Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-11-28

cd him in behalf OF his unprotected ex-
plosive, chaosite.
Lying back there in his desk chair
one evening. Selwyn suddenly remem-
bered that Gerald had come in. They
had scarcely seen one another since
that UNHAPPY meeting in the Stuyve-
SAINT club, and now, remembering what
he had written to Eileen, he emerged
with start from his contented dream
ing, sobered by the prospect of seeking
Gerald
For a moment or two he hesitated,
but he had said in his letter that he
was going to do it, and now he rose,
looked around for his pipe, found it,
filed and lighted it and, throwing on
his dressing gown, went out into the
corridor, tying the tasseled cords
around his waist as he walked.
His first knock remaining unanswer.
ed, he knocked more sharply. Then he
heard from within the mufIled creak
of bed. heavy steps across the floor
The door opened with jerk. Gerald
stood there, eyes swollen, hair in dis
order and collar crushed and the white
evening tie unknotted and dangling
over his soiled short front.
Hello" said Selwyn simply. MAY
1 come in?"
The boy passed his hand acros:
his eyes as. though confused by the
light Then he turned and walked
back toward the bed. still rubbing hi:
eyes. and sat down on the edge.
Selwyn closed the door and seated
himself, apparently not noticing Ger
AIDS DISAGREEMENT.
Thought I'd drop in for a good nigh
pipe" he said quietly. by the way
Gerald. I'm going down to Silversid,
next week. Nina has asked Boots too
| Couldn't you fix 1t to come along witt
ls?"
81 don't know" said the boy In
| low voice. I'D like to-"
Good business! That will be fine
What you and need is a good stii
| tramp across the moors or a gallop
you like. It's great for mental col
| webs, and my brain is disgracefuil
unswept. By the way, somebody sal
l lASil y ou u yOlAItt lilC oloN Una SiuD.
| Yes" said the boy listlessly.
"Well, you'll get some lively trou
| fishing there now. It's only thirt
miles from Silverside, you know. 70
can run over in the motor very easily
| Gerald nodded, sitting silent, h
handsome head supported in bot
hands, his eyes ON the floor.
That something was very wron
with him appeared plainly enough, bl
Selwyn. touched to the heart and mi
erably apprehensive, dared not que
ton him Unasked.
4 And so they sat there for awhil
Selwyn making what conversation |
could, and at length Gerald turned an
dragged himself across the bed. dro
ping his head back on the disordere
pillows.
Go on" he said; "I'm listening"
So Selwyn continued his pleasan
inconsequentiaI observations, and &c
aid lay with closed eyes quite motto
less until, watching him, Selwyn sa
his hand was trembling where it Il
clinched beside him. And present
the boy turned his face to the wall.
Toward midnight Selwyn rose quie
ly. removed his unlighted pipe fro
between his teeth, knocked the ash
from it and pocketed it. Then
walked to the bed and seated himse
On the edge.
whats the trouble, old MANI"
asked cOOlly
There was no answer. He placed b
} hand over Gerald's. The boys han
! lay inert. then quivered and closed ,
Selwyns convulsively.
That's right" said the elder ma
that's what I'm here for-to stand
when you hoist signals. Go on"
The boy shook his head and buri
j. | it deeper In the pillow.
bad as that?" commented Sew,
quietly. well, what of it? Pm stan
i / ing by, 1 tell you. That's right
e Gerald broke down, his body quiveril
! under the spasm of soundless grief
' that's the safety valve working. Go
: business. Take your time"
1t took long time, and Selwyn S
silent and motionless, his whole al
numb from its position and Gerald
:. crushing grasp. And at last. seeing th
$ was the moment to speak, he said:
"Now let's fix up this matter, Gera
O Come onw
: Good heavens! H-how can it
n f-fixed?'
fnl1