Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1909-02-04

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 O'Clock. and the night
was damp with the first breath Of
spring. There was 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. IL
his minds eye he could see Graydon
there with the others listening to the
story as 1t 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 Cables
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 be
could see the break in the sea wall
where Cable and his wife had met. and
he could not help wishing that broom
had not pulled her from the water.
Then he fcand himself wondering II
they had ted Jane the story of her
origin. The hope that she was still I'M
| deceived tasted through him; 1t would
give him cnance for sweet revenge.
He confessed to himself that he was
reckless. The transactions Of the past
few days ha5 left him at the edge OF
the abyss. BE recognized his peril.
but could not see beyond his own Inn
pulses.
81 believe III 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 gloveless
hands were wet and cold from the
mist. AS he stopped at the foot of
the stone steps a 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 one.
81 think it is"
The other bounded up the steps and
| hal nj
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 Gable 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! l want
my sony' 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 fill a whole
paper. | am James Bansemer. Where
is Gable? Your to the servant
"Shr 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 man just as
Cable himself started down the stair
way.
"Cable, where Is my sonT 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
gfared down at him In amazement.
Before he could pull himself together
sufficiently to reply Graydon Bansemer
hurried past him and started in alarm
at the unexpected figure below.
whats the matter, dadT' he cried.
What has happened"
@Ah! You think something could
have happened, Ell? You shan't be
taken in by them. Come down here,
| boy!
gather. are you crazyw gasped
Graydon. rushing down the stairs.
sect him away from here. Graydon.
for Gods sake" exclaimed Cable.
Take him away Hes your father.
but II he stays In this house a minute
longer TIL kill himv'
The man from the Newspaper was
shrewd enough to withdraw into q less
| exposed spot He saw q great beat
In prospect
Graydon stopped as r slammed By Q
blow. Bobby Rigby came running b
the head OF the seairs. followed by
Jane and another young woman. James
Bansemer could not have been expect
ed to know It, but Rieby and Miss
Clegg had come 10 tell these friends
that they were to be married In Dscem-
ber
"Kiii me, chr Not IL you can't d q
better job than you did the other night
Here. you reporter. ask Mr.. Gable to
explain the mystery of that affair on
the lake front. Oh, know all about
III You've started in to ruin me. but
I'll be In on It myself. Well have .
general cleaning up"
| Father! What are you talking