Middletown transcript., 1910-04-30
BY ROLAND ASHFORD PHILLIPS

t$OAASAASSA SSNSSNs-
final answer? Absolutely final /?
The little, luxuriously furnish
ed Office was dim in the half twi-
light. The sounds from the
street, ten floors below, scarce
reached the ears of the two occu-
pants. From the top Of the desk
the whirling fan purred away the
silence. Reeves, his face gray,
his hands outstretched Imply
before him on the table, nodded
sharply.
It is final, be said. You can
do as you please about the dis
closure. The matter rests en-
tirely with you. ! have not half
the sum you wish to force from
me. The proofs you hold are
beyond denial.
But you are aware OF the con-
sequences. Mr.. Palmer raised
his heavy-lidded eyes.
I have considered everything.
Reeves voice was far from nor
NAL I can only throw myself
upon your mercy-if such a thing
exists.
Fiftythousand dollars is a small
sum for these proofs.
The air from the fan was CRATE
full to Reeves hot face. You are
cowardly in bringing up this
matter. They were true at the
time-ten years ago; but since
then I have squared myself.
No doubt. lean even believe
you returned, indirectly, every
cent Of the money. But the fact
still remains that you did take it,
and if it comes to light at the
present time, when you expect
to be reelected, the outcome
can easily be guessed.
But l have proved to the peo-
pie that I can be trusted. It is
no affair of theirs what my past
has been.
Certainly not! And Palmer
smiled. The fifty thousand dol
lars is all that stands between
their learning Of it.
/ tell you, Palmer, I haven t
that amount to my name.
Raise it
But how? Reeves sank back
in his chair. How? Good God,
man, I'm willing to do anything
It's the crisis of my life-my
career
But think what it will mean to
you-to your friends!
Ihave thought-every moment
for these three days. I'm all but
insane. I've hated myself for
mixing in the deal, and I've tried
to live it down. Last election I
voted against the Electric steal.
in spite of all the pressure
brought to bear on me. l have
repeatedly told you how matters
stand, and if you are cowardly
enough to take this advantage
against me-ruin every prospect
that stands before met b e n
1 am powerless to preventit.
You are placing me in q very
bad light, Palmer protested, after
q moments hesitation. Most any
man inyour circumstances would
consider fifty Thousand dollars a
mere bagatelle in comparison
with ones's whole future, especi-
ally where it is as bright as
yours, Reeves.
I wish you would leave the Of
fee, Palmer |! Reeves's demand
came tensely. I have given my
final, decisive answer.
Palmer came erect to his feet,
his eyes betrsying surprise.
Reeves had turned his back and
was gazing dumbly out through
the opened window. With a
shrug Of his shoulders Palmer
went out, closing the door softly
behind him. AS it closed, Reeves
went to his desk and wrote stead.
lily for five minutes. AfterWard
he leaned back in the chair and
read it slowly, deliberately. It
was addressed to his wife.
Dear Molly:
am leaving tonight for the Vest
where, it does not matter, for, after the
week is passed you will understand. l
cannot ask for your forgiveness, as You
have always upheld o mans honor as his
greatest virtue. l will not try to deny
my guilt in the charges that will be
brought t< 70 bhsssE hesssE ssssisssst ne Rnf | have
che satisfaction Of knowing that have re-
turned alIIthe money gained by it, and
for the past ten years have never interest.
ed myselfin single act that would ehame
me. I am leaving everything TO you,
Molly; and az for myself, / will 20 away
and start in anew, as l did before, at the
bottom.
Sincerely your husband,
Sidney Reeves.
He placed the letter in aninside
pocket. He took down the desk
telephone and asked Central for
anumber.
- :, -