River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-09-04
Yours truly,
"ORLANDO RROTHERSON

Mr.. Challoner had been called upon
to face many difficult and heartrend-
Ing duties since the blow which had
desolated his home fell upon him.
But from none Of them had he
shrunk as he did from the interview
thus demanded. He had supposed
himself rid of this man. He had dis
missed him from mis- life when he had
dismissed Sweetwater. His face, ac-
cordingly, wore anything but pro-
pitiatory look, when promptly at the
hour Of seven, Orlando Brotherson en-
tered his apartments.
His pleasure or his displeasure was,
however, q matter of small conse-
Quence to his self-invited visitor. He
had come there with a set purpose.
and nothing in heaven or earth could
deter him from It now. Declining the
offer OF a seat, with the slightest of
Acknowledgements In tho way of a
bow. he took careful survey of the
room before saying:
Are we alone, Mr. Challoner, or is
that man Sweetwater lurking some
where within hearing?"
MIR. Sweetwater is gone, as had
the honor of telling you yesterday"
was the somewhat stiff reply. There
are no witnesses to this conference. If
that Is what you wish to know"
Thank you, but you will pardon
my insistence if request the privilege
Of closing that door" He pointed to
The one communicating with the bed
room. THE information l have to
give you is not such rs l am willing
to have shared, at least for the pres
emit"
You may close the door," said Mr.
Challoner coldly. But is it necessary
for you to give me the information
you mention, tonight? If it is OF such
q nature that you cannot accord me
tbs privilege of sharing it. as yet, with
others. why not spare me till you can
/ have gone through much. Mr.. Broth
erson"
You have" came in steady assent
as the man thus addressed stepped to
the door he had indicated and quietly
closed it. But" he continued, as he
crossed back to his former position,
would it be easier for you to 20
through the night now in anticipation
OF what | have to reveal than to hear
it at once from my lips while / am In
the mood to speak?"
The answer was slow in coming.
The courage which had upheld this
rapidly aging man through so many
trying interviews, seemed Inadequate
for the test put so cruelty upon it. He
faltered and sank heavily into chair
while the stern man watching him
gave no signs of responsive sympathy
or even interest, only patient and
icy-tempered resolve.
Il cannot live in uncertainty" such
were finally Mr.. Challoner's words
What you have to say concerns
Edith?" The pause he made was in.
fnitesimal in length, but it was long
enough for a quick disclaimer. But
no such disclaimer came. II will hear
1t" came in reluctant finish.
Mr.. Brotherson took a step forward
His manner was as cod as The heart
which lay like stone in his bosom.
will you pardon me if ask you to
rise? said he. Il have my weaknesses
too. Gle gave no sign of them.) 81
cannot speak down from such a height
to the man I am bound to hurt"
AS if answering to the constraint OF
a will quite outside his own, Mr.. Chal-
loner rose. Their heads were now
more nearly on level and Mr.. Broth
erson's voice remained low. as he pro-
ceedad. with quiet intensitx;