Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-07-18
CHAPTER VI.
Steppinu Out-DoWnhiIl.

Jason, this is nobody l know" Wentworth sat staring at card his man laid before him. He knitted his brows querulously. Make him under stand that I'm engaged"
 He's terrible masterful, Marse Enoch," said the darky apologetically; Ines boun' he'll see yo. He's gen. tleman all right. l don believe kin git rid ob him easy"
 Tell him can spare ten minutes"
 Jason ushered the visitor into Went worth's library. He was tall. distir- guished man, with 8 fine, highbred face. His manners were exceedingly gracious, yet simple.
 T don't believe, MT. Oswald, I've met you before," said Enoch.
 You haven't" Grant Oswald smiled cordially. "Your man tells me you have exactly ten minutes to spare. I'll go straight to business. I'm an Englishman. have been in New York for three weeks. want to in- vest money in something along the theatrical line"
 "Oh." Enoch looked up sharply. Andrew Merry mentioned you"
 "Yes, spoke to Merry one night on the elevated. He's one of your few American actors whom I admire. If a play could be found that fitted him he spoke of having one-I'm willing to venture hundred thousand dollars on its production"
 "A hundred thousand! That would be production worth while!"
 "But-remember-only if the play appeals to me. I've been studying theatrical business since was a youngster. never threw money away on it.'
 If you can stay will read you the play now"
 My ten minutes are up!" The Eng. lishman smiled.
 This work can wait. Excuse me minute" Wentworth lifted heap of clippings and copy which filtered his table. Then he walked to the safe and knelt before 1t. He had just opened the door and laid his hand upon the manu- script when the door opened and Dor cas- ran in. Jason followed, carrying suit case. For . minute Wentworth forgot the visitor in his inner room.
 Bless my heart, I'm glad to have you back" he cried. Never in all my life have eeen you look so we'll"
 She held him at arms length and gazed at him critically. T wish I could say as much for you, Enoch. You look decidedly seedy. I've got to stay right here. I'm the only one who can manage you" a:, T beg your pardon. Dorcas. I've a guest here." Her brother led her to the inner room and introduced his caller to her. @s@
 .'Mr. Oswald and were having business talk, Dorry-not exactly busi- ness either. You may stay if you wish and hear play. was just go- ing to read to him. If he likes 1t he will star Andrew Merry in it.'
 "Oh!" A glow of anticipation shone in the girls eyes. She laid her coat and hat on the window seat and dropped into a low chair beside her brother. Once or twice she patted him affectionately on the shoulder. The Englishman watched her. There was vivid admiration in his eyes, but Dorcas did not see it. Her only thought was of the happiness in store for Merry.
 Wentworth laid the pages of manu- script on the table and cleared his throat. Oswald sat ready to bestow 8 business-like attention upon the read ing When Enoch lifted the first page his visitor asked: May l know who wrote the play!"
 "I did" answered Wentworth quietly.
 "Ah!" said the Englishman. He noticed the startled look on Dorcas' face. It escaped her brother, who sat turned half way from her.
 Wentworth began to read He was an excellent reader; his enunciation was slow and distinct. The story quickly unfolded itself in strong, vivid language. Grant Oswald, who was an ardent student of dramatic literature, fell immediately under its spell and listened with intent quiet.
 The minds of both men were 90 lvitAlly concentrated upon the drama that they were scarcely conscious of a movement when Dorcas crept from her low chair to the window seat She lay back against pillow. gathered the folds of a silky portiere around her, and stared down at the square. She heard her brothers voice in fragments Those fragments were always the words of the girl. Cordelia. or of the father fallen to pitiful estate. She lclasped her hands together with such 10 grip that 1t numbed her fingers. A ,strange pain and horrible suspicion were seeping through her body and burning in her veins. Outwardly she was inert.
 Suddenly she was awake again. wide 'awake, tingling with life and emotion. listening to her brothers vibrant voice. The day of release had come for John Esterbrook. He stood with haltins. tremulous steps. fearful at the sight Of the world he had left twenty sSvan = hafrrn h@62uer hfa ovna Rvov., t.