Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-12-27

knocked feverishly on the door.
1t opened ut once, and Loder stood
before him.
The occasion was peculiar. For Il
moment neither spoke; each involun-
tarily looked ut the other with new
eyes and under changed conditions.
Each had assumed a fresh standpoint
tn the others thought. The passing
establishment, the half impersonal u
riosity that had previously tinged their
relationship, was cast aside. never to
be reassumed. In each the other saw
himself-and something more.
AS usual, Loder was the first to re-
himself.
81 was expecting YOU" he said.
won't you come in?"
The words were almost the same as
his word Of the night before. but his
voice had a different ring, just as his
face when he drew back into the
room had Il different expression "a
suggestion of decision and energy that
had been lacking before. Chilcote
caught the difference as he crossed
the threshold, and for a bare second
a flicker of something like jealousy
touched him, but the sensation was
fleeing.
81 have to thank you," he said, hold
ing out his hand. He was too well
bred to show by a hint that he under
stood the drop in the others principles,
but Loder broke down the a%rtitice.
Lets be straight with each other.
since everybody else has to be deceiv-
3D." he said, taking the others hand.
"You have nothing to thank me for.
and you know it. It's a touch Of the
old Adam. You tempted me. and |
fell" He laughed, but below the laugh
ran a note of something like triumph
the curious triumph of a man who has
known the tyranny of strength AVA
suddenly appreciates the freedom of a
weakness.
You fully realize the thing you have
proposed"" he added in Il G."-erent
tone. It's not too late to retract even
now"
Chilcote opened his lips. paused, then
laughed in imitation of his companion,
but the laugh sounded forced.
my dear fellow" he said at last, q"
never retract."
"Never?"
mo"
"Then the bargains sealed"
Loder walked slowly across the room
and, taking up his position by the man
telpiece, looked at his companion. The
similarity between them as they faced
each other seemed abnormal, defying
even the closest scrutiny. And yet, so
mysterious is nature even in her lapses,
they were subtly, indefnably different.
Chilcote was Loder deprived of one es-
s%ential; Loder, Chilcote with that es-
sential bestowed. The difference lay
neither in feature, in coloring nor in
height, but in that battling, Elusive
inner illumination that some call indi-
viduality and others soul.
Something of this idea, misted and
tangled by nervous Imagination. cross
ed Chilcote's mind in that moment of
scrutiny, but he shrank from it appre-
h%ensively.
"I-I came to discuss Details he
said quickly, crossing the space that
divided him from his host. Shall
we?- Are your He paused un-
easily.
"Pm entirely in your hands," Loder
spoke with abrupt decision. Moving to
the table, he indicated a chair and
drew another forward for himself.
Both men sat down.
Chilcote leaned forward. resting ell
bows on the table. There will be sew
eral things to consider he began ner-
vously, looking across at the other.
"Quite So" Loder glanced back ap-
preciatively. Il thought about those
things the better part Of last night. To
begin with, must study your hand
writing. 1 guarantee to get it right, but
it will take a month";"
"a MONTH"
well, perhaps three weeks. We
mustn't make a mess of things"
Chilcote shifted his position.
"Three weeks!." he repeated. Couldn't
your
mo, I couldn't" Loder spoke au.
thoritatively. Il might never want to
put pen to paper; but, on the other
hand, l might have to sign a check one
day" He laughed. Have you ever
thought of that-that 1 might have to,
or want to, sign a check?'
mo. l confess that escaped me-
you risk your fortune that you NAV
keep the place it bought for ?'
Loder laughed again. How do YOU
know that l am not u blackguard?' he
added. "How do you know that !
won't clear out one day and leave YOU
high and dry? What is to prevent John
Chilcote from realizing $40, 900 or ESQ.
600 and then making himself scarce?"
You won't do that" Chilcote said,
with unusual decision. II told YOU
your weakness last night, and it wasn't
money. Money isn't the rock you'll
split over"
"Then you think I'll split upon some
rock? But that's beyond the question.
To get to business again. You'll risk
my studying your signature:"