The Topeka state journal., 1914-01-31
The Euening Story

(By Jane Osborn-)

sent" Walter Detridge spoke these
words slowly and distinctly in Mr.. But
ler's library late Sunday afternoon.
TT you are perfectly sure about i. !"
assured Detridge. 81 don't see that I
can hold out I take it that Barba
yea" said Dstridse. .that il. sub
said that you always knew what was
good for her better than she knew
herself. That was her verdict yester-
day at Tllton and that il why took
the next train for New York. That is
give you my pedigree and my life his
tory, If you want 1t. You knew my
father. believe. you know what the
Detridges are made Of
refiectiveiy and drew long puffs from
his cigar. He smiled to himself as
his thoughts fingered on the figure OF
Barba-
say what am going to say. and as
sure you. Mr.. Detridge. am sorry to
have to now. I am not the sort OF
man with whom money has weight IN
thing about Barba- Perhaps you have
discovered it." He paused. and young
Detridge felt as IL an hour OF torment
passed before Butler finished his SEN
tence. "Barba Il extravagant =.
$50 what you mean. MI. Butler.
said Detrfdge, somewhat annoyed, "ts
that you want a list of my assets be-
fore you give your consent. Well. l
suppose that is only natural. though
assure you that is the & Last tn'ns tnat
please don't misunderstand me-,
said Mr.. Butler ''I am not thinking
about this for Barba's sake. It would
be good for her, mighty good for her,
10 h tn eyf q
ont as her own mother had to start
I am only thinking about you and your
peace of mind. You see. Barba ts
spoiled. She has absolutely no idea OF
the value Of money. so II you haven't
enough Of the wherewithal you might
he sorry you had ever married Barba.
Just to show you what she expects
when she went to Tilton two weeks ago
1 gave her 800 and her expenses and
Just yesterday she telegrapnesd p, 60. no, r1r
ton bank for double that amount. She
doesn't play bridge or anything like
that. It is just that she has never
been denied"
Detridge, honestly, land I am glad
you spoke frankly to me. 4 think
can support her as literally as you
have, however. In fact. I wouldn't
want wife who sonidn5 Mt spend mon. v
Barba If I hadn't . good bank ac-
count. Now for particulars. As you
know, my father was president OF the
Tilton National bank and followed
not q cent Of it Ia in speculation. So
/ might say that AZ long as TiltOn
stands I'll have. say. ten thousand
dollars q year besides my salary. I
haven't been living up to that, OF
married Barba."
Mr. Butler looked at the young
man with affectionate approval Il
wish I had had as sound business
keep out of speculation. Tilton II
about a. solid as the government it
self, and there il no fun taking
chances In uncertain times like these.
conditions, Tilt0n couldn't be hit. I
suppose you are going right back ?"
YES" said Detridge. rising from
his chair and going over to the older
consent. like to have my hand at
the helm when money matters are .
little uncertain. and. besides. I want
to be with Barba. vii take the
Wish you would stay for dinner"
Butler said, as he went toward the
door with the young man. Then he
paused. as g maid met him ct the
Mr.. Butler and disappeared. He
opened 1t. read it. and then said with
4 don't understand what She
means It is = telesr.m from BaTba,"
Detridge's arm. "roo bad. too bad
Detridge. It looks pretty rough for
you. Then he reread the telegram
cloud: Coming home, VIM reach
me. win take . taxi. Cant stay
without money and couldn't use the
draft, draft you sent 11lton bank mas
:aTilton bank cIosed." gasped wal
ter seizing the sheet Of yellow paper
from Mr.. Butler. land she doesn't
know what It means" Detridge
grAsped the arm of the nearest chair
to steady himself. The two men
stood in silence for q few minutes
1T means only one thing" said
that everything I have - gone. II
means that 1 have been ruined in q
twfnkMng OF an eye Just as those
other men have been ruined and I
thought We were on rock foundation. |
There must have been . sudden. run
Detridge put his hand to his eyes ~
though to wipe a nlm from them. II
won't even have my salary. viii
have to begin all over again.
Don't you want to get the particu- |
lars?" asked Butler your men must
hotel and have probably missed you. |
Here, use my phone Maybe there |
will be something saved from the |
wreck"
7 win be the hast one to be re-
said Detridge. going to the
phone. IT suppose they have been
frantic trying to get me. Fact II .
didn't leave any address with them. i
I didn't dream anything would turn
up
Detridse nervously called for Il