The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1912-10-07
CHAPTER xvI.-(continued)

taik tonight! GRAFTON, there are
more people involved with me
than even you know about. Ono
or two Of them can't handle just a.
I wish; and on their account can't ex-
plain why. But II your do as / ask
ana stay here and"
And deliberately absent myself. with
out cause or explanation. when those
notss become due! Colson. you're talk
Ing like an idiotv'
Very likely It sounds 30 to you. Graf
ton" The other shrugged his shoulders.
But that, hatly, IL the situation and I
can't change It to save my life. IT'S a
long way to bring you for an interview
comes down to Just this-will you do a.
] ask. or will you not?"
Grafton literally elared at him.
you're either Intoxicated or insane,
will notr"
You're going back to KenyonvIlle.
"xt O'Clock tomorrow morning. Col
THE other sighed and smiled a little.
.."YouT be sorry when you under
now Willing yaa x, to ~ understand here and
And I'm willing to let you, butt
san nn9sb, There is the whole business in
ne dropped knife and fork with a dis
sus,s6 srunt' and turned toward the
y can't eat that stun" he said, sour.
y. However. their bottled goods are
honest. at least. Have a bottle of ale
willard then you can trot along to
your own destruction. II you insist"
The order, was given; the bottles
cisss .hd hot. the matted stun cold
and sparkling; both men drank deeply
and with satisfaction and over his
empty glass Colson smiled at the other
absurd l. must seand h nnGx u.t hSs
derstand perfectly how you feel. and
! was morally certain you would no
agree blindly: but as things stood.
resolved to make the attempt at least. Il
give q reason for It? This is q business
matter of serious importance-you cam
expect me to trust you blindly with
T.ooo. 900. you know. Tell me what !:
makes such a request necessary"
"And II I do explain" said Colson
slowly. "will you stay. thenf"
"If you can give a valid reason for q
stay with ' yoa. ye sa'' oA'n' wi"
"Umi" Colson scowled at the oppo
site wall. 1T means breaking my Wort
to other parties"
Use your own. judgment as to that,
The scowl grew more thoughtful. "oh!-
let me think 1t over few minutes
The other nodded and lighted a cigar
Colson, declining the weed, twisted hi
chair about and tilted It, drumming
lightly with one shoe, as he revolved tn,
GRAFTON watched him ouriously, Al
tho minutes hurried by-Colson seemed
brow was wrinkled and his head sunl
low. Now he grunted family; now h
pursed his lips impatiently; now hi
shoulders were elevated trife; nov
he glanced over at Grafton and smile'
family.
Five minutes passed. ten. fifteen. ant
still Colson seemed to have reached M
decision. But Grafton felt little impa
thence. He was tired. and the chai
seemed very comfortable. Indeed, h
ton creeping over him. He felt beau
tifully complacent, serenely Thankful
that no such problem as Colson's ex
listed to torture him.
He. would have risen to regain It,, bu
Coison pushed him back into his chair
He felt no resentment at Colson-in
deed. he smiled. approv!ngly at him
And. nevertheless. Colson, was actin
were sliding slowly across the room
whittier were they bound? CRATIC
had not sufficient interest to. rise an
investigate; he merely smiled Ye
they went on and on and on! CRATIC
And at that point Colson and tn
furniture vanished through the wa
and Grafton-dropped out Of the realr
- conscious things!