The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1915-03-11
CHAPTER XXI.
The Collapse.


merely pleaded business engage
ment az 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 II she had
chosen the exact moment OF II, 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 sufh-
ciently to smile a 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
q 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-
~. "As late as this. Indeed. can't
guess. Who?"
Dick"
"Dick?" she echoed. "Here7 Where?"
Yes, he's here now. Up in the den."
"1ll call him." she exclaimed with
real enthusiasm.
mo, 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 l want you to know about II from
the start-as a partner. And / think
you had better hear Mr.. Brands side
Of It now"
He was half way up the stairs. He
stopped and looked significantly at the
millionaire.
IF ! 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 emphaticaliy. 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 pacifcation 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 a perilous predicament, and
Reynolds retreat at this juncture ha6
established a cui de sac from which
there was only one escape. He turned
therefore. to Jane as to a last resort
Let's be seated, Mrs. Reynolds.
he said as he approached. her face por
, traying now unconcesled alarm.
What has happenedT she asked
excitedly.
Nothing irreparable. Mrs. Rey
, nolds," the millionaire answered suave
ly. "but your husband is in a fran,
Of mind might say a mental condi
. ton that makes II impossible for m,
, to appeal to him either by argumen
, or a straight statement of facts. He 4
, In a bad hole. and now, when he'
driven into corner through his owl
asinine laundering. he's not onl,
turned traitor to you and me, but he
O drunkard besides"
: Mr.. Brandt" Jane exclaimed, turr
/ ing red with indignation and PALM
/ with apprehension at the sudde
brutality of his words.
| "Oh. don't mean that alone" h
Z answered, indicating the half emptie
? bottle. IT'S his brain that's DRUM
|. No matter in what direction he turn
r he's intoxicated. He has lost his pei
!. spective; his sense of proportion. II
|. tangles everything he goes into an
a now he has ruined this opportunity
: gave him. He won't listen to me- Ma,
a be he will to you. But whatever hal
|. pens" he added In q patroniIing wa,
a II want to save you out Of the crasl
l. don't want to see him take you alon
r with him"
n take me with himf" she said 1
dazed tones. what do you mean7 Ol
please don't mince words. Mr.. Bran'
Tell me what has happened"
r We'll. then" he answered almoi
4 denantly. your husband is broke"
a "Brokei" Jane exclaimed. rising an
q sinking back as suddenly to the diva
a you mean he's bankrupt? Penniless
h Yes. fiat He's been gambling
4 the street without my advice and I
J. day he went little too far-decidedl
!. too far" he added, as he thought
n the overdraft that would have to CON
, out OF his own pocket. More ths
a that, Mrs, Reynolds. be's been drin
q ing hard and doing things that a ma
n is likely to do under such circur
h stances. I'm surprised you haven