The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1907-07-03

tN't uitl AuN az nt Whit ht'is ttfi
furtively acfoss the desk he wondered
how he could use her-how instead Of
being his enemy he could make her his
friend II he did not, she would go
away and write more such books, and
literature of this kind might become a
real peril TO his interests. Money could
do anything II could secure the serv-
ices of this woman and prevent her do
Ing further mischief But how could
he employ her? Suddenly an lnsplra-
ton came TO him. For some years he
had been collecting material for his
tory Of the Empire Trading company.
She could write It. II would practical
ly he his own biography. Would she
undertake il?
Embarrassed by the long silence.
Shirley finally broke in by saying:
but you didn't ask me to call mere
ly to find out what | thought Of my
own work"
NO" replied Ryder slowly. Il want
you to do some work for me-"
He opened a drawer at the lefthand
side Of his desk and took out several
sheets Of foolscap and number of let
ters. Shirleys heart beat faster ms
she caught sight of the letters. Were
her fathers among them? She
wondered what kind OF work John
Burkett Ryder had for her to do and
If she would do It whatever it was
Some literary work probably. compil-
Ing or something Of that kind. If II
was well paid, why should she not
accept? There would be nothing hu-
initiating In It; II would not tie her
hands in any way. She was a profes-
sional writer in the market 20 be en-
ployed by whoever could pay the price.
Besides, such work might give her bet
ter opportunities to secure the letters
Of which she was I'm search. Gathers
ing I'm one pile all the papers he had
removed from the drawer Mr. Ryder
said
II want you to put my biography to-
gether from this material. But first"
he added, tnking up "The American
Octopus" 81 want to know where you
got the details Of this mans life
"Oh. for the most part imagination,
newspapers. magazines" replied Shir-
ley carelessly "You know the Amer
ican millionaire is very overworked
topic Just now-and naturally I've
read
"Yes. | understand" he said "but
refer to what you haven't read what
you couldn't have read. For example.
here" lie turned to page marked
in the book aud read aloud; "As an evi-
dence Of his petty vanity. when
youth he had beautiful indian girl
tattooed Just above the forearm" ny
der leaned eagerly forward as he asked
her searehingly. Now who told you
that I had my arm tattooed when
was a boyY
"Have youp laughed Shirley nerv-
ously. "What curious coincidencew
LET me read you another coincl-
dence." said Ryder meaningly He
turned to another part of the book and
read, "the same eternal long black
cigar always between his lips"
General Grant smoked too" inter-
rupted Shirley. "Al men who think
deeply along material lines seem to
smoke"
"well, wen let that 90. But how
about thisT He turned back a few
pages and read: "John Broderlck had
loved when a young man a girl who
separated them" He stopped and
stared at Shirley a moment. and then
he said: Il loved a girl when | was
a lad and she came from Vermont, and
circumstances separated us. That isn't
coincidence, for presently you make
John Broderick marry young woman
who had money. ! married a girl with
money"
Lots of men marry for money" re-
marked Shirley.
IL said with money. not for money"
retorted Ryder. Then, turning TO the
book, he said: "Now, this is what
can't understand for no one could
have told you this but I myself Lis.
ten" He read aloud; "'Wlth all his
physical bravery and personal courage,
John Broderick was intensely afraid
OF death. 1t was on his mind con
stantly.' Who told you that?" he
demanded somewhat roughly. II swear
I've never mentioned It 10 d living
soul"
"Most men who amass money are
afraid Of DEATH" replied Shirley with
outward composure. for death is
about the only thing that can separate
them from their money"
Ryder laughed. but it was hollow.
mocklng laugh. neither sincere nor
hearty 1t was laugh such as the
devil may have given when driven out
of heaven.
"You're quite character" He
laughed again, and Shirley, catching
the infection, laughed too.
ITS me and it isn't me-" went on
Ryder. hourlshing the book "This
fellow BrodericS Is all right; he's sue
cessful and he's great, but don't like
his finish"
"Its logical" ventured shirley.
Its cruel" insisted Ryder.
$50 Is the man who reyerses the d.
vine law aud hates his nelgbbor In
stead OF loving him. retorted Shirley.
She spoke more boldly. beginning 20
feel more sure OF her ground. and Il
ofnucn1 Itar 70 fanno Ga ftia ,..o.- .,-fff,