The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-02-16

and pay every last cent, Grafton. II
YOU nt-if you insist on pressing
matters. there's going 10 be & muss,
and you'll c0F4e out at the small end
Of the horni"
WHAT Grafton stared hard, a.
much with Amusement as with anger.
Had his power as leader and manip-
ulator Of men and Affairs departed
altogether that Colson could sit and
talk ia this calm fashion?
My dear fellow. taking you on
faith is all well enough, OF course,
but can't 30 Il in this. Be sane
and reasonable and tell me precisely
what's wrong, anyway. II you want
an extension Of time-a week or even
a month-Tn give It 20 you. You know
that But 70 talk in the mysterious
way that you are talking
ITS the only way 4 which 1 can
talk tonight Grafton. there are more
people involved with me than even
you know about. one or two OF them
can't handle just Is I wish; and on
their account I can't explain why.
But # you'll do as 7 ask and sta
here and
And deliberately absent myself.
without cause or explanation, when
those notes become due! Colson.
you're talking Ike an diotg'
Very likely II sounds so 20 you,
Grafton" The other shrugged his
shoulders. Put that. fatty, Is tx
situation and I can't change it 10 save
my life, It's q long way TO bring you
for an interview that may he so short;
nevertheless, II comes down 10 Just
this-will you co as I ask. or win you
not7"
Grafton literally glared at h'1l
You're either intoxicated " insane,
ColsonI" he rssped. Being neither a
fool nor child nor lunatic myself.
win noti'
You're going back to KsnyonviiIs.
them
At 3 o'clock tomorrow morning.
Colson."
The other sighed and smiled a little.
You'll be sorry when you under
staud, Grafton"
I'm willing to understand here and
now. II you Will let me"
And I'm willing to Let you, bJss-I
cannot There is the whole business
in a nutsheIli'
He dropped knife and fork with a
disguised grunt, and turned toward
the waiter.
II can't eat that stuff" he said,
sourly. However, their bottled goods
are honest, at least Have a bottle of
ale With me, Grafton7 But. OF course,
YOU willard then you can trot along
TO your own destruction. II you IN
sist"
The order was given; the bottles
came; the glasses foamed Up and the
waiter retired once more. The air was
close and hot, the matted stuff cold
and sparkling; both men drank deeply
and with satisfaction. and over his
empty glass Coison smiled at the
sther.
Hang It. Graftonl know just how
absurd It must sound" he said. Il
understand perfectly how you feel,
and 1 was morally certain you would
not agree bIindly; but as things stood.
[ resolved tc make the attempt at
least"
But, my dear man. why don't you
give a reason for It? This is a bust
ness matter Of serious importance
you can't expect me to trust you
blindly with seven million dollars, you
know. Tell me what is up-tell me
who Il involved and what makes such
a request necessary"
And II I do explain" said Colson.
slowly, will you stay then7''
IF you can give valid reason FOR
90 absurd a thing" said Grafton. ''Ill
stay Nth you, yes"
I'm" Colson scowled at the oppo-
site vail. ''It means breaking my
word to other parties"
Use your own Judgment as to
that"
''But-weu, perhaps I will, after
All" The scowl grew more thought.