Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1908-04-15


you have been so too. II wish there
was something. some way toto
ITO whatT' asked Mortimer so blunt.
ly that Plank flushed up and STAN
mered:
ITO be-to do a-to show my graft
tude."
"How? You're scarcely I'm position
to do anything for u.s." said Mortimer.
brutally staring him out OF counte-
nance.
II know It," said Plank. the painful
flush deepening.
Mortimer, fussing and growing over
his cigar, was nevertheless stealthily
intent on the game which had so long
absorbed him. His wits, clogged, dull
ed by excuses, were now aroused TO a
sort OF gross activity through the men
ace of necessity At last Plank had
given him an opening. He recognized
his chance.
"There's one thing" he said deliber-
ately, that won't stand for, and
that's any vulgar misconception on
your part OF my friendship for you.
Do you follow me?'
81 don't misunderstood It," protested
Plank, angry and astonished. ~
DON'T
"As though" continued Mortimer
menacingly, IL were one OF those
needy social tipsters, one OF those shah
by, pandering touts who
"For heavens sake, Mortimer, don't
talk like that! ] had no Intention
"-one OF those contemplate. para
site leeches," persisted Mortimer, get
ting redder and hoarser, "who live on
men like you. Confound you, Plank,
what the devil do you mean by it?'
Mortimer. are you crazy to talk TO
me like thatT"
mo, I'm not, but you must be! I've
a mind to drop the whole cursed bust
nessl I've every inclination to drop it,!
II you haven't horse sense enough-if
you haven't innate delicacy sufficient
to keep you from making such a
break
"I didn't. 1t wasn't a break, Morti
mer | wouldn't have hurt you
"You did hurt mel How can | feel
thought | was that sort OF a social
mercenary. Why. so little did dream
that you looked on our friendship in
that light that | was-on my word Of
honor was just now on the point of
asking you for $1,000 or $4,000 to carry
me to the months end and square my
bridge balance"
n a
are a fool 10 think ! meant anything
by saying | wanted to show my graft
tude Look here; be decent and fair
with me- | wouldn't offer you an af-
front-would I-even If were cad?
| wouldn't do II now just when you're
getting things into shape for me. I'm
not fool anyway This is In deadly
earnest. tell you, Mortimer, and I'm
getting angry about II. You've got to
show your confidence in me. You've
got to take what you want from me as
you would from any friend"
There was a pause. A curious and
unaccustomed sensation had silenced
Mortimer. something almost akin TO
shame. II astonished him a little. He
did not quite understand why in the
very moment of success over this
stolid shrewd young man and his
thrifty Dutch instincts he should feel
uncomfortable. Were not his services
worth something? Had he not earned
at least the right TO borrow from this
rich man who could afford TO pay for
what was done for himi Why should
l.. u -. a
treacherous; he really liked the fellow.
why shouldn't he take his money?
"See here. old man." said Plank ex-
tending huge highly colored hand,
lis all square between us nowT'
II think So" muttered Mortimer.
But Plank would not relinquish his
hand.
Then tell me how to draw that
check Great heaven, Mortimer what
is friendship. anyhow. If II doesn't In
clude little matters like this-little mis-
understandings like thisf I'm the man
to be sensitive. not you. You have
been very good to me. Mortimer
could almost wish You In a position
where the only thing possess might
square something of my debt 10 you"
few minutes later while he was
filling ia the check a dusty youth in
riding clothes and spurs came in ard
found seat by one Of the windows
into which he dropped. and then looked
about him for a servant
"Hello. Fleetwood said Mortimer
CHANGING over his shoulder TO see
whose spurs were ringing on the pol-
ished floor
Fleetwood saluted amiably with his
riding crop, including Plank. whom
he did not know, in a more formal sa-
lutte
"Will sou join usf" asked MORT
mer, taking the check which Plank OF.
fered and carelessly pocketing Il with.
out oven nod Of thanks. you know
Beverly Plank. OF course? What, j
thought everybody knew Beverly
Plank
Mr. Fleetwood and Mr. Plank shool
hands and resumed their seats
Ripping weather." observed Fleet
wood. replacing his hat aud rebuttou.
ing the glove which he had removed
TO shake hands with Plank. Lot Ok
jolly people ont this morning ! say.
Mortimer. DO you want that roam hunt-
er of mine YOU looked ovcry / moan
King Dermid. because Marion Page
wants him II you don't She was out
this morning and she spoke of it
again"
Mortimer. lifting a rcDlcnishod glass