Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-11-17
BY E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM

Der among my supporters, but see
that 1t Is a privilege for which may
ready, FISCHER. join The ladies'"
They rose from the table few
minutes later.
Fischer, who had been eagerly watch
ing his opportunity, drew Senator
Joyce on one side for moment as
they passed down the crowded corri-
dor.
Mr.. Joyce" he said. Il have heard
your decision tonight with deeper re-
greet than / can express, yet more than
ever 1t has brought homo one truth to
me. Our position toward you was
sion when we should have offered you
the thing itself" al
senator Joyce swung around.
Say. Mr.. Fischer what are you get
ting at?" he asked bluntly.
II mean that 1t is Hastings and
ers. and you who should have been
our candidate" Fischer suggested
boldly. What about 1t? 1t isn't too
late"
Nothing doing SIR" was the firm
reply. Theodore Hastings may not
be exactly my type of man, but / am
not out to see him cornered like that,
and besides, to tell you the truth, Mr..
Fischer" he added, pausing at the
door, when / stand for the presi-
dency 1 want to do so not on the NOM
nation of you or your friends, or any
underground schemers. l want the
support OF the real American citizen.
want to be free from all outside ties
and obligations. ] want to stand for
America, and America only I not only
want to be President, you see, but 1.
want to be the. chosen President of
the right sort of people. 80 l am
going to ask you to excuse me to the
ladies and our host. Mr.. Fischer" he
concluded. holding out his hand. II
had 2 note asking me to visit the At
on my way here. l have an idea that
1t is about this Roughtcn business"
Fischer returned to the others alone.
Hastings was clearly disturbed at his
guests departure. His friend and
supporter, however. affected to treat
1t lightly.
Joyce is like all these lawyers"
he declared: He is simply waiting
to sec which way the wind bl,ws. 1
have come across. them many times.
evenly balanced. till their support
makes all the difference, and clinch
their bargain then"
II should have said" Pamela re-
above that sort Of thing"
Every man has his price and his
weak spot" her uncle observed didac-
tically. ."Joyce's price is the presi-
dency. His weak spot is popular adu-
lation: l agree with Fischer. He will
probably join us later"
Mr. Hastings was summoned to tho
telephone moment or two later Mrs
Hastings sat down to write note.
and Pamela moved her place over to
Fischers side. His face frightened
at her spontaneous movement. She
shook her head, however, at the little
compliment with which he welcomed
her;
This afternoon" she said softly, IT
met Mr.. chichester"
rs. he back in New York?" Fischer
asked, frowning.
Pamela nodded.
lie told me something which I feel
inclined to tell you," she continued,
glancirg into her companions bag
gard face with a CLEAN of sympathy in
her eyes. You'll probably see it in
GOV. Roughton's resignation was COM
Dulsory. He is under arrest"
"For negligence?
FOR participation,' was the grave
reply. Mr.. chichester has been down
to-tle city where these things took
afternoon"
"Lutchester again" Fischer NUT
tered.
"You see, it's rather in his line"
Pamela reminded him. lie is over
hero to superintcnd the production Of
munitions from the factories which
are working for the British govern
ment"
erai mischi efmaier!" " f FGse e gen EN-
claimed fiercely. do / understand
that he has been down in ------?,.'
Pamela nodded
HE went down with one of the
heads OF the New York police"
she turned away, but Fischer
caught at her wrist.
cried hoarsely.
The agony in the mans face and
tone touched her. After all, lie was
fighting for the great things. There
was nothing mean about Fischer,
nothing selfish about his lying ard his
crimes.
II have told yod all that IN"
she whispered, but If you hurried
you could catch the New. York to-
highland i. think should advise
you to CO."
CHAPTER XXXv1.