The Carlisle independent., 1915-03-04
CHAPTER XXI.
The Collapse.


 gone to the Reynolds home He had 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 suffi- ciently to smile welcome and inquire why Mrs. Brand had not accompanied l Jane in.
 She certainly would have come If she had known MT. Brand was here, " his wife answered.
 She stood regarding the two men in qufzzfcal 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" "I'll 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 sec"
 With a foot on the stairs he turned MT. Brand and have been discuss ing some more business, Jane, and this time l want you to know about it from the start-as a partner. And I think you had better hear MT Brands side of 1t 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 emphatically. "To- night"
 Brand was eager to evade the issue and gain time for further persuasion or compromise. He realized that Key holds, in his present state of mind, would accept no pacification 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 had established cul de sac from which there was only one escape. He turned, therefore. to Jane as to last resort. Let's be seated, Mrs Reynolds, !" he said as he approached, her face DOT traying now unconcealed alarm.
 What has happened?" she asked excitedly.
 Nothing irreparable, Mrs. Rey- holds" the millionaire answered suave- ly, but your husband is in frame of mind-I might say mental condi- ton that makes it impossible for me to appeal to him either by argument or a sfraioht ctatopopt oP foot H. l.. in a bad hole, and now, when he's driven into corner through his own asinine blundering. he's not only turned traitor to you and me, but he's a drunkard besides"
 "Mr. Brandt" Jane exclaimed, turn ing red with indignation and paling with apprehension at the sudden brutality of his words
 "Oh, I don't mean that alone" he answered, indicating the half emptied bottle. Its his brain that's drunk No matter in what direction he 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 Sdf6 IlO nOa ' liStOA lO IuG. hhy- 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, MT. Brand. Tell me what has happened"
 Well, then" he answered almost defantly. 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 out of his own pocket. More than that, Mrs. Reynolds, he's been drink ing hard and doing things that man Is likely to do under such circum- stances. I'm surprised you haven't seen It."
 T have seen it," Jane acknowl-