Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-10-27

CduSul us lllLcTtuSc as ue CTUSSCu the threshold, and for a bare second flicker of something like Jealousy touched him, but the sensation was fieeting.
 "I have to thank you," he said, hold. ing out his hand. He was too well bred to show by hint that he under. stood the drop in the others principles, but Loder broke down the artifice.
 "Eet's be straight with each other. since everybody else has to be deceiv- ed," he said, taking the others hand. "You have nothing to thank me for, and you know it. It's touch of the old Adam. You tempted me, and I fell" He laughed, but below the laugh 1 ran a note of something like triumph 1 the curious triumph of man who has known the tyranny of strength and suddenly appreciates the freedom of a weakness.
 You fully realize the thing you have proposed?" he added in different tone. Its 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, T never retract."
 | "Never?"
 "No."
 ''Tnen 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, indefinably different. Chilcote was Loder deprived of one es- sential: Loder, Chilcote with that es- | sential bestowed. The difference lay ! neither in feature, in coloring nor in height, but in that baf1ing, illusiye 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- hensively.
 "I-I came to discuss details" he said quickly, crossing the space that divided him from his host. Shall we?- Are you?"- He paused un- easily.
 I'm entirely in your hands" Loder spoke with abrupt decision. Moving to the table, he indicated chair and drew another forward for himself. Both men sat down. Chilcote leaned forward, resting el- bows on the table. There will be sev- eral things to consider" he began ner- vously, looking across at the other.
 Quite so." Loder glanced back ap- preciatively. T thought about those things the better part of last night. To begin with, I must study your hand writing. guarantee to get it right, but 1t will take month" "A month";
 Well, perhaps three weeks. We mustn't make a mess of things"
 Chilcote shifted his position.
 Three weeksw he repeated. Couldn't youY'-
 "No. couldn't" Loder spoke au. thoritatlvely. T might never want to put pen to paper; but, on the other hand. might have to sign check one day" He laughed. Have you ever thought of that-that might have to, or want to, sign a chsck?'
 "No. I confess that escaped me-"
 You risk your fortune that you may keep the place it bought for you:" Loder laughed again. How do you know that 1 am not blackguard?" he added. How do you know that I won't clear out one day and leave you high and dry? What is to prevent John Chilcote from realizing f40.000 or f50,- 900 and then making himself scarce?"
 You won't do that" Chilcote said, with unusual decision. T 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?"
 Chilcote nodded.
 Right. Now item two" Loder counted on his fingers. T must know the names and faces of your men friends as far as I can. Your woman friends don't count. While I'm you, you will be adamant." He laughed again pleasantly. But the men are essential-the backbone of the whole business"
 'I have no men friends. don't trust the idea of friendship"
 "Acquaintances, then"
 Chileote looked up sharply. 'I think we score there" he said. ''I have a reputation for absentmindedness that will carry you anywhere. They tell me I can look through the most substan- tial man in the house as if he were gos- samer. though may have lunched with him the same day"
 Loder smiled. By Jover he ex- claimed. Pate must have been con- structIng this before either of us was born. It doyetails ridIculously. But I rsnst know your colleagues. even if it's only to cut them. You'll have to take me to the house"
 Impossible
 "Not at all-' Again the tone of au- tbority fell to Loder. T can pull my