The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1922-12-14
BOOK ONE
THE CALL OF THE BLOOD
!


Bruce was wakened by the sharp
ring of his telephone bell. Instantly
he was fully aroused, in complete N
troll of all his faculties. And this Is
not especially common to men bred in
the security of civilization. Rather
1t is a trait Of the wild creatures a
little matter that is quite necessary
If they care at all about living. From
tiersmen learn the trait, too; but as
Bruce was a dweller of cities 1t
seemed somewhat strange in him.
Then he grunted r~ebelliousIy and
glanced at his watch beneath the pill
low. He had gone to bed early; it
was just midnight now.
He had no doubts whatever concern
ing the nature of this call. There had
been one hundred like 1t during the
previous month. His foster father had
recently died, his estate was being set
tied up, and Bruce had been having a
somewhat strenuous time with his
creditors. He understood the mans
real financial situation at last at his
death the whole business structure
collapsed like the eggshell it was.
Bruce had supposed that most of the
debts had been paid now; he Won
dered, as he fumbled INTO his bedroom
slippers, whether the thousand or so
dollars that were left would cover the
claim of the man who was now call
ing him to the telephone.
This is Mr.. Duncan" he said cold
ly into the transmitter.
How do you do, Mr.. Duncan" a
voice answered. "I'ardon me if | got
you UP. | want to talk to your son,
Bruce
Bruce emitted a little gasp of
amazement. Whoever talked at the
end of the line obviously didn't know
that the elder Duncan was dead.
Bruce had a moment of grim humor
In which he unused that this voice
would have done rather well If it
could arouse his foster father to an
swer 1t. "The elder Mr.. Duncan died
last month";" he answered simply.
There was not the slightest trace Of
emotions in his tone. No wayfarer on
the street could have been, as far as
facts went. more of n stranger to him
there was no sense of loss at his death
and no cause for pretense now. This
is Bruce speaking"
He heard the other gasp. sold
man, I'm sorry his contrite voice
came. 81 didn't know of our loss.
This Is Barney-Barney Wegnn-and
l just got in from the West. Haven't
had a bit of news for months. Accept
my sympathies-"
Barney OF course" The delight
grew on Bruce's face; for Barney We
gan, a mar whom he had met md
learned to know on the gym floor of
his club, was quite nea 10 being a real
friend. "And what's up. Barney?"
The mans voice changed at once
went back ia its same urgent. but
rather embarrassed tone. You Won't
believe me II | tell you. so I won't try
TO tell you over the phone. Bu |
must come upright away. May II
'Of course"
"TlI be there in a minute"
Bruce hung up. slowly descended to
his library. and flashed on the lights.
For the first time he was revealed
plainly. His was a familiar type; hut
an the same time rhe best type. too.
He had the face aud the body of an
athlete, a man who Keeps himself fit
and there was nothing mawkish or eff
Terminate about him. II is true that
men did look twice at Brice's eyes.
set In a brown, clean-cut face. never
knowing exactly why they did SO.
1n.ey had startling pnteniialities.
They were quite clear now. vide
awake and cool. yet they had q
strange depth of expression and
shadow thar might mean. somewhere
beneath the bland and ooi extcrinf. u
capacity for great emotions aud pas
siviis.