The citizen., 1914-12-04
16
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 If she had
chosen the exact moment Of it, for
Brands truculent tactics had driven
her husband to desperation and the un-
written law that prevents attack when
one is in the others home would have
held good no longer.
Reynolds recovered himself sufl-
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
quizzical 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-
ly. "As late as this. Indeed, can't
guess. Who?"
"Dick."
"Dick?" she echoed. Here? Where?"
Yes, he's here now. Up In the den."
iii 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.
"Mr. Brand and have been discuss
ing some more business, Jane, and this
time want you to know about 1t from
the start--as a partner. And I think
yoo had better hear Mr. Brands side
Of It now"
He was half way up the stairs. He
stopped and looked significantly at the
millionaire.
III l must talk to Mrs. Reynolds, to-
morrow will 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. ITO
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 pacif1cation 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 juncture had
established cul de sac from which
there was only one escape. He turned,
therefore, to Jane as to a last resort.
Lets be seated, Mrs. Reynolds"
he said as he approached. her face por-
traying now unconcealed 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--I might say a mental condi-
ton that makes 1t impossible for me
10 appeal to him either by argument
or straight statement OF facts. He is
In bad hole. and now, when he's
driven into a corner through his own
asinine laundering, he's not only
turned traitor to you and me, but he's
q 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 ne 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
gave him. He won't listen to me. May
be he will to you. But whatever hap
pens," he added in patronizing way.
'T want to save you out of the crash.
don't want to see him take you along
with him."
take me with him?" she said in
dazed tones. What do you mean? oh.
please don't mince words, Mr.. Brand.
Tell me what has happened"
well, them" he answered almost
deflantly, your husband is broke"
.Broke!" Jane exclaimed, rising and
sinking back as suddenly to the divan.
"You mean he's bankrupt? Penniless?"
Yes, fiat 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 overdraft that would have to come