Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1914-12-19

CHAPTER XXI.
The Collapse.

merely pleaded a business engage
ment as his excuse for leaving the
party. for he thought that to say he
was going to see Reynolds would have
prompted more than cursory inquiries
from both the young women. AS soon
as Jane was out OF the machine the
chauffeur turned and spurted towards
the Brands house, so he was out of
call by the time the door had been
opened for her and she saw Brand
within
Her entrance could not have been
more accurately timed II she had
chosen the exact moment Of it, for
Brands truculent tactics had driven
her husband to desperation and the I'M
written law that prevents attack when
one is In the others home would have
held good no longer.
Reynolds recovered himself suffi-
ciently to smile welcome and inquire
why Mrs Brand had not accompanied
Jane In
"She certainly would have come II
she had known Mr.. Brand was here.
his wife answered.
She stood regarding the two men in
q quizzieal way scarcely concealing
the surprise she felt after Brands
rather unconventional leave taking on
the grounds of business. Bob went to
her and took her hand.
Jane, we've got company tonight.
You can't guess who"
Company she asked incredulous-
=. AS late as this. Indeed. | can't
guess. Who?"
Dick"
"Dick?" she echoed. "Here7 WhereT
Yes. he's here now. Up in the den"
I'M call him." she exclaimed with
real enthusiasm.
No. let me" Bob suggested. HE
may have put up for the night there
bY this time. I'll see"
With foot on the stairs he turned.
MT Brand and l have been discuss
Ing some more business. Jane. and this
time | want you to know about 1t from
tho start-as a partner And think
you had better hear Mr. Brands side
of It now"
He was half way up the stairs He
stopped and looked significantly at the
millionaire.
IF ] must talk TO Mrs. Reynolds, to-
morrow viii do" Brand said. ITS late
and she must be tired So am l."
But Reynolds only kept backing up
the steps.
No" he said emphatically. TO
night"
Brand was eager to evade the issue
and gain time for further persuasion
or compromise He realized that Rey-
nolds. in his present state of mind,
would accept no paclhcation other
than his full demand and he knew, too,
that his own bulldog attack had failed.
He must either pay the money or be
placed in perilous predicament, and
Reynolds retreat at this iuncmre had
established n cul do sac from which
there was only one escape. He turned.
therefore, to Jane as to last resort.
Lets be seated, Mrs. Reynolds. :"
ne said as he approached. her face por-
traying now uuconceales alarm.
What has happened?" she asked
excitedly.
Nothing irreparable. Mrs Rey-
nolds.' the millionaire answered suave-
ly. but your husband is in a frame
of mind might say mental condi.
ton that makes 1t impossible for me
TO appeal to him either by argument
or straight statement Of facts. He is
In a bad hole. and now, when he's
driven into corner through his own
asinine laundering. he's not only
turned traitor TO you and me, but he's
drunkard besides"
Mr.. Brandt" Jane exclaimed. turn.
ing red with indignation and paling
with apprehension at the sudden
brutality of his words.
"Oh, don't mean that alone" he
answered, indicating the half emptied
bottle It's his brain that's drunk
No matter In what direction he turns
he's intoxicated. He has lost his per.
spective; his sense of proportion. He
tangles everything he goes into and
now he has ruined this opportunity I
gave him. He won't listen TO me. Nav.
be he will to you. But whatever han
pens he added in q patronizing way.
Il want to save you out Of the crash.
don't want 10 see him take you along
with him"
Take me with hlm?" she said In
dazed tones. What do you mean? oh.
please don't mince words. Mr.. Brand
Tell me what has happened"
We'll. then" he answered almost
de1antly. your husband is broke"
Broke" Jane exclaimed. rising and
sinking back as suddenly to the divan
you mean he's bankrupt? Pennilees?"
Yes. fat He's been gambling in
the street without my advice and to-
day he went little too far-decidedly
too far" he added. as he thought Of
the overdratt that would have to come
out q his OWL pocket. More than
that, Mrs, Reynolds. he's been drink
ing hard and doing things that a man
is likely to do under such circum-