The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1910-06-25
THE I.ABC)I WORLD,

umes. 5.!s
You have supefb collection Of
books" he observed, with. q sudden
quick look at his host: zs
Eyes. rather pride myself on my,
library" said Sir Charles complacent-
"; lost 4 good many Of the choicest,
though" he went on IN regretful
tones, some years ago as I was r.
turning to Australia. Il rare lot 81
law, books, a library, IN themselves, as
well as a large collection OF the elias
sizes, the worlds poets and historians,
went down with the III fated Lord
Nelson" -.i "a. .% @"-H
':Ahs" John Steele looked away: "A
great mart, London, for fine editions -
he said absently after pause. -
1T is. But here are those I. spoke
Of" And Sir Charles indicated num-
Der Of volumes OH a large center table.
John Steele handled them thoughtful
", aud for some time his host ran on
about them. A choice copy Of one Of
the: Elizabethan poets, intruding itself
In that august company, then attracted
Steele's attention He picked it up.
weighed and caressed it with gentle
fingers. r. ,. z =; = : &. -,
'sWho shall measure the influence of
"a little parcel like this? he said at
length lightly. - -. -.
True" Sir Charles eye caught the
title. "As Portia says. 1T blesseth
him that gives and him that takes
Excellent bit of binding too. But"
with new zest, take any: interest in
rare books Of the ring, full. of eight
eenth century colored prints, and so
on?"
II can't say at present that the do
ings Of the ring or the history Of pugil-
lists attract me" .'
THAT'S because you've never seen an
honest, hard fought battle perhaps?'
"A flattering designation, l should
say, Of the spectacle Of two brutes dis
figuring their already repulsive Wis
agesv' !: -. -,
1.-TWO brutes - disfguring?" the
drawing voice Of Lord Ronsdale, who
had at that moment stepped IN, in
quired. MAY ask what the-talk is
about?" 800.
Sir Charles turned. "steele was DIFF.
fering from me about good, old hon
est English sport-the ring, it's tradi-
tions, its chronicles ~.
"Ah" The speaker looked at John
Steele. The latter was nonchalantly
regarding the pages OF q book he yet
held. /,
"For my part" went on Sir Charles
in a somewhat disappointed tone, II
am one who views with regret the
decadence Of great national pas
time" 800
"Well, it's overv''' the light tones Of
Jocelyn Wray interrupted. The girl
stood on the threshold, glancing -gayly
from one to the other. did you tell
my uncle, Mr.. Steele; what you
thought Of his purchase? I see, while
on his favorite subject, he has forgot
ten to offer you cigar" ....
Sir Charles FASTENED to: repair his
remissness. ,>%t = =
.::"But how, she went on. did it 60
the program, I mean? Have you for
given me yet for asking you to come,
Mr.. Steele?" =.
"Forgiven?' he repeated: Lord
Ronsdale's eyes narrowed on them.
Confess" she continued, sinking to
the arm of great chair, you had
your misgivings." H.. -
He regarded the supple, slender fig
ure so airily poised. As she bent for
ward he noticed in her hair several
flowers shaped like primroses, but light
crimson in hue. What :misgivings
was it possible to have?" he replied.
"Oh," she replied, ;"the usual mas
culine ones-misgivinks; for example,
about stepping out Of the !: routine,
routine that makes slaves OF men,
with an accent slightly hooking.
"And stepping into what? Society
the bugbear of 80 many men! Poor
society! What filings It has to en-
dure! By the way, did your convict
get off?' 80, =.
"Get of? What 49,.
1.-THE one you represented-is that
the word ?-when we were in court
eyes. He was acquitted" -
II am glad. Somehow you made me
feel he was innocent. '~>. -. u:
II believed in him. said John Steele.
"And yet the evidence was very
strong against him. II some one else
had appeared for him Do you think
many innocent people have /: BEEN
hanged or sent out Of the country, Mr..
steele?" Her eyes looked brighter, her
| face more earnest now. .>%: !.
Evidence can play odd caprices:"
"still, your average English jury
man is to. be depended on put In
Lord Ronsdale quickly. !. II. t. n
do you think sof'- An: instant
steele's eyes rested on the speaker.
mo doubt you are right A sardonic
flash seemed to play on the .nobleman.
AT all events you voice the accepted
belief" s.5@. ~
'rm glad you defend, don't prose