The Ordway new era., 1913-12-19
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
AS Judge Gilbert was about to en-
ter his 'front.' doo-J 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 light cast by the porch lamp
to be the David Kerr of ten years
hence. Realizing that only something
unusual could bring the master OF
Locust Lawn out at night. and to his
house, too. the lawyer went down the
porch steps to meet his visitor.
Good evening. Mr., Kerr" was Gil
bert's greeting. This Is an un> xpect-
ed pleasure"
Evening Amos. Can see you
alone? 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
toiled heavily up the steps and into
the house. Gilbert's surprise increased
on finding. when his visitor removed
his overcoat. that he had on evening
clothes. 1t was more an intuitive feel
ing than observation which made Gil
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 30 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 Gilbert's 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 . 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 IRE In the crate.
Gilbert had never seen him In such
. 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.
II tried to get you by telephone
several times today" Gilbert began.
= know 1t. but wasn't in the mood
for nothin'" The very tone In which
he spoke betrayed that fact.
II promised Kendall I'd call you up
in regard to the new franchise he's
anxious for you to support"
~That1l keep"
Il told him that personally I could
not be interested"
This drew no answer from the boss.
Gilbert made no further attempt at
making conversation and for . time
the two men sat in silence. When
Kerr launched his first question u
seemed apropos of nothing.
How long you been in Belmont.
Amos?"
Gilbert's brain went through . ~
ries Of rapid thought transitions in
an effort to divine whittier the ques-
ton led. He was accustomed to Kerr's
fnterrogatory methods. but everything
was SO out OF the ordinary this even.
ing that he tried his best to fsthom
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. 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 oflce-after
you gait L eping 1t in the top of your
hat?"
Yes. very well. l paid you two
dollars week for desk room In q
corner Of your real estate office-in
that same old ofiice you still have on
Fifth street"
That's what charged you-but 1
don't guess you've got receipt for
every week Was 1t you or Bill Stoner
In them days used to use my big atlas
for ironin' board?"
Both OF us. l believe"
Kerr moved restlessly in his chair.
then went on.
..4o- AAnnrlnr IA TUE laInnl n