The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1916-10-19

Very kind Of you to invite me, I'm sure.
Yes. I'll be there in a few moments, as
soon as I can get rid of the dust Of
travel. Thank you. Goodbye
1t all sounded very commonplace to
the clerk, who was making out bills and
fretting because he could not get off to
take his girl to h theater that night,
but as Gordon hung up the receiver he
looked around furtively as if expecting
to see a dozen detectives ready to seize
upon him. 1t was the first time he had
ever undertaken a commission under an
assumed name and he felt as If he were
shouting his commission through the
streets Of New York.
The young man made short work OF
his toilet Just as he was leaving the
hotel a telegram was handed him. 1t
was from his chief, and so worded that
to the operator who a copied it down
it read like a hasty call to Boston;
1t was merely a blind to cover his exit
from the hotel and from New York, and
set any possible hunters on a wrong
scent. He marvelled at the wonderful
mind of his chief, who thought out
every detail Of an important campaign,
and forgot not one little possible point
where difficulty might arise.
Gordon had a v feeling as he
again stepped into a tax:cab and gave
his order. He wondered how many
stray dogs, and neWSboys with broken
legs, would attach themselves to him
on the way to dinner. Whenever the
speed slowed down, or they We're halted
by cars and autos, his heart pounded
painfully, lest something new had hap
pened, but he arrived safely and swiftly
at the station, checked his suit case,
and took another cab to the residence
Of Mr.. Holman, without further Incl
dent.
The company were waiting for him,
and after the introductions they went
Immediately to the dining room. Cor
don took his seat with. the feeling that
he had bungled everything hopelessly,
and had arrived so late that there was
no possible hope of his doing what he
had been sent to do. For the first few
minutes his thoughts were a tumble,
n his eyes daZed with the brilliant
lights Of the room. He could not single
out the faces of the people present and
differentiate them one from another. His
heart beat painfully against the sriff
expanse Of evening linen. 1t almost
seemed as if those near him could hear
it. He found himself starting and
stammering when he was addressed as
MIR. Durham" His thoughts were
mingled with white dogs, newsboys,
and ladies with scornful smiles.
He was seated on the right of his
hostess, n gradually her gentle man
ners CAV him Quietness. He began to
gain control If himself, and now he
seemed to see afar the keen eye Of his
chief watching the testing of his new
commissioner. His heart swelled to
meet the demand made upon him. A
strong purpose came to him to rise
above all obstacles and conquer in spite
Of circumstances. He must forget
everything else md rise to the oc-
caSion.
From that moment the dancing lights
hat multiplied themselves in the gilt
tering silver and cut glass Of the table
began to settle into order; and slowly,
one by one. the conglomeration Of faces
around h board resolved itself into
individuals.
There was the pretty, pale hostess,
whose gentle ways seemed hardly to
fit with her large, boisterous, though
polished husband. gnscrupulousntss
was written all over his ruddy features,
also a certain unhidden craftiness
which passed for geniality among his
kind.
There were two others with faces full
Of cunning, both men Of wealth and
culture. One did not hin Of the word
refinement" in connection with them;
still, that might be conceded also; but
it was all dominated by the cunning
that on this OCCASION, at least, was al
lowed to sit unmasked upon their coun-
AA1SJ 40 Gil
enemy, and they were openly exultant.
OF the other guests, one was very
young n sleek, with eyes that had
early learned to eVade; one was old and
weary looking, with a hunted express
sion; one was thick set, with little eyes
set close ina fat, selfish face. Gordon
began to understand hat these three
but did the bidding Of the others. They
listened to the conversation merely
from a business standpoint and not
with any personal interest. They We're
there because they were needed, and
not because they were desired.
There was n bond which they
readiness to combine for their mutual
safety. This did not manifest itself in
anything tangible, but the guest felt
that 1T was there and ready to spring
upon him at any instant.
All this came gradually to the young
man as the meal with it's pleasant for
malities began. AS yet nothing had
been said about the a for his be-
ing there.
Did you tell me you We're in a
wreck?" suddenly asked the hostess
sweetly. turning to him. n the table
talk hushed instantly while the host
asked: "a wreck! Was it s%erious?"
Gordon perceived his mistake at once.
With instant caution, he replied smil-
ingly. ooh, nothing serious, a little
break down on a freight ahead, which
required time to patch up. 1t reminded
me" n then he launched boldly
into one Of the bright dinner stories for
which he was noted among his COM
panions at home. His heart was beat.
ing wildly, but he succeeded In turning
the attention Of the table to his joke
instead of SO asking from where he had
come and on what road. Questions
about himself were dangerous he plain
ly saw, If he would get possession Of the
valued paper n get away without
leaving a trail behind him. He sue
ceeded in n thing more, which.
though he did not know it, was the very
thing his chief had hoped he would dc
when he chose him instead of a man
who had wider experience; he made
every man at the table feel that
he was delightful. a mar to be
thoroughly trusted and enjoyed; who
would lever suspect them of having
any Interior motives in anything they
were doing.
The conversation for a little time
rippled with bright stories and repar
tee, and Gordon began to feel almost 3 5