Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-18
CHAPTER VII.
Before the Battle.

ace To Tim Taplin whom he met at the
door he absently confded the fact that the
trip had been a tiresome one. ana asked IL
Mr. Strong was ill., The chief clerk replied
that he was. but that a meeting of the
bank directors was being held and would
probably be in progress for half an hour.
Still, If Mr.. Dalton desired to communicate
with Mr. Strong immediately
1T doesn't matter, replied Charlie,
n1lic<ly an expression almost of relief
crossing his face. and turned toward his
office. He fingered there but a short time.
however, glancing over his mail. He soon
pushed the letters impatiently aside and
got up; for moment he stood leaning
against his desk; then reached for his cane
and walked out. At the st. Nicholas he
stopped and stepped to the bar. His lips
felt dry and the cheerful clinking of the
Ice in the glass had a grateful sound. He
slipped the cooling beverage mechanically.
Il tell you they hold the market in the
palm of their hands,
Nonsense! The heavy cropS-the increas-
ing foreign demand for our securities
From the hotel and the ever-fiowing To-
quacty of the bar room spectators Charlie
made his way to his rooms, suite of apart
ments not far from Madison square. which
he shared in common with Mr.. Marks, and
there he found the faithful Tom in waiting.
That gentleman grasped his hand cordially,
with many inquiries as TO his journey, to
which Dalton responded briefly, If not
CURLY. and threw himself on the sofa. The
shadow lighted a pipe, which he drew from
his pocket. and Surveyed the other with
good nature that soon. however, became
mingled with friendly solicitude.
You look a bit done up, Charlie"
Dalton laughed shortly. Il feel it,
Tom shook his head. Take it easier, old
chap"
Charlie lay back. stared at the ceiling;
then regarded his satellite in a peculiar
manner.
Tom" he said, have you ever been
driven by single desire you couldn't shake
Off, mad desire that masters you; makes
q slave of you?"
Mr. Marks looked startled. II suppose
you have been specializing again." he re-
turned, vaguely and apprehensively.
Dalton laughed oddly. If 1t were only
that, Toni"
The others face furrowed. He held the
pipe more tightly in his hand; stared at 1t
with q frown.
Il don't mind telling YOU" went on Char
lie. after a pause that I've been under a
devil of a strain. a devil of a strain!' he
repeated half absently. But If I win,
win out big. If 1 don't" He brought
his hands together-"but it's got to go; got
to, 1t can't fail"
What can't?"
Dalton did not reply; only stretched him
self nervously, and Tom arose.
Charlie" he said, II don't like ton
my word. 1 DON'T" 1t was vigorous pro-
test to emanate from the shadow, but It
seemed lost on the empty air. Mr.. Marks
strobe to and fro. 1T sounds too much
denly. Gas If failure meant too much;
more than you ought TO risk!'
Risk Dalton regarded Tom with
scornful start What do care about the
risk? If you had started with my handt-
cap" he broke off abruptly. When a |
fellows got a milestone, he's got to rise or
sink by no gradual process"
What nonsense are you talking now?"
Toms honest eyes shone with genuine BE-
wilderment.
Charlie clasped his hands beneath his
head. Nonsense! Yes, that's It," he said.
Mr.. Marks watched him a moment.
You're done up" he said. Better take
my pipe. That will be like the old days
when had to grind to pass the exams and |
you could do 1t taking 1t easy That was |
after you jerked me out of the creek. |
me in out of charity. Remember. old boy?' |
Mr.. Dalton did not respond; for some time |
he lay without speaking. his bright. rest |
less eyes belying the in1moblIty of body; |
then raised himself on hie elbow.
''Seen-Miss Stanton since I've been away, |
Tom?'
NO" replied Mr.. Marks, Immediately be- |
ginning to puff again at HIS pipe.
Dalton sat up. Lend me a hand. Tom. |
I'm dusty as tramp and must soon be
off"
Half an hour later Charlie again swung |
out into the street and up Broadway. Or |
mindful of what was going on |
around him, Dalton in the present instance !
paid little attention to the hustle and stir |
OF the thoroughfare. He had eyes neither |
for the women with fiounces and parasol- |
cites vending their way In carriages to !
Weller's for pastry or a sandwich. nor for |
the trim maids wearing prismatic hats |
Even q shop window, Respondent with the |
snowy orange blossom, the crimson cactus |
and the regal passion flower, failed to at !
tract hts casual glance.
At the square where stood the Strong !
mansion. which he presently reached. he !
paused. hestated. and then turned into the |
Enclosure His face changed a little as he |
mounted the steps; he seemed TO experience !
some difficulty in finding the card which he |
handed to the maid that answered his sum-
mons.
Mrs Strong is III and has not seen any |
one today" said the girl.
"1ll2' He looked down. Perhaps, IL you
took up my card
The maid turned and went upstairs, and
for some time he continued to wait.
Mrs. Strong will have to be excused"
The voice of the maid broke in upon his |
thoughts Charlie drew his gloves more |
snugly upon his hands; moved with delib-
Grafton toward the door; paused.
1T is rather important should communi- |
cate with Mrs. Strong" he murmured
vaguely.
And taking a notebook from his pocket
with hand somewhat unsteady, he scrib-
bled a few words on one of the pages. then.
folding the paper. he handed II to the girl
Give this to Mrs. Strong"
The maid took the note. How long was
she gone? When she returned she gave
him an envelope, which. with an assump-
ton of carelessness. he thrust into his
pocket
Tell Mrs Strong I hope she will soon
be herself again
In the square he glanced back at the
house. The shades were half raised, but
the heavy lace curtains fell behind with
obscuring effect. The pensiveness of the
sky and the sinking sun shining through a
haze of sullen September mist lent de-
pressing background to the scene.
Turning the corner. he quickly opened
the encelope; scanned the bit of paper that
fell out:
should like to see you very much.
There Is something I must say to you. If
not now. when may conner"
For moment Dalton stared at It; then
slowly tore IL into bits. It was his own
note returned unanswered
with flushed face he stood there. indie
cislVe, rervously tapping the curb with
his cane, then beckoned TO the driver of
public carriage at the entrance of the
Enclosure. The man. doing on his seat
by some perception of an additional sense
appeared cognizant of the proximity of a
fare and awakening his cob drew up to the
curb with an air of fine expectancy and
readiness.
Dalton hesitated glanced at his watch,
and with a start recalled nj