Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1922-01-18
Then, Lighting q Cigarette, He Sat
Down and Waited.

Then, Lighting q Cigarette, He Sat
Down and Waited.
came in. Hugh recognized him at once
as Valance Nestor, an author of great
brilliance-in his own eyes-who had
lately devoted himself to the advance
ment of revolutionary labor.
Good afternoon murlnured Drum
mond, affabIy. Mr. Peterson will be
little late. am his private secretary"
The other nodded ard sat down Ian
guidly.
what did you think of my last little
effort in the AIidlands?" he asked,
drawing off his gloves.
quite wonderful" said Hugh. "A
marvellous help to the great cause
Valance Nestor yawned slightly and
closed his eyes, only to open them
again as Hugh turned the pages of the
ledger on the table.
Whats that? he demanded
"This is the book" replied Drum
mond carelessly, where Mr.. Peterson
records his opinions of the immense
value of all his fellow-workers Most
interesting reading"
''Am in it?" Valance Nestor arose
with alacrity.
why, of course" answered Drum
mond. Are you not one of the lead
ers? 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-air factory, but useful up to
point. Unfortunately conceited and
monumental ass. Not fit to be trusted
far
What" he spluttered at length, "is
the meaning of this abOminable i'll
suit ~
But Hugh, his shoulders shaking
slightly, was welcoming the next ar
rivaI-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
met"
And Hugh watched the man. whom
he now knew to be one Of the e2trem-
ist 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
well 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 BLACKBOARD.
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 that?" he snarled.
"Must have been Mr.. Peterson an
swered Hugh placidly. "A wonderful
judge of character, too he murmured.
turning away TO greet Mr.. Ditchling,
who arrived somewhat OPPORTUNITY, III
company with a 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.
DitchIing." On second thoughts he
turned over some pages. "We1l see
what this insolent devil has to say
about you"
Drinks !" Ditchling thumped the
table with a heavy fist. What the HI
does he mean? Say, you, Mr.. Secre-
tary-what's the, meaning of this?"
"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 surprised look.
He seemed to be not quite clear what
had upset the others, but already Neg
tor had turned up his name.
(To be continued next week.