Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-12-14
CHATTER III-Continued.

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Brooke made haste to explain. To
: DO SO he had to reveal the fact that
the porter. returning, had told him
that he had nearly drowned Miss Col
by in the room below. EEL, -fa>
The reporters eyes lighted. 1t was
a g4od story. True or not true, it was
a good story just the same.
I don't like to say I doubt your
word. Mi. Brooke" he advanced
boldly. but nobody thinks anything.
you know, Of trying to string us re-
porters. you wouldn't be in the
fashion If you didn't do it,, I.
! And I'm not such a fool but that L
can appreciate your position. But I've
Just got to make something of this at
fair. l wouldn't be true to my paper
should like to have the absolute facts
the names of the gentlemen
who"- S
Brooke sprang up, his eyes fash
ing.
by George!" he shouted. "I'm
not used to being called a liar! I
won't take that from any man. I've
told you the gospel truth, and yet you
have the nerve"-
i The reporter was on his feet, too,
smiling calmly and a little too ag-
sraFatlngly. He was a head taller
thar Brooke, but not so powerful.
oh, come, Mr.. Brooke he sooth-
ed, you mustn't misunderstood me.
I shouldn't think of disbelieyinr vo,,
ordinarily. only-and as Brooke came
nearer. with fists clenched. he added
quickly, IT apologize, sir, / meant no
offense, really. ! hope you will for
give me-"
Brooke's hands relaxed and he
stood for a second looking into the
others frank blue eyes. Then, with
a sudden revulsion of feeling. he
thrust his right, hand forward, palm
uppermost. The youth seized it, grip
ping it with hearty fervor, while his
face flushed.
you're the right sort. my lad"
brooke was saying. II like to see de-
termination not to be done or 10 be
downed. I was only a little hasty,
that was all, and I ask your p~.,don
for my show of ten.oer. And now
I'll tell you honestly, as man to man,
that I haven't attempted to deceive
you. You know the whole affair from
hrstt to last. If o must print it,
then I suppose you must, but, I'd
much rather you wouldn't" IL
The reporter still held his hand,
MI. Brooke" he said, and there
was a little 'quaver in his voice, II APP
preciate what you've said. I'm not a
blackguard. and no money any pa-
|per could pay me would induce inc to
do a bl~ackguardly thing. There's on
1Y one stipulation / want to make.
III promise not to mention this story
If you'll promise not to even see any
other newspaper man."
II promise" Brooke agreed.
The youth took out his card case
and gave Brooke his card.
Maybe you'll have a story some
day that ! a print" he said, sn,;l.
ing. III SO, Il hope you'll send for
me-" 4%
"I'Il be glad. to-"
When he was gone Brooke, look-
ing at the card, on which was print
ed Eugene Moore" experienced a
sense OF emotional quietude such az
he had not known since the railway
accident. The reporter had attracted
him. There was something magnetic
about the young fellow which, in spite
of that mornentary outbreak, rubbed
him the right a He felt. intuitive-
~. that he had found a friend, and
his visitor had not once mentioned the
nan who fell from the train.
CHAPTER Nv.
Masquerade.
1T amsftO escape newspaper in
terviewersH Brooke unused. deiiberat-
Ing = fancy / had better change my
hotel. and3sfor the time being at least,
adopt another name"
In pursuance OF this fancy he
bribed q page to fetch him piece Of
Irvine, tied up his gaping bag OF pa
per CURRENCY, donned his ~disrepntn-
bIe.appeartn9 raj OF hat, and bag
AZ hand descended 70 the hotel Office.
where he paid his bill and obtained
the address OF the New Netherlands