Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-11-05

the man wrestled with his agony and
conquered 1t to some outward seeming.
When the cab stopped outside big
building he was steady on his feet
when he alighted, and he managed to
summon a CHASTITY smile to his aid as
he said to John:
"I am sorry to set you bad exam
pie, but that is nothing new, is It? l
must have some spirit, strong spirit, or
can't keep up"
Certainly, father. Why not? 1t is
all right as medicine. Willie, you go
and get some brandy while / take IA
ther upstairs"
Their fat was on the second floor.
1t was neatly furnished, fitted with
electric light and contained five rooms.
John talked freely, explaining house
keeping arrangements, the puzzle as
to their fathers size, for the first bed
they bought was short one; their
hours Of work, the variety Of their
supplementary and every cheering
topic, indeed, until Willie came with
bottle.
Both of them glanced askance at the
quantity Mason consumed, but they
passed no comment. He tried to
smoke and sat so that the light should
not fall OH his face And then he said
to them:
"Tell me all you know about Philip
Anson. 1t interests me-"
Snap! The hard composition Of his
pipe was broken in two.
what a pity"' cried Willie. Shall
run and buy you new one"
"NO, my boy, 10. can manage.
Don't mind me. can't talk, but will
listen. May the Lord have mercy on
me, will listen"
He suffered that night as few men
have suffered Many murderer has
had to endure the tOrments Of haunt
ed conscience, but few can have been
narrowed by hearing their own sons
lauding to the sky the victims bene-
factions to themselves and to their
dead mother.
He was master Of his emotions suffi-
Siently to control his voice. He pune
tuated their recital by occasional COM
ments that showed he appreciated ev-
cry point He examined with interest
specimens of their work, for they un
derstood both the stitching and the
stamping OF leather. and once he found
himself duly speculating as to what
career he would have carved out for
himself were he given In boyhood the
opportunities they rejoiced in.
But throughout there was In his sur
charged brain current Of cunning
purpose. First. there was Greiner.
away in the north. robbing dead man
and plotting desolation to some girl.
He must be dealt with.
Then lie, the slayer, must he slain
and by his own hand. He would spare
his sons as much pain as might De
within his power.
He would not merely disappear, leav-
ing them dubious and distressed. No.
They must know he was dead, not by
suicide. but by accident. They woul
mourn his wretched memory. Better
that than live with the abiding grief
Of the knowledge that he was Philip
Ansons murderer.
He was quite sure now that the dead
would arise and call for vengeance II
he dared 10 continue to exist. ies,
that was it-a life for a life-a prayer
that his deeds might not bear fruit In
his childrrn-and then death, speedy,
certain death.
Some reference to the future made
by Willie, the younger, who favored
Ills mother E'ore than the outspoken
John, gave Mason an opportunity to
pave the way for the coming separa.
ton.
II don't want you two lads to make
any great changes on my account" he
said slowly. 1T is far from my in
tention TO settle down here and let
all your friends become aware that
you are supporting n ticket Of leave
father. Yes, | know. You are good
boys, and 1t won't be any more pleas
ant for me toto live away from you
than it would be for you--under-other
conditons-tO be separated from me.
Butt am In earnest in this matter
will stop here tonight just to feel
that | am under the same roof rs you.
1t Is your roof, not mine. Long ago
lao. ...xlt 30. 10
shelter. Tomorrow go away. have
some work 10 do-a lot Of work. 1t
must be attended to at once. or
course you will see me often. We can
but live herewith you'll can't