The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-10-24

/ IT. w EeH ali dtItIotc nave Dttb
| broken down one barrier won't save
the town" Laughing again, he laid
his hand on the others arm. Come
he said, "give your orders. 1 capitu-
/ late"
| An hour later the two men passed
| from Loder's bedroom, where the final
| arrangements had been completed,
| back into the sitting room. Loder
| came first in faultless evening dress.
His hair was carefully brushed, the
clothes he wore fitted him perfectly.
| To any glance, critical or casual, he
was the man who had mounted the
stairs and entered the rooms earlier
In the evening. Chilcote's manner of
walking and poise of the head seemed
to have descended upon him with Chill
cote's clothes. He came into the room
! hastily and passed to the desk.
Il have no private papers, he said,
so l have nothing to lock up. Every
thing can stand as it is. A woman
named Robins comes in the mornings
to clean up and light the fire; other
wise you must shift for yourself. No
body will disturb you. Quiet. dead
quiet, is about the one thing you can
count on
Chflcote. half halting in the door
way, made an attempt to laugh. OF
the two he was noticeably the more
embarrassed. In Loders well worn,
we'll brushed tweed suit he felt strand
ed on his own personality, bereft for
the moment of the familiar accessories
that helped to cloak deficiencies and
keep the wheel of conventionality COM
fortably rolling. He stood unpleasant
ly conscious of himself, unable to
shape his sensations even in thought.
He glanced at the fire, at the table
finally at the chair on which he had
thrown his oyercoat before entering
the bedroom. At the sight of the coat
his gaze frightened, the aimlessness
forsook him, and he gave an exclama-
ton of relief.
by Joven' he said 81 clean for
IT. -
what p der looked round.
'"The rings" He o-sed to the coat
and thrust his hand into -" pocket.
THE duplicates arrived only this atle.
noon-the nick of time, eh? 2" He spoke
fast, his fingers searching busily Oc-
cupation of any kind came as boon.
Loder slowly followed him, and as
the box was brought to light he leaned
forward interestedly.
'.As 1 told you, one is the copy of an
old signet ring, the other a plain band
"a plain gold band like wedding
ring" Chilcote laughed as he placed
the four rings side by side on his
palm. Il could think of nothing else
that would be wide and not ostenta-
tious. You know how 1 detest dis
play"
Loder touched the rings "You have
good taste,' he said Lets see if
they serve their purpose" He picked
them up and carried them to the lamp
Chilcote followed him. THAT was
an ugly wound he said, his curiosity
reawakening as Loder extended his
finger. How did you come by it,"
The other smiled. Its memento,"
he said
"Of bravery"
mo; quite the reverse" He looked
again at his hand, then glanced back
at Chilcote. NO" he repeated, with
an unusual impulse of confidence 1T
serves to remind me that l am not ex-
empt-that 1 have been fooled like
other men,"
That implies woman?"
Yes." Again Loder looked at the
scar on his finger. Il seldom recall the
thing. it's so absolutely past. But l
rather like to remember it tonight
rather want you to know that I've been
through the fire. It's sort of guaran-
tee"
Chilcote made hasty gesture, but
the other interrupted it.
"Oh, 1 know you trust me. But you're
giving me risky post. l want you to
see that women are out of my line |
quite out of it,
But, my dear chap
Loder went on without needing |
This thing happened eight years ago |
at Santasalare," he said, "a little place |
between Luna and Pistoria-a mere |
handful of houses wedged between two
hills; regular relic of old Italy crum-
bling away under flowers and sunshine. |
with nothing to suggest the present /
century except the occasional passing
Of train round the base of one of the
hills. had literally stumbled upon the
place on a long tramp south from
Switzerland and had been tempted into
4 stay at the little inn. The night after
my arrival something unusual occur
red. There was an accident to the
train at the point where it skirted the
village.
There was n small excitement. All
he inhabitants We're anxious to help,
and l took my share. AS a matter of
fact, the smash was not disastrous;
he passengers were hurt and fright
ened. but nobody was killed"
He paused and looked at his compan-
on; but, seeing him interested, went
IN.
Among these passengers was an
English lady. OF all concerned in the
business. she was the least upset. When
came upon her she was sitting on the
shattered door of one of the carriages
,almly arranging her hat. On seeing
ne she looked up with the most charm
ns smile imaginable.
L have just been waiting for some
,ody like YOU she said. My stupid
maid has got herself smashed up some
whore in fba second class sarriapaS |