Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-25
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR AUGUST IS. 1907

been no vehicle there to meet him The absence OF
a carriage cast a melancholy over Beakbane'S
rival. Happily he had not brought his fur coat
Mr.. Crampron not at home sir. said the
butler, opening the doors to Beakbane's question.
And he uttered the word sir somewhat reluc-
family. Beakbanes appearance, without furs,
being impressive.
., II know that" Beakbane replied pompously;.
to show to Mr. Champions study. |
await Mr., Crampiron and have writing to do"
And he settled himself in the shabby incon-
Venent business room of Crampiron, he opened
little bag which he had brought drew forth some
papers, and began to write.
In a little less than hour a loud ticking alarm
clock struck six with an unpleasant voice Five min
afterward Abraham Crampiron, followed by
the butler stepped into the room. Beakbane
nervously looked up He would have much pre-
Just to nod Carelessly to Crampiron Crampiron
nodded careessly to him. But. as the Regalia
with Maurice Courlander, he could not refrain
from rising. Something within him stronger than
himself compelled him to rise, and to greet Cramp-
iron with elaborate respectfulness.
Dinner at seven for tTo ta snapped ddaampron
fool! he said to Beakbane What is the matter
with you,'
Nothing sir said Beakbane meekly Il got
your telegram. So you We been to Berlin"
Crampron removed his coat. dropping it a
chair. and sat down opposite to Beakbane. putting.
The day was hot. Look here" he said grmlv.
" Have you a murderer before: If you
cant get accustomed to being with me, | sha'n't
have much use for you If you can't convince your
human being, you had better shunt
Oh. of course. sir" Beakbane began entirely
nonplussed and furious in his heart that he
plussed.
Murder is a mistake Crampron continued
never meant to murder; but that's excuse-for
sheer clumsness. | never meant to tell you; but
that excuse-for doing silly thing under the
influence OF temporary excitement. However,
needn't discuss my errors of discretion when m in
temper. All beg is that you will not make eyes
at me as if | a freak Murder has been done
Good Nobody is any the At least one
person is little the better. SO try not to be
mental fool. You have made out those lists"
Beakbane passed some papers across the desk,
and Crampiron looked at them carefully
You do this sort of thing pretty Well said
Yes sir. | think do" Beakbane paused and
then spashed suddenly into a subject which had a
profound interest for him. Il suppose am now to
consider myself in your employ, SIR
Well" said Crampiron, either you in mine,
or I'm in yours. Which do you think it is?
Certainly sir. It's all over the city that 1 have
transferred my, services to you. There is ire
Is there indeed: And am considered devilish
lucky fellow"
Il merely referred to the matter in passing, as-er-
terms have not been arranged between US.
I'll give you a thousand a year.
But Mr. Courlander gave me two thousand"
Yes | know. You have often told me. But
then, you see, Courlander is dead. III give you a
thousand. l don't honestly think you worth
more Some sorts of scoundrel are worth several
thousands year; but you don't happen to be one
of those sorts Of course you'll have opportunities
of making a bit the crooked, and have doubt
you will avail yourself of them.
Slade Beakbane lost in the of Cramp-
iron character. He did not know whch way to turn.
Il was really expecting even more than two thou
sand, sir" he ventured; and the enterprise of that
statement needed some courage on his part
Why: CramPlron blandly querled
We'll, sir"
'Listen" said Crampiron, with swift trans
tID1 tH1l, Ef- r1,l.