The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-04-04

and again without breakfast,
Loder covered the distance be-
~ tween Grosvenor square and
Cl1ford's inn. He left Chilcote's house
hastily-with haste that only an ur-
gent motive could have driven him to
adopt. His steps were quick and un-
even as he traversed the Intervening
streets; his shoulders lacked their de-
clslve pose, and his pale face was
marked with shadows beneath the
eyes-shadows that bore witness to the
sleepless night spent in pacing Chill
cote's vast and lonely room. By the
curious effect Of circumstances the
likeness between the two men had
never been more Significantly marked
than on that morning Of April 49,.
when Loder walked along the pave
ments crowded with early workers
and brisk with insistent news vendors
already alive to the value of last
nights political crisis.
The irony of this last element in the
days concerns came to him fully when
one newsboy, more energetic than his
fellows, thrust paper in front of him.
Sensation in the 'ouse, sir!' Speech
by Mr.. Chilcote! Government defeat!"
For moment Loder stopped and his
face Redeemed. The tide of emotions
still ran strong. His hand went in
stinctively to his pocket; then his lips
set He shook his head and walked on.
With the same hard expression about
his mouth, he turned into Clifford's
inn, passed through his own doorway
and mounted the stairs.
This time there was no milk can on
the threshold of his rooms and the door
Yielded to his pressure without the
need of key. With a strange sensa-
ton of reluctance he walked into the
narrow passage and paused, uncertain
which room to enter first. AS he stood
hesitating voice from the sitting
room settled the question.
who's there?" it called irritably.
what do you want?"
Without further ceremony the in
truder pushed the door open and en-
tered the room. AS he did so he drew
quick breath-whether of disappoint-
ment or relief it was impossible to say.
Whether he had hoped for or dreaded
it, Chilcote was conscious
AS Loder entered he was sitting by
the cheerless CRATE, the ashes of yes
terday's fire showing charred and
dreary where the sun touched them.
His back was to the light, and about
MS shoulders was an old plaid rug.
Behind him on the table stood a CUP,
teapot and the can Of milk; farther
off kettle was set to boil upon a
tiny spirit stove.
In all strong situations we are more
or less commonplace. Loder's first re-
mark as he glanced round the disor-
dered room seemed strangely inef-
| ficient.
| where's Robinsy' he asked in a
brusque voice. His mind teemed with
Dig considerations, yet this was his
first Involuntary question.
Chilcote had started at the entrance
of his visitor; now he sat staring at
him, his hands holding the arms of his
chair.
where's Robinsy' Loder asked
again.
II don't know. She l. We did
not hit it off. She's gone-went yes
terday.' He shivered and drew the
rug about him.
"Chilcote"- Loder began sternly.
Then he paused. There was something
in the others look and attitude that
arrested him. A change Of expression
passed over his own face. He turned
about, with an abrupt gesture, pulled
off his coat and threw it on chair:
then, crossing deliberately to the fire.