The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-07-10
The Fortunes of the LandrayS
sy.c By Vaughan Kesr Ass ~. Is s r Us. 's"
Author Of ~The rrodigai Judgs."
-yust and the Unjust" staL

7ssssS;ss.s-sz=szz.-ssss5 -
IT'S not so bad as that" said Ste
phen.
Il heard II ALL" cried Gibbs, In a
shocked voice. She came there TO
the office, and before us all, charged
him with fraud-charged Jake Ben
SONNY Cod What does IL all mean.
Steve; can you tell me that"
1T means suit" said stephen
sadly.
But Jake Benson never done it
he couldn't! I've known him all my
life; he's stood at the very head or
his profession; he's built a great rep
utation, and now-it's a conspiracy TO
pull him down"
Il don't understand II, but Wade has
certain evidence"
II don't believe III" shouted the old
man. Steve. they've corrupted your
judgment. You know he couldn't do
It. Any other man might. but he
couldn the just couldn't"
How is he? Was he terribly shak-
en?"
He must be, Steve. How could It
be otherwise. But he don't show 1t to
look at him. He's going round with
MS head up just as If nothing had hap
pened, but take my word for II he
feels II through and through. | know
Jake Benson. What he says or shows,
is the smallest part OF what he feels.
He's cut to the quick; and can you
wonder at ftp"
"Of course, said Stephen gently.
Tho old man olapp1 OuS
hand on his arm.
But you feel for him, Steve; you
amt given yourself, body and soul, to
the traitors"
No. no; | am more sorry than
can say that | should seem TO have
any part in this"
yet this is why you left him.
Steve" said Gibbs, reproachfully.
He sent me away, general; at least,
he made II so l could not stay
lie wants to see you. He wants
you TO come to the house tonight He'd
like 1t If you'd dine with us"
But Stephen hesitated.
Come, you can't deny him that,
Steve Gibbs insisted. You won't.
Let me go back and tell him you'll be
there. Just remember the friend he's
been to you"
But do you know why he wants
me?"
Il haven't the least idea. Let me
tell him you'll come" entreated
Gibbs
Very well, but I'll come after din
ner," said Stephen.
You won't dine with us?"
cap't t;o topo x.-as
so final that Gibbs forebore to urge
him further.
I'll tell Jake, then, that you'll drop
in during the evening"" he said as he
took his leave.
Stephen did not tell Wade of his
promise, and he did not tell Virginia,
but after supper at the cottage he ex-
cused himself and set out for the law
yer's. He found Benson and Gibbs
waiting his coming over their wine.
Benson welcomed him kindly and
as though nothing had happened to
mar their relation; while the general
nodded and winked reassuringly over
a long and very black cigar
They talked Of Indifferent things
for a time. and If he had not known
of the events of that morning, Ste
phen would have supposed that
nothing unusual had taken place,
and that the day had been
like many other days at the Office.
Even Gibbs had recovered from the
shock of Virginia s charge, and save
that he looked a little haggard, there
was nothing to indicate the strain of
the emotions by which he had been
httff ntn d I'll in, hn q
Benson himself. he was as inscrib-
aoIe as ever. His face told no secrets.
At last he rose from his chair.
Stay here, Gibbs" he said to the
general. And to Stephen. Come with
me-" and Stephen followed him into
the library.
Benson closed the door after them.
Then he went to~his desk. In the
woodwork just above it, a small iron
safe was~cleverly concealed, having
be n~buit into the wall itself. 1t was.
Stephen knew, the receptacle Of many
of Benson's private papers. He un-
locked il and took from one of the
long envelope. He turn
ed to Stephen with this In his hand.
Please sit down here by the light"
he indicated chair by the table. From
the envelope which he now opened he
produced several sheets of paper. 81
sent for you because think 1t is only
right that you should know the full
significance Of this paper | have in my
hand. | had not expected it's contents
would be made known TO you until
alter my death; but, recent events
have altered my intentions in this re-
spect. Will you oblige me by reading
il from beginning to end" He smooth
ed out the several sheets as he smoke