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About Eugene weekly guard. (Eugene, Or.) 190?-1910 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 29, 1906)
THE Masquerader By KATHERINE CECIL THURSTON, Author of “The Circle.” Etc. Copyright. 100*. by CHAPTER III (Continued ) The imagination was pleasant while it lasted, but with him nothing was permanent. Of late the greater part •f his sufferings had been comprls 4 In the irritable fickleness of all I aims, the distaste for and impossiL ity of sustained effort in auy directs i He had barely lighted a second cig. r- ette when the old restlessness tell spon him. He stirren nervously in his Harper tx Brpthsrs Ing reasons. Like the kitten, she was charming and graceful and easily amused. It was possible that, also like the kitten, she could scratch and be spiteful on oc< union, but that did not weigh on him. He sometimes ex pressed a vague envy of the late Lord Aatrupp, but even bad circumstances permitted it is doubtful whether he would have chosen to be his slccessor ilailnLonrnk Wcor-oa,,f. t f thm Lillian as a friend was delightful, but Lill'an as a wile would have been a different consl 1 ration. “Changing identities,” be said, with a touch of interest. “Yes. One man is an artist, the oth er a millionaire. One wants to know I what fame is like, tbe other wants to I know bow it feels to be really sinfully I rich. Ho they exchange experiences for a mouth.” She laughed Chllcote laughed as well. "But bow?” he asked “Oh. I told you tbe Idea was absurd. Fancy two people so much uliko that neither their friends nor their servants see iu^- difference! Such a thing couldn't t»e. could It?" Chllcote looked down at the tire “No." he said doubtfully. “No. I sup pose not." "Of course uot. There are likenesses, but not freak likenesses like that.” Chllcote'» beud was lient as bespoke, but at tbe last words be lifted it. I "By Jove! I don't know about that!” be said "Not so very loug ago I saw two men so much alike that I—I”— He stopped. Lillian smiled He colored quickly. "You doubt m«F be asked. "My dear Jack!" Her voice was del irately reprorchf'ji "Then you rinuk that my—my Im agination has beeu playing me tricks?*' "My dear boy! Nothing of tbe kind Come back to your place and tell me tbe w hole tale?” She smiled again, and imtted the couch Invitingly. But Chllcote'» balance had been up set. For the first time he saw Lillian as one of the watchful, susiiectlng crowd before which lie was constantly on guard. Acting on the sensation, he moved suddenly toward the door. "I—I have an appointment at th* house." he said quickly. "I’ll look In another day when-when I'm bettet company I know I’m a bear today My nerves, you know.” He came back to tbe couch nnd took her hand T-et seat, and the cigarette was scarcely She looked up slowly. “How crue, burned out when be rose, paid bls of you. Jack: It Is my very lates. arnull bill and left tbe shop. Outside on the pavement he halted, hobby." It was part of her attraction that sht pulled out bls watch and saw that two hours stretched in front before any was never without a craze Each new s.p|M>lntiiieut claimed bls attention. He one was as fleeting as the last, but tc wondered vaguely where he might go each she brought the same delightfully to, what be might do. In those two Insincere enthusiasm, the same plctur hours. In the last few minutes a dls- esque devotion Each was a pose, but tsste for solitude had risen In tils she posed so sweetly that nobody lost mind, giving the . lose street a loneli patience. “You mustn't laugh!” she protested ness that had escaped him before. As he stood wavering a cab passed letting the kitten slip to the ground »'owly down the street Ths night of "I've had lessons at 5 guineas end • well dressed man roused tbe cab- from the most fascinating person-» man. Flicking his whip, he passed professional snd I'm t>ecoinlnc qult< Chllcote close, feigning to pull up. b« touched her cheek for an Instant The cab suggested civilization. Obli an adept. Of course I haven't lieen with his fingers. j much beyond the milky apiiearance góte'» mind veered suddenly, and he “Goodby,” he said. "Take care of raised his blind. The vehicle stopped, yet. but the milky appearance Is every yourself—and tbe kitten," he added 1 thing, you know. The rest will come. »nd he climlied in. with forced gayety, as he crossed the "Where, sir?" The cabman peered I am trying to persuade Blanche to let room. me have a pavilion at her party In down through the roof door. That afternoon Chllcote'» nervous March and gaze for all you dull politi Cliilcote raised his head. "Oh, any condition reached Its height, All day cal jieople. ” And she smiled. where near Full Mall," he said. Then, Chilcote smiled as well. "How Is It he had avoided the climax, but no as the horse started forward, he put done? ” be asked, momentarily amused. evasion can be eternal, aud this he op his hand and shook the trapdoor “ Oh. tbe dolug Is quite delicious. You realized as he sat in Ills place on the “Wait!” he called. "I'Ve changed my sit at a table with the ball In front of opposition benches during the bnlf Blind, rtrtve to Cadogan gardens. No. hour of wintry twilight that precedes you. Then you take the subject's •3." the turning on of the lights. He real bands, spread them out on the table ized It In that half hour, but the ar all- The dlstniiis- to Cadogau Gardens aud stroke them very softly while you was covered quickly. Chllcote had cation of the knowledge followed later, gnze Into tbe crystal. That gets up when the time came for him to ques hardly realized that his destination tbe sympathy, you know." She looked tion the government on some point re- was reached when the cab pulled up up Innocently. "Shall I «how you?" ' I ting to tbe proposed additional dry Jumping out, he paid the fare and ! Chllcote moved a small table nearer walked quickly to the hall door of No ' ' d-ick at Talkley, the naval base. Then to the couch and spread Ills hands upon for the first time he knew that the suf 83. It, palms downward. "Like this, eh?" ferine« of the past months could have “Is Lady Astrupp at home?" he ask ed sharply as the door swung back In I he snld. Then a ridiculousness seized a visible ns well as a hidden side—could him, and he moved away. "Some other disorganize bis dally routine as they answer to his knock. ilny,” he said quickly. "You can show had already demoralized his will anil The servant drew back deferentially. me some other day. I'm not very fit character "Iler ladyship has almost finished this afternoon." The thing came upon him with ex hiueh. sir,” he said. If Lillian felt any disappointment she traordinary lack of preparation He sat For answer Chilcote stepped through showed none. "Foor old thing!” she through the twilight with tolerable the doorway and walked halfway said softly. “Try to sit here by me calm. Ills nervousness showing only In across tbe hall. and we won't bother about anything." “All right," he snld. "But don't dis She made a place for him beside her. the occasional lifting of his hand to Ills collar aud tbe frequent changing turh her oti my account. I'll wait In and as he dropped Into It she took his of Ills p isltlou, but when tbe lights the white room till she has finished.” hand anil pitted It sympathetically. were turned on and lie leaned back- In And, without taking further notice of The touch was soothing, and lie lore his seat with closed eyes lie tiecaine the servant, he began to mount the it patiently enough After a moment conscious of a curious Impression—a stairs. she lifted the hand with n little ex disturbing Idea that through bls dosed In the room where he had chosen to clamatlon of reproof. Hits lie could see tbe faces on the op wait a pleasant wood fire brightened "You degenerate person! You have posite side of the house, see tbe rows the dull .launary afternoon and sof ceased to manicure. Wliat has become of eyes, sleepy. Interested or vigilant. tened the thick white curtains, the gilt of my excellent training?" Never before bad the sensation pre furniture and the Venetian vases tilled Chllcote laughed. "Run to seed," lie with white roses. Moving straight said lightly Then his expression and sented itself, but ouce set up It ran through nil his susceptibilities. By an forward. Chllcote paused by the grate tone changed. "When a man gets to absurd freak of fancy those varying and stretched Ills hands to the blaze; my age,” he added, “little social luxu eyes seemed to pierce through his lids, then, with his usual Instability, he ries don't seem worth while. The so almost through Ills eyeballs. The cold turned and passed to a couch that clal necessities nre Irksome enough. perspiration that was his dally horror stood ii yard or two away. Personally I envy the beggar In the broke out on bls forehead, and at the On the coach, tucked away between street exempt from shaving, exempt »nine moment Fralile. bls leader, turn a novel and a crystal gazing ball, was from washing”— ed. leaned over tbe back of his seat a white Persian kitten, fast asleep Lillian raised her delicate eyebrows. and touched bls knee. Chllcote picket! up the I all and held It The sentiment was beyond her percep Chllcote started and opened Ids eyes. between his eyes mid the tire, then he tlou. "1—1 believe I was dozing," he said laughed superciliously, tossed It hack "But manicuring." she said reproach confusedly. luto Its place and caught the kitten's fully, "when yon have such nice hands Fralde smiled tils dry. kindly smile tail. The little animal stirred, streb b It was your hands and your eyes, you "A fatal admission for a member of ed Itself aud began to pur. At the the opposition,” he said. "But I was »ame moment the door of tbe room looking tor you earlier In the day. opened. • Chllcote. There Is something behind Chllcote turned around. “I partlcu this Persian affair. I believe It to be larly said you were not to be disturb a mere first move ou Russia’s part? ed," he begau. "Have I merited dis You big trading |>eople will find It pleasure?" 11« spoke fast, with tbe worth watching." tneasy tone that so ofteu underran Chllcote shrugged his shoulders. "Oh. his words. I don't know,” he said. "I scarcely Lady Astrupp took his baud with a believe In It. Lakely put a match to confiding gesture and smiled the powder In the St. George's, but j “Never displeasure," she said linger 'twill only be a noise and a puff of tngly. unit again she smiled. The smile smoke.” Bitgtit have struck u close observer as But Fralde- did not smile. "What Is faintly artificial. But what man In the feeling down nt Wark?" he asked Chilcote's frame of mind has time to "Has It awakened any Interest?" be observant where women are "At Wark? Ob. I—I dou't quite cerned? The manner of the smile know- I have I ecu a little out of very sweet aud almost caressing, touch with Wark In the last few that sufficed. weeks, A man baa so many private "What have you lieen dolug?" affairs to look to"— lie was uneasy asked after a moment. "I thought I under his chief’s scrutiny. was quite forgotten." She moved Fralde'» lips parted as If to make re across to the couch, picked up the kit pty. but with a certain dignified reti ten and kissed It. "Isn't this sweet?” cence lie cLised them again aud turned she added. away. She looked very graceful as she turn Chllcote leaned back In Ills place and ed. bolding the little anlinnl up. She furtively passed his hand over his fore was a woman of twenty seven, but she bead. Ills mind was possessed by one looked a girl. The outline of her face consideration the consideration of was pure, the pale gol.t of her hair himself. He glanced down the crowd almost ethereal, and her tall, slight ed. lighted house to the big glass figure still suggested the suppleness, doors; be glanced about him at his col tbe possibility of future development, leagues. Indifferent or Interested; then " Other Men's Shors. that tielong to youth. She wore a lace colored gown that harmonized with know, that first spites led to me." She surreptitiously his lingers strayed to tbe room aud with the delicacy of her sighed gently, with a touch of sentl his waistcoat pocket. I'sually be carried his morphia tab skin. mental remembrance. “And I thought “Now sit down and rest or walk It so strong of you not to wear rings loids with him. but today by a lapse atMiut tbe room. I shan't mind which." It must Is* such a temptation." She of memory he had left them at home. fih- nestled Into tbe i*ou< li and picked looked down at her owu fingers, gilt He knew Ibis, nevertheless he contin ued to search, while tbe need of tbe ap the crystal I all. terIng with Jewels. "What la tbe toy for?" Chllcote But the momentary pleasure of her drug -uslied through him with a sense looked at her from the mantelpiece, touch was g >ue. Chilcote drew away of physical sickness, lie lost hold on against which be was resting He had bis band and picked up the book that the business of the house; unconscious ly he half rose from bls seat. »ever defined tbe precise attraction lay between them. The mar next him looked up. “Hold that Lillian Aatrupp belli for him "•Other Mcu '» Shoe«,'" be read, A your ground. Chilcote." he said. "Hay- Her shallowness soothed him; her lu- novel, of course?" «ouaeqiient egotism hel|wsi hint to for She smiled "Of course. Such a fan forth la drying up." With a wave of relief Chilcote drip get himself She never asked him t a »tic story two men changing kletitl ped back Into his place Whate er the bow be «as, she never expected lui- Hear pmsilillltles Sbe let him come and go Chilcote rose and walked back to the confusion tn his mind It was evident lv not 'jbviona iu his face. and act as be pleased, never demand mautelmece Rayfortb resumed Ills seat, there wa tt« usual slight stir and pause; then Balett, tbe memtier for Sale be« ter. rose With Balett's first words Chilcote's band again sought bis pocket, and again bls eyes strayed toward tbe doors, but Frafde's erect head and stiff back Just In front of him held him quiet. With an effort be pulled out his notes and smoothed them nervous ly; but, though his gaze was fixed on the pages, not a line of Blessington * <le»r writing reached his mind. He glanced at the face of the speaker, then at the faces on the treasury bench, then once more he leaned back In bls seat The man beside him saw tbe move ment. "Funking tbe dry dock?” he whispered Jesttnglj “No"—Chilcote turned to him sud deuly—"but I feel lieastly—have felt beastly for weeks." The other looked at him more close ly. "Anything wrong?” he asked It was a novel experience to be confided In by Chilcote. "Oh, it's the grind—the infernal grl nd." As he said it It seemed to I «HlM”l'V that his strength gave ot bis companion, bis ing except tbe urgent P- led mind and body. Inst.. - hat he did he rose Scarce to whisper In and lea.. Fralde's eu. Fralde was seei. io turn, his thin face Interested and concerned, then he was seen to nod once or twice in ac quiescence, and a moment later Cbll- cote stepped quietly out of his place. One or two men spoke to him as be hurried from the bouse, but he shook them off almost uncivilly, and. making for tbe nearest exit, hailed a cab. The drive to Grosvenor square was a misery. Time after time he changed from one corner of the cab to the other, his acute internal pains prolonged by «very delay and increased by every motion. At last, weak In all his limbs, iie stepped from the vehicle at ills own door. Entering the bouse, he Instantly mounted the stairs and passed to his own rooms. Opening the bedroom door, he peered in cautiously, then pushed tbe door wide. The light had been switched on, but the room was empty. With a nervous excitement scarcely to be kept In check, he enter ed. shut and locked the door, then mov ed to tbe wardrolie and. opening it, drew the tube of tabloids from tbe •helf. His hand shook violently as he car rfed the tube to the table, The strain of tbe day. tbe unxiety of the past hours, with their final failure, had found sudden expression. Mixing a larger dose than any he had before al lowed himself, he swallowed It hastily and. walking across the room, threw himself, fully dressed. m>on the bed. ClIAl’TER IV. those whose sphere lies in the west of London, Fleet street is little more than a name and I Clifford's inn a mere dead let ter. Yet Clifford’s inn lies as safely stowed away in tbe shadow of the law courts as any grave under a country church wall. It is ns green of grass, as gray of stone, as irresponsive to tbe passing footstep. Facing tbe railed in grass plot of Its little court stood the house In which John Loder had his rooms, Taken at a first glance the bouse bad the desert ed air of an office. Inhabited only In the early hours, hut as night fell lights would lie seen to show out. first on one floor, then on another—faint, human I'eacons unconsciously signaling each other. The rooms Loder Inhabited were on the highest floor, and from their windows one micht gaze philo sophically on the treetops, forgetting tbe uneven pavement and tbe worn railing that hemmed them around. In the landing outside the rooms his name appeared aliove his door, but the paint hud been soiled by time and the letters for the most part reduced to shadows, so that, taken In conjunction with the gaunt staircase and bare walls, the place had a cheerless look. Inside, however, the effect was some what mitigated. The room on the right hand ns one entered the small passage that served ns ball was of fair size, though low ceiled. The paint of tbe wall paneling, like the name above the outer door, had long ago been worn to a dirty and nondescript hue. and the floor was Innocent of cari>et. Yet in the middle of the room stood a flue old Cromwell table, and on the plain deal bookshelves and along the mantel piece were some valuable books—polit ics) and historical. There were no cur tains on tl e windows and a common rending lamp with a greesi shade at xwl on a desk. It was the room of a man with few hobbles and no pleasures, who existed because he was alive and worked because he must. Three nights after the great fog John Loder sat by his desk In the light of the green shaded lamp. The remains of a very frugal supper stood on the center table, and In the grate a small and economical looking tire win burn- Ing. Having written for close on two hours, he pushed back bis chair and stretched bis cramfied fingers, Tln% he yawned, i »sc and slowly walked' across tbe roow. Reaching the mantel piece be took x pipe from the pipe rack and some tobacco from tbe Jar that stood behind the books. His face looked tired and a little worn, as Is common with men who have worked long at an uucougenlal task. Shredding the tobacco between his bands he slowly filled tl>e pipe, then lighted it from tbe fire with a spill of twisted paper. Almost at tbe moment that he ap plied the light tbe sound of «tops mounting the uncarpeted stairs outside caught bis attention and he raised bis head to listen. Presently the steps halted and b" ffl lO beard a match struck. Tbe stranger was evidently uncertain of his where abouts. Then the stepmmoved forward again and paused. An expression of surprise crossed: Loder s face and he laid down his pipe | As tbe visitor knocked he walked quietly across tbe room and opened the : door The passage outside was dark and the newcomer drew back before the light from the room "Mr. Loder?" he began interroga tively Then ail at once be laughed In embarrassed apology "Forgive me.” he said. "The light rather dazzled me. I didn't realize who It was." Loder rei'ognlzed the voice as belong lag »o his acquaintance of the fog "Won't "Ob. It's you!" be said. ” ®“'! yco come In?” His 1-.- voice ------ was a little cold, This sudden resurrection left him sur- prised, and uot quite pleasantly sur- prised He walked hack to tbe flre- place. followed by his guest. The guest seemed nervous and agi- tated. "I must apologize for the hour of my visit,” be said "My t V time is not quite my own.” Lixler waved bis Is his own'." he «? Chilcote. "n oi" drew nearer ' > e ment he had rectly at b < raised his ey ration, lie rec died the extraordinary re • here. Iu the c-.mual surrou. badly furnisbe and <-ru .cly room. It was even more astounding than It lind been In tiie mystery of the fog. “Forgive me.” be said again. "It is physical, purely physical. I am bowled over against my will.” Loder smiled. The slight contempt that Chllcote had first inspired rose again, and with It a second feeling leas ths cropper, i . “Big results?" "A drop from a probable £80.000 to a certain £800.” Chllcote glanced up. "How- did you take It?” he asked. “I? Ob, I was twenty-five then, I had a good many hopes and a lot of pride: but there is no place for either tn a working world.” "But your people?” "My last relation died with the for- tune." “Your friends?” Loder laid down his pipe “I told you I was twenty-five." he said, with the tinge of humor that sometimes crossed his manner. "Doesn't that explain things? I had never taken favors in prosi>erity. A change of fortune was uot likely to alter my ways. As 1 have said. I was twenty five." He smiled. "When I realized my position I sold all my belongings with tbe exception of a table and a few books—which I stored. I put on a walking suit anil let my beard grow. Then, with my entire cap ital In my pocket. I left England with out saying goixlby to any one." “For how long?" “Oh, for six years. I wandered half over Europe and through a good part of Asia In tbe time." "And then?” “Then? Oh. I shaved off the liearil and came back to London!" He look- ed at Chllcote. partly contemptuous, partly amused aA his curiosity. But Chilcote sat staring in silence. Tbe domination of the other's person allty aud the futility of his achieve ments baffled him. Loder saw his bewilderment. “You wouder what the devil I came into the world for," he said. "I sometime« wonder the same myself.” At his words a change passed over Chilcote. He half rose, then dropped back Into his seat. “You have no friends?” be said. •asily defined. The man seemed »0 un itable. so lncupalde, yet so grotesquely “Your life is worth nothing to you?” Loder raised his head. "1 thought I suggestive to himself. "The likeness is rather overwhelm- had conveyed that impression.” "You are an absolutely free man. »y 'ng." he said, "but not heavy enough to "No man is free who works for bis sink under. Come nearer the fire. What brought you here? Curiosity?” There bread, If things bad been different I was a wooden armchair by the fire might have beeu in such shoes as place. He Indicated It with a wave of yours, sauntering iu legislative by- My hopes turned that way tbe hand, then turned and took up his ways, once, But hopes, like more substantia! smoldering pipe. Chilcote. watching him furtively. things, belong to the past”— He stop ped abruptly and looked at his com obeyed the gesture and sat down. “It Is extraordinary!” be said, as if panion. The change in Chilcote had became unable to dismiss the subject. "It—it more acute. He sat fingering his cig Is quite extraordinary!" The other glanced round. "Let's drop arette, his brows drawn down, his lips It,” he said. "It's so confoundedly ob set nervously in a conflict of emotions. vious.” Then his tone changed. “Won't For h space he stayed very still, avoid Ing Loder’s eyes; then, as if decision you smoke?" be asked. "Thanks." Chilcote began to fumble had suddenly come to him, he turned and met his gaze. for hia cigarettes. "How if there was a future,” be said, But his host forestalled him. Taking a box from tbe mantelpiece, be held it "as well as a past?” out. "My one extravagance!” he snld iron CHAPTER V ically. "My resources bind me to one; [OK the space of a minute there and I think I have made a wise selec was silence in the room; then tion. It Is about the only vice we outside in the still night three haven’t to pay for six times over.” He I docks simultaneously chimed glanced sharply at the face so absurdly II, and their announcement was taken like Ills own, then, lighting a fresh up and echoed by half a dozen others, spill, offered his guest a light. loud and faint, hoarse and resonant, Chilcote moistened his cigarette and tor all through tue hours of darkness leaned forward. In the flare of the ibe neighborhood of Fleet street is pa;>er his face looked set and anxious, alive with chimes. but Loder saw that the lips did not Chllcote. startled by the Jangle, rose twitch us they had done on the pre- from his seat. Then, as If driven by vious occasion that he bad given him an uncontrollable Impulse, he spoke a light, anil a look of comprehension again. crossed his eyes. "You probably think I am mad”— he "What will you have, or, rather. began. will you have a whisky? I keep noth Loder took his pipe out of his mouth. ing else. Hospitality is one of the de "I am not so presumptuous.' ,” he said barred luxuries." quietly. Chllcote shook his head. "I seldom For a space the other eyed him si- drink. But don't let that deter you." Loder smiled. “I have one drink in lently, as If trying to gauge his the twenty-four hours—generally at 2 thoughts. Then once more he broke o'clock, when my night's work Is done. Into speech. "Look here.” he said. “I came to- A solitary man has to look where be night to make a proposition, When I Is going." have made it you'll first of all Jeer at "You work till 2?" me. as I Jeered when I made It to my “Two or 3.” Chilcote's e es wandered to tbe desk. self. Then you’ll see Its possibilities, as I did. Then," he paused and glanc “You write?" he asked. ed around the room nervously, "then The other unfilled curtly. “Books?” Chilcote's tone was anx you’ll accept It, as 1 did.” In the un ious. easy haste of his speech his words I Loder laughed, and the bitter note broke off almost unintelligibly. showed In Ills voice. Involuntarily Loder lifted bls head “No; not books,” he snld. to retort, but Chilcote put tip his hand. Clilliute leaned back in Ills chair and His face was set with tbe obstinate passed I is hand across his face. The determination that weak men some- strong wave of satisfaction that the times exhibit. words woke In him was difficult' to "Before I begin I want to say that conceal. I am not drunk—that I am neither mad “What Is your work?" nor drunk.” He looked fully at his Loder turned aside. “You must not companion with his restless glance. ask that.” I e snld shortly. "When a “I am quite sane—quite reasonable.” mnn has only one capacity, and the Again Loder essayed to speak, but capacity has no outlet, he Is apt to run again be put up his hand. to seed In a wrong direction. I culti "No. Hear me out. You told me vate weed«, at abominable labor and a something of your story. I'll tell you very small reward." He stood with something of mine. You'll be the Ills back to tl e fire, facing his visitor, first person, man or woman, that I nis attitude was a curious blending of have confided In for ten years. You pride, defiance and despondency. «ay you have been treated shabbily. Chllcote leaned forward again. “Why ■ I have treated myself shabbily, which speak of yourself like that? Yon are a ' Is hanler to reconciio I bad every man of Intelligence and education.” j chance, and I chucked every chance He spoke qvestiotiinglv. anxiously. away." "Intelligence and education!" Loder ' laughed shortly. "Ix>ndon Is cemented ! There was a strained pause, then with Intelligence. And education! I again Loder lifted his head. "Morphia?" hi* snld very quietly. What Is education? The court dress ' Chilcote wheeled around with a necessary to presentation, the wig and gown necessary to the barrister. But scared gesture. "How did you know do the wig and gown necessarily mean that?” he asked sharply. Tbe other smiled. It wasn’t guess briefs or tbe court dre«s royal favor? ________ Yon E lucatlon Is tbe accessory. It is Influ Ing- It wasn't even deduction ence that 1« essential. Yon should told me or as good as tol l me In the know that" fog when we talked of Ix>x!ngton. Chl’cote moved restlessly In hla seat. You were unstrung that night, and I— well, perhaps one gets overobservant "You talk bitterly." he said. The other looked up. "I think bitter from living alone." He smiled again. • hilcote collapsed Into his former ly. which 1« worse. Iam one of the un lucky N'ggars who In the expectation •eat and passed his handkerchief of money have lieen denied a profes aero«« his forehead. Loder watched him fora space. Then sion-even a trade, to which to ding In time of sh pwrock—and who when <!i he spoke. "Why don't you pull up?" aster comes dr ft out to sea. I warned be said. "You are a young man still. you the other night to steer dear of me. I come under the hesd of flot Why don't yon drop the thing before sam!" It gets too lateF Ills face was uu Chilcote's face lighted. "Ton cams a »' Uipntbetic. aud below t! e question In bls voice lay « note of hardness. cropper?” he a«ked. ' hilcot*“ returned bis glance. The No. It was some one else who cams •Uirgeation ®f reproof bad accentuate ' E his pallor Under hi. looked dl and worn ' h "You might talk till doom-.. v every word would be w«^?*’' irritably. -rui 1)<SI • b, M something like six yeai." * f* "l “Then why cotne her»?* pulling hard ou bls pipe .7"* dealer In sympathy ” “ m KX 1 "1 don't require sympathy" rn.,, rose again He was still the agitation was quieter -i much more expensive thing th.?”* pathy. and I am willing The other turned and 1.,-Lf ' I have no possession In the »«-a .3 would be worth n fiver to you." h, "Why don't vou drop tfu tMsj!’’ coldly. "You're either under a or you're wasting my time.” Chilcote laughed nervously. "Wfif he Mid. "Wait. I only ask you b wait. First let me sketch you my p*. tlou. It won't take many word»." "My grandfather was a Chilcote Westmoreland. He was one of the first of his day and bls class to reoj. nize that there was a future In trsdx so, breaking his own little twig Ina the family tree, be went south to Wart and entered a shipowning firm, h thirty years' time lie died, the owua of one of the biggest trades In Engiu£ having married the daughter of Bi chief. My father was twenty-four ui still at Oxford when lie inherited, tl most Ills first act was to reverse nf grandfather’s early move by {«4 north and piecing together the family; friendship. He married his first cousix and then, with the Chilcote prestige nj vlved and the shipping money to bait It. he entered on his ambition, wlild was to represent East Wark in the Co»’ servatlve interest. It was a big firlit, but he won as much by persoMi I»- fluence as by any other He warn I aristocrat, but lie was a seen bus’MS man ns well. The combination ■■arris weight with your lower classes. Ill never did much in the house, but was a power to bis party In Wut They still use his name there to co» Jure with.” T,oder leaned forward interestedly. “Robert Chllcote?" he said, "1 Inn heard of him. One of those fine, ou» tentatious figures—strong In action, 1 little narrow in outlook, perhaps, but essential to a country's staying po«rt You have every reason to be proalrf your father.” Chilcote laughed suddenly. "Hw easily we sum up when a matter Is it» personal! M.v father mav have lieen I fine figure, but he shouldn't have left me to climb to Ills pedestal." Loder's eyes questioned. In his net- iy awakened Interest be had let bb pipe go out. * “Don’t you grasp my meaning. Chilcote went on. “My father died« 1 was elected for East Wark. You no! say that If I had no real im llnation f« the position I could have kicked, but tell you I couldn't. Every local I"» est, political and commercial, bungW» on the candidate being a Cbilcot*- did what eight men out of ten wo» have done. I yielded to pressure “It was a fine opening!” Tbe wo» escn|>ed Loder. - "Most prisons have wide pt* Chilcote tnngtied again anPlea '^j "That was six years ago. I had 5,1 on the morphia track four ,'earses 1 . but up to my father's death I bad It _ der my thumb, or believed I . in the realization of my new reap* blllties and the excitement of the £ lltical fight I almost put it aside several months after I entere- 1 ■ ment I worked. I believe I ' 1' speech that marked me as * man.” He laughed derisively, married"— "Married r ■«Ye»-a girl of nineteen. of a great politician. It was a marriage, politically as well a’- ‘ - but It didn’t work 1 »«• '"’™ the the capacity for love First I life palled on me. tb« u my irksome. There was only ■' ■' make life endurable—iDorpai- six months were out I bad ted that” "But your wife?" "Oh. my wife knew noth ng nothing. It is the poldi''» . uM the beastly routine ■ f the P”" rt f!d that Is wearing me out nervously, then hnrr >«i ' ■ tell yon It's bard to «1* 'be •• to sit in the same «e it day • - knowing all the time ' hold yourself in band, tun» grip on the rems — tftf * "It is always poasfl1* the Chiltern Hundr. I*-" Continued Subscribe for the ■it <***