The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1905-09-15

a-tete was net less so. Until that aft
| ternOCn keunard had NOT been able
% ASSIGN a satisfactory reason isr his
antipathy to Neil Croydon. but his dis
like Of the man did not seem to in
| crease greatly with the discovery Of a
cause. Had he analysed his feelings,
| perhaps he would have discovered
| heir origin in countless unexpected
meetings. in conversations interrupted,
| in divided attentions, in strained po-
liteness and all the other petty irrita-
lions which enter into that hodge
| Dodge of the emotions called jealousy.
But Kennard respected himself too
much to admit he was jealous. At one
line he would argue that he was a
,ool to take Croydon so seriously, at
another that he dishonored Leslie Har-
an by thinking she took Croydon Sc
siously; and again he accused himself
Of egotism and conceit for harboring
either Of these thoughts or any Others
like them. All of which may go TO
explain why a man in his sane senses
should busy hinealf with conjurins
Up excuses for making a visit which he
had studiously plotted to avoid
Some such tumble of pros and cons
brought kennard TO The Benedict"
There was a caller waiting for HIM
in the anteroom, the elevator boy an
nounced as he opened the door. A man
rose from a chair, as Kennard entered
the little room, but even in the bright
light it was necessary for him to look
closely at the gaunt face and shrunken
figure of his visitor before he recog-
nized Culver. The mere sight of the
man reused all kennard's old feeling
Of resentment and disgust.
What do you want?" he asked
CURLY.
"A few moments conversation, sir
That's all, upon my word
The answer was given in a weak
voice, striving to be steady
Kennard took out his watch, glanced
at it and at the speaker, and then
stood waiting with the watch still rest
ing in his open palm.
Go ahead"
Not here, sir-I-I couldn't here"
Here or nowhere"
Gould could the door be shut,
sir, so $50 | could tell you-3o we
could speak in private?"
Kennard's lip CURED contemptuously.
Are you armed?" he asked sneer-
ingly.
Culver sank down in the chair, his |
right hand feebly clutching at his side
I'm dying, Mr.. Kennard," he whis-
pered.
There was no installing the express
sion Of Culver's face. The man was GER
tainly i'll, and bore every indication OF
having suffered much Kennard |
stretched ont his hand and closed the
door, but there was no compassion in |
his voice when he spoke again. The
sight Of this traitor seemed to dry up
all natural sympathy.
Go on"
Culver reused himself. as the harsh
words followed the closing of the door,
but for few moments he sat silently
staring at the man waiting, watch in
hand.
MI. Eennard." he began at last,
give tried to see We" every day for the
last week, but I e1..2a't ret strength
enough. Once or twice I thought I'd
waited too long But I'm hoGa at last,
thank God! I'm not going to tell you
what I've been through siace-since
since I left the factcr~. You can
ock at me and see SON athing of the
lell that's had me. I'm dying but I'm
not afraid of death. I'm only afraid
# living the last year again. But I've
4 wife. The worst thing she ever did
n her life was 10 stick to me. and be
he mother Of my children. | don't
want to go without a word for her and
hem and I thprrit. Mr. Kenrard may
2e you'd feel a little different about me
ince you and Mr. Harlan made it up"
Since Mn Harlan and ! made it up"
Remarks Qaesti ion was spoken with
Try lips and q haunting sensat lion OF
having heard a. somewhat similar
phrase not long AGO.
Il know YOU and Mr.. Harlan are on
he same side now. sir, and | thought
perhaps you'd forgive me. same as you
lone him, and keep my wife and kids
rom worse than death. God knows
hey've been punished enough for me,
ir. Kennard."
Culver rested his head on his arm
nd gave way to the hard. rackinc
obs of physical exhaustion unrelieved
" tears.
Kcnnard gazed at the man as though
fascinated. and then glanced away TO
he small window at the end of the
Dom. When he spoke again, it was
Without turning his head.
''Why don't you ask Mr.. Harlan to t
elp your" t
at wouldn't be any use, sir He's (
| u