The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1915-04-16

WhlmS; he endured them because
there was nothing else left for him tc
do. But, for all that, he despired
them-justitiably so, no doubt, if one
bears in mind the fact that they signi
fed more to James Brood than did
his long-neglected son.
The cold reserve that extended to
the young man did not carry beyond
him In relation to any other member
of the household SO far as James
Brood was concerned. The unhappy
boy, early in their acquaintance, came
to realize that there was little in com
mon between him and the man he
called father After a while the eager
light died out of his own eyes and he
no longer StrOVe to encourage the IN
innate relations he had counted upon
as a part Of the recompense for so
many years Of separation and loneli,
ness. 1t required but little effort on
his part to meet his fathers indiffer-
ence with a GOODNESS quite as pro-
nounced; he had never known the
meaning Of filial love; he had been
taught by word of mouth to love the
man he had never seen, and he had
learned as one learns astronomy--by
calculation. He hated the two old men
because his father loved them.
The patient butler, Jones, had made
no less than four visits to the library
since ten o'clock to awaken them and
pack them off to bed. Each time he
had been ordered away, once with the
joint admonition to mind his own
business"
But it is nearly midnight" pro-
tested Jones irritably, with a glance
at the almost empty decanter.
Jones'" said Danbury Dawes, with
great dignity and an eye that de-
ceived him to such a degree that he
could not for the life of him under
stand why Jones was attending them
in pairs, Jones, you ought to be in
hic-bed, d-n you-both of you. Wha'
you mean, sir, by coming in-hic-
here thish time O. night dis-disturb-
ing"
You Internal ingrate," broke in Mr..
Riggs tercely, don't you dare to touch
that bottle, sir. Let it alone!"
It's time you were in bed" pro-
nounced Jones, taking Mr.. Dawes by
the arm. Mr.. Dawes sagged heavily
in his chair and grinned triumphantly.
He was a short, very fat old man.
Take him to bed, JONES'" said Mr..
Riggs firmly. Hes drunk asi, lana
utterly useless at a time like this.
Take him along"
Who the dev-hic-il are YOU, sir?"
demanded Mr. Dawes, regarding Mr..
Riggs as if he had never seen him
before.
You are both drunk" said Jones,
succinctly.
The heavy front door closed with a
bang at that instant and the sound of
footsteps came from the hall-a quick,
firm tread that had decision in it.
Jones cast furtive, nervous glance
over his shoulder.
Pm sorry to have Mr.. Frederic see
you like this" he said, biting his lip.
"He hates it So"
The two old men made a commend
able effort to stand erect, but no ef-
fort to stand alone. They linked
arms and stood shoulder to shoulder.
SHOW him in," said Mr.. Riggs, mag.
nificently.
Now we'll find out wass in tele.
gram off briny Deep" said Mr.. Dawes,
spraddling his legs little farther
apart in order to declare a stanch
front.
Its worth waiting up for" said Mr..
Riggs.
Absolutely" said his staunch friend.
Frederic Brood appeared In the
door, stopping short Just inside the
heavy curtains. There was a momen.
tary picture, such as a stage director
would have arranged. He was still
wearing his silk hat and top-coat and
one glove had been halted in the
process Of removal. Young Brood
stared at the group Of three, a frank
stare OF amazement. A crooked smile
came to his lips.
Somewhat later than usual, I see,"
he said, and the glove came off with a
Jerk. What's the matter, Jones? Re-
bellion?"
No, sir. It's the wireless, SIR"
"Wireless?"
"Briny deep" said Mr., Dawes,
vaguely pointing.
on said young Brood, crossing
slowly to the table. He picked m the
envelope and looked at the inscrin.
tlon. Oh" said he again, in quite
a olnerent tone on seeing that it was
addressed to him. From father, l
uare say" ne went on, fine line ap.
pearins between his eyebrows.
Inc old men leaned forward, fixing
their blear eyes upon the missive
Les hear the worst. Freddy" said
Mr.. Riggs.
The young man ran his finger under
the Hap and deliberately drew out the
There ensued another pic.
ture. AS he read his eyes widened
and then contracted; his firm Young