toms, and they sat thus silent for
gracious moment. 1t was significant
that neither of them had said a word
about Barton's physical condition and
| his hopeless future. so far as physical
life was concerned. The stiffness in
the room was suddenly interrupted by
clang out on the street
Gordon went over to the window and
! looked out
"The department is making a fine
rum" he said briefly to Barton.
1t was late and the avenue was al
most empty of traffic. a team of pure
white horses on the engine which pre-
coded the hose and ladder wagons
| plunged forward with a desperate but
| glad abandon that struck fire from the
| pavement and whirlCd 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 night 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 David's side.
where is the fire.
81 didn't notice the alarm. Must have
been n still one"
Have you ever thought what would
happen, John, if Il fire ever got good
| chance around Hope House,
Have /? think of it every time
go into the double decker hey ars
simply traps. If Il fire ever sr.";i III
the basement Of No. 81, ii wo..d he .
miracle if anybody got out alive,
"How about Hope House it~lfE The
question showed uneasiness.
Hope House is a dry old shell in
side 1t would go like tinder."
THE fire tonight is not down that
way?'
mo; the teams turned up Favel
street"
us No. 81 any worse than other mum
bers?'
NO; it's better in some ways. But
there's a bakery in the basement. They
| a ,sr.O q 90