The Washington herald., 1908-03-19
CHAPTER xxII-Continued.

OF II. That's all over the noo Let the
past take care of itser. We've got the
present to face"
I have never ceased rejecting upon the
past" Sam declared in a rather low and
husky voice. "I never dreamed that the
man Macgregor. in the employ of the
CLYDE and Motherwen Works. was the
same man to whom I am indebted for my
life"
.'Ah. mans a problem that puzzles the
devil hisseF." laughed Maegregor. I'D
nae ha kenned ye were the Statham
knew out there in the old days till saw
the picture OF ye in the Glasgie News
one NIGHT when l bought it at the corner
Of Polmadie street on my way hame. An
there was biography Of ye-which didn't
mention very much. But it was the real
Sam Statham-and Sam Statham was
my friend OF long ago."
Most extraordinary" remarked Levi,
who had been smoking quietly and listen
ing to the conversation. II had no idea
of all this
There are many incidents In my career,
Levi. of which you are unaware re-
marked his master dryly
IN a tone quite as dry as that of his
masters. This was Duncan Macgregor's
first visit TO Park lane. and Levi did not
approve OF him. He always looked ask
ance at any friend Of Mr.. Samuel's of the
old days. Everybody who had ever known
him in the unknown and struggling period
now claimed his acquaintance as his init
mate friend. and various and varied were
the ruses adopted in order TO endeavor
10 obtain an interview.
He suspected this hairy Scot-whose
bravery in his youth had saved Sans
life-of working for mis- own ends
This is a strange story of yours. Dun
can remarked the millionaire a few
moments later. his eyes fixed upon the
seated man-"sO strange that l should
not believe il but for one thing"
An what's that?''
''Other information in my possession
goes 10 prove that your surInise is actu-
ally correct, and that your apprehension
has foundation. I know that Adam is in
London. I've seen him..
An he's seen you-eh?" cried Macgre-
gor, starting up In alarm.
Yes. he's seen me-
Did he speak to ye?'
NO. He watched me through the win
dow from yonder pavement outside"
A silence fell in that warm room where
the blinds were still down to exclude
the sun, a silence unbroken save by the
buzzing Of the flies and the low, solemn
ticking of the clock.
AT last the Scot spoke
He means mischief. Depend on it."
Il quite believe he does, Statham ad-
mitted.
That is why we should act at once. %
Levi chimed in.
Lxr
spoil the whole of our chance Of victoryw
remarked the millionaire. very thought
fully
Remember that Adam holds very strong
cards in the game" the butler urged,
knocking the ash slowly from his cigar
Surely It was a queer, unusual scene, this
conference of three
Il have suspected something for some
time past, Levi" was his masters re-
sponse- And ! took steps to combat my
enemies; but unfortunately. 1 was not
sufficiently wary. and I failed
What, mont" gasped the man from
Glasgow; ''ye don't say ye'er al the
mercy of those devils?''
Il tell you. Macgregor. that my position
is more insecure than even you believe Il
to be-" was the response. in low voice.
almost Of despair.
Levi and Duncan EXCHANGED glances.
The millionaires words were somewhat
enigmatical. but the truth was apparent
Samuel Statham was in fear Of some rev.
elation which could be made by that
shabby stranger whom he had seen
idling at the Park railings.
Tell me. AIacgregor. Does Adam know
your
No"
You've seen him. and you know him?''
Perfectly weel- l kept ma eye on him
when he didn't dream that anybody was
nigh him"
And what you told me in the city you
are prepared to stand by?"
The Scot put out his big hands. saying:
Mr.. Statham, what I've told We I stick
TO-"
Duncan" said the great man. claspins
the hand offered him. You were my
friend once-my best friend-and you Will
be so again"
IF yen let me be-" answered the other.
warmly. Statham could read a mans
innermost character at a glance. He was
seldom, If ever, mistaken. He looked into
Macgregor's eyes, and saw truth and
friendship there
AS Levi watched the two men his lip
curied slightly. He was a cynic, and did
not approve Of this outburst of senti-
mentality on the part OF his master
Samuel Statham, the man Of millions
and the controller OF colossal interests.
should, he declared within himself, be
above such an exhibition Of his own
heart.
rs 1t not strange" remarked Statham.
as though speaking to himself, that you
should actually have been engaged in my
works, without knowing that il was the
head of the firm who was indebted TO
for him life?"
Gay, the worlds only a sma' space,
after ALL" Duncan replied. "I was ap-
prenticed to the firm, but soon got sick
OF a humdrum life SO I went out TO
South America to try my fortune, an
we met. After the war 1 went to Caracas
and then back TO Glasgie to the old firm.
where I've been ever since. 1 thought
that when the new company took the
place over I'd be discharged as too old.
Indeed, more than once Mr.. Rolfe has
hinted at it,
Il don't think you'd need fear that.
Duncan. Both you and I recollect scenes
set in strong OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES that
are never 10 return. 1 had no idea II was
you to whom the creditable work turned
out at Glasgow was due until Rolfe told
me all about you" and, as he uttered
those words, a twinge of conscience shot
through his mind as he recollected how
he had ordered the man 20 be summarily
discharged for daring TO seek an inter
view. And then how when he had en-
tered his presence. he had handed him
something that was far better destroyed
They had Indeed destroyed It together.
He saw that Macgregor had no great
love for Rolfe. but put II down TO the
fact that his secretary. being practically
in charge OF the Works, had become out
or favor with the men over the question
Of labor. The Scot had said nothing