Gilpin observer., 1910-08-18

But in reality what he regarded as
happiness was only dreamy sort of
nepenthe-he guessed he had done
the right thing-the thing that was
expected of him by Clara and all her
friends. The rest didn't matter. In
fact. he told himself. nothing mat
tered very much now. that Eunice had
taken herself out of his career.
The penitential season was more
than half over and there lacked but
two short weeks of the wedding day,
when Roger Hews fired his mine.
Patient as ferret, he bided his time:
he had scored one failure; in this Sec
ond attempt to use his power there
must be no mishap or miscarriage.
According to custom, he waited upon
Stennis Immediately after breakfast
to open the mail and receive his in
structions for the day.
The usual routine was gone through,
and Wilfrid was about to start for his
morning gallop with his fiancee in the
park when the secretary spoke:
Can you give me your attention for
a few minutes. Mr.. Stennis?"
frid. Cant you let it lie over?
have an appointment at IL"
1T is most important, and 1t can't
lie overt" said Hews truculently.
Stennis eyed the man curiously: the
tone verging upon the insolent. his
first thought was that the immaculate
Roger had been imbibing too freely
But second glance showed that he
was apparently perfectly sober.
We'll, well. man. get at 1t them
am in hurry!" exclaimed Wilfrid
testify.
Better sit down." said Hews with
easy familiarity. with your permis-
sion I'll order the horse back to the
stable; don't think you'll want to
ride to-day"
So saying. he stepped to the phone
and coolly gave the necessary in
structions, Stennis, with one glove
on. stood. riding-whip in hand. in
dumb amazement at the consummate
impudence of the man. 1t was a
novel and not very agreeable expert
ence. Hews, in return. scrutinized
his employer with provokingly cool
stare. an unpleasant leer on his thin
lips.
Your manners are confoundedly
unpleasant this morning, Mr.. Hews,
said Wilfrid. lingering the stock of his
whip nervously. There was something
covertly venomous in the attitude as
sumed by his secretary which made
him itch to lay the heavy lash about
his shoulders, as one would chastise
an unruly dog.
ID yer think so?" said the other, in
the most offensive tone he could mus
ter. 81 guess you'll find what I've got
to say still less to y'r liking"
That's impossible to decide as long
as you sit there gibbering!" retorted
Wilfrid. who was fast losing patience.
Hews snorted.
You've had a pretty good time
these three years past. haven't you?"
he queried
Stennis made no reply.
Yes, you've had things altogether
y'r own way. spending money right
and left and livin' on the fat of the
land"
Still no answer.
And now y're going to get spliced.
and live in fine house. after jilting
the poor girl y once promised to
marry!"
That's an Internal lie. whoever told
you SOL" Wilfrid whipped out. stung
at last into angry speech.
"Is it? Well. this what I'm going to
tell y is no lie-y' hear me? Y've
got no more right to Andrew Meleen's
millions than have!"
Stennis started as though he had
been bitten in the heel by an adder.
but he controlled his voice admirably.
"Oblige me by saying that over
again." he answered quietly.
II tell yer that we been spending
money that doesn't belong to yer
not single, solitary red cent of it.
Y're no more the rightful heir of Andy
Meleen than l am! Is that plain
enough?"
Wilfrid stepped to the door. locked
it. and put the key in his pocket.
IF you are sane and sober, you'll
understand that you cannot leave this
room until you have proved every
word-or taken the consequences
Stennis. shaking the heavy riding.
quirt suggestively.
"Oh. know what I'm talking
about" rejoined Hews airily; my facts
are all o. X"
Let me have the facts then-not
mere windy assertions" retorted the
other. 81 am not to be frightened or
blackmailed. Mr.. Hews."
(TO BE CONrINUEDD