Audubon County journal., 1920-06-03

paper. FltZhuSh, peering between the
iron rails of the Brobdingnagian fence
regarded him Il minute, walked on a
few PAGES. returned. and watched him
again, not unlike some Indian chief
tain gloating over a helpless captive
OF Il sudden. as one who plunses
into cold shower on frosty morn
ing he laid hold of the mammoth gate.
which seemed to weigh tons. swung ii
back on its huge hinges. walked to
/ the front door and vigorously worked
the knocker.
After an appreciable wait the door
! was opened. "What is it?" inquired
the butler, who in one brief glance
! seemed to appraise the callers finan-
cfal status and social standing.
| Many things. First the name of
the gentleman who is sitting in the
room to my right engrossed in the
morning news"
What is your business?"
Answer me first." ordered Fitz-
hugh sternly, and with such an air of
hauteur and authority that the sa-
pient mental was almost in panic
for fear he had misiudged his man.
THAT is Mr. Symington Otis, SIR"
Il wish to see him. Be so good as
to tell him So"
"Who shall say, sir?"
Fitzhugh hesitated a moment, and,
like lightning panorama, there
flashed across his mind telegraphic
pictures of myriad hands applauding
him, of the warm-blooded Russian.
whose eyes bespoke her love for him,
of the dark-skinned "reds" voicing
their iconoclastic views. And whim-
steal idea came.
"Tell Mr.. Otis" said he, that an
emissary of the Cause desires to speak
with him"
The butler, though not understand
ing, was instantly suspicious.
Il am afraid" he demurred, with a
firm shake of his head, ''that Mr.. Otis
is very busy and will be unable to
see you"
| Fitzhugh thrust his foot between
the closing door and the wall; and at
that moment Mr.. Otis stepped into the
hall.
We'll, Noonan?"
| This man, sir, is trying to force his
way in. am just about to eject him,
Sir"
( Fitzhugh laughed merrily. "Oh, no,
you're not Noonan." And before the
corpulent Noonan could say a word
or move a muscle he was seized in a
grip of steel and thrust speechless
against the wall.
The master looked on as though un-
certain whether to be amused or in
dignant. While he was deciding Fitz-
hugh confronted him.
"Mr. Otis" said he, IT want few
minutes talk with YOU"
Otis smiled. II think you've earned
an audience with me. Nerve like yours
should not go unrewarded." They en-
library.
What can do for you?"
"Just moment" Fitzhugh drew
the sliding doors, which led to the
hall, together and fastened the clasp,
having first deposited his newspaper
parcel very carefully upon the floor.
He looked around the room, and. sat
isfed they were free from Interrupt
tion, picked up his parcel and took a
seat opposite his host, who watched
all these movements with frown of
suspicion and annoyance.
When Fitzhugh spoke his voice had
the deep, resonant ring it always ac-
quired whenever he was acting" a
part or exercising his oratorical gift.
mir. Otis" he began, leaning forward
in his chair and looking his auditor
steadily in the eye, you are million
aire, are you not?"
Otis frown deepened. He glanced
impatiently at his watch. II can spare
you but little time this morning" he
said, with polite curtness. II must
ask that you state your business as
briefly as possible"
But you are millionaire?"
"Yes, yes. What of it?"
"And I am pauper. At this mo-
ment could not buy-this newspa-
/ per-" He took from the library table
the morning paper Otis had been
reading. 1t was folded in such wise
that a large flashlight photograph i'm
mediately caught his eye. He recog-
nized it nstantly-recognized the tall,
straight figure in the white sweater
standing above this blur of faces, arms
thrown upwards and outwards, head
back, eyes closed. He lived over again
that brief moment of glory, and the
exaltation he had felt returned two
fold. He cast the paper aside and
threw himself into the role he was
playing with redoubled Zest.
Mr. Otis"-and he pointed two
rigid fingers within an inch of his
hearers face-"y6u must lend me ten
thousand dollars' He seized the
newspaper parcel, which had been
resting on his knees. and stood up,
holding it high above his head. Mind,
say must." His voice rang out omi-
nously. His eyes were cold, merci-
less, 'In these hands, Mr.. Otis, hold