The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1908-02-06

back little and passed his hand across
his forehead.
MY dead wife gave Anna into my
Keeping" he said. Il have neglected
her, but there are limits to this neglect
l am her natural protector, her de,
fender-her avenger, if need be-"
Andrew regarded him steadily.
There can be no disputing this" he
said. but you came here to tell me
something else"
YES" said the older man. "And YET
that's part of it, too" He paused 9
moment. Il find it hard, glib as I am
to explain further. Let me begin by
saying that am the natural enemy
Of every man who absorbs an undue
share Of the wealth of the nation.
look upon a rich man as q dangerous
parasite. l ascribe bad motives tC
him. / give him no credit for charity,
for honesty of purpose, for unselfish
ness. This is part Of my creed. ]
think the worst Of these gilded pests of
society until l know them better-and
then / misdoubt my leniency. You
are prospecting man, Andrew Bar.
TOM"
Yes. l have no cause to complaint
you are building up q great bust
ness?"
1T is increasing rapidly"
You will become rich man:'
IF all goes WELL"
The older man glowered at the
younger.
Twill admit that men speak well Of
you," he said. 'They tell me you were
boy of the streets and the only sup
port of an invalid mother. That's
good. And you have an honost face
That counts for something. But youl
money is against you"
Come, GOMEZ said Andrew. a little
sharply, what is it you really wish tc
say to me? 1 have listened patiently
to your strange remarks. Make your
self clearer and let us get to the
point"
Il WILL" said the older man. He
spoke hurriedly Then he leaned 4
little forward and looked into An.
dew's eyes. what is there" he slow.
ly asked, between you and my Anna? 2
Andrew started and flushed But
the gaze that met the older mans die
not finch.
There is nothing" he said. "Whai
do you mean?"
You have made love to her?'
mo"
you have led her to believe that
you cared for her?'
mo"
"You have let your money blind you
to the fact that those who take theil
wages at your hands have souls and
hearts, and feeling mayhap even more
sensitive than your own:'
THAT is false and idle talk. Why
Go you come here and accuse me OF
these things?"
Your face is an honest one and your
voice has an honest ring. But how
can I believe your
Come, come" cried Andrew" enough
of this. Tell me at once what it is that
prompts you to make these accuse
tions.'
The older man bowed his head.
my poor Anna" he said. "She came
home last night looking sore distressed
What is it, my girl? I asked Sine tolG
me she must quit her place. I asked
why. She said it was distasteful tt
her, but | could see she was holding
something back. Is the master no
kind| l asked. She said he was al
ways kind. And when she said it she
looked so troubled that blurted out Of
a sudden. is it because you love him ?
And with that she gave me a quicl
look from her brown eyes-they are 81
like her dead mother's-and burst int
tears. [ said no more, but kept up {
lot of thinking Then I made up m!
mind to see you and have it out will
you-and I'm here with a mind that's
torn with doubts and a heart that call.
for revenge" His voice had beer
raised a little, but it suddenly dropped
Il was going away" he said, 'acros
to the old country. They have sen
for me- They need me- / wanted Il
see my Anna settled in a good home
the wife of a good man. I'm no com
panion for her. She could not go will
me- I cannot leave her unprotected
But she would have naught to do will
any man might choose for her. AM
now feel her peace of mind is gone
and her happiness is gone" He paused
and his eyes again sought Andrews. Z
'And you blame me-"
81 cannot help but blame you"
''Yet tell you I am innocent"
"Prove it,
''How can II"
''You must"
Andrew looked at the dark face be
fore him and was silent moment
Then he suddenly flushed.
There is way" he said. "Step int
this storeroom here and leave the doc
ajar. 1 want you to hear all that j
said. But, understand, you are not t
interrupt"
The older man looked at him doubt
fu1lv Thnn ho fc1oyvlv ctnprnd RI III