Catoctin clarion., 1918-02-14
The Goal


william BartelWes
Earle Trescott read the name with
retrospective expression of face. he
unwittingly allowed the newspaper to
slip to the floor. He glanced at the pile
of manuscript lying on the desk at
which he had been writing, and picked
up the fountain pen beside it, glancing
at 1t retiectively; as though In some
way 1t connected with the announce.
ment he had just read.
II would like to see Mr.. Bartelme,"
he soliloquized, "but it would hardly
do" snd he looked down at his rather
threadbare attire. Besides, he has
probably long since forgotten me-"
In the past, however, he had remem-
bered him, Trescott had been his ste
nographer for a year, had been pleas.
antly enough treated by the dilletante
millionaire and had been paid fairly
for his labors. About q month after
this employment had ceased, Mr.: Bar
telme happened TO come into . sta
toner's where Trescott was buying
some copy paper.
"Glad to see you, Trescott," he spoke
pleasantly. "4'ys missed You since !
let you go-miss the work frittered
away my time on"
"YOu don't mean that you have
abandoned that splendid theme that
80 engrossed your" invOluntarlly ex-
claimed Trescott.
II fear am given to fleeting fads,"
observed the time killer, with care
less shrpg of the shoulders, "By the
way, help me pick out fountain pen."
Trescott did 30. He flushed with
pleasure as his former employer, hay
Ing decided on what suited him, pur-
chased also its counterpart and pre-
sented 1t to Trescott.
Then Trescott had come to the city
to try his fortunes. He had heard of
his employer and patron ever and
anon. There was distant relative Of
Mr.. Bartelme, Page Wetmore, who was
supposed to be a prospective heir.
About year after Trescott had come
to Chicago Wetmore sought him out
and borrowed ten dollars from him.
He promised to return the money next
day. but had never come near the do
nor, who could poorly afford to lose the
money. TrescOtt learned casually that
Wetmore had broken with his relative
and had become dissipated and worth
less.
His thoughts wandering over all
these phases Of his experience and his
tory, Trescott sprans to his feet fully
startled, as the door opened with
quick swing, A man slammed 1t shut,
placed his back against 1t and, pale
and trembling, grated out hoarsely:
"Save me-hide me!'
page WetmOre cried Trescott. In
CONSERVATION and amaZement. "Save
you from what? Hide you-whyT
"From the police. l came to the city
because l learned that Mr.. Bartelme
was to be here, and l have been seen
and am wanted! The officers are close
on my track. For the sake of our past
friendship help mel"
"Here-Quick ~ and Trescott lifted
q curtain In front Of an open cupboard,
thrust the fugitive in. dropped the cur
tain, swung open the hall door and, as
two officers accompanied by the land
lord came up the stairs, was seated ut
his writing desk. apparently deeply en-
crossed In his work.
Don't disturb him. Mr. TrescOtt Is
not likely to be connected with crimi-
nals," Trescott heard his landlord say,
and the officers simply peered into the
room and passed on, shortly after leav-
Ing the house, unsuccessful In their
quest. Trescott drew the shades, Sc
cured the door and Wetmore came out
from covert.
"You will help me, won't you, Tres
cott? he pleaded. "Tm in terrible
mess! They can send me to Jail and
disgrace the family. / must leave ut
once for South America or some other
distant country"
"What do you want me to do?" in
Quired Trescott, with genuine pity,
viewing this wreck of a promising
young man.
"Go to Mr.. Bartelme. He is at the
Belleview hotel"
"Yes, know"
appeal to him strongly in my in
terest. He utterly discarded me months
ago. but surely he will help me escape
the lasting ignominy Of convicted
criminal"
"Put. out the lights and keep the
door Locked" directed TrescOtt. Il
will see Mr.. Bartelme and try to have
him hep you"
Mr.. Bartelme regarded TrescOtt with
surprise and then with cordial grasp
Of the band. His brow grew dark as
Trescott simply and clearly told him of
the object Of his visit.
Help that scoundrel!" he almost
shouted. "NsveYl"
but cir, at least zee him. Give him
one more chance" and. while Mr.. Bar
telme's face still retained its stern
ness. he agreed to grant Wetmore one
last interview. He called a taxicab
and they were soon back at Trescott's
boarding house. Trescott led his COM