Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-10-13

NLWYN BENNETT sat in his own
II study ut home In the big Ben
\ nett house that remained as
4 4 almost the last landmark OF
that solid middle nineteenth century
wealth and fashion which had once
dominated a neighborhood now given
over to Office buildings and apartment
houses.
The hour was late. An hour and
more had passed since the young may
or and his mother had returned from
the administration ball The house
was silent and even the usually busy
streets outside were wrapped In the
hush that never falls until after mid
night and Is dispersed by the gray OF
dawn. Late as It was AlwSn had made
no move to discard his evening clothes
Alone he sat. his head resting between
his crossed arms on the desk before
him.
Motionless, inert. hopeless. he had re
manned there ever since his arriva
from the ball. But If his body was
moveless. his brain was awhirl. Tr!
as he would he could see no light In
the tangle of events into which his
own sense of right had plunged him
He saw the future stretching out be-
fore him dreary and barren as rainy
sea.
Through all Of his months OF battling
he had ever struggled forward through
increasing difficulties toward one bright
goal-Dallas' love. And now that love
was snatched from his grasp. through
no fault OF his own. and bestowed OIL Il
man unworthy to kiss the hem Of her
garment.
At e"th step In the long climb Alwyn
had aslcd himself. would she ap'
provef'' And now through trying to
he worthy that approval he had for
ever lost 1t. for Dallas. he knew, had
not only rejected him and engaged her
self to Gibbs, but had done so with the
belief that Bennett was heartless. un'
scrupulous intriguer, undeserving Of q
good woman's regard.
A rap at the door aroused Bennett
from his bitter thoughts. He lifted his
head wearily and gave word to enter.
A drowsy servant came in with IL card.
He says it's important business, sir
said the footman. "And lie wishes to
see you ut once II possible"
SHOW him up." answered Bennett.
dropping his voice so as not to disturb
his mother who slept on the same
floor. 81 will see him here"
A minute later Horrigan's bulky form
blocked the threshold.
Queer time OF night for Il CALL" he
observed casually. as he entered unin.
vited, closed the door behind him and
took a. chair. "but my business
wouldn't wait"
"Then state 1t as briefly as you can. >
directed Bennett, making no move to
rise or welcome his unbidden guest
ut Is very late, and am tired"
'I've come to see you about our Bor-
ough bill"
$50 supposed"
You won't call off your fight against
us?"
THAT question is hardly worth an
swering No."
II thought not. Well, Mr.. Alwyn
Bennett. I've got you! I've got you!
Do you understand meT"
Perfectly. Is that all?"
"No. It ain't all," mimicked the boss.
"And I'm In earnest I've got you
where want you."
THAT doesn't interest me. II you've
nothing else to say
But have" chuckled Horrigan.
"When II came to showdown be-
tween us two put stan Of men to
looking up your record"
"You found nothing you could use.
Is that
"No; 1t isn't even the beginning.
Then I remembered about your "a
thsr."
about my father?"
It grated on Bennett that his dead
] fathers honored name should be EDO.