Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-02-28

| Russian and not Persian troops were
destined to subdue them. but the deep
| ly important consideration that an
armed Russian force had crossed the
| frontier and was encamped within
| twenty miles Of Meshed--Meshed, up
on which covetous Russian eyes have
rested ever since the days of Peter the
| Great.
SO Loders thoughts ran as he read
and reread the news from the varying
political standpoints, and so they con-
| tinued to run when. some hours later,
an urgent telephone message from the
st. Georges Gazette asked him to call
at Lakeleys office.
The message was interesting as well
as Imperative, and he made an instant
response. The thought Of Lakeley's
| keen eyes and shrewd enthusiasms al
ways possessed strong attractions for
his own slower temperament, but even
had this impetus been lacking, the
| knowledge that ut the st. Georges Of
fees, II anywhere. the true feelings Of
the party were invariably voiced would
| have drawn him without hesitation.
1t was scarcely ~ o'clock when he
turned the corner Of the tall building,
but already the keen spirit that Lakeley
everywhere diffused was making itself
felt. Loder smiled to himself as his
eyes fell on the days placards with
their uncompromsing headings and
passed onward from the string Of gay
| ly painted carts drawn up to receive
] nj fi,ct g.; -
the troop of eager nevsboys passing in
and out of the big swing doors with
their piled up bundles Of the early edi-
ton, and with a renewed thrill Of
anticipa lion and energy he passed
through the doorway and ran upstairs
Passing unchallengcd through the long
corridor that led TO Lakclcy's office, he
caught fresh impression Of action
and vitality from the click of the tape
machines in the subeditor's Office, and
u glimpse through the open door of the
subedtors themselves, each occupied
with his particular task; then without
time for further observation he found
himself at Lakeley's door. Without
waiting to knock. as he had felt com
PEELED to do on the one or two previous
occasions that business had brought
him there, he Immediately turned the
| handle and entered the room.
Editors officers differ but little ia
general effect. Lnkeley's surroundings
were rather more elaborate than Is
usual, as became the dignity of the
oldest Tory evening paper. but the at
mosphere was unmistakable. AS Loder
entered he glanced up from the desk
at which he was sitting, but instantly
returned to his task Of looking through
and making a pile of early evening edi.
tons that were spread around him
His coat was off and hung on the chair
behind him. and lie pulled vigorously
on a long cigar
Hello. That's right" he said lacon
ically. Make yourself comfortable
half second. while l skim the st
Stephens"
His salutation pleased Loder. With
a nod of acquiescence he crossed the
office to the brisk fire that burned IN
the CRATE.
For minute or two Lakeley worked
steadily. occasionally breaking the quiet
by an unintellighle remark or vigor
Gus stroke OF his pencil. At last he
dropped the paper with, a gesture OF
satisfaction and leaned back in his
chair.
We'll" he said. what d'you think
of this? How's This for compica-
tion?'
Ioder turned round. 81 think" he
said quietly, that we can't overesti-
mate it,"
Lakeley laughed and took Il long pull
at his cigar. And we mustn't be
afraid to let the Scarborough crowd
know it, eh?' He waved his hand tC
the poster Of the first edition that hung
before his desk
I.oder. following his glance, smiled.
Lakeley laughed again. They nigh
have known it all along If they'd careC
TO deduce," he said. Did they really
believe that Russia was going to 81
calmly looking across the Herr Rue
while the shah played at mobllizing
But what became Of you last night
We had 4 regular prophesyiny Of tn,
whole business at Bramfell's; the grea
Fraide looked in for five minutes.
went on with him to the club after
ward aud was there when the news
came in. Twas great night
Loder's face lighted up. II can imag
inc it." he said, with an unusual toucl
of warmth.
Lakeley watched him intently for ,
moment. Then with a quick actor
he leaned forward and rested his ell
bows on the desk,
ITS going to he something NOR
than imagination for you, Chllcote," h
said impressively. It's going TO b
solid earnest" He spoke rapidly an,
with rather more than his usua
shrewd decisiveness: then he paused t
see the effect of his announcement.
LOder was still studying the tlarin!
poster. At the others words he turn
ed sharply. Something in Lakeley
voice. something in his manner, arrest
ed him. A tinge of color crossed hi
face.
Reality" he said What do yo'
mean"
For further space his companion
watched him, then with a rapid move
ment he tilted back his chair.
"Yes,' he said Yes; old Fraide'
instincts are never far out. He's quit