The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1914-02-27
CHAPTER III.

AS Judge Gilbert was about to en-
ter his front door, 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 unexpect-
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. Gilberts 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 so 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 it Kerr dropped
without a 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 fire in the CRATE,
Gilbert had never seen him in such
a 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.
Il know it, but wasn't in the mood
for nothin'." The very tone in which
he spoke betrayed that fact.
81 promised Kendall I'd call you W
in regard to the new franchise he!
anxious for you to support"
"That'll keep"
81 told him that personally l coult
not be interested"
This drew no answer from the boss
: Gilbert made no further attempt a
making conversation and for time
the two men sat in silence. WheI
Kerr launched his first question i
seemed apropos of nothing.
How long you been in Belmont
: Amos?"
Gilbert's brain went through Sc
ries of rapid thought transitions il
an effort to divine whittier the ques
ton led. He was accustomed to Kerr
interrogatory methods, but everythin,
was so out of the ordinary this even
ing that he tried his best to ,fathon
the boss's purpose, before, In his usua
indirect fashion, he disclosed the OF
iect of his visit. The question wa
one. easily answered, albeit with som
surprise
why, a little more than twent
years.
Kerr continued to gaze into the fire
, seemingly oblivious to his SURROUND
ings. Gilbert could not have swor
that the boss had heard him reply
Then came another question. sti
seemingly apropos of nothing.
Remember your first office-afte
i you quit keeping it in the top of you
a hatt"
, YES, very we'll | paid you tw
, dollars a week for desk room in
corner of your real estate Office
t that same old Office you still have o
!. Fifth street"
r "That's what l charged you-but
!, don't guess you've got a receipt fc
r every week. Was it you or Bill stone
Q in them days used to use my big alta
8 for a ironin' board?'
Both of us, believe.
u Kerr moved restlessly in his chai
X then went on. 4,
u - - .o<>n|>~~IN.