The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1916-11-09
CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.
Five hours before, the man who was
hurting himself f%uriously after the
rapidly r%etreating train had driven
calmly through the city, from the pier
of the White Star Line to the apart
ment of a man whom he had met
abroad, and who a offered him he
use of 1t during his absence. The rooms
were in the fourth story Of a fine apart
ment house. The returning exile noted
with satisfaction the "irreproachable
neighborhood, as he slowly descended
from the carriage, paid his fee, and en-
tered the door, to present his letter or
Introduction to the janitor in charge.
His first act was to open the steamer
trunk which he a brought with him
in the cab, and take therefrom his we'd
ding garments. These he carefully ar
ranged on folding hangers and hung in
the closet, which was otherwise empty
save for a few boxes piled on the high
shelf.
Their he fastened to the telephone
and communicated with his best man
Jefferson Hathaway; told him the BOAT
was late arriving at the dock, u that
he was here at last; gave him a few
directions concerning errandS he
would like to have done, and agreed to
be at the church a half-hour earlier than
the time set for the ceremony, to be
shown just what arrangements had
been made. He was told that his bride
was feeling very tired and was resting,
and agreed that it would be as we'll
not to disturb her; they would nave
time enough to talk afterwards; there
really wasn't anything to say but what
he had already written. And he would
have about all he could do to get there
on time as it was. He asked if Jeffer-
son had called for the ring he had Or
dered and if the carriage would be sent
for him in time and then without for
malities closed the Interview. He and
Jefferson were not exactly fond of one
another, though Jefferson was the be-
loved brother of his bride to be.
He hung up the receiver n ran for
a brandy and soda to brace himself
for the coming ordeal which was to
bind to him a woma whom for years
and whom he might have loved if she
had not dared to scorn him for the
evil that she knew was in him. AT
last he had found a way to subdue her
and bring her with her ample fortune
to his feet and he felt the exultation Of
the ~conqueror as he went about his
preparations for the evening.
He made a SNUG and leisurely toilet,
with a smile Of satisfaction upon his
flabby face. He was naturally a selfish
person and had always known how to
make other people attend to all bother
some details for him while he enjoyed
himself. He was quite comfortable and
self complacent as he posed a moment
before the mirror to SmOoth his mus
tache and note how well he was look
ing. Then he wen to the closet for his
coat.
1t was most peculiar, the way it hap
pened, but somehow, as he stepped into
that closet to take down his coat, which
hung at the pack where the space was
widest, the opening at the wrist Of his
shirt sleeve caught for just an instant
IN the little knob Of the closet latch.
The gold button which held the cuff to
the Wristband slipped its hold, and the
man was free almost at once, but the
angry twitch he had made at the slight
detention had given the door an i'm
petus which set it silently moving on
it's hinges. ct was characteristic of
George Hayne that he was always i'm
patient Of the slightest detention.) He
had scarcely put his hand upon his
wedding coat when a soft steel click.
followed by utter darkness, warned him
that his Impotence had entrapped him.
He put out his hand and pushed at the
door, but h catch had settled into
place. 1t was a very strong, neat little
catch. and it did its work we'll. The
mar was a prisoner.
AT first he was only annoyed, and
gave the door an angry kick or two,
as If Of course it would presently re-
lease him meekly; but then he be-
thought him Of his polished wedding
shoes, and desisted. He tried to find a
knob and shake the door, but the only
knob was the tiny brass one on the out
side OF the catch, and you cannot shake
a plain surface reared up before you.
Then he set his massive, flabby shoul-
der against the door and pressed with
all his might, till his bulky linen shirt
front creaked with dismay, and his
wedding collar wilted Imply. But the
door stood like adamant. 1t was mas
sive. like the man, but 1t was not. flab-
by. The wood of which it was com
posed had spent Its early life in the
open air, wet with the dews Of heaven.
and exercising against the north blast
It wa nothing for it to hold out against
this pillow of a man, who had been
nurtured in the dissipation and folly
Of a great city. The door held its own
and II doors do such things, the face OF
1t must have laughed to the silent
room; ana who knows but the room
wfnked back? 1t would be but natural
that a room should resent a new oc.
cupant In the absence Of q beloved
owner.
He was there, SAT and fast, in thu
still dark, with plenty Of time for re.
Election. And there were things in
his life that called for his reflection
They had lever had him at an advan.
tage before.
In due course of time, having ex-
hausted his breath and strength ia
fruitless pushing. and his vocabulary In
foolish curses, he lifted up his yoics
and roared.' No other word would quits
describe h sound that issued from his
mighty throat. But the CITY roarad
placidly below him, and no one minded
him in the least. =
He sacrificed the shiny toes Of thu
shoes and added resounding kicks IN
the door to the genera hubbub. IA
changed he roar to below like :
mad huil. but still h silence thai sue
ceeded 1t was as deep and monotono,1,
as ever. He tried going to the back al
the closet and hurting himself againsi
the door, but he only hurt his soft
muscles with the effort. Finally he sat
down on the floor of the closet.
(Continued Next Week
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