The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-30

Stum.
 The worst of these prea1ranged scenes is that they never happen just as one has fig ured then, in one's mind. Steve had ex- pected to have to wait few minutes Tn the gymnasium, then there would be step outside and the old man would enter. The beauty of this, to Steve's mind, was that he himself would be discovered" as the stage term is; the onus of entering and opening the conversation would be on MT. Bannister. And, as everybody who has ever had an awkward interview knows, this makes all the difference
 Steve was just saying to himself for the fiftieth time that he was a fool to have that MT. Bannister was too busy to take his usual exercise this morning and that Steve was liberty to go. =
 It speaks we'll for Steve's character that he did not go. He would have given much to retire, for the old man was one of the few people who inspired in him anything resembling fear.
 "Say, ask him if he can see me for min ute. Say 1t is important"
 Kegg's eye rested on William Bannister, and he shook his head.
 q shouldn't, MT. Dingle. Really I shouldn't. You don't know what an ugly mood he's in. Something's been worrying him. It's what you might call courting dis aster."
 Oee! OO yOu+stn1nk WduC to .UO IL! I've just got to. That's all there is to it."
 A few moments later Keggs returned with the news that Mir. Bannister would see Dingle in the library.
 Come along, kid," said Steve. "Gimme hold of the excess baggage, and let's get move on."
 So in the end it was Steve who made the entrance. And, as Steve pointed out to Kirk later, it just made all the difference.
 The>effect of the change on Steve was to make him most rollicking in his manner. He breezed into the library, carrying the wheelbarrow, the box of bricks, and the dying pig, and trailing William in his wake. Williams grandfather was seated with his back to the door, dictating a letter to one of his secretaries.
 He looked up as Steve entered. He took in Steve and William in a rapid glance and guessed the latter's identity in an instant. He had expected something of this sort ever since he had heard of his grandson's birth. Indeed, he had been somewhat surprised that the visit had not occurred before.
 "One, moment, Dingle," he said, and turned to the secretary again. A faint sneer came and went on his face.
 "Referring to your letter of the eighth" said MT. Bannister, in his cold, level voice.
 He was interrupted by the incisive cry of the dying pig. E..
 Ask your son to be quiet, Dingle."
 Steve wished he had not come. He was accustomed to the primitive exhibition of emotions, having moved in circles where the wrathful expressed their wrath in nor nal manner.
 After what seemed to him century, John Bannister. dismissed the secretary. Even then, however, he did not come imme- diatey to Steve. He remained for a few moments writing, with his back. turned. Then, just when Steve had given up hope of ever securing his attention, he turned suddenly.
 "WelI?"
 :: "Say, it's this way, colonel" Steve had begun, when triumphant cry from the direction of the open window stopped him. The White Hope was kneeling on chair, looking down into the street.
 Blk" he explained over his shoulder.
 Kindly ring the bell, Dingle," said Mr. Bannister, annoyed. "Your little nephew appears to have dropped his bricks into Fifth avenue"
 - In answer to the summons Keggs ap- peared He looked anxious, ..
 "Keggs," said NIT. Bannister, t4tell one of the footmen to go out into the avenue and pick up. some wooden bricks which he will find there. Dingle's little brother has let some fall"
 As Keggs left the room Steve's pent-up
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