Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-13

back of the chair for support; his un- shaven face looked absurd and repul- sive in its sudden expression of scared inquiry. Loder involuntarily turned away.
 T mean it." he said slowly. 'Tts over; we've come to the end"
 "But why?" Chilcote articulated blankly. "Why? Why?" Tn his confu. sion he could think of no better word.
 Because throw 1t 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 1t like a skeleton through thin covering of flesh.
 But why?" he said again. "Why?"
 Still Loder avoided the frightened surprise of his eyes. Because I with draw" he answered doggedly.
 Then suddenly Chilcote's tongue was loosened. "Loder," he cried excitedly, you can't do it! Great heavens, man, you can't do itr' To reassure himself he laughed-a painfully thin echo of his old sarcastic laugh. eff it's a 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- fort he conquered himself. Its not a matter of money, Chilcote," he said quietly. Its a matter of necessity" He brought the word out with diff. culty,
 Chilcote glanced up. "Necessiyy' he repeated. How? Why?"
 The relteration reused Loder. Be cause there was great scene in the house last night" he began hurriedly. Because when you go back you'll find that Sefborough has smashed up over the assassination of Sir William Brice- Field at Meshed and that you have made your mark in a big speech, and because"- Abruptly he stopped. The thing he had come to say-the thing he had meant to say-would not be said. Either his tongue or his resolution fail ed him, and for the instant he stood as silent. and almost as i'll at ease as his companion. Then all at once in spiration came to him, in the sugges- ton of wellnigh forgotten argument by which he might influence Chilcote and save his own self respect. Its all over, Chilcote." he said more quietly. ''It has run itself out" And in dozen sentences he sketched the story of Lil- Han Astrupp, her past relations with himself, her present suspicious. It was not what he had meant to say; 1t was not what he had come to say, but 1t served the purpose-it saved him hu- initiation.
 Chilcote listened to the last word. Then, as the other finished, he dropped nervously back into his chair. Good heavens, man." he said, why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you warn me. instead of filling my mind with your political posltion7 Your political DO sition" He laughed unsteadily. The long spells of indulgence that had weakened his already maimed faculties showed in the laugh, In the sudden breaking of his voice. You must do something, Loder!" he added nervously, checking his amusement. You must do something!'
 Loder looked down at him. "No," he said decisively. 'Tt's your turn now. It's you who've got to do something"
 Chilcote's face turned shade grayer. 'T can't" he said below bis breath.
 Cant? Oh, yes, you can. We can all do-anything. It's not too late; there's just sufficient time Chilcote," he added suddenly. don't you see that the thing has been madness all along has been like playing with the most in- fernal explosives? You may thank whatever vou have faith in that no' body has been smashed u2! You arc. going back. Do you understand mel You are going back-now, today, be- fore it's too late" There was great change in Loder; his strong. imper- face was stirred; he was moved in both voice and manner. Time after time he repeated his injunc- ton, reasoning. expostulating. insist ng. It almost seemed that he fought some strenuous invisible force rather than the shattered man before him.
 Chilcote moved nervously in his seat. 1t was the first real clash of personali- lies. He felt it-recognized it by in stinct. The sense of domination had fallen on him; he knew himself im- potent ill the others hands. What ever he might attempt in moments of solitude he possessed no voice in pres ence of this invincible secohd self. For awhile he struggled-he did not tight. he struggled to resist-then, lift ing his eyes, he met Loder's. And what will you doT' he said weakly.
 Loder returned his questioning gaze. put almost immediately he turned ,side. IF be said "oh. shall leave London"