The Washington herald., 1907-12-16
CHAPTER XII.
The Conversion of Grinding.

1T won't affect us, Of course" said
Walter Grinding, rubbing his third chin
thoughtfully but I'm low about the
old man-yes. McKiIl, I'm low; I've serv-
ed him longr'
mo longer than have" retorted Hec-
tor McKnl brutally. and there never
was a day when I stood calm and took
his back-chat but I said, The pride of
the naughty shall be brought low The
horse and his rider shall be thrown into
the deeps Of the sea"
"McKill," said Grinding, there are
times when. If you were OF my age, 1
could gladly punch your head"
"Ah." said McKTI. there speaks the
man Of wrath
Wrath" cried Walter Grinding, don't
you start any OF mine or all the faith
healing in the world won't keep you out
Of q hospital when I'm through with
you"
Il meant no offense, Grinding" said
McKil, lifting up hands of shocked in
nOcence, but you can't deny that in the
days when his horn was exalted. Jacob
Romer overrode Us unmercifully-Phar
aoh and his chariots-yea, Pharaoh and
his mighty men,
He was a good master to me-" said
Walter Grinding doggedly. and so he
was to you. McKill-better than ever
either Of US will see under any Limited
Company"
Then you think he's done-smashed? ?"
asked Hector McKilI. with a quite unholy
JOY on his long horse countenance.
Kahn has taken away every cent he
could" Grinding answered, and what
he couldn't take he has speculated with
The castle and all will have to go. 1
can't think OF an asset Mr.. Romer will
have in the world-the purchase-money
is all paid and receipted for by the proper
person-Kahni The vendors shares were
salable on the open market. They were
sold there by the person in charge Of
them-Kahn. But where is Kahn? Where
is Casimir? The police can't find them.
They may end by finding the automobiles,
yesl But the mOney-not SO much as
farthing,'
Then the man is a bankrupt" cried
McKin. rubbing his hands gleefully
Il did not say that" said Grinding
wisely. I never yet saw a smash so big
that with care some basketfuls might not
be gathered up. But this is big one and
no mistake. Kahn had the charge Of all
his investments for years"
"Ah,' said McKiIl, that would be what
took the little 'Conhdentiar so often 10
East Dene and Thorsby. I've had news
that things are every bit as bad therer'
And he almost danced, with the mirth
Of a man who has all the virtues which
cost him nothing-but who is yet nothing,
lacking charity.
with hard word. offensive 10 the ear of
this good man. But before he went he
moralized.
IF ever get TO heaven by any acci-
dent he said, land find il filed with
your sort. Hector McKill, will take one
Jump into the Great Gulf Fixed-aye. IL
II were out OF that old fellows bosom
forgot his name. but I always was par
tial 10 him-though he did let his wife
lead him too much by the nose, about
that poor girl out in the wilderness. I
meant Abraham-yes. that was the man
7 liked him. He had a feelin' heart. and
wouldn't have gone back on an old en-
ployeri You read a bit In your Bible,
McKill, and attend to IT. There are some
as true and lively things in Genesis as
any man could wish TO read Beats the
daily papers all 20 bitsi Read your Bible,
Mckill, and do what II tells you once
in a while-you will feel better man."
McKiH thought Grinding was mOcking
because he did not go to church. but
Walter Grinding meant every word he
said. It had never struck him to read
a single chapter till one night, being left
alone with his sick master and Dick Fin
mans Bible, he had made the best of a
bad Job. The seed had fallen on tough.
clayey soil. There were lots OF thorns.
and thistles abounded. But. nevertheless,
Il had taken root. Now McKiIl was get
ing the benefit Of an early crop, that was
all; and Walter Grinding, by taking a
long railway journey and Disgusting HIM
self thoroughly, was in hopes Of becom-
Ing by-and-by the possessor of a Bible
OF his own OF course he would be
ashamed 20 go and ask for such a thing
at the Kirktown stationersl But all the
same he meant TO get one. It was not
often that he took to a book, but that Of
old Dicks was decidedly interesting.
Meanwhile. Jacob Romer lay on his
daughters bed in the little cottage. and
beard from great distance the sound
81 many waters. There was peace in the
clHmber-a great. exceeding peace. Even
DR.. Hugh Calmont approved in his brusque
manner-of the whiteness, shaded and
soft, Of the open window, of the soft
sough Of the sea, saying regularly hush,
hush." upon its pebbles outside of the
freshness Of the June morning-above all
Of the girl beside the bed dressed in
close-fitting. supple blue serge and a
white apron, who stood silent and took
his instructions. Yes. DR.. Hugh Calmont
approved all these.
How co you keep everything so
quiet?" he demanded suddenly turning
upon the nurse; my own place is like a
roolSeryF'
Besides. Mr.. Romer" she answered,
smiling, there are only my two foster
fathers, Billy and Dick Finnan. And they
are mostly down yonder at the light
house. Also up on the cliff there is Phil -
"Ah." said DR.. Calmont grimly for
him, ''up on the cliff there is Phil You
mean my son? Well, what have you to
say TO me about your prospects. you two
young people?''
But for me-" said Vida frankly. Phil
Il