The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-12-01

as elegant as the voice was hard and cold Nearly thirty years, ago.
 "Simmons," he heard the old man say to his companion, simmons, haven't played a game of billiards in years Suppose we try a hand.''
 Smead ate his dinner without relish
 He was so confused that he did not question the old mans presence here or inquire. into what his errand might be. He could only think that he had permitted him to, stare him out of countenance. 4.s5es .e -s-fz<z z-5 Know that man ?, asked the SOB,
 None of your business. 7. n ~Ah, I seeT' bAnteringly. He knows you.'' 5.s<+s.s .f.t Smead left the table without his | usual cup of coffee s5es
 He felt harassed, like a rat driven into a corner Why had, he stopped like yofel and given the old man the opportunity All right, he thought grimly- Let him smile That smile would never balance the hurt he CSmead had given
 '-Fagin, watch hina carefully tonight He may take it into his head to rough it-' ..
 +tWhy not? Getting. tender, Donny ?''
 "No, Fagin, but I'm rather sick of the whole business Things have turn ed up unexpectedly Sick at heart, if you want to know the truth, over the past, over the future I'd like to have a whack at living straight doing hon est work if they'd let me. South America or South Africa, where they don't know me. FaglR, Fm Smead's son.
 Fagin had ordered coffee, but he for got to drink it
 An accomplished rogue who did not want to be rogue any longer.
 A year ago nothing had worried him. Money. had come easily Al war with society, but at peace with himself. And now this unaccount table upheavaI in his soul Had the sight of Diana set it in motion? Diana, straight and honest as light, NtbraVe las the morn fngr' Might it not be the constant thought of some one else whom he had wronged care1esssy?
 A blind, cowartI1y rage had drawn him into this coil Could he walk straight with all these ghosts trooping beside him? Like father, like son=was that to be till the end of the chapter? :? To break her spirit, to humble her pride-as if woman like she was would ever surrender to coercion! He 
 He knocked
 Miss wynne P he inquired.
 sShe is waiting in the parlor, sir. This way
 He entered the room, knowing that he was beaten s
 She was as beaut1fu1 as Palmer .vec- chio's Santa Barbara. With all his petty vf11afnies, his makeshifts, his fol lies. one thing always burned clearly and purely in his heart-his love for this young woman who was gazing at him with critical, unfriehdly eyes. You sent for me, Di?v
 "Yes,' erisply z T want MT Gran ford liberated at once. I am the per- son who is responsible for your present embarrasSment'i
 You, Di?s He was genuinely aston 1Sned
 Myself For long time have been in the secret service. I usually pose as a stewardess on the north Atlantic liners. was sent for. by one whom ! we both know and told what had taken place. gave my word that you should not succeed. A sneak.s business I be- lieve you call it,'s with an ironical smile. stYour exploits have been of the daredevil. kind, all save this last one. You had courage. It was great sport. l really believe you never stopped to look deeply into the things you have done But this was base and low and despica ble.''
 "so it was, Df." calmly, but quite like me-
 She started and shot him a puzzled glance.
 Nature he went on, -.is the great est usurer of them all Think Of what she charges on the loan of & sTnaI1 folly! And I am terribly in debt to her. Don't look puzzled. Di.. It isn't banter. You have beaten me Doubt less you have them sa If that is the, case Pm rataeF glad of it. Give them back to shers Tell her the rogue is. sorry-sorry that he ever crossed her path-from tfle very bottom Of his isouI.'' s-s
 Her eyes grew wider and wider.
 "Isn go out and release Cranford- He fooled us neatly. I never dreamed that you were in this. You're q wonder. full young woman '. TonaerrOW America. Dig I've been Slneadss son, Michael SmeaS s. A, rare handicap. I'm not whining. What's done can't' be undone.''
 "If could only believe your breath. lessly.
 .+There you area liar and a. rogue! Who'd believe him? Wolff Wolf! Too many times I've cried it. Now no one hears.'' ,.,..s
 .-Frances!' Diana called.
 The young man lay back against the wall. his hands clutch4ng at it.
 The door at the far side of the fire place opened, and she who was called Frances entered quietly.
 She. was white. but not more so thar fnn man who stared eaf hor A fR f1laau in which each poser heard nothing but the thunder of the heart The young man was first to find his speech.
 "Di, I marvel at your completeness.