Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-10-29

IT II was little less than tnre
 II weeks since Chilcote and Lode LII had drunk their toast and agai
 - Loder was seated at his desk.
 His head was bent and his han
 moved carefully as he traced line afte
 line of meaningless words on a shee
 Of foolscap. Having covered the pag
 with writing, he rose, moved to tn
 center table and compared his tas
 with an open letter that lay there Tn
 comparison seemed to please him. H
 shaIghtened his shoulders and threy
 back his head in an attitude of critica ! satisfaction. So absorbed was he tha
 when a step sounded on the stairs out side he did not notice it, and onl,
 raised his head when the door wa
 thrown open unceremoniously. Ever
 then his interest was momentary.
 "Hello!' he said, his eyes returning to their scrutiny of his task. -E.
 Chilcote shut the door and came has tily across the room. He looked i'll ant harassed. AS he reached Loder he pu out his hand nervously and touched hi. arm.
 Loder looked up. What is itT' ht asked. Any new developments"
 Chilcote tried to smile. Yes" hs said huskily Its come." a.g
 Loder freed his arm. What? Ths end of the worldY'
 i. ''No. The end of me-" The word. 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 al his sleeve. Don't you see? Can't you see"
 "No." -.+..
 Chilcote dropped the sleeve and pass ed his handkerchief across his fore head. Its come," he repeated. Don't you understand? I want you" He drew away, then stepped back again anxiously. "I know I'm taking you un. 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 reluc- tance, his glance turned to the figure beside him. ,..
 You want me to take your place to- night, without preparationT His voice was distinct and firm, but it was free from contempt.
 "Yes; yes, 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. q 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 uncomfortably. "My dear chap" he said, T meant no of- fense. It's merely
 Your nerves. I know. But come to business. What am to do?"
 Chilcote rose excitedly. "Yes, busi- ness. Let's come to business. It's rough on you, taking you short like this. But you have an cratic person to deal with. I've had horrible day n horrible day" His face had paled again, and in the green lamplight it possessed grayish hue. Involuntari- y Loder turned away.
 Chilcote watched him as he passed To the desk and began mechanically sorting papers. "A horrible day." he repeated. .so bad that daren't face he night. You have read De Quin. cey?' he asked. with a sudden change of tone.
 Yes"
 ''Then read him again and you'll un- ierstand. I have all the horrors with ut any art. I have no ladies of sor- row. but I have worse monsters than his crocodile" He laughed unpleas- lntly.
 Loder turned. "why. in the devils lame"- he began; then again he halt ed. Something In Chilcote's drawn. .xcited face checked him. The strange 'ense of predestination that we some ines see in the eyes of another struck old upon him. chilling his last at empt at remonstrance. What do you vant me to do:' he substituted in an rdinary voice. The words steadied Chilcote. He aughed a little. The laugh was still haky. but it was pitched in a lower icy. "You-you're quite right to pull me ID. We have no time to waste. It must he o'clock" He pulled out Lis ! watch. then walked to the window and toOd locking down into the shadowy Ourt. How quiet you are here:' he | aid Then abruptly a new thought | truck him. and he wheeled back into 1 he room. "LOder." he said quickly ] LOier. I have an idea! While you re me. why shouldn't be youf Why | hOuIdn't I be John Loder instead of l he vazrant we contemplatedl It GOV rs everything: it explains everything. . fs magnificent, I'm amazed we nev- r thought of 1t before" LJder was still beside the desk T bought of it. he said without look . lE back And didn't suggest fir
 -No.-
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