The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1916-04-13

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.
Know that MANI" asked the son.
None of your business"
''Ah, see!' banteringly. "He knows
you"
Smead left the table without his
usual cup OF coffee.
He felt harassed, like rat driven
into corner. Why had he stopped
like yokel and given the old man
the opportunity? All right, he thought
grimly. Let him smile That smile
would never balance the hurt he
(Smead) had given.
"Fagin, watch him carefully tonight.
He may take it into his head to
rough it,
why not? Getting tender, Donny?"
mo, Fagin, but I'm rather sick of
the whole business. Things have turn
ed up unexpectedly. Sick at heart, il
you want to know the truth. over the
past, over the future. Id like to have
Il wllack at living straight, doing hon
est work if they'd let me. South
America or South Africa, where they
don't know me. lagin, I'm Smead's
SON.
l7agin had ordered coffee. but he for
got to drink it.
An accomplished rogue who did not
want to he a rogue any longer
A year ago nothing had worried him.
Money had come easily. At war with
society, but at peace with himself.
And now this unaccountable upheayal
in his soul. Had the sight of Diana
set it in motion? Diana, straight and
honest as light, "brave as the morn
ing.' Might it not be the constant
thought Of some one else whom he
had wronged carelessly?
a blind. cowardly rage had drawn
him into this coil. Could he walk
straight with all these ghosts troopinss
beside him? Like father, like son-Was
that to be till the end of the chapter?
10 break her spirit, to humble her
pride-as if a woman like she was
would ever surrender to coercion. lie
found himself at the farmhouse door.
He Knocked.
Miss Wyune:" he inquired.
she is Waiting in the parlor, sir.
This way"
He entered the room, knowing that
he was beaten.
she was as beautiful as Palmer Wee
cllios "S5ant;l Barbara" With all his
Petty vjllainicS, his makeshifts, his fol
lies, one thing always burned clearly
and purely in his leart-his love for
this young woman who was gazing at
him with critical, unfricndly eyes.
You sent for me, Dig"
Yes crisply. Il want Mr.. Gran
| ford liberated at once. am the per-
son Who is responsible for your present
embarrassment"
You, Dip He was genuinely aston
ished.
Myself. For a long time have been
in the secret service. | usually pose as
a stcWardesS 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 l be
lieve You call it." with an ironica
smile. "Iour exploits have been of the
daredevil kind, all save this last one
You had courage. 1t was great sport
| really believe you never stopped tc
look deeply into the things You have
done. But this was base and low anc
dtspicable.'
$50 it was, Di,' calmly, but quite
like me-
She started and shot him a puzzIet
glance.
"Nature,' he went on, SIS the great
est Insurer of them all. Think of wha
she charges on the loan OF a sinai
folly. And am terribly in debt II
/ her. Don't look puzzled, Di. 1t ism
banter. You have beaten me- Doubt
less you have thcm. II that is TIL.
case I'm rather Glad Of it. Give then
back TO her. Tell her the rogue il
soTy-sorry that hc ever crossed he
battlefront the very bottom Of hi
soul
Her eyes grew wider ana wider.
I'll 90 out and release Crawford. IL
fooled US neatly, never dreamed tina
you We're III this You're Il wonder
FIJI young Womtn. Tomorrow -sout
America. Di, I've been Smead's son
Michael Sneads. \ rare handicap
I'm not whining. What's done can
DC undonc.'
.'lf could only believe YOU" breath
lessly.
"Fhere you area liar and Il rogue
Who'd believe him? Wolf! Wolf. To
many times I've cried it. Now no on
hears"
''Frances!' Diana called
The young man lay back against til
wall, his hands clutching at it.
The door at the far side of the fire
place opened, and she who was cale
Frances entered quietly.
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