The Washington herald., 1912-02-18

There's reason for it, Tooker as
sured him calmly
"Of course" snapped Raymond, with
several meanings.
He told you to waitp went on the
other, addressing Cowpef
And he's been out all night7" cut in
Raymond
YES" said Cowper, weakly, reach
ing for the whisky once more.
They'll Arrest U.s."
I'VE shan't see him againp declared
Raymond Where did he gof"
Raymond turned to Tooker as If he
recognized the futility of attempting to
extract useful information from Cow
per.
Were you at the bank this morn
ingl" he demanded.
"Yes. They wouldn't let me in" was
the calm reply.
That looks badp And Raymond
/, nearly swallowed his cigar as he gulped
out the words. THE next move will be
to arrest usW
"That'll look worse, won't it?" COM
mented Tooker, mildly.
Cowper suddenly Strengthened in his
chair and threw up both hands.
II u Only kDOhUl HN
groaned. Its Wilbur Emerson's fault
all his fault Why did he insist on
fighting the big syndieates7 He might
have known they'd crush US to pieces T.
He seized the whisky bottle fever
ishly and poured out another drink
For heavens sake, don't drink any
more, Cowper," snorted Raymond, irri-
tably. That's your fifth this morning.
The other shiyered.
Cowper Is Unstrung.
"A mans got to drink to keep up his
nervel A prison eell-staring him in
the facep he said, in husky voice.
Then he suddenly sprang out Of his
chair and broke out wildly: "By God !
/ won't gol ! won't gol I've done
nothing and I'm not going to suffer for
other peoples ambitions"
Steady Take il easy, old manp
Tooker's manly voice interrupted. 1T
isn't as bad as all that We've only
committed the technical crime of bor-
rowing our own capital. Lots of 'em
do tits only a government bluff y
Darwin told me he can send us up
for five years at leastT cried Cowper,
his tones shrill with terror. Five years
Good God couldn't stand it weeSl"
Tooker glanced at him quickly and
Raymond stared with dilated eyes.
"Darwin!". he exclaimed in a low
voice. when did you see Darwin"
"I-I-met him-he-I met him"
stammered Cowper and before the
others could insist on an explanation
old Mr.. Emerson opened the door and
walked in. He was Immediately
dressed, as was his custom, but there
were deep lines of worry in his face.
"Ive been unable TO find any trace of
Wilbur" he said, uneaSily, after curt
good morning" had been exchanged.
He went out at II o'clock last night
and has not yet returned"
"Gadding about" snapped Raymond,
turning away, impatiently, at such a
time as this y
The old gentleman drew himself up
and dangerous light hickered in his
eyes.
Wilbur's Father Defends Him.
81 don't think my son was gadding
about Mr., Raymond" he said, with
cold dignity.
well, where is he7 demanded the
other. Tooker thought il time to in
terfere.
Where is my wandering boy to-
night?" he quoted, with smile. "Oh,
cheer up, Raymond Do you think he's
at the bankl" he added, addressing Mr.
Emerson. Il couldn't get in, but per-
haps he"
The old gentleman shook his head
mo. l inquired-he has not been
there"
''He may be on his way to South
America !" growled Raymond, in half
aside. Tooker grinned
Don't be peevish, Raymondp he
said gently Mr.. Emerson apparently
did not hear.
NO" he murmured, thoughtfuly. IL
fear something far more serious has
happened. I-I-blame myself very
much for this matter" he went on
sadly 81 should not have allowed him
to take the reins. am the older man
and"-he shook his head-"I allowed
him to take the reins The one mis-