Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1922-09-15
BOOK ONE
THE CALL OF THE BLOOD
CHAPTER |

Bruce was wakened by the sharp
ring of his telephone bell. Instantly
he was fully aroused. in complete con-
troll of all his faculties And this is
not especially common to men bred in
the security of civilization. Rather
IL is a trait of the wild creatures;
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 it
seemed somewhat strange in him.
Then he grunted rebelliOusly 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 it during the
previous month. His foster father had
recently died, his estate was being set
tied up, and Bruce had been having
somewhat strenuous time with his
creditors He understood the mans
real financial situation ar 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
" into %ha tranSrnirfpr
How do you do, Mr.. Duncan" a
voice answered. Pardon me if l got
you up. 1 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 II
could arouse his foster father to an
swer II. 1.-The elder Mr.. Duncan died
last MONTH" he answered simply.
There WIS not the slightest trace of
emotion in his tone. No wayfarer on
the street could have been, as far as
facts went, more of q stranger to him
there was no sense of loss at his death
and no cause for pretense now. inns
is Bruce speaking"
He heard the other gasp. "Old
man, I'm sorry" his contrite voice
came. 81 didn't know Of your loss.
This is Barney-Barney Wegan-and
just got In from the West Haven't
had bit OF news for months. Accept
my earnest sympathies-
Barney OF course" The delight
grew on Bruees face; for Barney We
gan. a man whom he had met aho
learned 10 know on the gym floor OF
his club. was quite near 10 being a real
friend. "And what's up, Barney
The mans voice changed az once
went back 10 It's same urgent Dui
rather embarrassed tone "Aou won
believe me II / tell you, SO ! won't ry
10 tel you over the phoue. but
must come upright away. May ~
'of course"
I'm be there 10 a minute
Bruce hung up. slowly descended 20 /
DIS library, and flashed on tle hsn's.
For lho FIRST time he was re'eAlea /
plainly his WAS a familiar type pug /
ai Che Same cine the best t}pe TOO. /
tie had ihe face and fhe body oi an /
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