The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-16

What's mines mine"
 That's my affair and hers," an swered Giles. At any rate I'd talk, her out of this dull hole and show her what life meant, and let her talk, her part in it."
 And what sort of life would tha per asked the other in the same tone
 Well. something fuller and finel and stronger than the little country mouse has known yet I'm not say, ing that 1t would be too respectable I'm not saying that she wouldn't have to shed tears on occasion-but sht should get her fill of laughter in be. tween"
 The drawer came open with a jerk and Martin staggered to his feet and backed away from the other man. clutching the revolver as he did SO You shant touch her." he faltered fumbling. with the trigger with his finger. If there's no other way"--
 The lamp went over with crash struck from the desk by the strong arm of the big man; the room was instantly in darkness. And in that instant. too, Martin felt a strong grip upon his wrist that threatene ed to break 1t, and the weapon was wrenched from his grasp Giles Carthcart moved quickly across the room and switched on the light: stopped. with the revolver in his hand and a wry glance at the other man and picked up the broken lamp.
 You can't even do that properly" said Giles. giving a glance at the revolver before dropping 1t into the side pocket of his coat. "Except for your money and your position you've always been a bit of failure. You haven't known how to live your life as 1t should be lived"
 =had chair again and was holding his head In his hands, with his elbows resting on the desk and his face hidden. The other man was standing, with arms aklmbo at the other side of the desk looking down at the bowed figure be- fore him. After a moment or two Martin spoke without looking up.
 T should be grateful if you would need it."
 Cathcart mechanically dropped his hand into his pocket and slowly drew out the weapon. What do you want with it?' he asked.
 "Oh, you needn't be afraid: shan,t try and shoot you again." said Mar tin. It's for myself. You see, when man hasn't got anything very much to live for, or when all that meant life to him Is going to be snatched At~ you think so?
 The other looked at him with a frown. What's the good of talking like that?" he asked. Tn a week you'll have forgotten all about it. and she all about you."
 T have been thinking of her too many years to forget so easily" said Martin. "She has been all my life; she has been everything that mat tered. You've lived your life out in the world. and lived 1t to the full"
 "Yes. I've seen pretty well 'every- thing and done nearly everything.. answered the other, tapping the muz- gle of the revolver on the desk. "Ive been the bad dog; I haven't thought much about anybody except myself. That's been my way of life
 for me a few years back I cleared out. and was jolly glad to clear out. There was only the one being In the world worth thinking about or re membering. and that was little Bertha. She was fond of me and I was fond of her."
 And when tomorrow you disclose yourself and draw her away from me"
 "Oh, you think I shall do thatr' asked the other with laugh.
 T know you will," answered Mar tin. T know that my sole chance has been in knowing that you. were out of the way, Her love for you as you call 1t, was girlish infatua- ton; you swept her off her feet She was sorry for you. and she didn'. mind rro,, r~~-t,-,~ s'>~t r,~ tal<an