Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-12-30


 dreary where the sun touched them His back was to the light, and about | his shoulders was an old plaid riIg Behind him on the table stood d cup. a teapot and the can of milk: farther l off kettle was set to boil upon q l tiny spirit stove.
 | In all strong situations We are more 1 or less commonplace. Loder's first re- mark as he glanced round the dsor dered room seemed strangely inef- fcient.
 Where's Robins?" he asked in brusque voice. His mind teemed with big considerations, yet this was his l first involuntary question. Chilcote had started at the entrance of his visitor; now he sat staring at him. his hands holding the arms of his chair.
 Where's Robins:" Loder asked again.
 "I don't know. She l. We did not hit it off. She's gone-went yes. terday" He shivered and drew the rug about him.
  Then he paused There was something in the others look and attitude that arrested him. A change of expression passed over his own face. He turned about, with an abrupt gesture, pulled off his coat and threw 1t on chair; then, crossing deliberately to the fire place. he began to rake the ashes from the grate.
 Within few minutes he had q fire cracking where the bed of dead cin- ders had been. and, having finished the task, he rose slowly from his knees, wiped his hands and crossed to the ta- ble. On tlIe small spirit stove the ket- tie had boiled, and the cover was lift ing and failing with d tinklng sound. Blowing out the flame, Loder picked up tue teapot and, with hands that were evidently accustomed to the task, set about making the tea.
 During the whole operation he never spoke. though all the while he was fully conscious of Chilcote's puzzled gaze. The tea ready, he poured il into the cup and carried it across the room.
 .J,rink this.' he said laconically. 'The fire will be up presently.'
 Chilrote extended :, cod and shaky hand You soc he began. Elt I.5.ief checked llm almost say agalv. "I d9-:,s well ;tS though had followed you from Piccadilly last night You've been hanging about. God knows where, till the small hours of tl,e morn ing: then you've come hack-Slunk back, starving for your internal poison and shiveriny with cold. You've set tied the first part of the business. but the cold has still to be reckoned with. Drink the tea. I've something to say to you'' He mastered his vehemence and, walking to the window, stood looking down into the court His eyes were blank. his face hard: his ears heard nothing but the faint sound of Chilcote's swallowing, the click of the cup against his teeth.
 For time that seemed interminable he stood motionless; then, when lie judged the tea finished, he turned slowly. Chilcote had drawn closer to the fire. He was obviously braced by tue warmth, and the apathy that runs about him was to some extent dispcl- led Still moving slowly, Loder went toward him and, relieving him of the elnpty cup. stood looking down at him
 "Chilcote," he said very quietly. 'I've come to tell you that the thing must end"
 After he spoke there was prolonged pause: then. as if shaken with sudden consciousness. Chiicote rose. The rug dropped from one shoulder and hung down ludicrously: his hand caught the back of the chair for support: his un- shaven face looked absurd and repul- sive in It's sudden expression of scared inquiry. I.oler involuntarily turned away.
 q mean it." he said slowly. "Its over: we've come to the end"
 But why:" Chiicote articulated blankly. Why? Why:" In his confu sion he could think of no better word.
 Because l throw it up. My side of the bargains off
 Again Chilcote's lips parted stammer- ingly The apathy caused by physical exhaustion and his recently administer ed drug was passing from him; the hopelessly shattered condition of mind and body was showing through it like skeleton through a thin covering of flesh.
 But why?' he said again. "Why:
 Still Loder avoided the frightened surprise of his eyes. Because l with draw" he answered doggedly.
 Then suddenly Chilcote's tongue was loosened. "I.oder," he cried excitedly. you can't do it! Great heavens, man, you can't do it.' To reassure himself he laughed-a painfully thin echo of his old sarcastic laugh If it's matter of greater opportunity he began, of more money'
 But Loder turned upon him.
 Be quiet"' he said so menacingly that the other stopped. Then by an ef-