Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1906-11-30

vi LII CC-quoi 10 VI Oh hOui dilCl DIG
left, I was suddenly whirled out OF
my reverie at the window by a
thought like pistol thrust into my
face. What If they should include
Roebuck!" And Just as man be.
gins to defend himself from a sudden
danger before he clearly sees what
the danger is. so began to act be-
fore | even questioned whether my
suspicion was plausible or absurd. ]
went into the hall. rang the bell,
slipped lightweight coat over my
evening dress and put on hat.
When Sanders appeared, | said: I'm
going out for a few minutes-per-
haps an hour-if any one should
ask" A moment later | was In 0
hanson and on the way to Roebuck's.
The door of Roebuck's house was
opened for me by MAZDA man-ser-
want would have been sinful" lux
ury, a man-servant might be the hire
ling of plotters against his life. may
add that she looked the cheap maid
of-all-work, and her manners were Of
the free and fresh sort that indi-
Gates a feeling that as high, or higher,
wages, and less to do could be got
elsewhere.
81 don't think you can see Mr. Roe
buck" she said.
Take my card to him." | ordered,
"and I'll wait in the parlor."
"'Parlors in use," she retorted with
a sarcastic grin, which | was soon to
understand.
So stood by the old-fashioned coat
and hat rack while she went
in at the hall door Of the back
parlor. Soon Roebuck himself
came out, his glasses on his
nose, a family Bible under his
arm. Glad to see you, Matthew"
said he with sanity kindness, giving
me friendly hand. I'VE are just
about to offer up our evening prayer.
Come right in"
followed him into the back parlor.
Both it and the front parlor were
lighted; in a sort of circle extending
into both rooms were all the Roe
bucks and the four servants. This
is my friend, Matthew Blackjack"
said he, and the Roebucks in the cir
Gle grayely bowed. He drew up a
chair for me, and We seated ourselves.
Amid solemn hush, he read a chap
ter from the big Bible spread out up
on his lean lap. My glance wandered
from face to face of the Roebucks,
as plainly dressed as were their ser.
wants. | was able to look freely, mine
being the only eyes not bent upon
the floor.
So absorbed was | in the study of
the influence of his terrible master.
character upon those closest to it,
that | started when he said: Let
us pray" | followed the example
of the others, and knelt. The audible
prayer was offered up by his oldest
daughter, Mrs Wheeler, a widow.
Roebuck punctuated each paragraph
In her series of petitions with a loud
ly-whispered amen. When she prayed
for the stranger whom Thou has led
seemingly by chance into our little
circle" he whispered the amen more
ferVently and repeated 1t. The prayer
ended and, us on our feet, the ser
wants withdrew; then, awkwardly, all
the family except Roebuck. That is,
they closed the doors between the two
rooms and left him and me alone in
the front parlor.
Il shall not detain you long, Mr..
Roebuck," said l. "a report reached
me this evening that sent me to you
at once"
IF possible, Matthew said he, and
he could not hide his uneasiness, put
OF business until tomorrow. My mind
yours, too, | trust is not in the
frame for that kind Of thoughts now"
rs the Coal organization to be an
nounced the first of July% de-
manded. 1t has always been, and al
ways shall be, my method to fight in
the open. This, not from principle,
but from expediency. Some men
fight best in the brush; don't. So
always begin battle by Smelling the
woods.
| NO." he said, amazing me by his
instant frankness. The announce.
ment has been postponed"
Why did he not lie to me? Why
did he not put me of the scent. as he
might easily have done, with some
shrewd evasion? l suspected owed
1t to my luck in catching him al
family prayers.
@ when will the reorganization be
announced" | asked. g.
81 can not say" he answered.
Some dificulties-chieay labor diff
culties-have arisen. Until they are
settled. nothing can be done. Come
to me tomorrow, and well talk about
IT.
/ "That Is all I wished to know" said
I. with friendly. easy smile. "Good
night" % *: g. 300.
1T was his turn to be astonished-
and he showed 1t: where l had given
not a sign, What was the report
you heardf be asked. to detain me.
That you and Mowbray Langdon
had conspired TO ruin me-" said l
laughing ss.
He echoed my laugh rather hollow.
ly.-: 1t was hardly necessary for you