Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1908-12-31


considerate And yet underneath his
faultless exterior Mrs. Gable felt that
she could recognize the deadly poise
of other intentions. She lived in fear
that they would spring upon her as II
from the dark and that she would be
powerless to combat them. Something
stronger than words or even intuition
told her that James Bansemer was not
to be turned aside by sentiment
Driven at last to the point where she
felt that she must know his intentions,
she boldly ventured into his coDsulta-
ton room, trembling but determined
creature whose flesh Quivered with
chill despite the furs that foiled the
wintry winds. Elias broom passed her
ON into the private room, with polite
grin that set her teeth on edge.
She left the building fifteen minutes
later, nursing wild but forlorn hope
that James Bansemer meant no evil
after ALL Without hesitation she told
him plainly that she came to learn the
precise nature of his attitude toward
herself and the girl. Bansemer's re-
sentiment appeared too real to have
been simulated. He was almost harsh
in his response to the inference. In the
end, however, he was little less than
tender in his efforts to convince her
that she had cruelty misjudged him.
She went away with chill in her
heart dislodged, but not dissolved.
When he asked il she and Mr.. Gable
would be at home that night for a
game of cards she felt obliged to urge
him to come. 1t was not until she was
in the carriage below that she remem-
bered that David Cable was to attend a
big banquet at the Auditorium that
night and that Jane would be at the
theater with friends.
Bansemer smiled serenely as he es-
corted her to the door. 1--WE will not
permit anything to happen which might
bring misery to the two beings SO dear
to u.s." he assured her at parting.
Shortly after 8 he entered the Cable
home. He had gone to Chicago avenue
beforehand to send telegram east
From the corner of Clark street he
walked across town toward the lake,
facing the bitter gale with poor grace.
In Washington place he passed two
men going from their cab into the Un-
ion club. He did not look at him, nor
did he see that they turned and stared
after him as he buffeted his way across
Dearborn avenue. One Of the men was
Bobby Rigby. the other Denis Harbert
of New York.
Its the same Bansemer," said Har-
bert as they entered the club. I'D
know him in million"
At the Cables a servant on opening
the door announced that Mr.. Gable
was not at home.
as Mrs. Cable at homes" asked Mr..
Bansemer, making no effort to find his
cardcase.
"Yes, sir" responded the servant aft
er a moments hesitation. Bansemer
passed through the vestibule.
"Say Mr.. Bansemer, If you please"
He removed his coat and was stand
ing comfortably in front of the blaz-
ing logs in the library when she came
down.
II thought the night was too dread
full for any one to venture out I'M
less she was saying as she gave him
her hand.
"a night indoors and alone is thou
sandfold more dreadful than one out
doors In quest of good company" in
terrupted Bansemer. He drew up
chairs In front of the fireplace and
stood by waiting for her to be seated.
Il had forgotten that Mr.. Cable wa.
to attend banquet at the Auditori
um." she explained nervously, conf
dent, however. that he felt she had MOI
forgotten.
ITO be sure" he said. This is the
night of the banquet l was not in
vited."
II tried to telephone to ask you to
come tomorrow night. The storm has
played havoc with the wires. 1t is
impossible to get connection with any
one" A servant appeared in the door
way.
"You are wanted at the telephone,
Mrs. Cable. Shall l say you will
tomeY'
Flushing to the roots of her hair,
the mistress Of the house excused her
self and left the room. Bansemer
leaned back in his chair and smiled.
She returned a few minutes later with
a fiuttering apology.
what terrible night it must be for
those poor linemen." she said II re-
member what 1t meant to be railroad
lineman In the west years ago. The
billiards. out there are great deal
more severe than those we have here.
Mr.. Bansemer. Just think Of the poor
fellows who are repairing the lines to-
night. Doesn't 1t seem heartlessW
1T does. indeed. And yet l dare say
you've been scolding them bitterly all
evening. One seldom thinks 1t worth
while to be merciful when the tele-
phone refuses to obey. It's only true
phllanthropist who can forgive the tel
ephone. However. am grateful to the
blizzard and happy Fair weather
would have deprived me OF pleasure"
81 am sorry Mr.. Gable IL not at
home" abe said quickly.
81 doubt II shall miss him greatly"
said he. o. Il
HE expects to leave early. He isn't