Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-10-27

a. Sena me sometning 70 take TOT
a after that I'll take my chance"
and took his leave. Fischer leaned
back in his chair and closed his eyes.
HIS mind travelled back through
GUS life. In such minutes of relaxa-
ton, few of which he permitted him.
self. ne realized with bitter COM
pleteness the catastrophe which had
overtaken him-him, Oscar Fischer. of
all men on earth. Into his life of
row ambitions. of almost superhuman
tenacity, had crept the one weaken
ing strain whose presence in other
men he had always scoffed at and de-
rided.. There was a new and enervat-
Ing glamour over the days. new and
thoughts and dreams. Ten years
ago, he reflected sadly, this might
have made different man of him,
might have unlocked the gates into
world, visions Of which had some
times vaguely disturbed him in his
cold and selfish climb. Now It Could
only mean suffering. This was the
first stroke. It was the assertion Of
his preyen Mhc MeaKnea responsible Ma for
might 1t not drag him down? S., ~
There should be a fight, at any
rate, he told himself, as an hour or
two later he made his way down.
town; He paid several calls in the
up in Van Teyls office. That young
man greeted HIM with certain re-
you know the tone of the mar
kets still against, you.' Fischer" he
Fischer threw himself. into the
clients easy-chair. The furniture in
the office seemed less distinct than
usual. He was conscious of a GER
tam TAIN hazdness of outline in every
shrouded in little mist. Then he
suddenly found himself lighting
f1ercely, fighting for his consciousness.
hghting against wave Of giddiness,
a deadly sinking Of the heart, q
strange slackening Of, all his nerve
power. The. young stockbroker rose
hastily TO, his feet. -,.,,,,. -. ~ s1't,
anything wrong, old fellow?" he
asked anxiously. %s.-..
"A "A glass Of water" Fischer begged.
vo ne was sos conscious Of drinking 1T.
ming. Soon the Office had regained
Its ordinary appearance, his pulse
was beating more regularly. He had
once more the feeling of living-of
living. though In a minor key.
"A touch Of liver" he murmured.
kets?"
you look pretty rotten" Van Teyl
remarked, alphabetically. Shall
send out for some brandy?"
NOT Tor me-" Fischer scoffed. IT
FrenchY' o.
Ninety four. You've only done
them In point. after all, and that's
nominal. I daresay could get ten
Thousand back at that"
~
ply. TIL sell another nifty thousand
at ninety-four."
Look here" Van Teyl said, swing
Ing round in his chair. II like the
business and know you can finance
II, put are you sure that you realize
Meves Anglo-French have touched
their bottom. They've only to 20
back to where they were-say five
points-and you'd lose half a million"
Fischer Els smiled a little YEARLY.
demonstrated. had already passed
through my brain. Send in your SELL
Ing order, Jim, and come out to lunch
with me. I've come straight through
morning"
Van Teyl called in his clerk and
gave few orders. Then he took up
his hat and left the office with his
client.
From Washington. eh?" he re-
marked, curiously, as they passed
into the crowded streets. $50 that
accounts" =
He broke off abruptly. His COM
panion's warning fingers had tight
ened upon his arm.
'Quite right" Van Teyl confessed.
There's gossip enough about now,
and they seem to have tumbled to It
that you're our client. The office has
been besieged this morning. Sorry.
Ned, I'm busy" he went on. to man.
later, Fred. . I'll be in after lunch.
Mr.. BSrrodaile,, No. nothing fresh
Fischer smiled gri,nly e.. e44s.
Got. you into kind of hornets,
nest eh?" he observed.
Its been like this all. the morn
ing" Van Teyl told him. ':They be-.
lieye know something. Even tho
newspaper men. are' tumbling to It,.
We'll get little peace there"
They stepped into the hall Of
great building. All took one Of the
intermilable .row of lifts. A few.
minutes later they were seated at 2
side table In q dining room on the
top floor of one of the huge modern
skyscrapers. Below them stretched
a picturesque view Of the river. A
fresh breeze blew in through the
opened window. They were above
the noise. event Of the street cars.
"Order me a small bottle Of cham
payne, James" Fischer begged. land
some steak"
Van Teyl stared at his companion
and laughed as he took up tho wine
list.
"wel1 that's the first Tina Eischer