White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1927-07-15

Lll1lO 11ll
that am serious. Or you may think
for unguessed reasons that am try
ing to trap you into damaging admis-
sions. repeat In all seriousness that
I am ruined. hove some inconsider-
able assets which may be untouched,
but all the things In this house OF
value-and there are many-will be
sold because Paul Raxon ruined my
closest friend. And he murdered him,
gentlemen" Milman's voice was
sterner now. "Raxon has brought me
to an impoverished and friendless ED.
Unless I struggle against 1t, shall
join those unnumbered victims his ca
reer has created. My proposition Is
most certainly reasonable one. Since
Paul Raxon by illegal means-or, let
me say, inequitable means-has
brought us to what we are and driven
my dear friend to suicides grave, !
purpose to pool our abilities and en-
thusiasms and make him pay some
thing in return"
Milman's remarks were addressed
mainly to Bradney. He was assured
Of Barnes, and he had seen an eager
ness about Floyd Malet. 1t was Elem
ing Bradney who was frowning.
'This is too important q thing to
settle offhand," said Milman. "You
will, of course, spend the night here.
Your rooms are ready for you. will
say only this: If you want proofs that
Raxon Is the cause Of your troubles.
cannot give them. He Is not the sort
Of man who can be convicted by any
ordinary process If you want my
word of honor as a gentleman that l
am certain he is to blame, ! give it
to you readily"
Milman pushed the button that sum-
moned Achille Lutry. It was plain he
wished no further discussion. Only
Bradney made protest.
"I'm in evening dress. I can't go
back to the works like this tomorrow
morning."
II do not think you will ever go
back there" Peter Milman said, smil-
ing. ut may be that you think other
wise and will miss day. If so, 1
have provided you against monetary
loss. Come, gentlemen, be my guests
tomorrow"
II WONDER" said Neeland Barnes,
IF I could have just little brandy?
I'm a bit excited with what you have
said, and I'd like to make sure Of a
few hours sleep. "Thank you," when
Achille had been sent for the cognac.
Count on me tomorrow and the day
after and as long as you like. If any
hair-splitting, moralizing coward tries
to persuade himself that he hasn't got
grievance against Paul Raxon, let
him go home, set the alarm, get up at
daybreak and punch the clock when
the whistle blows"
At the moment Neeland Barnes felt
there was nothing he3would so much
like as swinging his right across to
the point Of Bradney's jaw. Barnes
considered that he stood in the light
of Milman's champion. He owed q
duty to so generous host.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen" said Peter
Milman. "Please do not quarrel. Pro
fessor Bradney has risen superior tt
personal enmities. He has forgiven
Raxon. confess that have not"
Bradney looked coldly at Neelan!
Barnes.
eMr. Barnes" he said, "has courage
and tendency to quarrel. Most mer
have. 1t requires greater courage tt
estimate the risks Of such an under
taking as this and then enter it with
out heat or rancor. l am not COW
ard morally or physically; and If Mr.
Barnes thinks so, he Is as poor {
judge of men as he Is Of the consid
GRAFTON he owes fellow guest"
"My fault, my fault entirely" Barnes
murmured. He had seen in Bradney'i
eyes no trace of fear. He was con
scious that old New York had not per
formed according to traditional form
"Noblesse oblige," he added suddenly
"a little excited" He waved an arm
which included the whole Of the luxu
rious room. Sudden change from
howell furnished by man called Lipp
sky. Went to my head. Haven't beef
inside decent house for years." Ri