The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1905-01-05
already. and believe you know
whoi"
CHAPTER II.
A sNAKE lN nm GRAFs.

June the first caa.e in with the radi-
ant sunshine blaziAg on bunting. The
citizens thronged the broad thorough.
fares to give . parting cheer TO the
second Badger regiment marching away
to the war. The dusk and the dew
came settling down as the tail lights of
the last section of the troop train drew
slowly along the sweeping curve TO the
south. and then the throngs that had
shouted themselves hoarse were easily
marshaled into an impromptu mass
meeting. The governor and the mayor
were to speak, and brief addresses. so
said the handbills. might be expected
from such brilliant orators as the Hon.
George McKinnon and others equally
well known. A roar OF cheers about
the temporary stage on Market Square
greeted the executive of the state-a
roar distinctly heard far ON the portico
of the modest home. where Paul L.adue.
looking pale and weak sat with his
slim hand clasped in that OF his faith
full friend Fred Benton.
The long suspected enmity of Nc
Kinnon had burst at last into fame.
and the younger msn found himself
suddenly involved in a whirl OF trouble.
The elder Benton. after a conferences
with his junior partner. had been
moved 20 say 20 Elinor that he for
babe her receiving or being seen with
Paul Ladue. To Ladne he wrote a
cutting letter. accusing him OF having
taken advantage Of his intimacy In
the household to seek the love and de-
stroy the peace Of mind OF his daugh-
ter. Then singing articles had found
their way into an evening paper. plain
ly pointing TO Ladue as a rebel SYM
pathizer and one holding reasonable
correspondence with the enemy. Then
certain creditors had made a COM
bined onslaught on his failing. heart
sore father Ladue had gradually built
up very fair business and had won
the kindly regard OF the community.
All on a sudden his store was Stunned.
save by collectors. and one night. after
a meeting at which McKinnon was the
principal speaker. the front windows
were smashed in by half a dozen
drunken patriots and Paul. seated al a
desk over the books OF the firm. was
struck in the temple and felied by a
stone The incident brought about
temporary revulslon OF feeling among
right-thinking people and Fred Benton
had found and soundly thrashed one
OF the gang of assailants But little
substantial comfort could come 10 the
Ladues. for the old man had lost his
nerve. He seemed broken and be-
wildered. II cut him 10 the heart TO
find that at this critical time in his
career. the firm TO present and press the
claim OF his creditors was that ot
Benton, Gray & McKinnon. He had thu
shattered windows boarded up and re-
fused at first to reopen his store. The
men who had been his best friends and
advisers. as luck would have II. had
already gone to the front as officers OF
volunteers. He was crushed and sore
~ hurt and stung, and the well meant
words Of sympathy spoken by few
neighbors failed to reassure him.
II was then that Fred Benton had his
first difference with his father
"The whole outrage. SIR said he.
lis the direct result OF your partners
efforts. hold George McKlnnon re-
sponsible for every misfortune that
has befallen the Ladues In this town.
and the only reason don't thrash him
as I did that blackguard Irishman 10
that he is your partner"
ITO BE Continued