The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1921-12-22


at me Following choice description or
himself:
''Nestor, Valance. AuthOr-sO-called.
Hot-air factory, but useful up to
point Unfortunately conceited and
monumental ass. Not fit to be trusted
far
what" he spIuttered at length, sis
the meaning Of this abOminahle in
sult?"
But Hugh. his shoulders shaking
slightly, was welcoming the next ar
rival rugged, beetle-browed Ian,
whose face seemed vaguely familiar,
but whose name he was unable TO
place.
''Crofter," shouted the Infatuated au-
thor, '1Ook at this as a description OF
me -
And Hugh watched the man. whom
he now knew TO be one Of the eNtrem-
list members Of parliament. walk over
and glance at the book. He SAW him
conceal a smile, and then Valance -Ies-
tor carried the good work>On-
wen see what he says about you
impertinent blackguard."
Hugh glanced over Crofter's shout
der at the dOssier.
He just had time to read: "CrOfter,
John. A cOnsummate backyard
Playing entirely for his own hand.
Needs careful watching" when the
subject of the remarks, his face con-
vulsed with fury, spun round and fs .cea
him.
''WhO wrote that?' he Snarled.
Must have been Mr.. Peterson" an
swered Hugh placidly. "a wonderful
Judge of character. too" he murmI red,
turning away to greet Mr.. DitcHling,
who arrived somewhat oppOrtunely, in
company with a thin, pale man little
more than a yOuth-whOse identity
completely defeated DrummOnd.
MY God!" Crofter was Iivid wisA
rage Me and Peterson will shave
words this afternoon. Look at this,
Ditchling." On second thoughts &e
turned over some pages. wen see
what this insOlent devil has to say
about you .
Drinks - Ditchling thunped IHra
table with a heavy fist. what the HI
does he mean? Say. you, Mr.. Se.ere-
tary-what's the meaning Of this?"
"They represent Mr.. Peterson's c,yn-
sidered opinions of you ALL" said hugh
genially. perhaps this other gentle
man Y
He turned to the pale youth, w&o
stepped forward with a surprised luak.
He seemed to be not quite clear what
had upset the others, but already Mes
tor had turned up his name.
-Lerrance, victor. a wonderful
speaker. Appears really to believe
that what he says viii benefit the
workingman. Consequently very valu-
able; but indubItably mad"
Does he mean to insult US deliber-
ately?" demanded Crofter, his voice
still shaking with passion.
but don't understand" said Victor
Torrance, dazedly. "Does Mr.. Peter
son not believe in our teachings, tOO?"
He turned slowly and looked at Hugh,
who shrugged his shoulders.
He should be here at any moment"
he answered, and as he spoke the door
opened and Carl Peterson came in.
Good afternoon, gentlemen" he be-
gan, and then he saw Hugh. With a
look OF speeches. amazement he
stared at the soldier, and for the first
time since Hugh had known him his
face blanched. Then his eyes fell on
the open ledger, and with a dreadful
curse he sprang forward. A glance at
the faces OF the men who stood watch
ing him told him what he wanted to
know, and with another oath his hand
went to his pocket.
Take your hand out, Carl Peter
! son." Drummond's voice rang through
the room, and the arch-criminal, look
ing sullenly up, found himself staring
into the muZzle OF a revolver. Nov,
sit down at the table-an of you. The
meeting is about to commence.
Look here" clustered CrOfter, "Tu
have the law on you. -
''By all manner OF means. Mr.. John
Crofter, cOnsummate BLACKBOARD" an
swered Hugh, calmly. But that comes
afterward. Just now-sit down"
I'm Id if I viii" roared the 9TH
er, springing at the soldier. And Peter
son. sitting sullenly at the table try
/ ing to readjust his thoughts to the
sudden binding certainty that through
some extraordinary accident every
thing had miscarried, never stirred as
a half-stunned member of parliament
crashed to the floor beside him.
''Sit down, said" remarked Drum
mond, affably. But if you prefer to
lie down, it's all the same to me. Are
there any more to come, Peterson?"
! mo, d-n you. Get it over -
Right. Throw your gun on the
floor" DrummOnd picked up the wea-
pom and put it in his pocket; then he
rang the bell. 81 had hoped" he muir
INJURED. for a larger gathering, but
one cannot have everything"
Save to Peterson, who understood,