The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1920-07-15
CHAPTER I
The Reaching Of a Decision.

The Reaching Of a Decision.
For the second time that night
Frederick Cavendlsh, sitting at a small
life of the city streamed continually
in and out regarded the telegram
spread out upon the white napery 1t
read:
"Bear Creek. Colorado, 4-2-5.
: Frederick Cavendish, College Club,
New York City.
Found big lead lost 1t again. Need
you badly. Westcott."
a picture rose before him. a picture of
great plains. towering mountains, and
open spaces that spoke of the freedom
and health of outdoor living. He had
known that life once before, when he
and Jim Westcott had prospected and
hit the trail together. and its appeal
10 him now after three years of shall
low sightseeing In the city was deeper
than ever.
"Good old Jim" he murmured.
"struck pay-dirt at last only to lose 1t
and he needs me. BY George. l think
I'll 60"
And why should he not? Only
t~wenty-nine, he could still AFFORD to
spend a few years in search OF living.
His fortune left him at the death of
his father was safely invested, and
he had no close friends In the city and
no relatives, except a cousin. John
Cavendish, for whom he held no love,
and little regard.
He had almost determined upon go
ing to Bear Creek to meet Westcott,
and was calling for his check when
his attention was arrested by a noisy
party of four that boisterously took
seats at a nearby table. Cavendish
recognized the two women as members
Of the chorus of the prevailing Revue,
>ne Of them Celeste La Rue, an ag-
gressive blonde with thin lips and a
metallic voice, whose name was syn
onymous with midnight escapades
and flowing wine. His contemptuous
smile at tile sight OF them deepened
into a dlsgusted sheer when he saw
that one of the men was John Cavern
dish, his cousin.
The two men'c eyes met, and the
younger, n slight, mild-eyed youth with
a iistless chin, excused himself and
presented himself mt the elders table.
wont you join us?" he said ner-
vously.
Frederick C~avendish's trina, bearded
Jaw frightened and he shook his head.
They arc not my people," he said
shortly. then rstreating. begged. "John.
when arr you going to cut that sort
out?"
you make me weary" the boy
snapped. Its easy enough for you
to talk when you've cot all the money
that gives you al excuse to read me
moral homllies every time I ask you
for a dollar, but Miss La Rue is as
good as any one of your friends any
day."
The other controlled himself.
"What is it you wantY' he demanded
directly. Money? II so. how muchf'
"A hundred will do" the younger
man said eagerly. II lost a little on
cards lately, and have to borrow. To-
night l met the girl"
Frederick Cavendish silenced him
end rendered him the bills. "Now.r
he said gravely. "this is the last, un-
less you cut out such people as Celeste
La Rue and others that you train with.
I'm tired. of paying bills for your inane
extravagane and parties. I can cur
tail your Income and what's mere. !
will un,esse Won change
For a moment the d~issIpated youth
surveyed his cousin, then an angry
flush mounted into his pasty face.
sYou-you-v he suffered, "-you
20 to he'll"
without another word the elder
Cavendisb summoned the waiter, paid
the bill. and walked toward the door
John started after him. a smile Of deri
sion on his face. He had heard CavenF
dish threaten before.
when Frederick CavendIsh reached
The street ana the fresh night ail
racx.d through his lungs he came 20 Z
rc90lu