Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-06

words emerging along a chewed tooth
pick. Yes. sure he Is. Mr.. Adams was
at the desk a minute ago, inquiring
where you live. Lemme see. Oh that's
him. there-see. by the Window"
John Marshall turned and followed tho
pointing finger. Despite himself his heart
chilled a little.
Standing by the window, looking idly
out at what the Berkeley Mirror would
have called the passing throng. stood one
of the tallest young men he had ever seen.
He stood six feet two. for a guess, this
young man, and his figure was the figure
, of Apollo. when Apollo was young and
venturous. He wore a brownish-t tinged
Panama, with a gay folded band,
hannely kind OF suit which, loose though
II was. possessed a certain hang and low
cut tan shoes such as any purchaser may
| duplicate. at one particular custom shop
in the metropolis. at 81 pair. He looked
young for an editor; and he seemed TO
be enjoying very excellent health.
To this stunning figure, John Marshall
| tread,
'I have the honor of addressing Mr..
| Adams, / believer"
1ne young man wheeled and nodded
pleasantly. At the sight OF the good looks
OF his face, Mr.. MarshalPs hatred was
famed 10 fiercer name.
Permit me to introduce myself. sir"
| he said, icily lifting his felt hat Mr..
! John Marshall. at your service"
The editors smile died away. He lifted
| his brilliant Panama, in imitation OF Mr..
| Marshall but mechanically and not at
all as II he really meant IL.
Talk, sir, | take it," resumed Mr..
/ Marshall ''is not required between us. 1
believe we understand each other per-
| fectly. There is." he continued, "a re-
tired spot on the grounds of my family
homestead which. In my opinion, offers an
| ideal place for us 10 bring our little dis
4 cusslon 10 a finish. II, however. you OBJ
| jet"
The editor interrupted him. by waving
his hand in large vague gesture.
"oh, drop it," he said absently, Let
me think"
He continued to look intently at John
Marshall. and his pleasant face hardened
with q faint frown.
so you're the chap who's been firing
| off all those bloody murder letters" said
/ he. thoughtfully. You should feel rather
ashamed OF yourself, l think. You really
ought TO have told me, you know. and
saved me the trip down"
Told you what, slr?" demanded John
Marshalli' belligerently.
The editor answered by a casual look.
and a smile that was more stinging than
| any speech. John MarshalPs lips paled.
Talk. sir. is the cheap recourse OF
men OF peace, When we stand face 10
face, in a suitable spot"
That's just the trouble" said the edt-
! tor. annoyed. "There can't be any stand
| ing face to face"
"You won't fight me?'
/ Can't. YOU meant
| The fiction writer stepped nearer, an
| error of judgment on his part.
/ Because you're afraid" he hissed
| whitley. Il knew you were coward
J sir"
The editor burst out laughing. saily.
/ earelessly.
That's II. I'm afraid, said he. The
prejudice OF juries against child-murder
Is indeed marked"
! Despite his gentleman's dislike OF q
/ "pussonal difficulty' In a public place,
/ John Marshall's hand uneontrollably hew
/ up. Instantly both his wrists were PIN
/ ionsd In a grip that was own son TO
a hydraulic press. Moreover, the editor,
I by quiet but lightning shift stood In
/ such a position that Mr.. Marshall could
not even operate his feet. as for kick
I Ing.
Nov try not to be a fool" said Mr..
Adams. In a low, kind voice. You APP
pear to be a game little piece OF work.
II that will do your feelings any good,
say il gladly. But Tor heavens sske drop
this e-bellum pantomime about pulling
my ears and SO on. For enc thing. you