The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-01-10

AOutI WAS -SGdleu II Ills sOeSh.. 3
His head was bent and his hand
moved carefully as be traced line after
line Of meaningless words on 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
his shoulders and threw
back his head in an attitude of critical
satisfaction. So absorbed was he that
when 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.
''Hello!' 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 developments"
Chilcote tried to smile. eyes," he
said husl1ily. tits come"
Loder freed his arm. "What? The
end of the world?'
mo. The end Of me-" The words
came jerlily, the strain that had en-
forced them showing in every syllable.
Still Loder was uncomprehending
He could not or would not understand.
O4in Chi1ontn oo,1rhf Sorly01 OF
his sleeve. Don't you see? Can't you
see?''
NO.
Chilcote dropped the sleeve and pass
ed his handkerchief across his fore
head. cts come" he repeated. Don't
you understand? I want you" He
drew away, then stepped back again
anxiously. Il 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
chair.
For a moment Loder stood erect and
immovable. Then, almost with reluc-
lance, his glance turned to the figure
beside him.
"You want me to take your place to-
night, without preparation? His voice
was distinct and firm, but it was free
from contempt.
Eyes; yes, I do" Chilcote spoke with
out looking up.
'"That you may spend the night in
morphia-this and other nights?''
Chilcote lifted flushed, unsettled
face. you have no right to preach.
You accepted the bargain
Loder raised his head quickly. Il
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, II meant no Of
tense. It's merely
"Your nerves. I know. But come to
business. What am to do?"
Chilcote rose excitedly. Eyes, 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
a horrible day" His face had paled
again, and in the green lamplight it
possessed grayish hue. Involuntari-
~ Loder turned away.
Chilcote watched him as he passed
to the desk and began mechanically
sorting papers. ga horrible day. he
repeated. 80 bad that I daren't face
the night. You have read De Quin.
cey?" he asked, with a sudden change
Of tone
eyes"
''Then read him again and you'll un-
1erstand. have all the horrors with
out any art. 1 have no ladies of sor-
row. but have worse monsters than
his 'crocodile.'" He laughed unpleas-
antly.
Loder turned. "Why, in the devils
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 do?" he substituted in an
ordinary voice.
The words steadied Chilcote He
aughed a little. The laugh was still,
'haky, but it was pitched in lower
Key.
"9ou-you're quite right to pull me
Up. We have no time to waste. It
must he l o'clock" He pulled out his
watch, then walked to the window and
stood looking down into the shadowy
court. How quiet you are herev he
said. Then abruptly new thought
struck him, and he wheeled back into
he room. "Loder," he said quickly
'Loder, 1 have an idea! While you
ire me, why shouldn't 1 be you? Why
shouldn't be John Loder instead of
he vagrant we contemplated? 1t COW
rs everything; it explains everything.
It's magnificent! I'm amazed we new
r thought Of it before"
Loder was still beside the desk. II
bought Of it," he said without look
ng back. l.. ...-.
"And didn't suggest it?''