The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1907-02-01
BY KATHERINE CECIL THU
Author Of "The Circle" Et

You fully realize the thing you have
proposed|" he added in different
tone. Its not too late to retract even
now"
Chilcote opened his lips, paused, then
laughed In imitation of his companion
but the laugh sounded forced.
"A1y dear fellow" he said at last, 81
never retract."
"Never?"
mo"
"Then the bargains sealed"
Loder walked slowly across the room
and taking up his position by the man
telpiece, looked Mt his companion The
similarity between them as they faced
each other seemed abnormal. defying
even the closest scrutiny. And yet, so
mysterious Is nature even in her lapses
they We're subtly, indefinably different
Chilcote was Loder deprived of one es-
sential; Loder, Chilcote with that es-
sential bestowed. The difference lay
neither in feature, in coloring nor in
height, hut in that battling, illusive
inner illumination that some call indl-
viduality and others soul.
Something OF this idea. mistcd and
tangled by nervous imagination. cross
ed Chilcote's mind in that moment OF
scrutiny. but he shrank from it appre-
hensively.
IL came to discuss details" he
said quickly. crossing the space that
divided him from his host. Shall
we?- Are your He paused un-
easily.
I'm entirely in your hands" Loder
spoke with abrupt decision. Moving to
the table, he indicated chair and
drew another forward for himself.
Both men sat down.
Chilcote leaned forward. resting el-
bows on the table. There will be sew
eral things to consider" he began ner-
vously. looking across at the other.
Quite co." Loder glanced back ap-
preciatively. II thought about those
things the better part Of last night. To
begin with, must study your hand
writing. guarantee to get 1t right. but
1t will take month"
"a month";
well, perhaps three weeks. We
mustn't make mess Of things"
Chilcote shifted his position.
Three wesksr' he repeated. Couldn't
your
mo. I couldn't" Loder spoke au-
fnSritssavit, tho nsa to paper: bat, on tne otuer
hand, might have to sign cneck QUE one
day." He laughed. Have you ese'
thought Of that-that l might nave w.
or want to, sign a checkT
"No. I confess that escaped me.
"you r,sk your fortune that you may
Saan the place it bought for you
Ioder laughed again. How 90 yo'
know that l am not blackguard' IN
odded "How do you know that
,yon,t clear out one day and leave So'
biqb and dry? What is to prevent JON
Chilcote from realizing $4,000 or too
OOO and then making himself scarce!
"You won't do that" Chilcote san
u,th unusual decision. 81 told yo
YOUR weakness last night' anu =.
money. Money isn't the rock So"
split over sor
.Tben YOU think I'll split upon son
ro,,,2 Rut that's beyond the questio
To oe+ to business again. IouH II
INV studying your SIGNATURE
Chilcote nodded.
"Right! Now item two. Loe
counted ON his fingers. Il must hn
tho names and faces Of your IL
fr,ends as far as I can. Your won
rr,ands don't count. While I'm
Won will be adamant." He iaug'
again pleasantly. But tne en ~,
essential-the backbone Oh 'he W.
81 have no men friends. don't d
the idea Of friendship.
"Acauaintances, then. =,
Chilcote looked up Sharply.
rve score there" he said. i NAY
on,,tot,on for observation-disclosures
will carry you anywhere. Ihey Tel
T can look through the most suo'
t,al man in the house as IL he were
samer, though may have iuncheu
him the same day" 80 :,
Ioder smiled. by Jove! IN
o,o,n,ed ..t'ate must have been
strrct,np this before either or us
horn 1t dovetails ridiculousiy.
must know your colleagues' e,ea
only to cut them. 1ouh nave u
me to the house
'Impossibie" o
"Not ut ALL. Again the tone
thority fell to Loder. u can ~
hat over my eyes and turn U
noot COLLAR Nobody will notlt
we can choose the fall OF tne
noon. l promise you twill
right"
"suppose the likeness shoul
ont? It's n risk