Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-29
By KATHERINE CECIL tt
copyr,sht. 1908. ~ Harper 4 Brother.
Author Of 1.-THE Circle" Etc

~ pAlQtel carts Drawn up " ISScISe
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 q renewed thrill OF
anticipation and energy he passed
through the doorway and ran upstairs.
Passing unchallenged through the long
corridor that led to Lakeley's Office, he
caught fresh impression Of action
and vitality from the click Of the tape
machines in the subeditor's Office, and
a 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, as he had felt COM
PEELED t., do on the one 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. Els became the dignity Of the
oldest Tory evening paper, but the at
mosphere was unmistakable. AS Loder
entered he glanced up from the desk
at which he was sitting, but instantly
returned to his task Of looking through
and making pile Of early evening edi-
tons that were spread around him.
His coat was of and hung on the chair
behind him, and he pulled vigorously
on long cigar.
"Hello! That's right" he said lacon-
ically. Make yourself comfortable
half second, while skim the st.
Stephens"
His snlutation pleased Loder. With
q nod of acquiescence he crossed the
Office to the brisk FIRE that burned in
the CRATE.
For minute or two Lakeley worked
steadily. occasionally breaking the quiet
by an unintelligible remark or vigor-
GUS stroke Of his pencil. At last he
dropped the paper with gesture Of
satisfaction and leaned back In his
chair.
well" he said, what d'you think
Of this: How's this for compiled
tion?"
Loder turned round. II think" he
said quietly, that we can't overesti-
mate it,
Lakeley laughed and took long pull
at his cigar. and we mustn't be
afraid to let the Scarborough crowd
y.-. a. ~, 49, IN ~x,ovo1 h;c houd "a
the poster of the first edition that hung
before his desk.
! Lodsf, following his glance, smiled.
Lakeley laughed again. "They might
have known 1t all along If they'd cared
to deduce," he said did they really
believe that Russia was going to sit
calmly looking across the Heri-Rud
while the shah played at mobilizing?
But what became Of you last night!
We had regular prophesying of the
whole business at Bramfell's; the great
Fraide looked in for five minutes. l
went on with him to the club after
ward and was there when the news
came in. Twas great night"
Loders face lighted up. II can imag-
Inc It," he said, with an unusual touch
Of warmth.
Lakeley watched him intently for a
moment. Then with quick action
he leaned forward and rested his ell
bows on the desk.
"It's going to be something more
than Imagination for you, Chilcote," he
said impressively. Its going to be
solid earnest! He spoke rapidly and
with rather more than. his usual
shrewd decisiveness; then he paused to
see the effect Of his announcement.
Loder was still studying the faring
poster. At the others words he turn
ed sharply Something in Lakeley's
voice, something In his manner, arrest
ed him. A tinge Of color crossed his
face
"Realityy' he said. what do you
meany'
For a further space his companion
watched him, then with rapid move
ment, he tilted back his chair.
Eyes" he said. Yes; old Fraide's
instincts are never far out. He's quite
right. You're the manw
Still quietly. but with strange I'M
derglow Of excitement, Loder left the
FIRE and, coming forward, took chair
at Lakeley's desk.
"Do you mind telling me what you're
driving at?" he asked in his old, la
comic voice.
Lakeley still scrutinized him with an
air Of brisk satisfaction; then with a
gesture of fnality he tossed his cigar
away.
..My dear chap" he said, there's go
ing to be a breach, somewhere-and
Fraide says you're the man to step in
and I'LL it! You see, five years ago,
when things looked lively on the gulf
and the Bundar Abbas business came
to light, you did some promising work,
and reputation Ike that sticks to q
man even when he turns Stacker! l
won't deny that you've Stacked abomi-
nably," he added as Loder made an I'M
easy movement, 'but stacking has diff