The Washington times., 1913-06-12
CHAPTER IX.-(continued.)

nv YEVE nothing else as good"
M he remarked. You said
w yourself that lessons
story was the best bit Of
| work we'd had in for a long time"
Drexley frowned and turned back to
his letters.
Never mind that he said. I've
good reasons for what I'm telling You
to do. lesson story is not to appear
until give the word
The manager withdrew without a
word. Drexley went on with his cor
! respondence. In a few minutes there
was another knock at his door. He
looked UP annoyed. Some one else. no
, doubt, to protest against the exclu-
sion of lessons story. Rice was stand
ing upon the threshold. and behind
him a younger man. tall. with cluster
ing hair and brilliant eyes, cheeks on
which the tan still fingered, ill-clad
but personable.
i've brought Mr.. lesson in to see
you. SIR Rice said breezily. Il found
quaintance. and brought him along. I
thought you'd like to talk with him
about more work"
Drexley for moment was as speech
less as Douglas was nervous: Rice,
blandly unconscious of anything un-
usual, wheeled up chair for the lat
ter and sauntered toward the door.
I'D like to have a word with you be-
fore you go. Jesson,'' he said. viii
You look in at my roomT'
assent. and Rice departed. Then he
looked up at the man who SO far had
only hidden him a mechanical good
morning, and wondered little at the
his Introduction had been a little un-
ceremonious. but surely he could not
be blamed for that -
Drexley pulled himself together. The
thing was awkward. but it must be
faced. &c., .-. .r.
You have come to see us about your
story. l suppose. Mr.. Jesson?" he be-
gan "A very fair story, indeed, for
a beginner. as / suppose you are. I
am hoping that some day we may be
able to make use of IL for the hex"
Douglas looked up quickly.
Il understand from Mr. Rice that you
were using 1t in the next issue Of the
magazine" he said.
The next issue!" Drexley shook his
head.
Il am afraid that is quite out of the
question" he said. You see our ar
rangements are all made a very long
time ahead, and we have short stories
enough on hand now to last us nearly
leave yours with us. / think / can
promise that Ii shall appear some time,
but exactly when / should not care to
say, 1t would be quite impossible to fix
a date"
Douglas was bewildered-speechIess
He did his best, however, to remain CO.
herent
Mr.. Rice certainly told me-" he said.
that II was in type and would appear
at once. He seemed to think. too, that
f ] saw you you might give me some
more work. / am living in London now,
and i hoped that 1t might be possible
for me to make some money by my
pen."
Drexley was silent for several mo-
ments. For the first time in his life
he glanced across at the photograph
which stood upon his table with some
thing like impatience.
Il am afraid that 1 cannot offer you
much encouragement" he said. If
ever a market in the world was over
crowded, the literary market of to-
day is in that state. II you like to
leave your story It shall appear some
time or other-I cannot promise when
and when we are able to use 1t we
Will pay you according to our usual
ent"
Douglas rose up with a sense of
sick disappointment at his heart, but
with firm determination also to
carry himself like a man.
Il am much obliged to you" he said
Il will think the matter over and let
you know"
Drexley watched the struggle. He,
too. had been young. and he hated
himself
You had better leave US your ad
dress" he said. we will let You
know. then, II We see a chance of
using more of your work"
Douglas hesitated.
When / have an address," he said.
IL will write to you At present 1
ma 10 my !, I'll
London"
DrexIey let him go. despising him
self, with vague feeling OF irrita-
tion, too. against the beautiful face
which smiled at him from his table.
Douglas one idea was to get out of
the place. He had no wish to see Rice
or anyone. But on the landing he
came face to face with the latter. who
had not as yet gone into his room.
Halo" he exclaimed. You're soon
chief already"
Douglas nodded with tightening
lips.
He hadn't much to say to me-" he
answered. Good morning"
Rice let his hand fall upon the
others shoulder.
Il don't understand" he said. Here
come into my room for a minute"
Douglas yielded, and Rice listened to
the description of his interview. his
lIllIe "lZeitu lace puCheTeC up with
establishment When he had finished
he thrust a box of cigarettes toward
his visitor and rose from his chair.
Here" he said. "just wait here a
moment ] must have a word with the
chief"
He turned out. He was gone for sew
eral minutes. When he returned his
face was grave and puzzled.
"Jesson," he said. III be frank with
you. Either the chiefs gone off his
nut or you managed to offend MIN
somehow. / can't understand II q bit,
I'll confess. I'm fairly staggered"
81 hadn't a chance to offend him."
Douglas said. He simply sat on me-"
Rice walked up and down the room.
"I wish you'd leave me your ad- |
dress" ne said. I'D like to look into |
this bit" ... .... .-..--..
Douglas sighed. - Ez-- i