The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1913-09-27
CHAPTER III.


As Judge Gilbert was about to en-
Ter his front door, having accom-
panied Mr.. Kendall as far as the gate,
he saw carriage stop in front of the
house. The man who got out and
came up the walk he recognized in
stantly None the less he did not walk
like the David Kerr of yesterday; he
seemed in every motion as he came
into the Tight cast by the porch lamp
to be the David Kerr of ten years
hence. Realizing that only something
unusual could bring the master or
Locust Lawn out at night, and to MS
house. too, the lawyer went down the
porch steps to meet his visitor.
Good evening, Mr.. Kerr" was Gill
bert's greeting. This is an unexpect-
ed pleasure
Evening, Amos. Can l see you
alone2 don't want to be Interrupted.
I'VE can go into the library NO
one will disturb US there"
To this Kerr made no reply He
toled heavily up the steps and into
the house. Gilbert's surprise Increased
on finding, when his visitor removed
his oyercoat. that he had on evening
clothes 1t was more an intuitive feel
ing than observation which made Gill
bert understand how uncomfortable
the boss found his unaccustomed raj
ment.
AS Kerr walked through the hall
and into the library. his own thoughts
did not weigh so heavily upon him as
to prevent him from satisfying his
curiosity by gazing about him. 1t
was the first time in his life that he
had ever set foot in Gilberts house.
The invitation had been extended
many times, but Kerr knew his social
limitations and had always refused.
The judge pushed forward big
leather chair and into 1t Kerr dropped
without a word. His hands rested
listlessly on the arms of his chair, the
bosom OF his shirt was rumpled and
bulged out of his waistcoat. his
breath came heavy and fast, and he
gazed DULY at the fire in the CRATE.
Gilbert had never seen him in such
a condition before. Until now he had
ALWAYS been the man of iron, accept
ing his many triumphs and his few
minor defeats in the same imperturb-
able manner.
Il tried to get you by telephone
several times today" Gilbert began.
= know it, but wasn't in the mood
for nothin'" The very tone in which
he spoke betrayed that fact.
Il promised Kendall I'd call you up
In regard to the new franchise he's
anxious for you to support"
'That1l keep"
4 told him that personally l could
rot be interested"
This drew no answer from the boss
Gilbert made no further attempt at
making conversation and for a time
the two men sat in silence. When
Kerr lsunched his first question It
seemed apropos OF nothing.
"H5w long you been in Belmont
Amos?"
Gilberts brain went through a Sc
rIes of rapid thought transitions In
an effort to divine whittier the ques-
ton led. He was accustomed to Kerr's
interrogatory methods, but everything
was SO out OF the ordinary this even
ing that he tried his best to fathom
the boss's purpose. before. in his usual
indirect fashion, he disclosed the OBJ
ject of his visit The question was
one easily answered. albeit with some
surprise.
Why. a little more than twenty
years"
Kerr continued to gaze into the fire.
seemingly oblivious to his surround
ings. Gilbert could not have sworn
that the boss had heard him reply.
Then came another question. still
seemingly apropos of nothing.
Remember your first office-after
YOU quit keeping 1t in the top of your
hat?"
Yes, very we'll. ! paid you two
hdollars a week for desk room in q
Iorner of your real estate ofice-in
uyhat same old office you still have on
Fifth street
That's what l charged you-but
don't guess you've got receipt for
every week Was it you or Bill Stoner
in them days used to use my big atlas
tor ironin' board?"
Both of US, believe"
Kerr moved restlessly in his chair,
then went on.
-~~~-o~~-o~~se-~~>e>re-~"