The Irish standard., 1915-04-03
SOCIALISM OR FAITH

l0clluS.
Where he had been counting upon
a lasting solution OF all the difficulties
which for years had threatened the
peace and happiness of his people, he
now saw that nothing had really been
solved. Where he had seen a prosper
GUS and Industrious winter before
them, he now realized that they were
more fully and helplessly at the mercy
of John Sargent than they had ever
been.
Lost in thought, he turned into Lake
Street and then down Reynold Street
So that before he noticed it he was
standing at the door of the low red
building where Jim Lloyd was in Jail.
Fred Wheeler, the Warden, admitted
him.
Lloyd? Why, of course, you can
see him, Father. Only, Mr.. Sargent
is in there, in the office, with him
now"
Sargent? Here? To see Jimmie
Loyd?"
Funny thing, aint it, Father? He's
been here before. And it aint guilty
conscience, either. He amt troubled
that way. l dunno-Loyd seems to
have some kind of fascination over
that man. Sargent can't leave him
alone"
81 would like to go in while he's
there" said the Dean. See if he has
any objection, Fred"
In moment Wheeler returned, to
say that the Dean might go into the
inner office.
Lloyd rose from the table and greet
ed the Dean quietly. Sargent was
walking about the room. He wheeled
sharply as the old priset came in, and
for an instant the two looked curious
ly at each other.
Il would not intrude,' said the Dean
quickly, realizing that it was strange
and strained moment. 81 have no bust.
ness here that could not wait"
ut does not matter" said Sargent
shortly. II am trying to make this
man do something for his own good
But it doesn't seem to be any use. l
am telling him that will have this
whole case against him dropped, If he
will give his word to leave Milton then
and never come back"
The Dean thought rapidly, and de-
cided upon a frontal attack.
aside from the fact he said, that
he is not guilty, and that you, Mr..
Sargent, know too we'll who is guilty,
how do you know that he would keep
his word?"
"Of course he'd keep his word. He
always does. You told me that"
The Dean started. That terrible
night, when he had told Sargent Jim
Lloyd pays his debts, came crowding
back upon him. But he drove it back,
and went on to his purpose.
"Will you keep your word-to the
GOVERNOR"
Sargent was stunned For an in
slant a numbing superstition caught
him. How did this man know the
plans of his mind before he himself
had them formed? Then all the baf-
fled rage of months of humiliation and
defeat broke out.
"Who are you?" he shouted, strid.
ing across the room. What are you
that you can pick the meat out of my
brains? Everywhere l go, you meet
me. Every move l make, you are
ahead of me to block it,"
The Dean leaned against the edge OF
the table, looking calmly down at the
man in front of him. This GOODNESS
seemed to drive Sargent from his last
hold Of self-control.
moi" he fairly screamed. II will
not keep my word to the Governor!
will never again keep word or faith
with any living man!
II thought l was O man." he began
again, living among men, working
among men who worked and fought
for the same things that worked and
fought for. thought l belonged to a
class-Gentlemen, we call ourselves
that had interests in common.
thought we were working for common
protection for the country, for pros
perity, for civilization.
"It's rot! It's all lie!
There is no country. There is nc
civilization. am as much alone now
as If was back in the first forest, with
a stone club. stalking my first beast
l have been triple-ringed idiot, and
have just found it out.
Il will go my own way from now
Why should l have pity or faith, o,
thought for any man? l will lie: ]
will trick and throw every man that
has put hand against me.
Il thought l had friends, men OF
what / called my own kind, who were
with me in fair fight. l could have
fought you all, Governor and all. But
those men, my own kind, came behind
me to assassinate me.
II will beat them first. 7 will RIM