The Washington times., 1909-03-19
CHAPTER XXI.
WHARTON ON THE RACK.
= KIN aFFert of Nelson's words


wharton was startling. he
changed In an instant from an
insolent man, sure OF his ground,
10 a shrinking fellow who suddenly
seemed to have lost his' backbone lie
half leaned over a chair and held to IL
tightly with both hands.
His face became even whittier than 1t
had been when the captain had IN
formed him that he must either press
the charge against Nelson or go TO jail
himself. His small blue eyes almost APP
peared TO close.
He had evidently been taken COM
pletely by surprise, and the manner IN
which he received Nelson's query gave
the Gibson man all he wished to learn
In proof of the facts he had at his COM
mand.
He stood watching Wharton intently.
Not once did he remove his penetrating
SAGE Not an expression, not move
Inent on the part of the other escaped
him.
He folded his arms, and assuming
position of command, asked again
What about the other woman?
Wharton gave him a look in which
were mingled fear and hatred. Had he
possessed the physical and moral cour-
age he would have attempted to Kill
the man who was so ruthlessly examin-
ing him
But since he was a weakling in
both respects he could only sink help
Iessly into the chair.
It would not have required a very
keen observer TO select from the two
men the man who had right on his
side. For If ever guilt was portray
ed in persons face 1t was written
1t was several seconds before he
could speak. When the words did
come they were spoken in a weak,
trembling voice.
~What-what do you mean% he
asked. as he turned his eyes away
from Nelson's searching glance.
"You know what 1 mean, respond
ed Nelson IN a tone OF complete dis
gust
mo, Ifdont. I swear 1 don't" re-
piled Wharton, shrinking still fur
Their back in his chair.
"You might as well own up" went
on Nelson. 81 know everything"
'There is nothing to know" pro
tested Wharton. still In faint voice.
He was trying 20 gain time. The
shock had taken him completely of
his guard
SELF" continued Nelson. with such
a noble little woman for your wife,
tool How could you do itY'
II don't know what you are driving
at" persisted Wharton. Tegaining a
little of his insolence.
''Oh, yes. you do"
--See here Nelson. you can't throw
any such bluff at me. You have an
tdea that there is some other woman,
and"
do you intend TO deny it?' struck in
Nelson, IN cold, cutting tones.
sIeny itr' repeated Wharton, who
thought he now saw a ray Of hope
''why shouldn't I? There is no other
woman. and there never has been any
other. This is all a threat 10 make
more trouble for me. I see your little
game, but It won't work, I tell you. #
won't work You have played your
cards wrong for once"
mot at ALL" retorted Nelson, never
for an instant losing his left-control. 81
know what 1 am talking about. I dom
make statements without sometime
with which TO back them up
What makes you think there is an
other woman" inquired Wharton, a.
calmly as he could.
ST thought so in the first place, be
cause of the way YOU treated your wife
You see, I know a little sometime
about men and their ways, and when :
man acts ard speaks as you do to
woman who comes near being as mucl
like an angel as women ever are OF
this earth, then 1 always believe h
Is saving his good manners for some
body else
Indeed" sneered Wharton. "Ho,
MOT by a good deal. I am Just be
ginning. That was only a little sid
remark. i wondered at the way yo
acted toward your wife that night 70
came home with the money. but IN
complete explanation didn't dawn upo
me until the next day
"Oh," exclaimed Wharton. and no,
did you come 10 wake Up TO my treacf
cry. If 1 may ask"
he spoke in light, bantering fash
ion.
Nelson answered him in all seriou,
ness.
Il am glad you are capable Of cal
ing your actions by the only wore
which can justly describe them. 'Treacl
cry is the proper term"
Wharton looked at him as II he coul
throttle him with great enjoyment.
u WIS quite Dy accident that 20
were discovered" continued Nelson
his cool, provoking tones. IF il hadn
been for that ride IN the park, perhaj
! might never have known"
You mean the little jaunt you toe
with my wife" remarked Wharton in
sneering voice.
call it that il you like. Yes. II
little Jaunt with your wife opened n
eyes completely to you and your met
DDS"
What's that got to do with me-
sayagely inquired Wharton.
"A great deal. If we hadn't tzke