Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1912-10-04
Fame In
Pursuit
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steps. He had much to think OF In
his half-hour walk to the station OF
his suburban train. II his story In a
current magazine had been a surprise
to his friends, 1t had been, IN a way,
none the less one to himself. 1t was
not remarkable that the story should
be one of finance; his position with
the trust company gave him a knowl'
edge of the theme and an acquaint'
ance of many men
A man back of him touched his
shoulder.
How are you, FsltcrT
John swung around and caught the
mans hand.
"You, Seabury? Well. this Is good
didn't know that you were at home. "
1--WE just come in. Ah-does this
In here mean you, Falton?" He tapped
significantly a magazine under his
! arm.
John nodded with little embar'
rassment. What DO you think of IT.
Seabury?"
Great, as a story. Buffers bill
too much from life, Falton. Looks as
though you'd taken 1t from-er-tha'
cotton deal"
That's nonsense, Seabury. Your
cotton deal was wholly legitimate
wasn't it? And did not know enough
| about it to write it up. The story II
| dctior."
John entered the station with an in
describable irritation coursing through
bis veins. II didn't know that Sea
bury could be so foolish" he NUT
tered.
His train did not go out for five
minutes, so he made no attempt to
pass the man who stepped out of the
crowd to speak to him.
Hello, Falton. 80 you've been serb
bling, I see."
"a little" John admitted. He tried
to forget Seabury and to act natural
ly. Have you read 1T"
20, yes; very good, very good, In
deed. but just-er-just err. YOU
| didn't-have any particular person In
| uilnd?"
ut was a creation, pure and sim
pie" brtstIed John. you could hard
ly expect me to write Of finance as
would of engineering, thing l know
nothing about?"
20, no, Of course not. You have
mite a pift-no doubt-no doubt oil
1t. Falton."
Excuse me-" said John, "I'll miss
my train"
But his fame still pursued. AS the
train pulled out fellow-townsman
settled himself beside John.
well, Falton, you've been roasting
EN-, Ell? I suppose you've known OF
more than one deal Of that sort?"
'None at ALL" snapped John.
20, 1 thought you'd taken it from
something that you'd got on to-"
ITS story, fiction. every word"
Forty minutes later John closed the
door of his home with a sigh Of re.
lief. Mother" lie called, and she
came hurrying to him.
20, John, I've 80 much to tell you.
First, Mrs. Elswood came here this
morning. She was so surprised. John.
But she thinks the story"
Mother" he interrupted, '1et US
have dinner and not the story. Do
you know, honey, I'm a bit tired Of 1t"
70, suppose you've heard moth
ing else all day, poor boy. Well, II
you will be 80 clever, you must take
the consequence. But come, I'll say
not another word about 1t until you
are rested. Maggie has the loveliest
surprise for dessert"
John had Just finished the surprise
when the doorbell rang. Maggie show.
ed the man into the little room where
John sometimes smoked and wrote,
and John held Stanton Wilson's card
IN his hand when he entered the room
He had known Wilson at college.
Their paths had crossed more than
once since, but the men had never
been friends.
"You are surprised" Wilson said,
coming forward, land beg your par
don for the intrusion"
mot at all, not at ALL" said John.
His offer Of chair seemed to escape
Wilson.
IT felt as though I must see you"
began Wilson, land I didn't wish to
go to your office. wanted to see you
here and tell you what you've done
for me-"
Falton looked at him inquiringly. q
what have done?"
"Your story-you know. read II
last night and I didn't attempt to go
to bed. I just thought Of things all
night"
"My story" gasped- John. Then
he added in rebellion: Patience, man.
but you're a lawyer"
"Yes-I know that I am lawyer,
but what difference does 1t make what
q man Is doing, II he's on the crooked.
OF course, I know you didn't have me
In mind-probably had no one In
mind, but something in that story was
like mirror to me. I've never real.
lied what I was coming to before.
You've stopped me just In time. Now,
I've only time to shake your hand, II
you will let me, and catch the train
to the city"
Falton laughed lightly, but he
squared his shoulders. you're put
ting 1t too strong. Wilson," he said,
as he held out his hand. your debt
to me, If there was one, Is paid. Il
you really mean that I've made cleai
to you truths vague before. why,