Evening star., 1918-06-02
KAUFMAN

And yet, persisted barton, Wnat
touches your business life touches an
entirely different Jesse Moxon. I tell
you these men are starving!
"And I tell you it's their own fault"
'"Their wives"
.-They are fools to marry such tim
berheads."
"Their children"
Moxon brought his fist down on the
table. 81 say it's a matter Of prin-
ciple" There was finality in tone, as
well as gesture.
Nevertheless, Barton tried once
more. He dropped argument for
pleading. He appealed to the man be-
love- for Moxon's daughter. Then. in
a last. effort, the lawyer began to
sketch the suffering that his own eyes
had seen.
Moxon interrupted almost rudely.
"Stop that" he exclaimed.
But Moxon-"
stop it" The millionaire rose and
looked at his watch. I've had a
tough day today and I'll have an
other tomorrow. I wanted to get to
bed early. and here you've kept me
what I'll do. I'll think this matter
over. First thing in the morning TIL
send you line by messenger. giving
my decision. But. mind you. l don't
think your friends Rave a chance in
the Worl0 IOr any IaNoT from me. nc
cut short Barton's reply. The serv-
ants have all turned in. I'll see you
to the door"
When he was alone in the study
Moxon sat silent for a long time at
the big writing table. Unused though
he was to any form Of indecision. ne
twice drew a sheet Of notepaper to
him and twice gave up the attempt
to write on it. He sat with his square
chin on his chest. For two hours he
thought hard. Then. again remem-
bering the day that was ahead Of him.
he rose and stretched his stim legs.
This won't do," he muttered.
He poured a long drink OF whisky
into a tumbler and. with steady hand.
filled the glass with settler. Without
spilling a, drop he carried the brim-
ming tumbler into his bedroom and
set it down on the night table.
Closing the bedroom door behind
him. he returned to the study and
switched off the lights. This done.
he moved quietly about the darkened
room and threw back the heavy cur
tains that had masked the windows.
But. again in his bedroom. abstrac-
tion fell once more upon him. He sat
on the edge of the bed for fifteen
minutes before he reached out his
hand and took up the whisky.
Il must need this" he thought. Il
wonder il I'm getting old"
w I'LL the GRASS Hdli way " iipo
he paused. He heard a sound in the
study. and as he entered switched on
the lights.
With binding ,suddenness the study
was plunged from utter darkness into
the cascade Of light from a dozen
electric chandeliers. There was the
panic rush of two men toward the
tween the fireplace and the wall of
the Lsdroom. The rush ended as
quickly as 1t began. Jesse Moxon
was standing with his revolver full
at Spike Lanes chest
For a moment neither man spoke.
Spike was like the statue of runner;
he was stopped in full speed. The mil
lionaire was putting little. but his
hand was steady and he held his
weapon in a manner that convinced
the burglar of its owners familiarity
with firearms.
"Hands up" said Moxon. at last.
Spike raised his hands first-they
were empty-and Strengthened the
rest of his body afterward. He knew
that this was the required way. In
flash there came to him the picture of
his tenement rooms. of the sick wife
the baby girl whom he had been
pushing along the avenue in a go
cart. He saw these things. and he
saw the prison on the Hudson. Would
he ever see anything but the prison
again? Was this the end of it all? He
desperately resolved that this should
not be the end of it-but he raised his
hands just the same.
: Have you got a revolver" asked
Moxon.
Spike shook his cropped poll.
"We'li see about that" said Moxon
grimly.
Keeping his own gun at convent
ent angle. he rapidly searched the
prisoner. The fellow was indeed un-
armed. Moxon drew away; still COW
ering the man.
what are you doing. here?" he
Spike gave short laugh.
"Aw." he growled. rthats what they
all say. Whatm l doin' here?- What
do you t'ink I'm doin' here. anyhow?
I amt dropped in to tea" He stood
absolutely motionless. his arms still
obediently raised. but from under his
heavy brows his quick eyes were
'ceaselessly scanning the room.
You're not going to drop out again
in a hurry. anyhow" declared Moxon.
noting the activity of his prisoners
glance. II can call five servants by
pressing any one of five bells in
different parts of this room.
The statement was not precisely
true. but 1t served.
"Well." said Spike. why don't you?
I don't mind. l amt so comforta BILE
here"
Moxon's thick lips twisted them
selves into a smile.
81 guess I'm bad host" he said.
perhaps If you'd sit down in that
cha air-tha ona tho hi0 tohlo in