Middletown transcript., 1914-10-17

and the supercilious Mrs. Collins. In
the turbulent storm Of his speculations
she served as a slight balm, but not
an effective one. He was glad that
she was there. He was glad that Jane
had DETECTED Brand in his purpose to
tarry at the inn. These were mollify-
ing circumstances, but they were
small. The great, big infectious fact
was that his friends wife was out au-
tomobile riding with a man she had
known but two days-a millionaire.
The word bit and stung as he con-
ceiVed it. He laughed aloud in a Bit
ter, raucous way and reached for the
beer to wet dried lips. He gulped it
down and bade Herr Host good day.
That portly gentleman, having pom
dered over the sudden transformation
OF his guest, scented trouble. His fare
well was as brief as Dicks.
Young Meade had gone to Totem
vile on reportorial duty. This he had
performed when he dropped into the
inn. Ordinarily he would have spent
his time on the long homeward trip in
writing or at least, constructing his
story. But when he tried to concen-
trate his mind, the scene he had just
witnessed intruded and absorbed his
thought. Again and again he reviewed
the facts and tried to Danish the blight.
But 1t would not down. His admira-
ton for Jane was almost akin to wor-
ship. Bob he loved and envied. Not
IN any unworthy way, but as the pos
SCISSOR and component part Of state
OF happiness he knew existed and had
never yet found for himself.
But in Dicks primitive and prac-
tical alignment of figures, two and
two meant just one thing. Added or
multiplied the result was the same.
No algebraic could alter it; no
geometric square could efface it. Rey-
nolds was deceived and his wife was
deceiVing him. Unless-and the
thought brought quick spasm Of re-
toicing-unless Bob knew.
He became impatient at the slow
moving car and then fretful over the
tardiness of the ferry. He was eager
to rush to his friends office and by
some diplomatic trick arrive at the
truth. But then, IL Bob didn't know,
and in spite of himself this thought
took preponderance, what would he do
then? Should he turn tale bearer and
say the word that always embitters
even when the best of friends is its
mouthpiece? His loyalty to Jane, too,
might deter him. The idol was shat
tered, but it was still an idol. That
Dick did not fully know. There might
be ruins, but they would never fall to
the level Of Brands. He became
acutely conscious Of an increasing
hatred for the INSCRIPTIONS million
aire and decreasing resentment to-
ward the woman.
Dick found his friend at work in the
laboratory of the big construction COM
pany. Bob's quarters were on the top
most floor Of Bowling Green sky
scraper and not far from the offices Of
Brands concern. 1t was nearly six
o'clock and Bob, coatless and with
sleeves rolled up, was hurrying through
the final stages of rush job.
Hello, Dick" he greeted without ad-
vancing. What brings you up at this
hour? I'd shake but my hands are
mussed up a bit. Sit down. I'll be
through in ten minutes
Dick declared he had just dropped
in and subsided on a convenient stool.
Fascinated, he watched Reynolds NOV
ing quickly to and fro at his work,
transferring some substance from
glass crucible to another; depositing
bit here in a small iron kettle over a
fame and dropping more there into a
square zinc can packed in ice; watch
ing the Gests almost simultaneously in
four or five different vessels; stopping
occasionally to jot down results in a
little book; keen, alert and accurate.
Here was the competent workman for
getful of all but his work Forgetful
even Of employer; oblivious to friend;
immersed in his task. Dick could not
refrain from one question.
What is 1t, Bob?" he asked.
Reynolds brow contracted just bit.
He answered tersely:
Cement for the Black river dam"
In a moment he wrote rapidly again
in the book, clapped it to and called to
an assistant.
"Clear away the junk. Hennesy," he
ordered. TITS o. K"
He turned smilingly to Dick.
whats the good word, old top?
You'll excuse my brusqueness but you
caught me right at the end Of a Job
and it's big one. Reports have to go
to the front tonight, for If the ship
ments don't start tomorrow there's a
$4,000 forfeit"
Dick took the extended hand. Man
though he was he felt a rebellious
pang. Some sudden impulse, childish.
If you will, spread haze over his
eyes, a veil of moisture. Ghost, hell"
he thought, and his words. as he forced
them from dry lips, sounded harsh. al
most vindictive.
Brands stuff"