Evening star., 1909-06-07

slightly puffed under-lip and a double
set of discolored knuckles were his only
mementos of the attack upon Blacarda.
In honor of his victories, the Fighter
had allowed himself an extra half hour S
sleep and steak for breakfast 1t was
~ o'clock SO he pushed back his chair
from the deal table that had held his
morning meal. He lighted heavy cigar,
rose, stretched himself in the lazy luxury
of perfect strength. and prepared to go
to the days work. Conover, in the early
years, when he was fighting tooth and
nail to lift the moribund c. G. & 4. rail-
road to a paying basis. had had room
directly to the rear of his private ONCE
in the station Here he had lived, his
entire life centering about his toll.
Here he still dwelt. now that success
was his. The man whose wealth had
already passed the million mark and was
rocketing toward far higher figures was
simpler in his personal tastes and sur
roundings than was the poorest brake
man on his road. An iron cot bed. a
painted pine bureau with f1awed mirror.
an air-tight stove. a shelf with four
teen books. the deal table and two chairs
formed the sum of his living room furni-
ture. One of the station scrubwomen
kept the place In order. The few per-
sonal guests he had were received in the
private Office outside.
One such visitor. Conover had been in
formed ten minutes earlier, was even
now awaiting him there. At least Caleb.
reading the card. Mr.. John Hawarden.
jr," judged the caller TO have come on a
personal matter of some sort rather than
on railroad business.
With mild curiosity AS to what could
have brought the son of Desirees chap
eron to see him, Conover lounged in
leisurely fashion to the office.
On his appearance tall. clean-cut
nervous
cordality.
sit down. grunted Conover. scowling
under the vigorous grip of the lads hand.
What can I do for you?"
The caller twisted his neck somewhat
uheasii in its amazing height Of collar.
fought back a gulp and fell to drawing
his tan gloves through his fingers. Ca
leb noted that the hands were slender.
the fingers long and tapering. He also
noted that the boy, despite his almost
ture, was square of jaw and steady OF
eye The Fighter was. from these signs
of the Brotherhood of Strength. amused
rather than irritated at the others S
nervousness. He even felt vague desire
to set Hawarden at his ease.
First time you an me have come TO-
gether. amt it?" he asked. less gruffiy.
Yes, sir answered Hawarden pleas
antly. Il know you by sight-and of
course reputation-but it's hardly likely
had the pleasure of meeting you"
Pleasure. hey?" queried Caleb. That's
what they called it,
Hawarden flushed painfully, as at some
not wholly glad memory.
Never mind thinking up a comeback. =
grinned Caleb. IT'S two don't speak quite
the same language. My mistake. Now.
dropping into the Office manner habitual
to him. What do you want? I take il
you're not maxim a round Of social calls
aI, fva hfr TDr ,A E~rN st> >v.-
place What can ! do for you. Come to
the point quick. please. I'm lible to be
pretty busy today"
ing fashion that held no hint Of fear.
For this Caleb again felt somewhat
drawn to him.
I'm on a horribly cheeky errand.' be-
gan the youth, '.and, to tell you the
truth. I'm scared stiff. l came to speak
to you on a rather delicate subject
II never saw the delicate subject that
wasn't the better for being dragged out
into the fresh air. Get to the point. son.
I'm busy
Il am here. SIR" said the boy. with a
labored formality that spoke Of much re-
stree Shevin. You are her guardian. l
understand
Caieb's glare OF utter and displeased
astonishment checked the speaker for the
briefest instant. But, swallowing hur-
riedly, he continued his set speech:
Il have the honor-the undeserved hon.
or, sir-to request your leave to ask Miss
Sheylin to be my wife
II was out! Hawarden eaxed the