The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-01-01
JANET lRRATIvE CoNTIN.
" UED.
CHAPTER XIV.
SIR GIDEON'S BARGAIN.

"Mr. Roger" the old man turned
to me with q sauve courtesy that
somehow struck the first real note
of failure in the task 1 had under
taken. II he had thrown something
at me, or abused me. for bringing
an accusation of murder against
his son, should have felt more
comfortable than under his polite:
do, pray, sit down. You must
be fatigued after the experience
you have gone through"
There was no satire or incredul.
ity in his tone now, but there was
an underlined something in it that
frightened me into obeying his be-
hest. l was not, however, so fright
ened that l was unable to perceive
the very careful preparations he
was making to receive "Mr. Roger"
He rearranged a reading lamp on
his table, SO that the light was
shaded from his own hawk like
face, but fell full on the door, and
he slightly wheeled his chair in the
same direction.
1t was not long before a quick
step sounded outside, and my fear
of the old man was momentarily
effaced by an all consuming curl
osity as to how the young one
would behave in such trying cir
cumstances.
The door opened, and surely
enough 1t was Roger Marske who
entered. How are you, sir?" he
began, without seeing me. 81 have
been in London all day on business,
SO thought l would run down and
sleep here. Great God in heaven!
Who is that?"
The exclamation followed swift
on his sudden recognition of me,
and the wild words. emphasized by
his backing toward the door were
tantamount to confession--to a
confirmation of what / had been
impressing on Sir Gideon. How
would Sir Gideon take it?
Just for a moment he bowed his
head and held his thin hand before
his eyes, as though overcome by
emotion; then, with quick gesture
Of self mastery he pointed sternly
to the door.
go into the dining ROOM shall
follow you directly" he said, add
ing, as Roger turned to go. stop"
My wretched prosecutor halted
and faced his father. do not at
tempt to leave the house." the lat
ter snarled. IF you do l shall turn
the men out to scour the country
side within 5" ye minutes"
The younl fwArske shot furi-
GUS glance YShe elder, who re-
turned it WIN d stony stare. as it
seemed to me. But Roger must
have read something in his fathers
countenance to expedite his depart
ure. and also to inspire calmer
mood. For, as he swung round on
his heel to the door. thought that
l detected the CLEAN of another ex-
preston in his cruel eyes. What 1t
was l could not exactly define, but
1t seemed to me that fierceness had
been replaced by a blend of cum
ming and curiosity.
AS soon as the door had closed
on him, Sir Gideon rose from his
chair and approached me. all the
fire and vehemence gone from his
demeanor.
II need hardly say what a blow
this is to me, Miss Chilmark." he
faltered in a broken voice. 81 fill
a high station in the service of the
state; my ambition for my son was
boundless. Your news tonight has
shattered all that, and much more
besides. / shall never hold up my
head again. For my sons behavior
on entering the room leaves me no
option but to accept unreservedly
your account of his treatment of
you today-whatever may be his
guilt In that other affair.""
II am sorry for you," was all the
answer I could muster.
THAT is kind, and-er--encour
aging, because we are entirely in
your hands. and I have favor to
ask should wish to hear my sons
version from his own lips. alone
and uninterrupted. Have I your per-
mission to join him for that pur-
pose? l will give you my word of
honor that he shall not leave the
house.
The pathos Of the request. made
to helpless girl by a great states
man amid the splendor of his own
mansion, was not to be denied l
bowed a silent assent.
II thank you, and will not keep
you waiting long," said Sir Gideon,
and he quilted the room.
A footman soon entered bearing
q tray on which were wine, biscuits
and fruit.
with Sir Gideon's compliments,
miss" said he, placing tho much
needed refreshments to my hand.
My hunger overcame the natural
repugnance felt at accepting the
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