The Red Cloud chief., 1907-01-04
CHAPTER VI.

III. the next day Chilcotc moved
n In a fever of excitement. Hot
II with hope one moment, cold
~ with fever the next, be rushed
with restless energy into every task
that presented itself, only to drop it as
speedily. Twice during the morning lie
drove t. the entrance of Clifford's inn,
but each time his courage failed him
and H. returned to G~rosvCuOr square to
learn that the expected message from
Lodcr had not come
1t was Il wearing condition Of mind,
but ut worst il was scarcely more than
an exaggcration of what his state had
honn for months and made but little
obvious difference in his bearing or
manner.
In the afternoon he took his place in
the house. but, though it was his first
appearance since his failure OF two
days ago, he drew but small personal
notice. When he chose, his manner
could repel advances with extreme
effect, and of late men a been prone
to draw away from him.
In one of the Hobbies he encountered
Fraide surrounded by a group of
friends. with his usual furtive haste
he would have passed on, but moving
away from his party the old man ac-
coSted him. lie was always courteously
particular in his treatment of Chilcote,
as the husband of his ward and god
child.
Better. Chilcote," he said, holding
out his hand. At the sound of the low,
rather formal tones, so characteristic
of the old statesman. n hundred memo
rics rose to Chilcote's mind. Il hundred
hours distasteful in the living and I'M
bearahle in the recollection, and with
them the new flash of hope, the new
possibility of freedom. In Il sudden
rush of confidence he turned to his
leader.
81 believe I've found a remedy for
my nerves. he said. II believe Tn
going to be Il new man." lie laughed
with Il touch of excitement.
Fraide pressed his fingers kindly.
"That is right he said. "That Is right.
| called mt Grosvcnor square this morn
Ing. but Eve told me your illness of the
other day was not serious. She WAS
very busy this morning. She could
only spare me n quarter of an hour
She is interchangeable over the social side
OF your prospects, Chilcotc. You W
her a large debt. A popular wife
means n great deal TO Il politician"
The steady eyes of his companion dis
turhed Chilcote.
He drew away his hand.
eve is unique" he said vaguely.
Fraidc smiled. "That is right" he
: said again. admiration is too largely
, excluded from modern marriages.
And with n courteous excuse he re-
:, Joined his friends.
1t was dinner time before Chilcote
. could desert the house. but the moment
| departure was possible he hurried to
GrOsvenor square.
AS he entered the house the hall
: was empty, He swore irritably under
his breath and pressed the nearest
bell. Since his momentary eXnltatior
:. in Fraide's presence his spirits haC
= steadily fallen until now they hung a
' the lowest ebb.
= As he waited in uuconcealed imna
= thence for an answer to his summons
he caught sight of his man Allsopp a
the head of the stairs.
Z Come here!' he called, pleased {
find some one upon whom to vent hi
Irritation. Has that wire come 70
= mcf'
mo, sir. inquired five minute
back"
) Enquire again"
Eyes, sir" Allsopp disappeared.
u A second later after his disappear
> ance the bell of the hall door whizze
% loudly.
. Chilcote started. All sudden sounds
=. like all strong lights, affected him. ii
. half moved to the door, then stoppe
=, himself with Il short exclamation. A
=, the ame instant Allsopp r%eappcared.
Chilcote turned OF him eXcltedly,
"What the devils the meaning G
" this?' he said. "a battery of servant
- in the house and nobody to open til
" hall door,
~ Allsopp looked embarrassed. Graz
ham is coming directly, sir. He Onl
70 left the hall to ask Jeffries'-
d. Chilcote turned. "Confound Graz
ham!' he exclaimed. GO and ope
- the door yourself"
tn Allsopp hesitated, his dignity stru,
IL Cling with his obedience. AS he wal
Id ed the bell sounded again.
did you hear meT" Chilcote said.
OF "Yes. sir" Allsopp crossed the hal