The Washington times., 1911-02-05

the faces of the FIVE; they
looked from the rigid white fig
uTe of Rogers to the calm face
of Mr.. Chambers.
1T isn't so,' declared one trenlu-
lousy.
I'VE will leave the question to Mr..
Rogers" said Mr.. Chambers unexcit-
able voice, and he pivoted in his chair
SO that his steady eyes pointed upon
Rogers. IF Mr.. Rogers is not Red
Thorpe" the one-time notorious safe
blower, with scores of burglaries and
three terms in the penitentiary against
him, let him say So However, before he
denies it. I shall tell him that l have
all the police data necessary for his
Identification. Now, Mr.. Rogers
Their gaze on Rogers face, all waited
for him to speak, OrdOn, astounded,
the five pale with the fear of loss, the
mayor glOwering, David, with a sense
that supreme ruin was crushing upon
them.
At length Rogers lips moved. 1T is
true" he whispered.
What if it is?" roared the mayor at
Nj. Chambers. There's nothin' agin
him now"
I'm making no charges against him,
returned Mr.. ChambeII This is
merely some information 1t seemed his
clients might be interested IN having"
He came slowly to his feet, walked to
Mr.. Chambers desk, leaned his hands
upon il, and directed his large burning
eyes down into Mr.. Chambers face.
"I have done many bad things
yes" he said in a voice, low, flame
hot. "but nothing as bad as you have
lust done You have stolen more
this minute than l have stolen in my
lifetime
He held his eyes, blazing with accu-
S.tE9r rtnou r Cha hers imDeTtG-
bable face for several moments. then
looked about on the five owners.
There was q chance, a bare chance
they might not turn against him.
"Yes, ] am Red Thorpe" he said
in "A vibrant voice that became more
and more appealing with every word.
"I knew it would be found out-Some
day There are some things / always
told myself I'd say to the world when
this day came. But to you L want to
say only this: For ten years I've oeeh
honesty itself. I've been honest with
you-you know it. If you stand by
me, I'll do everything I've promised" "
He stood rigid, awaiting their YER
dict. There was strained silence.
The five looked dazedly at Rogers,
at one another, completely at a loss.
IF the gentlemen desire to intrust
their affairs to a most dangerous
criminal, one who might defraud
them of everything, that is their
privilege" put in Mr.. Chambers quiet
Their bewilderment was gone: Mr..
Chambers words had reused their
property instinct A murmuring rose
among them.
David and the mayor sprang up, but
Rogers raised a hand and they re-
mained beside their chairs. fame
began to burn IN his white cheeks, in
"I knew this day was coming" he
said in a low voice that had a bitter
note Of challenge. Instead of you, you
weaklings'-he looked at the five"
YOU, you mere soulless Acquisiti"n"-his
ewes blazed at Chambers-"I wish had
the world before me. I'd like to tell II
what a vast fool it is in its treatment
OF such as mellow eyeless, brainless
and soullessl Oh what fool! But the
worlds not hera."
He was silent for moment: And
VIZ .lr ~ a. end2-why?" His an
szver rang thrurgA The room Wit A
90 ssiurate resentment, with an agony OF
loss because the world did not care
to step in and point the right way TO
easy, was worth saving; / had brains
there was a man in me. Whose fault
is il that I am now at the end-a miser-
able rremnant of a man? The worlds.
was robbed Of my chances In life.
robbed, yes sir, robbed!-an1 / could
have made it a splendid life! All, how
I've wanted to make IL a splendid life!
And the world-the world that robbed
me,-that world calls me criminal And
must pay the penalty. and the pen
alty is-what you see. Oh my God!'
For ten years Rogers had cherished
the purpose of accusing the world on
the day Of his exposure; but now his
loss was so Overwhelming, speech TO
those people was so utterly useless.
strength was so little, that he could say
no nore-could only. lea"ing against the
desk, gaze in hatred and despair at Mr..
Chambers and the owners.
The faces of the five were pale and
blank. There was a trace of sympathy
in Mr.. Jordon's face, and a momentary
change in Mr.. Chambers that indi-
cated-who knows what?
''This, sir. is an inhuman outraged
he flung down into the older mans face.
at might also have been Of interest
TO Mr.. Rogers clients Mr.. Chambers
returned calmly, Ito have known the
record of Mr.. Rogers associate"
Dayid's wrath had no time to fashion
a retort, for the Mayor, at his side,
hammered the desk with a great vel
iow-gioved fist. That's what it isr' he
shouted. "It's a low, dirty, numbering
Il merely acquainted his clients with