The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1907-07-05


not hit 1t of. She's gone-went yes
terday." He shivered and drew the
rug about him.
'Chilcote"- Loder began sternly.
Then he paused. There was something
In the others look and attitude that
arrested him. A change Of expression
passed over his own face. He turned
about, with an abrupt gesture. pulled
or his coat and threw 1t on chair;
then, crossing deliberately to the fire.
place, he began to rake the ashes from
the CRATE.
Within a few minutes he had fire
cracking where the bed OF dead Gin
ders had been. and. having finished the
task, he rose slowly from his knees,
wiped his hands and crossed to the tn.
BILE. On the small spirit stove the ket-
tie had boiled, and the cover was lift
ing and falling with tinkling sound.
Blowing out the flame. Loder picked
up the teapot and, with hands that
were evidently accustomed to the task,
set about making the tea.
During the whole operation he never
spoke. though all the while he was
fully conscious of Chilcote's puzzled
gaze. The tea ready, he poured it into
the cup and carried 1t across the ROOM
Drink this" he said laconically.
The fire will be up presently"
Chilcote extended cold and shaky
hand. "You see"- he began.
But Loder checked him almost saw
-agely. 81 do-as well as though I had
followed you from Piccadilly last night
You've been hanging about. God knows
where. till the small hours Of the morn.
ing; then you've come back-sIunk
back. starving for your internal poison
and shlveting with cold. You've set
tied the first part Of the Business, but
the cold has still to be reckoned with.
Drink the tea. I've something to saw
to you" He mastered his vehemence
and. walking to the widow, stood
looking down into the covt. His eyes
were blank, his face hFd: his ears
heard nothing but the flint sound Of
'Chilcote's swallowing. th click of the
cup against his teeth.
For a time that SCENE interminatle
he stood motionless; ten. when he
judged the tea nnIsh4s he turned
the flTe. inft," nte, was vas obviouslI braceT bs
the warmth. and the apatlf that rung
about him was to some etent dIspel-
led. Still moving slowly, LOder went
toward him and. relieving him Of the
empty cup. stood looking OWN at him.
"Chilcote," he said very q,ietly, c.I've
come to tell you that the thing must
end"
After he spoke there was prolonged
pause: then. as IL shaken with sudden
consciousness. Chilcote rose The rug
dropped from one shoulder and hung
down ludicrously: his hand caught the
back OF the chair for support: his un-
shaven face looked absurd and repul-
sive In its sudden expression of scared
inquiry. LOder involuntarily turned
away.
II mean IT," he said slowly. "It's
over; We've come to the end"
- But why?" Chilcote articulated
blankly. "Why? Why?" In his confu-
sion he could think Of no better word.
Because l throw it up. My side Of
the bargains off,"
Again ChilcOte's lips parted stammer-
ingly. The apathy caused by physical
exhaustion and his recently administer
ed drug was passing from him: the
hopelessly shattered condition Of mind
and body was showing through it like
n skeleton through a thin covering Of
flesh.
But why?" he said again. "Why?"
Still LOder avoided the frightened
surprise of his eyes. Because I with
draw" he answered doggedly.
Then suddenly Chilcote's tongue was
loosened "LOder," he cried excitedly,
you can't do it! Great heavens. man.
You can't do it," To reassure himself
he laughed-a painfully thin echo of his
old sarcastic laugh. IF it's matter
OF greater opportunity" he began, "of
more money
But LOder turned upon him.
BE quiet" he said so menacingly
that the other stopped. Then by an ef-
fort he conquered himself Its not a
matter Of money, Chilcote." he said
quietly. ITS matter of necessity"
He brought the word out with diff.
Guilty.
Chilcote glanced up. Necessity" he
repeated. How? Why"
The reiteraton reused Loder "Be-
cause there was a great scene In the
house last night" he began hurriedly.
because when you go back you'll find
that Scarborough has smashed up over
the assassination Of Sir William Brice-
Field at Meshed and that you have
made your mark in big speech. and
BECAUSE Abruptly he stopped. The
thing bs haASgAme to say-the thin~ -.
had to as.SIstisa sSs ss sslH faii
cd rss him. and md 'ss s'nast sss as At f. ,n