Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-02-14

BiNuSuht. <NS thV tdlDt lt
accelerated his steps, moved by the
wish to make regret and retrospection
alike impossible by n contact with &C
tual forces.
Still walking hastily, he entered Cliff
ford's inn, but there almost uncon
sclously his feet halted. There was
something in the quiet inmutabillty of
the place that sobered energy, both
mental and physical; a sense Of
hangelessness-th changelcssness of
inanmate things, that rises in such sol
emn contrast TO the variableness Of
vironment, a new outlook, sometimes
even new presence, has power to up
hcave and remold He paused, then
with slower and Slender steps crossed
the little court and mounted the IA
milar stairs of his own house.
AS he turned the handle Of his own
door some one stirred inside the sitting
room. Still under the influence of the
stones and trees that he had just left,
he moved directly toward the sound
and, without waiting for permission.
entered the room. After the darkness
Of the passage it seemed we'll alght,
for, besides the lamp with its green
shade, Il large fire burned in the CRATE
and helped to dispel the shadows.
AS he entered the room Chilcotc rose
and came forward. his figure thrown
into strong relief by the double light.
lie was dressed in shabby tweed
suit; his face looked pale and set with
II slightly nervous tension. But, besides
the look and certain added restless
ness Of glance. there was no visible
change. Reaching Loder, lie held out
his hand
"Well?" he said quickly.
The other looked at him question
ingly.
well? Well? How has it gomez
The scheme? Oh, excellentlyw Lo-
dcr's manner was abrupt. Turning
from the restless curiosity in Chilcote's
eyes. he moved little way across the
room and began to draw off his coat.
Then, rs if struck by the inciviitv Of
the action. he looked back again. The
scheme has gone extraordinarily" he
said. 81 could almost say absurdly.
There are some things, Chilcote, that
fairly bowl man over"
A great relief tinged Chilcote's face.
Good" he exclaimed. Tell me all
about it."
But Loder was reticent. The mo-
ment was not propitious It was as II
| a hungry man had dreamed a great
banquet and had awakened to his star
walton. He was chary of impartlng his
visions.
There's nothing to tell" he said
shortly. "All that you'll want to know
| is here in black and white. don't
think you'll find have slipped any
thing. It's a clear business record.
From an inner pocket he drew out q
| bulky notebook and. recrossing the
room, laid 1t open on the table. 1t was
a correct, even minute, record Of ev
cry action that had been accomplished
| in Chilcote's name. Il don't thinl
! you'll find any loose ends" he said a:
he turned back the pages. II had yot
and your position In my mind al
! through" He paused and glanced VI
| from the book. You have a position
! that absolutely insists upon attention.
he added in different voice.
At the new tone thilcote looked VI
as we'll NO moral lectures" he said
with nervous laugh. Il was anxious
10 know IL you had pulled it off anc
you have reassured me. That's enough
l was in funk this afternoon to know
how things were going one Of thoS'
sudden, unreasonable funks. But 40"
that | see you'-he cut himself shor
and laughed once more-"now that
see you, I'm hanged if don't want t.
prol0ng your engagement
I.oder glanced at him, then glance,
away. He felt a quick shame at lin
eagerness that rose at the words:
surprised contempt at his own readl
ness to anticipate the mans weakness
Rat almost ms speedily as he had turn
81 away he looked back again.
"Tusll, man. he said, with his oil
intolerant manner. You're dreaming
aauvc had yonr holiday. and school
bSEuD dSdlD. gu UluSl ItultlHDrl wv
ue dining with the CharrngtonS 10
night. Young Charrington' coming o
0ge-quite a big business. Come along
| want my clothes" He laughed and
moving closer to Chilcote. slapped hin
Oh the shoulder.
Chilcote started; then, suddenly be
coming imbued with the others man
ner. he echoed the laugh.
by .Iovc,' he said, you're right
You're quite right A man must kee
his feet in their own groove R0isin
his hand, he began to tumble with hi
tie.
But Loder kept the same position
You'll find the check book in its uSua
drawer" he said. 1--WE made on
entry Of 400, pay for the first weel
The rest can stand over unt.i"- II
paused abruptly.
Chilcote shifted his position. Don
talk about that. II upsetS me to anti'
lpnte. can make out check Il
morrow payable to John Lodor."
mo. That can wait. The name @
Loder is better ont of the book. W
can't be too careful" Lodor spoli
with unusual lmpetuosity. Already
slight, unreasonable Jealousy was 60
; Oring his thoughts. Already he grudge
, the idea of Chilcote with his unstabI
glance and restless fingers opening tn