The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1908-10-24

ice, fred his blood.
He went out and bought the evening
papers. The thought came to him that
Graydon had heard the stories and was
deliberately staying away from him.
Perhaps the Gables had been talking to
him.
"By heaven" he grated as he paused
in front of his home. 'if she's turned
him against me I'll turn this city into
anything but a paradise for her. What
a fool I've been to wait so longl I've
given her the chance to tell her side of
the case first. She's made the first i'm
preston. What could l have been
thinking Of? broom was right. l
should have demanded less of her. A
man is never too old to be a fool about
women. Oh. if she's turned that boy
against me Tll"-
He did not finish the threat, but
started off swiftly through the night
toward the Cable home. He had no
especial object in view; it was simply
impossible for him to conquer the i'm
pulse to be near his son. Like a thief
he lurked about the street in the vicin.
ity Of Cables house, standing in the
shadows, crossing and recrossing the
street many times, always watching
the lighted windows with hateful eyes.
1t was after s o'clock, and the night
was damp with the first breath of
spring. There was a slight chill in the
air, but he did not feel it. although he
was without an overcoat.
The lights On the second floor, he
knew, were In Mrs. Cables room. In
his minds eye he could see Graydon
there with the others listening to the
story as it fell from prejudiced, con-
demning lips-the pathetic. persuasive
lips Of a sick woman, He knew the
effect on the %chivalrous nature Of his
son; he could feel the GOODNESS that
took root in his boys heart.
A light mist began to blow in his
face as he paced back and forth along
the short block in which the Gables
lived. He was working his magma
ton up to a state bordering on frenzy.
In his fancy he could hear Graydon
cursing him in the presence of his ac-
cusers. At the end Of the street he
could see the break in the sea wall
where Gable and his wife had met, and
he could not help wishing that broom
had not pulled her from the water.
Then he found himself wondering if
they had told Jane the story of her
origin. The hope that she was still un-
deceived flashed through him; it would
give him a chance for sweet revenge,
He confessed to himself that he was
reckless. The transactions Of the past
few days had left him at the edge Of
the abyss. He recognized his peril,
but could not see beyond his own i'm
pulses.
81 believe I'll do It." he was mutter-
ing to himself as he paused across the
street from their door. "Graydon
ought to hear both sides Of the story"
He crossed the street with hesitating
steps. His thin coat collar was button
ed close about his neck; his g~loveless
hands were wet and cold from the
mist. AS he stopped at the foot Of
the stone steps q man came hurrying
along, glancing at the house numbers
as he approached.
do you know whether this is David
Cables house" he asked.
Bansemer saw that he was a young
man and an eager n
81 think it is"
The other bounded up the steps and
rang the bell. When the servant open.
ed the door Bansemer heard the new
arrival ask for Gable, adding that he
was from one of the newspapers and
that he must see him at once.
Bansemer stood stark and dumb at
the foot Of the steps. The whole situa-
ton had rushed upon him like an ava
lanche. Harbert had filed his charges,
and the hasty visit Of the reporter
proved that David Cable was an in
strument in them. The blood surged
to his head. He staggered under the
shock Of increased rage.
"Graydon is against me! They've
won him over! Open the door! / want
my sonT He shouted the demand in
the face Of the startled servant as he
pushed rudely past him.
"You stay here, young fellow, and
you'll hear a story that will Gil a whole
paper. l am James Bansemer. Where
is Sable? Your to the servant
"shp cried the frightened servant,
recognizing him. Mrs, Gable is rest
ing, sir"
what are you doing here?" Ban
semer demanded Of the reporter, exert
ing all his crafty resourcefulness in
the effort to calm himself.
"Cable has been elected president Of
the began the young mar just as
Gable himself started down the stair
way.
"Cable, where is my sonr demand
ed Bansemer loudly, starting toward
the steps. He had not removed his hat
and was indeed an ominous figure.
Gable clutched the stair rail and
glared down at him in amazement.
Before he could pull himself together
sufficiently to reply Graydon Bansemer