Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1904-07-21


iiyns won't shrink IN HIS handa I
want you TO know him. Blake
When Morris name was mentioned
Blake started and gazed intently al
the stolid face and heavy figure In the
far corner Of the smolSingroom. With
shame he recalled that he had made
no inquiry concerning this man, whose
death or existence meant so much to
John Burt.
For a moment his nerves tingled,
and he longed to walk across the room
and choke Morris for Johns sake, but
he reflected that this was folly. II
was enough to know that Morris lived.
John Burt was dead-sO far as Arthur
Morris was concerned-and Blake, as
Johns reincarnation, threw himself
on guard, determined to profit to the
utmost by the incident
Glad to see you, old mani" ex.
claimed Kingsley, rising to greet Nor.
ris. Il want you to know my friend.
Mr.. Blake-Mr. James Blake, of San
Francisco-Mr. Arthur Morris. You
certainly have heard"
Pom my word this is unexpected
luckl" Arthur Morris thrust forward
a soft hand and WINGED as Blake clasp.
ed It with simulated heartiness.
Delighted to meet you, Mr.. Blale!"
Morris exclaimed. Been looking for
you everywhere Sent my card to
your apartments this evening. BY
Jove, you're q corker, don't you know,
Mr.. Blake! Waiter, bottle Of Perier
Gouot, "a. want to drink your
health, Mr.. Blake"
"Glad to meet you, Mr. Morris!"
said James Blake looking him full in
the eyes. I've heard of your father
and the famous old firm, and learned
only to-day that you've succeeded him
in business"
Two years spent by Arthur Morris.
in an apprenticeship to the trade Of
money grasping and holding had
scanned the pulled, round face with
hard lines. The once dull eyes glow.
ed with the newly-lighted fires of
avarice. The sensuous lips dropped
at the corners with cruel curve. The
former air of Indifference was re.
placed by the alertness Of defense and
aggressiveness.
Close observers predicted a great ca.
reer for Arthur Morris. His father
was delighted with the transformation
and did not hesitate to give to his
heir the keys which unlocked the Nor
ris treasurer vaults.
The hours glided by to the music OF
blinking glasses and the rising clatter
of conversation. And as James Blake
talked and listened and drank. his
aversion to Arthur Morris relaxed.
He loved John Burt and was eager to
espouse his cause, but John had not
commissioned him to quarrel with
Arthur Morris. Perhaps the affair of
the years before was only a boyhood
dispute?
He glanced at the white expanse of
Morris shirt front and wondered IL the
scar of Johns bullet showed over his
heart. Morris lived, and the thought
came to Blake that the score was even
between John and the young million
aire. The feud had made John rich
why should John complain? And
Arthur Morris did not seem to be such
a bad sort of fellow after all.
Thus reasoned Blake as Norris
took his arm and led him away from
the noisy club men.
Say we get out of this?" said Nor
ris, proffering a cigarette case.
You'll be my guest tonight, Blake!
Won't listen to a refusal, my dear
fellow! I've bachelor apartments,
and anything you ask is yours.
want to have quiet chat with you.
Let's make our excuses and stroll to
Delmonico's for a bite of supper. Then
we'll go to my rooms"
Blake accepted the invitation and
after supper they drove to the Morris
apartment.
'T'm rather fond Of these quarters,
don't you know" said Morris, as he
showed his guest through suite
worthy OF Lucullus. picked up some
of this stun abroad, and the governor
contributed the rest of 1t. Rammohun,
serve us that 1909 brandy"
The Indian servant bowed and
moved noiselessly away. Morris open
ed a writing-desk and glanced at a
number of unopened letters.
(To be continued)