The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1912-02-15
THE Man
HIGHER UP
By HENRY RUSSELL
MILLER
Copyright. 1910. by Bobbs Msr.
rill Co.
XXI.
II PosEUR.

CRATE, cOaXlng the dying en-
berS into a roaring blaze. Then he
spent a few minutes In vigorous exer-
else with the ~dumbbells, followed by
a cold shower. After a quick, hard
rundown he dressed very carefully.
The mirror told him that his sleep
~lessness had left no trace other than
the faint shadows under the eyes and
a slight pallor that was very becom-
ing.
He went out and. boarding a car,
rode downtown to his favorite grill.
room. where he sat for more than an
hour dawdling languidly over his
breakfast. For another hour he tramp
ed the streets listlessly, steering an
aimless course through the bustling
crowds. A faint. not unpleasant. mel
ancholy fell upon him, such as some
times comes to one who beholds an
autumn sunset or the unhappy denoue-
ment Of a play. He fingered luxu-
riously in the mood. tasting its favor.
His course. without conscious inten-
ton, led him to the First National
bank building. Nor was he conscious
Of any exercise of will n way OF the
other as he entered the elevator and
was whisked to Sanger's offices. San
ger greeted him cordially. with no out
ward sign Of exultation. Paul's only
sensations were surprise that it was
so easy and matter of fact. and some
what Of a disappointment that 1t was
so fiat and tasteless, this treachery
upon which he had brooded so fore
bodingly. He read the formal state
ment twice before signing. He could
not realize that it meant the end Of
six years friendship. the beginning Of
q new scheme of existence for him.
Only when the notary administered
the oath did he feel a qualm. A slight
SILVER passed over him. Then he
laughed uncertainty. He drew a deep
breath of relief-he thOught-thnt it
was over. The melancholy returned.
His next stop was at Il telephone
booth. where he called up the Sanger
home. In response to mis- inquiries
Eleanor's maid informed him that
madam had signified her intention OF
going TO a certain department store to
do some shopping.
Paul hung up the receiver and steer
ed n straight course for the department
| store designated. With a sigh Of re-
lief he espied the big hooded automo-
bile standing before the entrance to
the store. The chauffeur was fussily
examining the machine. Paul stopped
and abstractedly watched him.. The
latter touched his hat. Importantly
continuing his labors. which seemed
to be superfluous. Paul sat in the ma
chine and waited, smoking dreamily.
An hour later he heard a surprised
what are you doing hereT"
He turned quickly. his eyes lighting
up warmly. waiting for you"
She laughed. Il was so vain as to
guess that. Are you going somewhere?
Perhaps we can set you down there?"
"Yes." he said. with a proprietary
air; I'm going to luncheon. and you
are coming with me-"
rs that an invitation? Then | &C
cept. I'll let you into a secret. | have
DCCn "lCtSttuiy ioiCiy ~
I came shopping just to escape 1t.
And | was dreading the prospect Of an
afternoon alone in that big empty
house"
Then I'm twice glad l waited"
He opened the door, and they both
! entered the car. James cranked and
deftly lodged through the crowded
thoroughfares toward the restaurant
Paul had chosen.
He turned dreamily to her.
you shouldn't be lonely" he said in
the hushed ton one would use at a
deathbed. "since you have for COM
~pany-you."
81 find myself sorry company some
times" she answered. with an attempt
at brightness.
His beautiful woman's mouth curv-
ed in a dreamy smile. 1T is company
worth any sacrifice to win"
When the car came to q stop before
the restaurant they alighted and went
in. Paul made only a p%retense Of eat
ing,
You're eating hardly anything" she
said. Aren't you wellY"
For answer he pointed to her own
plate. hardly touched.
II had a very late breakfast" she
explained.
$50 had |. Hush" he almost whis-
pered. Let us not talk"
With a half contemptuous shrug of
her shoulders she gave v the at
tempt to disturb him She wondered
how she could ever Ia We deceived her
self into the belief that she could love
or that she wanted to love him.
1T was pity only" she thought.
"Always pity"
Paul stirred uneasily, lowering his
eyes to meet hers. He looked at her
long and steadily.
Eleanor. Eleanor!' he cried. softly
pleading. 1T isn't trueY"
what isn't true?" she asked. though