The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1919-08-13
From %
13e Depths
Icopyright 1919 by the western News.
paper Unlon)
By VICTOR REDcLIFFE
80: @9@19@@ Z e S3N9@@A0@N

got everything in your favor-money,
position, good looks"
Frant Maxwell perked up consider
any. He considered the compliment
wsA bestowed, A presumptuous, con-
aet--N individual, he did not pause to
nuinber other qualifications that he did
AOt possess, but which might have a
good deal to do with Miss Vera Cor
sons ideal Of perfect man.
Il fancy I've made hit already" he
observed with an air OF confidence.
'Of course Wayne Merton is quite
. fayorite with the Gordons," went on
Naxwell's friend, but his humdrum
/. ways are no comparison to your fetch
Ing qualities. heyi"
"That cadl" blared forth Maxwell in
really riotous way. "How | hate
himl They say he has money, but he
doesn't show it. He'll never last with
the exclusive and aristocratic Gordons,
though, l can tell you that. Between
you and me little Investigation on my
part has brought to light a solution OF
his mysterious past to which he never
refers. When the tactical moment ar
rives | have a mine to spring"
And the man of egotism and vanity
went his way, puffed up over the
cheap and insincere admiration of a
hypocriical friend and chuckling as
he reelected over the clever trap he
had set TO discredit Wayne Merton.
Maxwell had reason to dislike and
fear his rival While all the Gordons
knew about him was that he was re-
ported of independent means, he had
attracted Vera because he was so diff
ferent to the average young man OF
her set. 1t was pleasure to have his
company. She knew he was the author
Of series Of powerful and practical
articles in the newspapers along phil
Gnthropic lines He depicted in these
the crying needs of the poor, the ig-
norant and the oppressed She had
been fascinated while attending lee
ture he delivered.
Vera had done considerable In
church relief work and was absorbed
In It, The evenings when Maxwell
called had little interest for her. His
curriculum began with golf and ended
with automoblllng. He had no insplra
tion Of imagination and helpfulness.
Maxwell felt very sanguine of maxi
ing ''ten-stri1e" one day as he calico
upon Vera. He had. got fully ready
TO extlnguish Merton. An adjunct to
his plot was police sergeant whom
he had bribed and cajoled into assist (
ing him in a certain way.
Miss Gordon" said Maxwell, "my !
cousin, Miss Bruce, has come to the l.
city for week. She is quite social
worker and is anxious to see some f
hing of the seamy side of life. | have
to give her view of police
court session. Wouldn't you like to
join us?"
Vera was at once interested and the
next morning Maxwell and Miss Bruce
called for her. His automobile landed
them at the police station and the trio
entered the courtroom. The experience
was novel, pathetic, Illuminating all at
once to the two young ladies. They
were serious, shocked to tears at /,
lines. as poor humanity was paraded |,
before them in various appealing 4
suises. Then Maxwell suggested that
hey view the station routine In its 4
main room police sergeant met them
md showed them the cells, the food II
yiven the prisoners and told of the
laily grist that went through the mill
If justice. IN
"A terrible record these books con-
ain" he observed, placing his hand on
| heap of large volumes. THAT is an
I'D one-1911," added the sergeant as
Maxwell casually, apparently, opened
book.
"Look, Miss Gordon" spoke the lat
er; NEARLY fifty names to the page.
Why, it can't be possible Wayne
1erton. dlsorderly, age twenty-five;
ined ten dollars and COSTS"
"Oh, that cannot be our Mr.. Mer-
on p spoke Vera, startled and with a
uIck catch in her breath.
NHul JIf6 uulutf wayne MtIlOut
poke up the sergeant. He was a
retty regular old timer. Drink was
is failing. Haven't heard from him
late years." and then the speaker I
escribed the man he was speaking Of
nd Vera turned sick at heart, for
he description of that Wayne Mer
IN precisely accorded in general
erms with that of her Wayne Mer-
IN.
I'D like to show YOU our rogues'
allery," said the sergeant, and Max
ell and Miss Bruce followed him.
era did not join them. She stood !
ale and agltated, her eyes fixed upon 4
lie record book where the name of j
yayne Merton appeared. The police
ERIK stared strangely as he noted
ar fall upon the solled page.
do you know Wayne Merton, miss?"
{. asked. '"It Is name we are very
roud of. For two years he seemed try
g to drown his grief over thedeath OF
vo sisters. About three years ago
/ of a sudden he found his right
ind. Ever heard of the Refuge home? j
'ell. many a tramp can tell you who \
Tilt it-Wayne Merton. They say
2 gave half his fortune to supply a
reap hotel for poor country girls corn