Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-13

CHAPTER XX1.-Continued.
Mr.. Dix was in. He was just finishing
breakfast and would come to the tele-
phone. Sypher waited, with his ear to
the receiver.
rs that you, Septimus? It's Glenn Sy-
pher speaking. I want you to come to
Moorgate street at once. It's q matter
Of immediate urgency. Get into a hanson
and tell the man to drive like the devil.
Thanks
He resumed his position and sat mo-
tionless until. about half an hour later.
Septimus. very much scared, was shown
into the room.
II felt sure you We're in. I felt sure YOU
would come. There's a destiny about all
this business and seem to have a peep
into it. 1 am going to make myself the
damnedest fool Of all created beings-the
very damnedest."
septimus murmured that he was sorry
to hear 1t.
Il hoped you might be glad" said sy.
pher.
ut depends upon the kind of fool you re
going to make OF yourself" cried Septi-
mus, a ray Of wonderful lucidity flashing
across his mind. There's a couplet OF
Tennyson's-I don't read poetry, you
KNOW he broke of apologetically. ''ex-
cept a little Persian. I'm a hard, scien-
tific person. all machinery. Ny father
If he caught me with one-oh. yes!-
Tennyson. 1t goes: They called me in
the public squares. The fool that wears a
crown Of thorns.' That's the best kind
Of a fool to be-" He suddenly looked
round. Dear me; I've left my umbrella
in the cab. That's the worst kind Of a
fool to be-
He smiled wanly. dropped his bowler
hat on the floor and eventually sat down.
II want to tell you something" said Sy-
pher; standing on the heartnrug with his
hands on his hips. 1--WE just had an
offer from the Jebusa Jones Company"
Septimus listened intentiy while he told
the story, wondering greatly why he, OF
all unbusinesslike. impractical people-in
spite of his friendship with Sypher-
it. II he had suspected that in reality
he was playing the part Of an animated
conscience. he would have shriveled up
through fright and confusion.
Said Sypher: "If I accept this offer l
shall have a fair income for the rest OF
my days. 1 can go where like and do
what l like. Not a soul can call my COM
mercial honesty In question. No business
man, in his senses. would refuse 1t. IL l
decline, I start the world again with
empty pockets. What shall I do? Tell
me-"
'I:' said Septimus. with his usual ges-
ture Of diftidence. I'm suci, silly ass
in such things"
Never mind said sypher. I'm do
just what you would do
Septimus reflected and said, hesitat-
fngly:
Il think should do what Fora would
like. She doesn't mind empty pockets"
Sypher dashed his hand across his FORE
head and broke into a loud cry.
Il knew you would say that! brought
you here to say it! Thank God! 1 love
her, Septinus. I love her with eve. y
nber in me. If 1 had sold my name to
these people l should have sold my
honor. 1 should have sold my birthrig It
looked her in the face again. Whether
she will marry me or not has nothing to
do with 1t. 1t would have had nothing
to do with it In your case. You would
have been the best kind OF fool and so
shall l."
He swung about the room greatly ex-
cited, his ebullient nature finding In words
relief from past tension. He laughed
aloud, proclaimed his love for 70. a, shook
his somewhat bewildered friend by the
hand and informed him that he, Septi-
mus. alone Of mortals, was responsible
for the great decision. And while Septi-
mus wonders ed what the deuce he meant,
he rang the bell and summoned Shuttle
worth.
The dismal manager entered the room.
On seeing Sypher's CHEEKY face his own
frightened.
I've thought the matter over, Shuttle
WORTH
And you've decided"
ITO refuse the offer. absolutely
The manager gasped. But, Mr.. Sy-
pher. have you reflected
MY good Shuttleworth." said Sypher,
in all the years we've worked together
have you ever known me to say I've
made up my mind when 1 haven't?''
Shuttleworth marched out OF the room
and banged the door. and went forth to
Sypher He had always been half crazy
now he had gone stick, stark. start g,
raving, biting mad. And those to whom
he told the tale agreed with him.
But Sypher laughed his great laugh.
Poor Shuttieworth. He has worked
hard to bring of this deal. I'm sorry
for him. But one can't serve God ana
Septimue rose and took his hat 81
think it awfully wonderful OF YOU" he
said. II really do. I should like to talk
to you about it-but must go and see
Emmy. She came last night"
Sypher inquired politely after her health,
also that of her baby.
He's taking such a deuce Of time to
grow up" said Septimus. Otherwise he s
we'll. He's got tooth. I've been won
dering why no dentist has ever invented
q set OF false teeth for babies"
Then your turn would come" laughed
them a cast-iron inside"
Before Septimus went Sypher thrust a
umbrella into his hands
Its pouring with rain, and youth wade
about and get wet through l make a
rule never to lend umbrellas. SO I give
you this from a grateful heart. God