The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1913-09-09

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you heard what brought yoa baek2s
What brought me back Meredith
cried. "If man knew the road nom
hell back home, what would It need to
bring him back7 i came because ]
had to. I've heard nothing. I've been
ten years in hell, Doc-in tho lonelt
es. hell they make. I've been ten
years In tomb-a funny comic-opera
tomb, where silly palms we're forever
waving, and a foolish surf kept pound.
ing. ! had to come back. And It's
been proud Homecoming can tell
you that. made the joyous homeward
voyage on dirty tramp steamer. and
| tonight I've been sneaking up and
down dark streets like th-like a
coward. I've been afraid TO go near
the lights I've longed for ten black
years. I've stolen into my club, trem.
bling with fear. But Pm back, Doc
I'm home. Thief or no thief"
Griggs took him firmly by the Bhoul.
ders and forced him into chair near
the table. Then he stepped to the
opposite wall and pushed button.
III hear you use that word again,
I'll thrash-you," he said, with a pa
thetic attempt at the old.tine raillery.
What you need Is drink. Then
then I'll tell you a few bits OF news
that evidently haven't penetrated to
the particular no-man's land you've
lived In"
Griggs ordered whisky and soda,
and slowly walked the floor until the
man reappeared with the bottles and
glasses. Then he poured out q drink
and drew chair close to Meredith.
"Have,a cigar, Billy" he said; mo
one of mine. They always were bet.
ter than yours" e.
Meredith took the cigar, and light.
ed j at the match Griggs held for
him. Then, as Griggs busted himself
with his own perfecto. he leaned
quickly forward.
See here, Doc" he said saYags.
ly.
There's lot to tell you, Billy"
Grlggs began quietly, 80 much that |
don't know exactly where to begin.
In the first place. know everything.
Jimmy told me Just nine years ago"
Meredith started.
you know that JImmy-too-%
Griggs's clean.cut face was very
grave. He nodded his head slowly.
Yes" he said.
They sat a moment in silence.
THE news I've got for you is
good, Billy" went on Griggs. THAT
is-it's pretty good. OF course-look.
ing at 1t one way-there's the ten
years-but it's good news, after all.
Its this-nothing happened-Billy.
It's AL cleared up. The day after you
left, some big interests for reasons of
theii own. got back of your stocks,
and they doomed. Jimmy got all the
money out safely. He put 1t back in
the bank and no one ever knew.
Nothing ever happened"
Meredith laughed. He snatched up
the drink and drained the glass. chok-
ing aad laughing together. Then he
drew out his handkerchief and passed
1t across his forehead.
My God" he said, my God, what
fool I've been!"
Griggs rose nervously and walked
the floor.
There's one thing want you to
remember, Billy" he said, always re-
member, all your life, whatever hap
pens. Jimmy Grant looked for you.
Good lord, how he hunted! He secured
the earth. He told ME that before
your ship was eight hours out, he was
trying like mad to get you. You
didn't tell him where you were going
but he"
Looked" broke In Meredith bitter.
ly, looked! I've been ten years Ia
hell. I've paid hell's price for nothing,
and my consolation is that Jimmy
Grant looked for me-.
Griggs did not reply, but continued
walking slowly to and fro. After
moment Meredith looked up and
smiled.
81 beg your pardon" he said; Pm
| little mad. Jimmy and | did wrong
and some one should pay, even II the
wrong was never found out. I've paid
II was chosen-lve paid. That's
ALI"
Griggs came toward him earnestly.
He hunted, Billy" he began.
"Of course" Meredith broke in.
He'd do everything he could to find
me. Trust-Jimmy for that! And
now that I'm found, don't you think
we're doing him an injustice In keep,
ing the goods news from him? Get
your coat, and we'll look him up. |
tried to phone him, but"
wait a miHute!" Griggs interrupt
ed. "Sit down, Billy. Sit down and
have another drink. You see. | haven't
told you all yet. I-I-well you see,
we cant go to him tonight. We can't
90 at all. For-for Jimmy Grant is
dead. He shot himself nine years
ago."
| Meredith leaned quickly toward him.
shot hlmself?" he gasped. "Why?"
Griggs leaned back in his chair and
snapped his lips firmly shut. II don't