The Monmouth inquirer., 1911-06-22

manded Where have you been. any
how? We've gone over the world
with a rake to find you. What have
you heard-what brought you backf"
What brought me back?" Meredith
cried. IF man knew the road from
hell back home, what would it need to
bring him back? came because ]
had to. I've heard nothing. I've been
ten years in hell, Doc-in the lonelt
est hell they make. I've been ten
years in tomb-a funny comic-opera
tomb, where silly palms were forever
waving, and foolish surf kept pound
Ing | had to come back And it's
been proud homecoming can tell
you that. | made the joyous homeward
voyage on dirty tramp steamer, and
tonight I've been sneaking up and
down dark streets like a th-like a
coward. I've been afraid to go near
the lights I've longed for ten black
years. I've stolen into my club, trem-
bling with fear. But I'm back, Doc
Pm home. Thief or no thief -"
ders and forced him into chair near
the table. Then he stepped to the
opposite wall and pushed a button.
If | hear you use that word again,
I'll thrash-you," he said, with pa
thetic attempt at the old-time raillery.
What you need is drink Then
then I'll tell you a few bits OF news
that evidently haven't penetrated to
the particular no-man's land you've
lived in"
Griggs ordered whisky and soda,
and slowly walked the floor until the
man reappeared with the bottles and
glasses. Then he poured out drink
and drew chair close to Meredith.
Have cigar. Billy" he said; mo
one of mine. They always were bet
ter than yours"
Meredith took the cigar, and light
ed it at the match Griggs held for
him. Then, as Griggs busted himself
with his own perfecto, he leaned
quickly forward
See here. Doc" he said savage
ly.
There's a lot to tell you, Billy"
Griggs began quietly, 80 much that
don't know exactly where to begin.
In the first place. know everything.
Jimmy told me just nine years ago"
Meredith started.
You know that Jimmy too o-?"
Griggs's clean-cut face was very
grave He nodded his head slowly.
Yes" he said.
They sat moment in silence.
The news I've got for you is
good. Billy" went on Griggs. THAT
is it's pretty good OF course look
ing at it one way-there's the ten
years-but it's good news. after all.
Its this-nothing happened-Billy.
It's all cleared up. The day after you
their own, got back of your stocks,
and they doomed Jimmy got all the
money out safely. He put it back in
the bank and no one ever knew.
Nothing ever happened"
Meredith laughed. He snatched up
the drink and drained the glass, chok-
ing ald laughing together. Then he
drew out his handkerchief and passed
it across his forehead.
my God" he said, my God, what
a fool I've been!"
Griggs rose nervously and walked
the floor.
There's one thing / want you to
remember, Billy" he said, always re-
member, all your life, whatever hap
pens. Jimmy Grant looked for you.
Good lord, how he hunted! He secured
the earth. He told me that before
your ship was eight hours out, he was
trying like mad to get you. You
didn't tell him where you were going
but he"
Looked broke in Meredith bitter
ly, looked. I've been ten years in
hell. I've paid hell's price for nothing,
and my consolation is that Jimmy
Grant looked for me-"
Griggs did not reply, but continued
walking slowly to and fro. After a
moment Meredith looked up and
smiled.
81 beg your pardon" he said; I'm
a little mad. Jimmy and ! did wrong
and some one should pay, even if the
wrong was never found out. I've paid
4 was chosen-Tve paid. That's
ALL"
Griggs came toward him earnestly.
"He hunted, Billy" he began.
"Of course" Meredith broke in
He'd do everything he could to find
me. Trust Jimmy for that! And
now that Pm found, don't you think
we're doing him an injustice in keep
ing the goods news from him? Get
your coat, and Wen look him up.
tried to phone him, but
wait a minute!" Griggs interrupt
ed. "Sit down, Billy. Sit down and
have another drink You see, haven't
told you all yet. I-I-well you see,
we can't go to him tonight. We cant
go at all. For-for Jimmy Grant Is
dead. He shot himself nine years
ago."
Meredith leaned quickly toward MIN.
"Shot himself?" he gasped. "Whyg
Griggs leaned back in his chair ana
snapped his lips firmly shut. Il don