The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1912-02-08

nectiOn with Randall occurred the
trial of an important case. A pot Of
money was on the table, and the is
sues reached far beyond the visible
stake. Bryce had prepared carefully
ana was confident of success.
Randall was defendant. The wit
nesses for the other side were heard
6rst. They appeared upon the stand.
and every mothers son of them testi-
fed with an apparent perfect knowl
edge of what was to come from the
defense. The true inwardness Of the
defense was a profound secret. Yet
all til 20 people had been carefully
coached 10 meet it. The father of lies
coul.. not have inspired them with
better story.
The case dragged through many
days, but In the earlier stages Bryce
was we'll aware that he had been be-
trayed. Apparently the leak must be
In his own office, but he could not
trace it. He felt that he was beaten
and knew not how it had been done
Randall was bitterly disappointed.
He gave up the case for lost and as
soon rs his own testimony was in fed
to rural scenes. as was his custom
when in Il bad mood. He and the
Lorings and Ballard Dillon went to
the Muskoka lakes. in the highlands
of Ontario. Randall had some thought
of buying extensive property there and
building summer residence
Bryce was left to struggle with the
case and with the tortures of hopeless
love. In the afternoon of the day be-
fore he was to make his argument he
came from the courtroom at the close
Of the session and crossed to bi.
office building where there was Il res
taurant An acquaintance joined him
at table.
did you KNOW" said this man in
the course of a rambling conversation.
''that Bally Dillon had an Office here?'
Bryce knew no reason why Dillon
should have an office anywhere.
ION the fifth floor. No. 52S." said
the man. Il don't know what he does.
There's no name on the door. But I've
seen people going in.''
what sort of people:" asked Bryce.
"A tall, high nosed, lawyer looking
old chap and stocky man with i
chin whisker"
"ls that so?' said Bryce, and lie pur-
sued the subject no further.
When he had finished his luncheon
lie went to the Office OF the agents Of
the building. Harvey Il Long The
latter had been his classmate at col
lege
ballard Dillon has room in this
building" said Bryce. Il want to get
| into it,
"No such man here" answered Long
"Who's in 52S?"
Gentleman of the name of Robin
son.
Take me down there Get the
keys"
Long stared at him and then took i;
4 pass key from a rack.
Room 52S was furnished in style
of arid simplicity. There We're tw,
chairs and a desk. Bryce took up oil,
Of the chairs and broke the desks lock
"You may have me arrested for this
tomorrow. Jimmie said he, "but don.
bother HE now
He searched the desk, made up !;
package of papers, chiefly memorand:
in pencil, and turned to Long. who
was fluttering about in high fever.
"Sit down." said Bryce. "I'll tel
you story"
The story served its purpose and re
duced Long to a state of raasonabl,
calm.
Three days later. about sunset
Bryce landed from Il steamer on Tit
Muskoka lakes at the pier Of the hote
called the Cliff There was an I'll,
usual number of people on the pie
for so early in the season. Obviousl!
the Cliff had made better start thai
its competitor.
In the steep path which led to TIL
hetel Bryce met Amy Loring. and Gf
spite the dusk he saw at ou,e that sh
was changed Her habitual mln;le
had been somewhat grave. II vi,
now all sprightliness and the thrill o
joyous life She walked like Il woo
nymph under the great arch of trees
and there was magic in her glance.
Bryce, on the contrary, was depres:
ed by his errand. which burGcn"d Iii
with the most serious questions {
duty. He felt the gloom that was upo
him and was net SURPRISED that Am
should mistake its cause.
.You haze lost the suit" said sl
and would have proceeded to max
light of it. but he interrupted her.
? "On the contrary said he. Il hay
won | went crazy on the last da
] and made a speech which was Il wul
= drous triumph of rhetoric over la
and common sense. sympathetic j
: sanity seized upon the jury, and the
y decided in my favor. Where is NJ
: Randall?'
"Hc has gene out upon launch,
don't know where
i "Mr Dillon is with him!"
q "No."
Bryce regarded her keenly.
''Some misunderstanding has aris'
: between themy' said he.
q Il violate no confidence" she replie
J "for you will be Informed as soon
9 you see Mr.. Randall Mr.. Dillon h
/ been speculating and has involv
c himself in serious difficulty. MIR. Ra
e dali is greatly displeased."
p Bryce understood as clearly as pt
J sible that Amy saw her own release
" this and that she was unable to
!. strain her Joy even though it cal
le through another's misconduct and d
II grace. This was exactly Bryce's o.