Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-02-07

His head was bent and his hand
moved carefully as he traced line after
line of meaningless words on Il 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. lie
straightcned his shoulders and threw
back his head In an attitude of critical
satisfaction. So absorbed was he that
when n step sounded on the stairs out
side he did not notice 1t, and only
raised his head when the door was
thrown open unceremoniously Even
then his interest was momentary.
Hello" he said, his eyes returning
70 their scrutiny of his task
Chilcote shut the door and came has
lily across the room. He looked III and
harassCl. As be reached Lodpr he put
out his hand nervousiy and touched his
arm.
Loder looked up What is it," no
asked "Any new Development
Chilcote tried to smile. Yes" he
said husklv. ITS come
1DONPT II'cb MS arm. w NAT. LIE
end Of the world
"No. The end Of me-" The words
came jerklly. the strain that had EN-
forced them showing in every syllable
Still Lodcr was uncomprehcnding
He could not or would not understand.
Again Chilcote caught and jerked at
his sleeve. Don't you see? Can't you
see?'
NO"
Chlcotc dropped the sleeve and pass
ed his handkerchief across his fore
head. cts come" lie repeated. Don't
you understand? | want you" He
drew away. then stepped back again
anxiously. II know I'm taking you I'M
awares," he said. but it's not my
fault. On my soul. it's not! The thing
seems TO spring at me ana grip me-
He stopped. sinking weakly into a
chair.
For n moment Loder stood erect and
immovabe. Then. almost with reluc-
lance. his glance turned TO the figure
beside him.
you want me to take your place to-
was distinct and firm, but it was free
from contempt.
Eyes; yes l do" Chilcote spoke with
out looking up.
''rhat you may spend the night in
morphia-this and other nights
Chilcote lifted q 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" no said coldly. You won't have
TO complain again
Chilcots stirred uncomfortably. My
dear chap" he said. II meant no Of
tense. It's merely
Your nerves. | know. But come to
business. What am to dog
Chilcote rose eXcitedly. Yes, bus-
ness. Let's come TO business. It's
rough on you, taking you short like
this. But you have an erratic person
to deal with. I've had horrible day
a horrible day" His face had paled
again, and in the green lamplight it
possessed a grayish hue. lnvoluntari-
ly J.. a turned away.
CHI 80 watched him as he passed
to tho desk and began mechanically
sorting papers. "a horrible day" he
rapea ted, 80 bad that ! daren't face
the night. You have read De Quin.
cey?" he asked, with sudden change
of tone
yes"
"Then read him again and you'll I'M
out any art. l have no ladies of sor-
row. but / have worse monsters than
his crocodile" He laughed unpleas
antly.
Loder turned. why in the devils
name 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 steaded Chllcote. He
laughed little The laugh was still
shaky, but it was pitched in n lower
key.
'You-you're quite right to pull me
up. We have no time 90 waste II
must he / O'Clock" He pulled out his
watch, then walked to the window and
stood looking down into the shadowy
court, How quiet you are here ht
said. Then abruptly new thought
struck him, and he wheeled back into
the room. "Loder," he said quickly
''I.oder, / have an idea, While yor
are rue, why shouldn't be you? Why
shouldn't ! be John Loder instead o.
the vagrant we contemplated? 1t GOV
ers everything; it explains ever
It's magnificent. I'm amazed we ne
err thought Of it before
Loder was still beside the desk. :"
thought of It," he said without look
ing back.
"And didn't suggest it?'
no"
"WhyT
IIoder said nothing. and the othe
eolored.
jealous OF your reputation?' h,
said satirically.
II have none to be jealous Of
Chilcote laughed disagreeably. "Thel
you aren't so far gone in philosoph.
as ! thought. You have niche II