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


ITO the coreer of John Chilcotsl ~
OF roolscap. Having covered the nooo
with writing, he rose, moved 70 t5o
center table and compared his toSl.
with an open letter that lay there, Tho
comparison seemed to please him. IA
Strengthened his shoulders and throw
back his head in an attitude Of critica,
satisfaction. So absorbed was no that
when a step sounded on the stairs ont.
side he did not notice it, and onlv
raised his head when the door was
thrown open unceremoniously. Even
then his interest was momentarv,
Hello" he said, his eyes returning
to their scrutiny of his task.
Chilcote shut the door and came has.
tily across the room. He looked i'll and
harassed. AS he reached Lodcr he mt
out his hand nervously and touched his
arm.
Loder looked up. What is it," he
asked. ANY new Development"
Chilcote tried to smile. yes" he
said huskily. ITS come"
Loder freed his arm. What? The
end of the world?'
mo. The end of me-" The words
came jerkily, the strain that had en-
forced them showing in every syllable.
Still Loder was uncomprehending.
He could not or would not understand.
Again Chilcote caught and jerked at
his sleeve. Don't you see? Can't you
see?"
mo"
Chilcote dropped the sleeve and pass
ed his handkerchief across his fore
head. ITS come" he repeated. Don't
you understand? l want you" He
drew away, then stepped back again
anxiously. 81 know I'm taking you III,
awares," he said. But it's not my
fault. On my soul, it's not! The thing
seems to spring at me and grip me-
He stopped. sinking weakly into a
chair.
For a moment Loder stood erect and
immovable. Then, almost with relW-
lance, his glance turned to the figure
beside him.
you want me to take your place TO-
night, without preparations His voice
was distinct and firm, but it was free
from contempt.
Eyes; yes, l do" Chilcote spoke with
out looking up.
THAT you may spend the night in
morphia-this and other nights"
Chilcote lifted a flushed, unsettled
face. You have no right to preach.
You accepted the bargain"
Loder raised his head quickly. u
never he began. Then both his face
and voice altered. You are quite
right" he said coldly. You won't have
to complain again."
Chilcote stirred uncomfortable. my
dear chap" he said, Il meant no Of
Tense. It's merely
your nerves l know. But come 10
business. What am I to dor
Chilcote rose excitedly. Eyes, bus'
ness. Let's come to business. llS
rough on you, taking you short Ike
this. But you have an erratic person
to deal with. I've had a horrible day
a horrible day" His face had paleu
again, and in the green lamplight IL
possessed a grayish hue. 1nvolun1arF
ly Loder turned away.
Chilcote watched him as he passeo
to the desk and began mechanlcal!
sorting papers. ga horrible day, liz
repeated, 80 bad that l darent lace
the night. You have read De GUN
cey?' he asked, with a sudden change
of tone.
Eyes"
"Then read him again and you'll un'
derstand. l have all the horrors Wllp
out any art. l have no ladies OF sN.
row. but l have worse monsters lp'D
his CROCODILE" He laughed unIle"s
antly.
Loder turned. "Why, in the de'n'
name he began; then again he nav
ed. Something in Chilcote's draw
excited face checked him. The strange
sense Of predestination that we SON,
times see in the eyes Of another sliu.A
cold upon him, chilling his las' :"
tempt at remonstrance. "What uo!o
want me to do?" he substituted III ~
ordinary voice.
The words steadied Chilcote. ~ ~
laughed u little. The laugh was S".
shaky, but it was pitched in Il lowe
key.