The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1906-12-20

moved carefully as he traced line after
line Of meaningless words on a sheet
Of foolscap. Having covered the page
with writing, he rose, moved to the
center table and compared his task
with an open letter that lay there. The
comparison seemed to please him. He
Strengthened his shoulders and threw
back his head in an attitude of critical
satisfaction. So absorbed was he that
when a step sounded on the stairs out
side he did not notice it, and only
raised his head when the door was
thrown open unceremoniously. Even
then his interest was momentary.
"Hellor' he said, his eyes returning
to their scrutiny of his task.
Chilcote shut the door and came has
tily across the room. He looked Ill and
harassed AS he reached Loder he put
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 Chtlcote caught and jerked at
his sleeve. Don't you see? Can't you
see?"
NO"
Chilcote dropped the sleeve and pass
ed his handkerchief across his fore
head It's come" he repeated. Don't
you understand? l want you" He
drew away. then stepped back again
anxiously. 81 know I'm taking you IN
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
immovabie Then, almost with reluc-
beside him.
You want me to take your place to-
night, without preparati on?' 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. "I
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, 81 meant no Of
Tense It's merely
Your nerves. know. But come to
business. What am l to DOR
Chilcote rose excitedly. YES, bust
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 a horrible day
q horrible day." His face had paled
again, and in the green lamplight it
possessed q grayish hue. Involuntari-
~ LoGer turned away
ChIlcote watched him as he passed
to the desk and began mechanically
sorting papers. "a horrible day" he
repeated. so bad that l dareu't face
the night You have read De Quin.
cey?" he asked. with sudden change
OF tone
Yes"
Then read him again and you'll I'M
derstand I have all the horrors with
out any art. l have no ladies of sor-
row. but l have worse monsters than
his crocodile" He laughed unpleas-
antly.
Loder turned. why, in the devils
name he began; then again he halt
ed Something in Chilcote's drawn,
excited face checked him. The strange
sense of predestination that we some
times see in the eyes OF another struck
cold upon him, chilling his last at
tempt at remonstrance. What do you
want me to DOR he substituted in an
ordinary voice.
The words steadied Chilcote. He
laughed a little. The laugh was still
Shaky, but it was pitched in a lower
key
'You-you're quite right to pull ne
up We have no time to waste It
must he 1 o'clock" He pulled out his
watch. then walked TO the window and
stood looking down into the shadowy
court. How quiet you are here!' he
said. Then abruptly q new thought
struck him, and he wheeled back into
the room. "Loder." he said quickly
''Loder. have an idea! While you
are me. why shouldn't be you? Why
shouldn't 1 be John Loder instead of
the vagrant we contemplated? 1t COW
ers everything; it explains everything.
It's magnificent. I'm amazed we new
er thought of 1t before"
Loder was still beside the desk. 81
thought Of it." he said without look
ing back.
And didn't suggest itP
NO"
.'Whyg