The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-01-28
AS his friend" began Gilmor,

and his shaking fingers searched
among the papers on his desk for the
zen he had just dropped.
$50 you're not his friend any more?"
repeated Gilmore slowly. We'll, | ex-
poet when fellow gets hauled up for
murder it's asking good deal OF his
friends to stand by him! Do you
know, Marsh, I'm getting an increased
respect for the law; II puts the delin.
quents 10 such hell OF lot OF
trouble. It's good thing to let alone!
I'm thinking mighty seriously OF cut
Ting out the games up at my rooms
what would you think OF my turning
respectable, Marsh? Would you be
among the first TO extend the warm
right hand OF fellowship"
"Oh, you are respectable enough,
Audy!" said Langham.
He seemed vastly relieved at the
tuIu the conversation had taken He
leaned back in his chair and thrust his
hands In his trousers pockets.
Say, why can't | put myself where
] want TO be- What's the matter with
my style, anyhow? It's as good as
yours any day Marsh; and no one
ever saw me drunk--that Is a whole
yet you stand In with the best people,
you go to houses where I'd be thrown
ont II as much as stuck my nose In.
side the door,"
Your styles all right, Andy" Lang
ham FASTENED 10 assure him.
Well, it's as good as yours any
day"
Better" said Langham, laughing
We'll, what's the matter with it,
then % persisted Gilmore
There's a good deal OF II some
times. it's rather oppressive" said
the lawyer.
"Ill fix that" said Gilmore shortly.
Il would II | wanted what you seem
TO think you want, replied Langham
chuckling.
Marsh. I'm dead serious: I'm sick
Of being outside all the good things.
know plenty OF respectable fellows,
fellows like you; but | want To know
respectable women; why can't r.
IF you banker for it, you can; it's
up TO you. Andy" said Langham.
The gambler appeared very iHgenu.
GUS in this new role OF his.
Look here, Marsh, I've never asked
anything Of you. and you must admit
that I've done you one or two good
turns; now I'm going to ask favor
OF you and don't expect to be refus
ed: fact is, amt going TO take re-
fusal--"
What is It, Andy?" asked Langham
cautiously.
~ want you to introduce me to your
wife"
The hell you do" calculated Lang
ham.
The gamblers brow darnened.
What do you mean by that?" he
demanded angrily
Nothing, was only thinking OF
Mrs. Langham's probable attitude In
the matter, that was ALL"
You mean you think she won't want
to meet me?'' and In spite Of himself
Gilmores voice sounded strained and
unnatural.
I'm sure she won't" said Langnam
with cruel candor.
We'll" observed Gilmore coolly,
I'm going to put my case in your
lands, Marsh; you come to my rooms.
you drink my whisky, and smoke my
cigars and borrow my money; now
I'm going to make a new deal with
YOU. I'm going to know your wife l
like her style-she and Iii get OH fine
together. once we know each other.
You make It plain TO her that I'm
your friend. your best friend, about
your only friend
you fool" began Langlam.
Gilmore quilted his chair at a bound
and strobe to Langham's side.
None OF that, Marshl" he protested
sternly, placing heavy hand on
Langham's shoulder. II see we got
TO understand each other, you and
me! You don't take hints; ! have
TO bang II into you with club or you
don't see what I'm driving at
I've paid you all | owe You, Gil
more!" said Langham conclusively.
You can't hold that over me any
longer"
Il don't want to-" retorted Gilmore
quietly.
You kept your thumb oil me good
and hard while you could"
Not half so hard as | am going TO
il you try to get away from me now"
What do you mean by these
threats?" cried Langham.
The gambler laughed In his face.
You've paid me all you owe me-
but | want TO ask you just one aues-
ton. Where did you get the money ?"
That" said Langham, steady!ng
himself by a mighty EFFORT, rs none OF
your business!"
Think not?" and again Gilmore
laughed, but before his eyes, ,.erce.
compelling, Langman's glance waver-
ed and fell.
81 got the money from my father"
he muttered huskily
You're a liar said the gambler.
81 know where you got that money,
and you know | know" There was a
long pause, and then Gilmore jerked
out:
But don't you worry about that In
your own fashion you have been my
friend, and It's dead against my creed
to go back on a friend Unless ne tries
to throw me down: so don't you make
the mistake OF doing that, or I'll spoil
your luck! You think you got North
where you want him. don You be
too sure OF that! There's one person.
Just one, who can clear him. at least
there's only one who is likely TO try,
ana I'll tell you who II is-it's your
wife" For an instant Langham
thought Gilmore had taken leave OF
his senses, but the gamblers next
question filed him with vague terror
Where was she late that afternoon,
do you know.