The Carlisle independent., 1915-01-21
CHAPTER XIV.
More Feathers,

Dicks interview with Brand was bar ren of results-for Dick. He felt no remorse over the manner of It's termi- nation. It was a blow struck when a man must strike. Brand had mis- judged him, or pretended he had. Ei- ther that, or, in pique over the report CTS knowledge of his action, he had lost control of that usual deliberate self-possession and hurled out the in- suit. In any event, he had over stepped the mark and paid the price.
 Dicks only regret was his failure to accomplish the purpose of his visit, although he could not have told ex- actly what that was. Within himself he argued that he was acting for Bob; trying to save his friend from the hu- initiating sequel that was sure to fol- law Brands underhanded tactics with Mrs. Reynolds. But for four weeks he had known of these clandestine meetings and Bob was still in igno- rance of them. He was sincere in his desire to help his friend and a half dozen times he had been on the point of telling him. But something stopped him. He thought of confronting Jane, but the idea was quickly put aside. Dick stood a little in awe of Jane Admiration he had a-plenty, or had had, but there was something more It was reluctance to surrender this admiration and this inexplicable some thing that held him back. So he sought out Brand as a last resort. From the millionaire he hoped to wiring something that would bolster up Bis failing respect for the girl, and also he hoped to force Brand to dis continue his visits Brand had not misjudged entirely. The reporter had meant to threaten, but with different motive. Brands mistake had cut short the interview, and perhaps it was just as we'll. For Dick had not shown his hand and his attempt to frighten Brand would have been futile, anyway.
 But the reporter had not come un- prepared. There are some credulous fools who believe that no one ever knows the winner of derby until the
 
 read until the recipient tears the en- velope; that when ten thousand men lose money on the stock market and live hundred win, 1t is just luck or bet ter judgment that turns the trick. But Dick knew better. Dick knew that Tennessee Coal and Iron had dropped hfteen points and that Brand had sold. Dick knew that the Hudson Cement company, which was Brand, was fur nishing the cement for the Pecos River dam; and Dick knew that the Western Construction company, which paid Bob to analyze the cement that went into the jobs, was building the dam. Dick knew something about mil Honatres. He knew that such men as Brand have a habit of stubbing their toes and that on such occasions 1t was not unusual for them to kick up a bit of gold. All this he knew; but he was speedily to learn more.
 He went back to the office of his paper after his encounter with Brand and was sitting chatting idly with his city editor when a boy announced that there was telephone call for him. He went into the booth.
 Hello. Dick" called the voice of Reynolds. "Tomorrow's Wednesday, isn't it?"
 Tt will be, old top" the reporter an- swered, eff some obstreperous planet doesn't get in our way and mix things up bit"
 Reynolds laughed over the phone.
 Accuracy" he said There you go again. But that's the very thing I want you for Dick, I've got the big gest job on my hands for tomorrow that I've ever had-that is, from lit- efaTy standpoint. Got to prepare an extensive report on the Pecos dam contract and I thought if you were coming over for the usual debauch you might come little earlier and band a helping hand"
 -Surest thing you know I'll be ehere What time?"
 About three"
 "Au night. I'll be there like a duck. HowAs the missus?"
 Poor BobI Their quarrel was fresh in his mind. But the telephone saved him
 Bine," he answered. 50 long,
 That evening Reynolds said nothing b his wife about the work to be dons