Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1914-08-06
CHAPTER XIII.
The PartInu. Of the WAYS.

The Parting OF the Ways.
"All ! have left to say, Wentworth,
is this-we have come to crossroad
and you must choose between two
paths: either cut that woman out OF
your life or don't expect to take your
place among decent citizens"
There was a look OF discomfort and
anxiety in Grant oswalds pale, high
bred face while he spoke. although
his voice was emphatic. Enoch did
not answer. He moved restlessly In
his chair once or twice, lifted a pro-
gram that lay on his desk. and ran
his eyes through its pages. Oswald
paused as II waiting for reply.
Il can't understand your infatuation,
Wentworth" he went on; the woman
degenerates every day Of her life.
God knows" bitter tone crept into
his voice, Il feel culpable for even
bringing her across the ocean. Then
ought to have let her go when !
spoke of 1t a month or two ago. She
was bound to do mischief. only never
dreamed that you would fall into her
clutches. warned you"
Enoch sat in sullen stiffness. with
his eyes fixed on a calendar which
hung above the desk.
Il WISH" Oswalds tone was almost
wistful, that you would at least talk
1t over. think ] can deal with the
woman II anyone can. have always
treated her with q certain stand.offish'
ness that she resents. She has tried.
more than once. to cross the line
drew. She didn't succeed, and II gals
her never put into words what
think Of her. She understands, how.
ever that | recognize her value dra-
matically, while personally-to me
she is offensive II she has you in
her power, won't you tell me? II
would never 60 beyond these walls.
She Knows that know her story. Low
as she has sunk, she realizes that 1t
is not what the world would call
creditable story. / can handle her
easily"
A CLEAN Of relief and hope drifted
for a moment across Wentworth's |
face. Then he laughed nervously and |
the sullen frown returned to his eyes.
He rose and began to pace the office
floor with nervous footsteps.
Wont you rus. me?" pleaded Os-
valid. Il have q real regard, Went
worth, for you as well as for your
genius. would do 1t for your sis.
ter, II for no other reason. Thera is
time enough yet to pull away. but"
he spoke abruptly, ut won't be long
The woman mas dragged more than |
one man 10 the gutter or to-suicide.'
Wentworth laughed disagreeably |
We'll, It won't be suicide" he an
swered harshly.
Don't be too sure. When man
who has always had fair amount Of
selt-respect begins to lose 1t, he usu-
ally faces two alternatives; that is,
unless ne has q solid anchor In his I
home"
Enoch lit a cigar and began to
smoke.
Evidently 1t is useless to talk. |
What passes my understanding is how
any man can turn out a woman like |
your sister to give shelter to Zilla
Paget. hate to say It, Wentworth,
you will set me down as cad, but
prefer TO have a separate Office. am
willing to take the little back room.
or you can. One suits me as well as
the other"
Certainly" Wentworth leaped to
his feet alertly. IN change at once
I'd hate to thrust my society upon
anyone who does not care for It."
1t is not your society mean who'll
ly. / object to Miss Paget dropping
In here as she did today. Don't hurry,
did not mean that"
II don't care what you meant. can
make the change at once" Enoch's |
voice was churlish. He began TO drag
volumes from the bookcase beside him |
and heap them upon the top OF his |
desk. You made yourself tolerably
plain, don't spoil It with politeness."
He pulled the papers from pigeon
holes in his desk and tossed them
about in loose piles. dropping some |
in the waste basket and hundling OH.
ers together with rubber bands.
oswald's pen was travelling slowly |
across a sheet Of paper when some |
one tapped softly at the door. Merry |
entered. Enoch did not turn his head.
The actor seated himself beside Os- |
wald's desk.
Il could not show up this morning |
when you 'phoned." he explained. Il
have been arranging for a funeral |
It's one Of those funerals which have |
no great string of carriages"
who's dead?"
George Volk."
Oswald laid down his pen and stared |
at Merry. George Volk! When did |
he drift hack to American