Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-14

ChllcOte mounted the stairs TO LoderS
rooms But this time there was more
of haste than of uncertainty in his
steps, and, reaching the landing, he
crossed 1t In couple Of strides and
knocked feverSshly on the door.
1t opened at. once, and Loder stood
before him.
The occasion was peculiar. For a
moment neither spoke; each involun-
tarily looked at the other with new
eyes and under changed conditions.
Each had assumed fresh standpoint
In the others thought. The passing
establishment. the half impersonal Gu
riosity that had previously tinged their
relationship, was cast aside, never to
be reassumed. In each the other saw
himself-and something more.
AS usual, Loder was the first to re-
cover himself.
II was expecting you" he said.
won't you come inT
The words were almost the same as
his word Of the night before, but his
voice had different ring, just as his
face when he drew back into the
room had a different expression =
suggestion Of decision and energy that
had been lacking before. Chilcote
caught the difference as he crossed
the threshold, and for bare second
a flicker Of something like jealousy
touched him, but the sensation was
feeting.
81 have to thank you" he said. hold
ing out his hand. He was too well
bred to show by 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 l
fell" He laughed. but below the laugh
ran note of something like triumph
the curious triumph Of q 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 q different
tone. cts 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, Il
never retract-"
Never"
mo"
"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.
Chllcote 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 maglnation, CROSS
ed Chilcote's mind in that moment of
scrutiny, but he shrank from it appre-
Ihensively.
Ell came to discuss details" he
said quickly, crossing the space that
divided him from his host. ''Shall
we? p 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 ell
bows on the table. There will be sew.
eral things to consider" he began ner-
vously, looking across at the other.
"Quite SOL Loder glanced back ap.
preciatively. II thought about those
things the better part Of last night To
begin with, I must study your hand.
writing. l guarantee to get it right, but
1t will take month"
"a month";
! 'sWell, perhaps three weeks. We
mustn't make mess Of things"
Chilcote shifted his position.
41Three weeksw he repeated. "Couldn't
your
.'No, couldn't" Loder spoke au
thoritatively. 81 might never want t.
put pen to paper; but on the other
hand, might have to sign a check one
day" He laughed. "Have you ever
thought Of that-that might have to
or want to, sign checkY
"No. confess that escaped me-"
"You risk your fortune that you may
keep the place it bought for you?
Loder laughed again. Glow do yor
know that am not blackguardY he
added. GLOW do you know that
won't clear out one day and leave yor
high and dry? What is to prevent John
Chilcote from realizing 10000 or ESQ,
GOO and then making himself scarce|
"You won't do that" Chilcote said
with unusual decision. Il told yor
your weakness last night and it wasn'1
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
To get to business again. You'll risk
my studying your gignature|
Chilcote nodded.