The Red Cloud chief., 1907-03-01

response. The thought or LakcleyS
keen eyes and sllrewd entllusiasms 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. If 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 Iakeley
everywhere diffused was making itself
felt. Loder smiled to himself as his
eyes fell on the days placards with
their uncompromising headings and
passed onward from the string of gay
ly painted carts drawn up to receive
their first consignment of the paper to
the troop of eager newsboys passing in
and out of the big swing doors with
their piled up bundles of the early edi-
ton. and with Il renewed thrill Of
anticipation and energy he passed
through the doorway and ran upstairs.
Passing unchallenged through the long
corridor that led to Lakcley's Office. he
caught a fresh impression of action
and vitality from the click of the tape
machines i'm the subeditor's Office, and
n glimpse through the open door of the
subeditors themselves. each occupied
with his particular task; then without
time for further observation he found
himself at Lakeley's door. Without
waiting to knock. rs he had felt COM
PEELED to do on the m or two previous
occasions that business had brought
him there. he Immediately turned the
handle and entered the room.
Editors officers differ but little in
general effect. Lakeley's surroundings
were rather more elaborate than Is
usual, as became the dignity Of the
oldest Tory evening paper, but the at
mosphere was u~nmistakable. AS Loder
entered he glanced up from the desk
ut which he was sitting. but instantly
returned to his task of looking through
and making Il pile Of early evening edi-
tons that were spread around him.
His coat was off and hung on the chair
behind him. and he pulled vigorously
on n long cigar.
Hello. That's right" lie said lacon-
ically. Make yourself comfortable
half a second, while l skim the st.
Stephens"
His snlutation pleased Loder. With
II nod of acquiescence he crossed the
office to the brisk fire that burned in
the CRATE.
For Il minute or two Lakeley worked
steadily, occasionally breaking the quiet
by an unintelligible remark or a vigor-
Gus stroke OF his pencil. At last he
dropped the paper with Il gesture OF
satisfaction and leaned back in his
chair.
Well he said. "what d'you think
of this? How's THIS for a compiled
tion?"
LOder turned round. Il think" be
said quietly, that we can't overesti-
mate IT,"
Lake!ey laughed and took a long pull
at his cigar. "And we mustn't be
afraid to let the Scarborough crow
know il. elf' He waved his hand to
fhe poster of the first edition that hung
before his desk.
Loder. following his glance. smiled.
IaSeley laughed again. "Thcy nigh,
have known 1t all along If they'd cared
TO deduce," lie said. did they really
believe that Russia was going 20 sil
calmly looking across the Heri-ltud
while the shah played at mobillzingi
But what became Of you last night
We had n regular prophesylng of the
whole business at Bramfelrs; the great
Fraide looked IN for five minutes.
-. -, .,.4h hsn, 30 tIn .I,I. nftnp
ward and was there when the news
came in. Twas q great night!'
Loder's face lighted up. Il can mag
inc it," he said, with an unusual toucl
of warmth.
Lakeley watched him i~ntently for 1
moment. Then with u quick action
he leaned forward and rested his ell
bows on the desk.
Its going to be something more
than imagination for you, Chllcote," IN
said impressively. ITS going to b.
solid ~earnest!' lie 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 farm!
poster. At the others words he turn
ed sharply. Something in Lakeley'I
voice, something in his manner, arrest
cd him. A tinge of color crossed hi
face.
Reality" he said. what DO 20,
neanY"
For a further space his companion
watched him, then with a rapid move
ment he tilted back his chair.
YES" he said. Eyes; old Fraide'
instincts are never far out. He's quit
luht you'ra tho manlH