Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-09-02
By Mary Inlay Taylor

into rehearsal This thing can be don.
for spring"
"As soon as that!' Richardson had
turned from the window. and he stood
AT once. A thousand dollars down"
-Griswold hesitated. then he remem-
oered that the younger man was ruined
and In a rush Of admiration for such
genius he amazed himself with . sud.
gross"
"a thousand dollars down, and how
much more? You think it viii be q
big money-maker. Griswold?' Rich.
ardson's tone was almost fearful.
Il think it will bring you a fortune
did you do it?"
Richardson smiled consciously. lean.
ing back in his chair. My dear Girls.
void. 1 wrote that play in forty-eigh,
hours. 1t came to me like a flash"
.Inspiration?"
Richardson nodded.
CHAPTER ".
1t had been a strenuous day. but mid
night found Richardson again in his
own rooms. Since the moment when
Griswold's mistake had thrust an acute
temptation upon . desperate man. he
had been living in q kind Of crazy
dream. He had never meant to do it,
to steal Gadsden's play. but the temp
tation to settle his debts and rehabili-
tate himself socially was too great.
Griswold had paid him Q thousand dol
lars down and advanced more ON the
royalties.
He started violently. for he heard his
bell ring. and a moment later Halket
answered the door,
Some one to see you, sir"
What manner"
"Mr. Gadsden. He won't take no. sir.
says his business is pressing
Richardson walked slowly to his
chair and sat down. Let him come
up" he said hoArsely.
But there was nothing alarming in
and walked over to the fire.
Il want to thank you. Mr.. Richard
son." he said. in quiet voice, ''for your
kindness last night to q hungry man."
Richardson experienced such q feel
most a genial air. Don't mention It.
Sit down and I'll ring for some wine
and cigars"
Gadsden held up his hand. mo. sir.
Not drop. When I came to myself
this morning realised how low had
fallen to take charity. haven't
touched drop today. and 1 wrote an
article and sold it. I came tonight to
return your five dollars"
Richardson waved it back. his face
I'm glad to help a man
down on his luck. I've been there my
self"
Gadsden looked at him keenly: his
son to be penetrating and burrowing
into his soul. He laid the fve-dollar
bill on the table.
Pardon me-" he said. 81 appreciate
both your generosity and your eour-
tesy. but I want to feel that I'm still
enough Of man to stand up and take
my medicine. Permit mo to return the
loan. and thank you"
Richardson inclined his head. He was
struck by the new dignity Of the man.
Gadsden had shaved and put on clean
linen. and he was no longer the sham
bling drunkard of last night He had
a remarkable face and head.
Pardon me-" said the visitor. alb
Did you read lit"
II looked 1t over"
Gadsden leaned forward.
What did you think Of it?' he said.
I'm not much OF q judge" Richard
Nevertheless. you know what you
think"
good thing"
Gadsden's face fell sharply, his eyes
lost their brilIiance. a settled look Of
came over the excite.
nent of q moment ago. He said MOTH
ng for few moments, silently pufdng
It his cigar. Then he glanced at the
clock.
II won't take your time" he said.
Using, land I'll take the play with mo
low II you've finished reading it,
ow." he said. slowly, Il don't know
low to apologize. I left the play lying
lere. and my man-not knowing it's
the fire with it."
Gadsden's hand fell at his side. and
he cigar dropped to the door. He Sajd