The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-01-10
], HE PRINCETON UNION: THU
/ and ears" he added as he opened his

and cars" he added as he opened his
tobacco jar.
His pipe filled, he resumed his seat,
resting his elbows on the table in I'M
conscious imitation of Chilcote.
Got a match?'' he said laconically.
holding out his hand.
In response Chilcote drew his match
box from his pocket and struck light.
AS their hands touched an exclama-
ton escaped him.
by Jove" he said, with a fretful
mixture of disappointment and sur
prise. II hadn't noticed thatw His
eyes were fixed in annoyed interest on
Loders extended hand
Loder, following his glance, smiled.
"Odd that we should both have over
looked it! 1t clean escaped my mind.
It's rather an ugly scar" He lifted
his hand till the light fell more fully
on it. Above the second joint of the
third finger ran a jagged furrow, the
reminder of a wound that had once
laid bare the bone.
Chilcote leaned forward. How did
you come by it," he asked. ~
The other shrugged his shoulders
"Oh, that's ancient history"
"The results are present day enough
It's very awkward, very annoyingv'
Loder, still looking at his hand, didn't
seem to hear. 'There's only one thing
to be DONE" he said Each wear two
rings on the third finger of the left
hand. Two rings ought to cover it. "
He made a speculative measurement
with the stem Of his pipe.
Chilcote looked irritable and disturb
ed II detest rings I never wear
rings"
Loder raised his eyes calmly "Nei-
Their do IT, he said, "but there's no rea-
son for bigotry.''
But Chilcote's irritability was start
ed. He pushed back his chair. II don't
like the idea," he said.
The other eyed him amusedly. "What
queer beggar you are!' he said. "You
waive the danger of a man signing
your checks and shy at wearing a piece
Of jewelry.' I'll have fair share of in
ulVluudllly TO study.
Chilcote moved restlessly. EVERY
body knows I detest jewelry."
Everybody knows you are capri
cious. It's got to be the rings or moth
ing, so far as make OUT
Chilcote again altered his position,
avoiding the others eyes. At last, aft
er struggle with himself, he looked
up.
Il suppose you're right!' he said
"Have it your own way" 1t was the
first small, tangible concession to the
stronger will.
Loder took his victory quietly.
"Good!' he said. "Then it's all straight
sailing?"
Except for the matter of the-the re-
muneration." Chilcote hazarded the
word uncertainty.
There was a faint pause; then Loder
laughed brusquely. my pay?'
The other was embarrassed. II didn't
want to put it quite like that"
"But that was what you thought
Why are you never honest-even with
yOuISelI.
Chilcote drew his chair closer to the
table. He did not attend to the others
remark, but his fingers strayed to his
waistcoat pocket and fumbled there.
Loder saw the gesture. "Look here"
he said, "you are overtaxing yourself.
The affair of the pay isn't pressing.
Well shelve it to another night. You
look tired OUT
Chilcote lifted his eyes with re-
ieved glance. "Thanks. I do feel a
bit tagged. If I may, I'll have that
whisky that refused last night"
"Why, certainly" Loder rose at once
and crossed to cupboard in the wall.
In silence he brought out whisky,
glasses, and a siphon Of soda water.
"Say when!" he said, lifting the whisky.
'Now. And I'll have plain water in
stead of soda, if it's all the same.''
"Oh, quite" Loder recrossed the
room. Instantly his back was turned.