The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1906-12-19
CONTINUED

scrutiny, Out lie Surdnk from IL dppre-
hensively.
I'll came to discuss Details" he
said quickly. crossing the space that
divided him from his host. Shall
we?- Are your He paused I'M
easily.
I'm entirely in your hands," Loder
spoke with abrupt decision. Moving to
the table, he indicated a chair and
drew another forward for himself.
Both men sat down.
Chilcote leaned forward, resting ell
bows on the table. There will be sew
eral things to consider" he began ner-
vously, looking across at the other.
Quite So" Loder glanced back ap-
preciatively. Il thought about those
things the better part of last night To
begin with, must study your hand
writing I guarantee to get it right, but
it will take a month"
"a month";
We'll, perhaps three weeks. We
mustn't make mess of things"
Chilcote shifted his position.
Three weeksr' he repeated. Couldn't
your
"No, I couldn't" Loder spoke au-
thoritatively. Il might never want to
put pen to paper; but, on the other
hand, might have to sign a check one
day" He laughed "Have you ever
thought of that-that might have to,
or Want to, sign a check?"
mo. 1 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 l am not blackguard?" he
added. "How do you know that l
won't clear out one day and leave you
high and dry? What is to prevent John
Chilcote from realizing 100000 or $780,
600 and then making himself scarce?"
you won't do that" Chilcote said,
with unusual decision. 81 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"
Ch1lcote nodded.
fright! Now item two Loder
counted on his fingers. IT must know
the names and faces of your men
friends as far as l 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
II have no men friends. don't trust
the idea of friendship"
Acquaintance, then"
Chilcote looked up sharply. 81 think
we score there" he said. 81 have q
reputation for Observation-Disclosures that
will caSIy you anywhere. They tell me
can look through the most substan-
tial man in the house as if he were COS
samer, though 1 may have lunched with
him the same day"
Loder smiled. by Jovev' he ex-
claimed. Fate must have been con
structing this before either of US was
born. 1t dovetails ridiculously. But l
must 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-
thority fell to Loder. Il can pull my
hat over my eyes and turn up my
coat collar. Nobody will notice me
We can choose the fall of the after
noon. I promise you twill be a
right"
Suppose the likeness should leak
out? It's a risk"
Loder laughed confidently. flush,
mani Risk is the salt Of life. I must
see you at your post, and must see
the men you work with" He rose,
walked across the room and took his
pipe from the rack. when 1 60 in
for thing I like to go in over head
and ears" he added as he opened his
tobacco jar.
His pipe filed, he resumed his seat,
resting his elbows on the table in un-
conscious imitation of Chilcote.
Got a match?" he said laconically,
holding out his hand
In response Chilcote drew his match
box from his pocket and struck a light
AS their hands touched an exclama-
ton escaped him.
by Jove" he said, with a fretful
mixture of disappointment and sur
prise. Il hadn't noticed thatr' His
eyes were fixed in annoyed interest on
Loder's extended hand.
Loder, following his glance, smiled
"Odd that we should both have over
looked it! 1t clean escaped my mind
It's rather an ugly scar" He lifted
his hand till the light fell more fully
on it. Above the second joint of the
third finger ran jagged furrow, the
reminder of a wound that had once
laid bare the bone.
Chncote leaned forward. How did
you come by itf' he asked.
The other shrugged his shoulders
"Oh, that's ancient history"
The results are present day enough
It's very awkward, very annoyingy'
/ l. F.,