Americus times-recorder., 1919-06-02
The
Promoters
Wife
NEIL SENDS BARBARA FROM THE
ROOM WHILE TIE REPORTER
TALKS Tb HIM.
By JANE PHELPS.
Copyright, George Mathew Adams)
CHAPTER CIX

CHAPTER CIX
When the reporter announced hi!
errand Neil turned a bit more ghastly
and l trembled so l could scarcely
stand. 1t was my introduction to news.
paper tactics and l was frightened
as well as anxious.
You are talking of this scurrilous
article?" Neil pointed to the paper
lying on the floor. the bold headlines
staring up at US.
Yes. Our paper wishes to state
facts. Scott has given us his version
now we want yours"
You have been to Scott?"
"Of course. He claims to be the ag-
grieVed party He is going to make ii
hard for you Mr.. Forbes. If you can
clear things up it would be advisable
before he goes any further. He is very
vindictive," he finished with a mean
ing glance at me which l rightly pudg-
ed to mean that he had somethin to
to say to Neil which he preferred /
shouldn't hear.
Leave us, Barbara. Mr.-Moore'
the young man gave his name, ''Mr
Moore probably feels embarrassed by
your presence" he added, the last
sentence so sarcastically l wondered.
"Please let me remain" I replied qui-
etly. Then to Mr.. Moore. 81 know all
about what the other paper has said,
why shouldn't l hear the rest-what-
ever you know?" How l wished l
might say with truth knew all about
my husbands business and that it was
all lie, monstrous lie But l knew
absolutely nothing yet l must show
my faith in Neil-even tho l felt there
was some foundation for the awful
scandal.
"As Mr.. Forbes wishes"
"No-go Barbara"
There was nothing for me to do but
to leave them together. But l didn't go
beyond the reach of their voices. sat
on the stairs where they curved up
ward and so out of sight should the
door of the music room open. 1t was
fortunate did so, as, after few mo-
ments they came out into the hall.
I"haye some papers that perhaps
may interest you," l heard Neil say,
that same peculiarly sarcastic tone in
his voice as they moved toward the Ii
brary. Some with Sco9' s signature"
They didn't quite close the library
door and an occasional sentence would
float to me. Then Neil became excited
and talked in loud, angry tones, but
I could not catch the words save as
I sometimes caught Scott's name. Then
came a question in the clear quiet
voice of the gentlemanly reporter:
"Scott is the only man you fear?'
eyes. the squealer."
81 am afraid Mr.. Forbes you nre not
facing this as you should. There are
others-many of them who are ready
to make trouble" !"
What others?''
Men and women who have invested
their money with you hoping for the
enormous profits you have promised
them in your circulars AS he I'm
ished | heard the rustic of paper
Then after a moment he added: I'm
less YOU are frank and tell your side
of the story quickly-you see Mr
Forbes 1 am supposing you can con
tradict Scott's charges-it will give
the yellow sheets chance for lo'
of soh stuff-widows and orphans de
leded, ETC."
where did you get that circular?
~ am afraid 1 can't tell you. Bu'
Won NAV be sure that my paper ism I
the only one with copy, IN tact
Mr. Forbes we have planned to prinl
tbis in the morning unless l heal
something from you that prevents.
A eroan. stifled, was his answer. Then
to nv disappointment one OF then
closed the heavy door tightly and
heard nothing more. crouched on the
stairs some time longer then as
hoard them come out and Neil bic
him a hasty good nlshI s0ul hiou "l
to INV room so that Neil might moi
know | had been listening.
sat by the window, my mlnd IN
nerfect whirl. What in the world dl(
asob stuff mean? That reporter ha'
said the yellow journals would prin
If 7 knew nothing of newspaper terms
and If made me doubly anxious To-
that reason. Would Neil never come 81
so T could question him? l asked M
inst as | heard his heavy draggin'
stems so unlike his usual quick cllmp
ing of the stairs. held my breatl
as he staggered into the room his fac
white and set, a dogged look In M
eyes.
"what can we do Neil? Oh you poo
bovq,, exclaimed going to him.
"Do-take my medicine l guess
and with that he flung himself int
chair, covered his face with III
hands and hard, dry sobs broke lroi
him. -.
Tomorrow-Neil Tells Barbara HI
Story.