Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-15

- Loter was seated at his desk.
His head was bent and his hand
moved carefully as he traced line after
line of meaningless words OH sheet
of foolscap Having covered the page
with writing, he rose, moved to the
center table and compared his task
with an open letter that lay there. The
comparison seemed TO please him. He
Strengthened his shoulders and threw
back his head in ain attitude of critical
satisfaction. So absorbed was he that
when step sounded on the stairs out
side he did not notice it, and only
raised his head when the door was
thrown open unceremoniously. Even
then his interest was momentary.
'Hello.' he said. his eyes returning
to their scrutiny of his task.
Chilcote shut the door and came has
tily across the room. He looked ill and
harassed. AS he reached Loder he put
cut his hand nervously and touched his
arm.
Loder looked up. What is it?" he
asked. "Aly new developments"
Chilcote tried to smile. Eyes," he
said huskiIy. Its come"
Loder freed his arm. what? The
end of the, world?"
NO Tie end of me-" The words
came jerkiiy, the strain that had en-
forced them showing in every syllable.
Still Loder was uncomprehending
He could not or would not understand.
Again Chilcote caught and jerked at
his sleeve. Don't you see? Can't you
see?"
NO"
Chilcote dropped the sleeve and pass
ed his handkerchief across his fore
head Its come" he repeated. Don't
you understand? l want you" He
drew awsy. then stepped back again
anxiously. Il know I'm taking you I'M
awares." he said. But it's not my
fault On my soul, it's not! The thing
seems to spring at me and grip me-
He stopped. sinking weakly into a
chair.
For a moment Loder stood erect and
immoyable. Then. almost with reluc-
lance. his glance turned to the figure
beside him.
you want me to take your place to-
night. without preparation His Voice
was distinct and firm, but it was free
from Contempt.
Yes: YES. i do Chilcote spoke with
out lookin. up.
THAT you may spend the night in
morphia-this and other nights!"
Chilcote lifted flushed, unsettled
face. "'l-ou have no right to preach.
You accepted the bargain
Loder raised his head quickly. II
never he began. Then both his face
and voice altered. "You are quite
right" lie said coldly. You won't have
to complain again
Chilcote stirred uncomfortably. My
dear clap he said, Il meant no OF.
tense. It's merely
.sYour nerves. l know. But come to
business. What am I to do?"
Chilcate rose excitedly. Eyes, bust
ness. Let's come to business. It's
rough on you, taking you short like
this. hut you have an erratic person
to deal with. I've had horrible day
horrible day. His face had paled
again, and in the green lamplight it
possessed grayish hue. Involuntari-
ly Loder turned away.
ChilcDte watched him as he passed
to the desk and began mechanically
sorting papers. "A horrible day. he
repeated. 80 bad that l, daren't face
the night. You have read De Quin.
cey?' lie asked, with q sudden change
of tone.
'tYes''
..Then read him again and you'll un
derstand I have all the horrors with
out any art have no ladies of sor-
row. but l have worse monsters than
his CROCODILE He laughed unpleas-
antly.
Loder turned. why. in the devils
name he began: then again he halt
ed. Something in Chilcote's drawn.
excited face checked him. The strange
sense of predestination that we some
times see in the eyes Of another struck
cold upon him, chilling his last at
temp. at remonstrance. what do you
want me to doy' he substituted in an
ordinary voice.
The words steadied Chllcote. He
laughed a little. The laugh was still
shak,;, but it was pitched in lower
key.
u-you're quite right to pull me
up. We have no time to waste. 1t
must he ] O'clock" He pulled out his
watch, then walked to the window and
stood looking down into the shadowy
court. How quiet you are here" he
said. Then abruptly new thought
struck him, and he wheeled back into
the room "Loder," he said quickly
'Loder, l have an idea! While you
are me, why shouldn't be you? Why
shouldn't be John Loder instead Of
the vagrant we contemplated? 1t COW
ers everything; it explains everything
It's magnificent! I'm amazed we new
er thought Of it before"
Loder was still beside the desk. II
thought Of it," he said without look
ing back.
And didn't suggest itT'
NO"
"Why?"
Lodg said nothing, and the other
colored
u It takes days to make