The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1914-12-12

clearly. His first thought had been
that Cortlandt was insane. but the
mans actions were not those Of
maniac. No! He actually believed
and these fellows also. He wanted to
shout his innocence cat them. to beat
it into their heads.
One by one they took their hats and
went out. mumbling goodnight to one
another, as if intending to go home
singly in order to avoid all discussion
of this thing that had fallen among
them. Rupnels alone remained.
You don't believe did-thatY' An
thony asked in a strained voice.
IL think I do There was a mis-
cradle silence. and then: 1T isn't the
thing itself, you know, so much as the
Observation-Disclosures advantage you
took. If he'd been a stranger, now
Honestly, isn't it true?"
Kirk shook his head listlessly. 81
wouldn't lie to you"
Runnels drew a deep breath. "Oh,
come, now, the man must have known
things like that on suspicion
.."He misunderstood our friendship"
said Kirk heavily, then reused himself
for last plea. "Look here!" he cried.
"You know Certlandt. and you know
me. The man was insanely Jealous.
I know it sounds weak. but it's the
truth, and it's all I can say. I'll 60
mad if you doubt me. And tonight Of
all''- He broke of sharply. my
God! I'd forgotten that I'm married.
Suppose Gertrudis hears Of this!" An.
thony seized his temples in despair.
Runnels took sudden illogical deci-
sion. He never knew exactly what
| had Influenced him. but his whole past
knowledge surged up in him with a
force that he could not resist. He laid
his hand on Kinks shoulder: Take
it easy, old man." he said. II believe
you. I've always known that they
didn't get along together, although
we'll, won't try to understand it. He
may not do anything further, and
these fellows won't mention what hap
pened here. They can't" 81
"Women are apt to be jealous, aren't
they. Runnels? What do you suppose
she'd do?''
Don't worry about that. I'm think
ing about Cortlandt. If he finds out
he's mistaken what will he do?"
He'll have to find out. I'm going to
tell him. His wife will tell him. Good
Cod! Do you see what an awful light
it puts me in? You don't doubt me.
do you really. old man?'
mo. but what a night this has been!
It seems a year old. Come along. now.
You must get out Of here. You must
turn in. The walters are wondering
what this row is about. think we'd
better take walk
In passing through the deserted lob
by Of the hotel they saw Clifford idling
| about. But they were too much alb
| sorbed to wonder what had kept him
| up so late. Ey the clock across the
! plaza they saw 1T was two hours after
midnight as they stepped into the
| street. Then. finding no coaches In
sight. they set out to walk toward An
con. both badly in need Of the open
| mir.
| Now that the full import of Cort-
! landts accusation had sunk. into his
mind. Kirk lapsed into mood of sui
! len bitterness. He said little. but his
set face worried his companion. who
was loath to bid him good night even
! when they were close to the Tivoli.
After they had parted Runnels was
| upon the point of going back and offer
i ing to spend the night with him. but
| thought better Of it. ..-..z.. "
Instead Of passing through the emce
! Kirk mounted to the porch Of the IT.
voli and entered his roam from the
outside. as he and Chiqu1ta had done
earlier that evening. He found Allan
| waiting and bursting with q desire to
/ gossip. but cut him short. ; 5..
Get my street clothes. I'm going
out He tore the white tie from his
throat rs II it were choking him. I've
been hurt, Allan. I can't explain. for
you wouldn't understand. but I've been
hurt. Come along. ss3 s ,S
The negro's lips drew apart in annex.
preston OF apelike ferocity. and he 10