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

face when he drew back into the
room had different expression "a
suggestion of decision and energy that
had been lacking before. Chilcote
caught the difference as he crossed
the threshold, and for a bare second
a flicker of something like jealousy
touched him, but the sensation was
heeting
II have to thank you," he said, hold
ing out his hand. He was too we'll
bred to show by a hint that he under
stood the drop in the others principles,
but Loder broke down the artifice
Lets be straight with each other,
since everybody else has to be deceiv-
ed,' he said, taking the others hand.
"You have nothing to thank me for,
and you know it. It's touch of the
old Adam. You tempted me, and I
fell" He laughed, but below the laugh
ran note of something like triumph
the curious triumph Of a man who has
known the tyranny of strength and
suddenly appreciates the freedom Of
weakness.
"You fully realize the thing you have
proposed?' he added in a 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
MY dear fellow he said at last, II
never retract."
"Never?"
NO.
'"Then the bargains sealed"
Loder walked slowly across the room
and, taking up his position by the man
telpiece, looked at 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 were subtly, indefnably 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, but in that battling, Elusive
inner illumination that some call indi-
viduality and others SOUL
Something Of this idea, misted 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
WEI Are you?"- He paused un-
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 aD
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
1t will take month"
"a month";
We'll. perhaps three weeks We
mustn't make mess of things
Chilcote shifted his position.
Three weeksv' he repeated. "Couldn't
your
mo, couldn't" Loder spoke au-
thoritatively. Il might never want to
put pen to paper; but, on the other
hand, might have to sign check one
day. He laughed. "Have you ever
thought Of that-that 1 might have to,
or want to, sign a check?'
NO. l 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 1
won't clear out one day and leave you
high and dry? What is to prevent John
Chilcote from realizing $4,000 or $780,
900 and then making himself scarce?"
You won't do that" Chilcote said,
with unusual decision II 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.
10 get to business again. You'll risk
my studying your signature?"
Chilcote nodded.
Right: Now item two" Loder
counted Oh his fingers. Il must know
the names and faces of your men
friends as far as I 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"
"Acquaintances, them
Chilcote looked up sharply. Il think
we score there he said Il have a
reputation for observation-disclosures that
will carry you anywhere. They tell me
l can look through the most substan-
tial man in the house as if he were Cos
samer, though may have lunched with