The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1908-12-12
xxx.

- "a hAAAA-
ment A dozen men in
the office greeted Graydon with a
warmth that had an uplifting effect.
He went away with a heart lighter
than be had once imagined it could ever
be again. In two weeks he was to be
in absolute control of the New York
branch. He assured the firm that his
physical condition was such that he
could go TO work at once If necessary.
AS he fastened to the Annex mis-
givings again entered into his soul
The newspapers had heralded his re-
turn and had limited broadly at 70.
mantle developments In connection
with Miss Gable, who is at the Annex
with Mr.. and Mrs. Cable" There
were brief references to the causes
which sent both of them to the Philip
pines. and that was all.
Without hesitation he came to the
point by asking if she knew what had
befallen his father. Jane had heard
the news the night before. He there
upon put the whole situation before
her just as it had been suggested IN
Droom's ironical remark. 1t was not
until after the question had been pass
ed upon by Mr.. and Mrs. Cable that
she reluctantly consented to visit Gray.
don's father solely for the purpose of
cleaning what information she could
regarding her parentage.
They left the next day with Elias
broom, depressed, nervous. dreading
the hour ahead of them. Neither was
In the mood to respond to the eager,
excited remarks of the old clerk. The
short railroad trip was one never to
be forgotten; impressions were left in
their lives that could not be effaced.
James Bansemer. shorn ard striped.
was o expecting visitors. He was
surprised and angry when he was told
that visitors were waiting to see him.
For four weeks he had labored clumsi-
ly and sourly in the shoe factory of the
great prison, a hanler and carrier. His
tall figure was bent with unusual toll.
his hands we're sore aud his heart was
full Of the canker Of rebellion. Al
ready in that short time his face had
taken on the look of the convict All
the v~iciousness in his nature had gone
to his face and settled there. He had
the sullen, logged, patient look of the
mar who has a number, but no name.
The once %dignifed, aggressive walk
had degenerated into a SLOUGH. He
shuffied as he came to the bars where
be was to meet his first visitors. He
was not pleased. but he was curious.
Down in his heart he found a hope
that his attorney had come with good
news. 1t was not until he was almost
face to face with his son that he real
lied who 1t was, not until then that
ne felt the full force of shame, ig-
nominy, loathing for himself.
He started back with an involuntary
oath and would have skunk away had
not Graydon called out to him-called
out In a voice full Of pain and misery.
The eonvict's face was ashen and his
jaw hung loose with the paralysis Of
dismay. His heart dropped like a chunk
OF Ice: his feet were as leaden weights.
A look Of utter despair came into his
hard eyes as he slowly advanced to the
bars.
MY God. Graydon, why did you
come? Why did you come here" he
muttered. Then he caught sight Of
Jane and Elias broom. His eyes drop
ped, and his fingers twitched. To ave
his life he could not have kept his low
er lip from trembling nor the burning
tears from his eyes. His humiliation
was complete.
A m~alevolent grin was On Droom's
face, His staring blue eyes looked with
a great Joy upon the shamed, beaten
man in the stripes. The one thing that
he had longed for and cherished had
come to pass. He had lived to see
James Bansemer utterly destroyed
even in his own eyes.
Father. | can't believe it. l can't tell
you how 1t hurts me. l would willingly
take your place if it were possible.
Forgive me for deserving you" Gray
don was saying incoherently when his
father lifted his face suddenly, a fierce,
Mortified look Of understanding in the
eyes that flashed upon Elias broom.
Even as he clasped his sons hand In
the bitterness of small joy his lips
curled into a snarl Of fury. Droom's
eyes shifted instantly, his uneasy gaze
directing Itself, as usual. above the
head Of its ytetim.
you did this, curse your came from
the ~conyict's livid lips. "And this girl
TOO! Good God, you knew | would
rather have died than to meet Graydon
as l am now. You knew it, and you
brought him here. / hope you will rot
for this, Elias broom. She comes here,
too, to gloat, to rejoice, to see how l
look before my son in prison sbipes!'
He went on violently for a long stretch,
ending with a sob Of rage. Il suppose
you are satisfied" he said hoarsely to
broom.
Graydon and Jane looked on In sur
Prise and distress. Droom's gaze did