New Britain herald., 1924-02-12
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

these silly sheep from their apathy"
 The Colonel stared at him. puzzled l There seemed to be an ulterior mean | ing to his words. But Tucker, with
 out adding anything further, drew l him away and on.
 In handsome room on the first ! floor of one of the most imposing houses in Cheapside, Tucker waved 1 his guest to the best chair.
 An old friend, just met bA 1 chance" he explained to his house ! keeper. who came to wait upon him
 50 it will be a bottle of sack . of the bcst.'
 1 When. having brought fhe wine ! the woman had taken herself off ana | the two sat within closed doors, tn,
 Colonel gave his friend the account
 Of himself which tho latter craved. ! Grarely Tucker heard him through and grave his face remained when the tale was done. He sighed, and considered the Colonel a moment in silence with sombrc eyes.
 "So George Monks your onl,
 hope?" he said, slowly, at last. Then he uttered a short, sharp laugh of in finite scorn. Tn your case l think I'd hang myself and have done. It's less tormenting."
 What do you mean?"
 You think that Monk will really help you? That he intends to help?"
 "Assuredly. He has promised it, and he was my friend-and my fathers friend
 "Friendw said the other bitterly. "I never knew a trimmer 10 be any mans friend hut his own. And If ever a trimmer lived. his name is George Monk-the very prince Of trimmcrs, as his whole life shows. First a Kings man; then something betwiSt and between King and Par liament; then a Parliament man. seli- ing his friends of the Kings side. And lastly Kings man again, in op- position to his late trusting friends of the Parliament. Always choosing the side that is uppcrmost or that can outbid tho other for his services And look where he stands; Baron of this, Earl Of that, Duke of Albemarle, Commander-in-Chief, Master Of the Horse, Gentleman of tho Bedchamber, and God knows what else. Oh. he has grown fat on trimming"
 You do him wrong. New" Holes was mildly indignant.
 That is impossible"
 "But you do. You forget that a man may change sides from convic- tion."
 Especially when it is 10 his own profit" sneered Tucker.
 That is ungencrous. and it is un- true, Of course" The Colonel showed signs of loyal heat. You are wrong also in your other assumption. Ho would have given me all the help I needed, but that .''
 But that he counted the slight risk-nay: what am 1 saying?--the slight inconvenience to himself should any question afterward be asked. He could have arerted in such s case all a"kwardness by pleading ignorance to your past :" ,...
 ''I have told you that he will help me: that he has promised
 And you build upon his promises? Promises! They cost nothing. Monks revenues amount to thirty thousand pounds year. He was your friend. you say; Inc was your fathers friend. and owed much to your father, as all know. Did he offer you his purse to tide you over present stress. until op- permits him to fulfill his promise? Did he?"
 'T could not have taken advantage Of if if he had"
 That is not what ask you. Did he offer it? or course he did not, Not he. Yet would not a friend have heIped you at once and where he could?"
 ''I say again. you afo unjust 10 him. You forget that. after all. he was under no necessity 10 promise any thing"
 'Oh. ycs he was. There was his Duchess. as you've told me. Dirty btss can b@ in1portunate. and she him. He goes notoriously in terror Of her. Yielding 10 her inn portunities he promised that which he viii avoid fulfilling"
 He grew conscious thai Colonel HolIes was staring al him. amazed by his sudden vehemence. He checked abruptly. and laughed.
 T grow hot for nothing at all. Nay, not for nothing for you, old friend. and against those who put Ihis deception upon you. You should not have come back to England. Ram 1aL But since you're here. at least io not WOO disappointment by nour- ishing your hopes on empty prom lses." He raised his glass to the light. and looked al the Colonel soIumnly across the top of it. 'T drink to your better fortune. Randall"
 Mechanically, without answering word. the Colonel drank with him. His heart was turned to lead.
 'Tf you are right" he said slowly. his eyes upon the table. q may as well take your advice. and hang my self"
 "aimost ihe only thing left for man in England." said Tucker.
 "Or. anyw here else. for that matter. Rut why 90 bitter aJou; Enesand in particular
 Tucker shrugged. ~Yeu know my sentiments. what they always wert.