Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-02-04

mer. would. have hurl you'-
You did hurt me. How can I feel
the same again? 1 never imagined you
thought, was that sort OF a social
mercenary Why, so little did dream
that you looked on our friendship In
that light that l was-on my word OF
honor-I 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"
Mortimer, you must take 1T! You
are fool to think I meant anything
by saying wanted to show my grail
tude. Look here; be decent and fair
with me. | wouldn't offer you an af-
front-would I-even ii were cad?
wouldn't do 1t now just when you're
getting things into shape for me. I'm
not a fool anyway. This Ia In deadly
earnest, 1 tell you, Mortimer, and I'm
getting angry about it. 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. 1t astonished him 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
<kn A~h+ Ia
rich man who could afford to pay for
what was done for him? Why should
he feel ashamed? He had not been
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,
"is all square between US nowW
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 it doesn't In
clude little matters like this-little mis-
understandings like this? I'm the man
to be sensitive, not you. You have
been very good to me. Mortimer.
could almost wish you in position
where the only thing / possess might
square something Of my debt to you"
A few minutes later while he was
filing in the check dusty youth In
riding clothes and spurs came In and
found seat by one Of the windows.
into which he dropped, and then looked !
about him for servant.
"Hello, Fleetwoodv', said Mortimer,
glancing 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 q more formal sa-
Lutte.
"Will you join us?" asked Morti-
mer. taking the check which Plank Of
fered and carelessly pocketing 1t with
out even nod of thanks. "You know
Beverly Plank, of course? What! I
thought everybody knew Beverly
Plank
Mr.. Fleetwood and Mr.. Plank shook
hands and resumed their seats.
Gripping weather." observed Fleet
wood, replacing his hat and rebutton-
ing the glove which he had removed
to shake hands with Plank. Lot Of
Jolly people out this morning. l say,
Mortimer, do you want that roam hunt
er of mine you looked over? ! mean
King Dermid, because Marion Page
| wants him IL you don't. She was out
this morning, and she spoke OF 1t
again."
Mortimer, lifting a replenished glass;
shook his head and drank thirstily I'M
| silence
(To Be Concluded)