The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1922-02-16
Copyright By Geo h Uoron %


closed his eyes. only TO open then
again as Hugh turned the pages OF the
ledger on the table.
whats thatr he demanded
''This Is the book" replied Drum
mond carelessly, where Mr. Peterson
records his opinions OF the immenss
value OF all his fellow-workers. Mos
interesting reading"
"Am In IN" Valance Nestor arose
with alacrity.
"Why, OF course" answered Drum
mond. Are you not one OF the lead
ersi Here you are" He pointed with
his finger. and then drew back In dis
may. Dear. dear There must be
some mistake"
But Valance Nestor. with a frozen
and CLASSY eye, was staring fascinated
at the following choice description OF
himself:
"Nestor, Valance. Author--so- called
Hot-alr factory. but useful up TO a
point lnordinately conceited and a
monumental ass. Not fit to be trusted
far"
"What." he spluttered at length. "is
the meaning OF this abomlnable In
sultf'
But Hugh, his shoulders shaking
slightly. was welcoming the next ar
riyal-a rugged, beetle-browed man,
whose face seemed vaguely familiar,
but whose name he was unable to
place
"Crofter," shouted the infuriated au-
thor, look at this as description OF
me -
And Hugh watched the man. whom
list members OF parliament, walk over
and glance at the book. He saw him
conceal smile, and then Valance Mes
tor carried the good work on.
"we'll see what he says about you
lmpertinent blackguard."
Hugh glanced over Crofter's shoul-
der at the dossier
He just had time TO read: "Crofter.
John consummate blackguard.
Playing entirely for his own hand
Needs careful watching" when the
subject OF the remarks. his face con
vulsed with fury, spun round and faced
him.
"Who wrote thatf" he snaried.
"Must have been Mr.. Peterson" an
swered Hugh placidly. "A wonderful
Judge Of character, too" he murmured,
turning away 10 greet Mr. Ditchling.
who arrived somewhat opportunely, In
company with thin. pale man--little
more than a youth-whose identity
completely defeated Drummond
MY God :" Crofter was livid with
rage. ME and Peterson will have
words this afternoon. Look at this
Ditchllng" on second thoughts he
turned over some pages. "we1I see
what this insolent devil has to say
about you"
Drinks :" Ditchling thumped the
table with heavy fist. "what the hi
does he meant Say. you, Mr. Secre-
tary-whats the meaning Of thisi"
They represent Mr.. Peterson's con
sidered opinions Of you all, said Hugh
genially. Perhaps this other gentle
man
He turned TO the pale youth, who
stepped forward with a surprised look
lie seemed to be not quite clear what
had upset the others. but already Mes
t-r had turned up lis name.
Torrance, Victor. A wonderful
speaker. Appears really to believe
that what he says will benefit the
workingman. Consequently very vaiu-
sble. but indubltabiy mad
Does he mean 20 insult US deliber.
stelyTT demanded Crofter. his voice
still shaking with passion.
"But I don't understand" said Victor
Terrance. dazedly. Does Mr. Peter
son not believe in our teachings, toof
lie turned slowly and looked a. Hugh
who shrugged his shoulders.
he should b. here az any moment.
he answered, and as he spoke the door
opened and Carl Peterson came IL.
-Geod afternoon gentlemen. he De-
gan. and then b. saw Hugh with a
look of speechiess amazement he
stared al the soldier. and Tor the hrst
time since Hugh had known h.m lis
face blaHehed Thea bis eyes feil on
the open ledger. and Wigh q dreadful
curse be spranE forward A glance 81
the fnoes % the men who stood watch
lng him told BIN what be wanted %
know. and with another oath his hand
went 20 his pocket
Take your hand out. Car Peter
son Drummond's voice rang thro1gh
the room. and the srch-criminaL look-
ing salienly ~. found himself staring