P recluse
y FIFTH
1 AVENUE
I
A
A
Ï WYNDHAM
J MARTYN
C O P Y R IG H T In
thn UNITED STATES
you up mere at twelve."
McKImber felt himself dismissed Fve got to go Into New York and see by the thought of Agatha, that strange
and lovely girl who held him at arm's
He frowned as he glanced at the Uncle Peter.”
"Anything developed?" he demanded length, snubbed him. harassed him,
smaller man. The Interview In the
nnd then brought him back with a
tower room would need careful han­ eagerly.
“Yes.
At midnight tomorrow— glance of those amethyst eyes. She
dling. He wondered tf he had under­
there's a big dance here, yon remem­ would tell him nothing about her past A LBANY baking co .
estimated Raxon.
405 West First
ber.
Mr. McKImber Is going to see life, and that worried him very much.
When Robin Joined him McKImber
BUTTER-NUT BREAD
What
men
had
loved
her,
he
wondered,
Mr.
Raxon
and
tell
him
he
has
no
was still fuming. Unwisely he told his
and had there been men about whom
son of the coming Interview, but not chance politically.”
lbany Floral Co. Cut flowers
“How do you know that? So yon she cared? Mrs. McKImber under­
of its nature. Still more unwisely
and plants. Floral art for every
Robin, by this time head over ears In are pumping him. Clever girl. That's stood the situation and sympathized.
and all occasions.
why
you
are
letting
him
wav'»
his
Her
husband
was
unusually
Irritable.
Flower phone 458-J.
love with Agatha Brown, confided In
He could talk about nothing but the
her the news. She had always seemed time.”
"It's
not
being
clever,"
she
returned.
Infamous
manner
In
which
his
press
ready to chat nbout his parents.
lbany state bank — w e
“I don't understand It at all," said 1 flashing; “It’s being dishonorable. I'm agent neglected to have him featured.
invite ’your business. Savings and
Robin. "Father came here for some I not pumping him. I'm letting him It seemed to McKImber that the pa­ commercial accounts. Capital, surplus,
pers were filled with Paul Raxon. Ac­ undivided profits, $100. OOO.
purpose of his own which I haven't talk, and that’s almost as bad.”
The man who was 'Enry seemed tually some club women had started 0
caught on to, but it's political. Of
ASTBURN’S GROCERY
course you haven't followed American little Interested In Robin McKImber. “Better Architecture League,” with
4th and Lyons Street
politics of late or you’d know my fa­ He was excited at the Idea of the In­ Raxon as president They were to The place to buv good groceries at the
agitate for classes in architectural ap­
ther was some punkln up the state. terview on the morrow.
right price. On the corner, plenty of
“I believe that's the big thing,” he preciation in the high schools.
He refused the nomination for gover­
room to park. Albany.
said.
“I
wish
I
knew
what
old
Peter
McKImber
wandered
about
the
big
norship."
has np his sleeve.”
rooms fidgeting. Raxon was not to
^ORD SALES AND SERVICE *
"Why such modesty?” she asked.
"Has Mr. Bradney finished his work be seen. At midnight, when Sneed
Tires and accessories
"Because he wants something big
up there?" she ashed.
stood respectfully at his elbow, Mc­
Repairs
ger.”
•This very morning. That’« the real KImber was as nearly nervous as he
K i r k -F o l l a b M o to r Co.
‘‘The senate. I suppose?”
reason I waited for you. That d—d had ever been. But he was too old a
"Yes. I wondered why It was he Raxon has no fixed habits. He crops campaigner to show It. He followed pV irtrailler Furniture Co., fumi-
came here when we have never had tip In most unexpected places. Sneed the butler Into a big sexagonal room, * ture, rugs, linoleum, stoves ranges.
any social relations with the Raxons. reported
after breakfast that he and entrance to which was gained by a Funeral directors. 427-433 west First
I know now." He spoke confidentially. old McKirober were on the golf links. flight of eight stairs. That the apart­ street, Albany, Oregon.
"Tomorrow night, np In his tower Bradney got busy at once with his Job ment was furnished with subdued
room, father Is going to lay down the and I attended to the cleaning of the splendor and was of magnificent pro­
’INTEL WRECKING CO.
law to your Mr. Raxon. Just because room. I didn’t henr Raxon come In. portions added to McKlmher’s Irrita­
4.36 West 1st
Rnxon made a lot of money doesn’t You know how silently he walks. Sud tion. Instinctively he was aware that
Used Parts for all cars
say he is fit to represent New York denly I looked around and saw him. Raxon was getting ready to use his
at Washington. I think father pays He made a motion for me not to say lavish settings In publicity work.
EH L E R I ’S G R O C E R Y
entirely too much attention to Rax- anything. He was listening.” 'Enry
401 W First street
This tower study would soon be fa­
on's claims. He couldn't get In pos­ laughed. “I didn’t laugh then, Nlta.
Successor to J. D. bears
mous
through
the
magazines.
It
was
sibly. What do you think?”
We will tay to please you
What do you think It was? He easy to visualize Paul Raxon leaning
“That politics Is very dull.”
thought old Bradney sawing a board back In his customary indolent way U O L M A N & JACKSON
“They won't bother us," lie said ten­ out of sight was a rat. Fortunately wltb a specially prepared back­
Grocery—Bakery
derly. “We shan't know they exist, Bradney had Just finished and was lis­ ground. McKImber's private room rep­
of eats
Agatha. I shall be looking In your tening to what we were saying. Uni­ resented office furnishing In Its most Everything in the line
Opposite Postoffice
eyes and forgetting time and space.”
on's afraid of no man, but he hates efficient style. He reflected bitterly
"That will make you a very agree­ rats. He made me look down behind thnt this apartment must have been I I U B C u n f e c t i o n e r y , Noon
able dancing partner,” she laughed. the books. I could see Bradney’s face planned for photographic reproduction. *--*■ lunches. Home-made candy and
She sighed a little. "I’m sorry, Robin, distinctly, because he hadn't quite fin­ McKImber decided It wns effeminate. ice cream. Ftrst street, next dooi ro
but we shall not be dancing together ished. I was flustered. I snid I saw It provoked In him a feeling of con­ Blain Clothing Co.
tomorrow evening. It Is my night off, a big sewer rat."
tempt which could not dispel the
M PERIAL CAFE, 209 W. First
and I'm going to see some friends In
“Poor Uncle Fleming," Nlta cried. knowledge that Raxon's settings were
Harold G. Murphy Prop.
New York."
“Oh, daddy, what a situation I”
Phone 665
(Continued
on
page
5)
"I'll come with you," he said eager­
"Raxon suggested sending for a fox
W b nev er close
ly. "Do let me drive you In.”
terrier that the head chauffeur owns.
G reat M an H a rsh ly U sed
ennings Auto Top Shop— Auto
“That would never do. I should be Any decent dog would have worried
trimming, seat covers and winter in­
As a sorry blot on the appreciation
dismissed directly I returned. No, Rradney's face to ribbons. I couldn’t
closures. 202 E. Second. Phone 418J.
you must stay here nnd dance with have that. I suggested traps nnd said of the world for men who have gained
N. L. Jennings Manager
the Raxon girls and their friends. the 'Igglnses hnd a halt that old Henry rightful fame, Columbus was sent
"Don't you realize how much you’ve the Eighth used. He said the rat home to Spain In chains from bis
neglected them?"
would take It and die In such a way second voyage to America. It was on
agneto electric co .
"I didn't come here to dance with thnt the rat would be poisoned. He November 5, 1500, that he landed.
Investigate the new Prestolite
Battery prices before buying.
them." he retorted. “I came In the went to a drawer and took out an au­
first Instance because father has tomatic. I thought then and there
W o rld ’s F astest G am e
agel’s Bob and Beauty Shoppe,
something to tell Rnxon from the na­ everything was up. I couldn’t let him
The Spanish game of pelotta is said
Hotel Albany
tional committee. I stayed because take a pot-shot at Bradney. Remem­ to he the fastest game In the world,
Manicuring, marcelling, facial
I saw you. If I've neglected the Raxon ber, Bradney was listening to all this much faster than ice hockey. Only
Miss
Lamphear, operator
girls It Is absolutely your fuult. They and not able to make a move.”
players of keen sight, great speed and
should blame you for It.”
“Oh, daddy,’’ the girl cried, “what iglllty cun hope to excel In It.
D ia n o s ! Pianos ! ! Some big
"They do," she answered. "Mrs happened?”
-k- hargains in second-hand pianos; one
Raxon, who wns my friend, Is growing
$85, one $195; one $250. Call at
"The 'Igglnses' rat-bult won. 1 said
Fisher Bros. Implement <3
cold. I shall not be here long."
Davenport Music House, Albany
to shoot under a heavy wooden book­
"Then marry me and get a lifelong case might set the house on fire. It Phone 47
122 N. Broadalbin st.
Job. You’ll like It, sweetheart. I'm wasn't till I saw htm outside with
DOSCOK AMES HARDW ARE
Albany, Oregon
not hnlf good enough for you. but day Mnlet that I pulled Bradney out head
John
Deere
Implements
liy day you'll learn to love me more foremost. Of course he blamed me
The Winchester Store
and more.”
for not keeping a better lookout. It DeLftval Separators and Milkers
"Is this a proposal?” She laughed. all came because I was actually doing Fencing and Farm ers’ Hardware
econd-hand player piano at a
“It’s the first I’ve made since lunch," the work for which I am being paid.
real bargain If taken soon. Wil
he returned.
Let me know what Mr. Milman says.”
trade piano for good hay if beled. We
"And I shall give you my usual an­
Neeland Barnes walked toward the
have what you want.
swer. I like you. Robin. You are one pantry, where Bradney was cleaning First and Baker
Albany
S ta n d a r d P ia n o s
of the most attractive people I huve some silver.
Chevrolet
Cars
6-
Parts,
ixepianng
We
sell
on time
Davenport
''Hello, old sewer rat.” said 'Enry
met. I think It would not be hnrd to
1926 Ford coupe, fine condition. Bargaiu
Phone 312J
Music House
genially.
He
took
a
seat
and
lighted
get absolutely crazy about you.”
good tires, fine Albany, Oregon
a cigarette. Then he complained abou' 1926 Chevrolet touring,
"How soon can you start?"
finish.
young
McKImber's
attentions
to
his
“I'm afrnld I never cnn. Your fa­
Bradney did not take i>ls
ther wouldn't permit It. I’ve watched daughter.
FOR SALK
him, Robin, when you've been dancing side.
Attorney at law
“I've watched them,” said Bradney, secured Farm M ortgages
or talking to me. Do you suppose It
Practices
in
U.
S. and state courts. Suits
was Just Idly that he told me last “and I think they are the handsomest
$1500.00 $2500 00
$3000.00
at law. in equity and estates in probate
night that he had a great future pair I've ever seen. You must admit
$3500 00 $4500.00
$6000.00
carefully
atteaded
to at minimum
that, physically, he Is superb. You
$7000.00
planned for you?"
charges Money to loan.
are
wrong
In
thinking
he
Is
forcing
"He often soya that.” Robin an­
Linn County Abstraed Co. Inc.
Baltimore bldg., Albany. Oregon
swered. “That's why he wants to go unwelcome attentions on Nlta. He Is
Established 1892
Albany, Ore.
to Washington. He’s thinking of poli­ humble and adoring. I'm not much
of a Judge of these affairs, but I think
tics and diplomacy."
"He wns thinking of the sort of she likes him.” Bradney sighed. 'T
TUSSI NG & TUSSING
woman he Intends you to marry. I should like to be looked at as I've
LAWYERS
can't blame him. He feels he Is fight­ caught her looking nt him.
at lowest rate of interest.
“And I rather like old McKImber,” Real Estate
ing for you against an unknown wom­
Halaey
and Brownsville
Insurance
an who may be a common adventuress Bradney said. “It is true he has drunk Prompt service, courteous treatment.
the
wine
of
Babbitry
largely,
but
that
Oregon
for all he knows. On the whole, I
with Lane County Abstract
Is what every successful man quaffs. W m . B ain , company,
rather like your father."
Albany
"The old man's all right," Robin If he Is autocratic and wants his way,
Your eyas examined and a fine
said calmly, "and I probably respect you must remember he Is the head of
pair ol
him more than anyone else; but I'm a tremendous business and accustomed
no Chinese ancestor worshiper. I shall to men taking orders from him. His
choose my own wife. If he objects, wife Is quRe genial and unaffected." A tw a te r,
T oric R e a d in g G lasses
Barnes could not dismiss his grlev
the loss Is his."
K olster and
"You'd starve, my bold and brave ance Against the family lightly.
in a fram e of your own choice
"I hope he won't try to be nutocrntlc
Robin.”
with
me
because
I'm
annoyed
with
Ills
F ederal
“Not on your life, Amethysts. Tm
$ 6 to $ 7 .5 0
no Idle society boy, although I play son and heir.” 'Enry put a silver ca­
society games. I’ve an interest In the rafe on a tray. “This waiting busi­
Radio Accessories
works which I earned. He'd have to ness palls after a time. There’s Malet
rating,
drinking
and
smoking
with
the
buy me out. and It would be cheaper
Waldo Anderson & Si
Jewelers and Optometrists
to have me remain. Also, I control best, while we have to work for a liv­
some basic patents that he uses. I ing. Actnnlly he had the nerve to
Albanjr, Oregon
Albany, Oregon
Invented them, If yon con believe It." call me down the other night In French
"How clever of you." she erled. “Do because I upset something over him
you know I hHd no Idea you hnd ever while I was trying to hear what Rax­
worked. You play so well, you see." on was saying to McKImber."
"Don't get quarrelsome here," Brad­
"Amethysts.” he said earnestly,
A lb a n y
"there Isn’t such an awful lot of hap­ ney cautioned him. "Walt till It Is
piness In this world. Why do you finished. A great deal depends on
C rea m ery A ssociation
want to rob me of my chance of It?” you.”
“All right.” said Bnrnes. picking up
"If there was anything I could do
Manufacturées of
to make you happy, I would do It If I his troy. “The parasite departs. I'll
hnd myself only to think about. Don't watch tny step."
follow me. I've got to get back to the
house and arrange an elaborate menu.”
C H A P T E R IX
and B u y e rs o f E ggs
She left him with a smile. It was
not easy to respond to It. So far In
Very ungraciously Mrs. Raxon per­
News From Our Repair A F arm ers’ Co-operative
his life young McKImber had obtained
what he wanted. He realized that he mitted Agatha Brown to be absent for Department _ w, have ^prred
Creamery
had never wanted anything very a night. Very glklly the Raxon girls our watch repairing department under
strongly until now. when his first seri­ learned of IL Robin would be theirs the management of W. O Biddle, who
for a few hours. After cramping con­ lias had twenty-seven years' experience
ous defeat had been met.
Tnslde the house Agatha Brown met tinental pensions and small hotels, in Albauy
If you enjoy a good meal
their present lavish life rather went Diamond setting and all kinds of repair­ And know a good meal when yau get it
Tnry.
You'll be back for you'll not forget it.
"You allow that McKImber boy to [ to their heads. It took the form of a ing a specialty.
monopolize too ranch of your time," superiority complex which Irritated
If you break your glasses we can du­ PARAGON CAFE
LT u: X £,h
be grumbled: "the McKImber« are ab­ Robin enormously. But he had prom­ plicate them If you wish pour e«es
ised his father to aid him by preserv­ examined we will give vou a scientific
solutely without social weight”
G E O M. G IL C H R IS T
"Tn so many words that Is whst Mr, ing a heartiness of manner that he exatum ition
ALBANY
McKImber told Rvhtn about social sec- did not feel He was wholly obsessed
MEADE &. ALBRO T ic k e t office Bell L in e Stage.
Matlcs- Don't talk about fcia p«*.
Optometrists. 312 First st . Albany, Ore
Albany to San Francisco, $1$,
W.N.U.
SERVICE
ip»nuuuo3,
To this retreat none came but the
After dinner caine u dunce, and the servants. Here he dreamed of power
life. None could
evasion of the two pliler Raxon girls and planned the
was not easy. Robin looked sour­ overhear what he would say to Mc­
ly at an anlninted and gostli-ulnllng KIniber when the hour came to which
Frenchman—a viscount, us lie recalled he hnd long looked forward. There
It—who curried on a long conversation would lie no tinkling telephones to
In his native tongue with Miss Brown. Interrupt. He chuckled as he thought
Only once Itobln stared Into the vio­ of McKImber. He knew the manu­
let eyes.’ They seemed to look through facturer for an honest If stubborn
him. But he was sure Miss Brown man, who had long been regarded as
remembered that moment when there a valued party prop. Weil, the Mc­
was a reasonably good chance of the KIniber who would come to this talk
extinction of the McKImber family, lie would not be the man who went down
wished he could dunce with her. He the tower stairs.
Life had been very good to Paul
detested very small clinging girls like
Gertrude Itaxon. And since he was Ravon. He had always won. Again
himself dark, he preferred the blonde and again his unfortunnte entangle­
type. Of course the Raxon girls were ments with women had threatened to
Jealous. And well they might be. bring hhn newspaper notoriety, but he
Probably Miss Brown bad a bard time hnd evaded It—somehow. He won­
dered why, of late, he had been think­
to placate the furies her charms and ing of the girl who died so convenient­
beauty aroused In her employer's ly In a sculptor’s studio, Mie sculptor
daughters.
who had endured the censure that
Finally poor Robin had to Introduce should have been his. Raxon be­
himself. He did It very well. It camo lieved that It was because he had been
In the nature of an apology. Robin I horn to a great destiny, and doubts of
wns so good-looking that most girls future success did not trouble him.
forgave him minor breaches of cfl
McKImber broached the subject that
quette.
filled their minds one day ns they
"My name Is Robin McKImber," he walked hock from golf. He had bis .1
began. “And as I know you are Miss shown by his campaign manager that
Brown, we are Introduced, aren't we?” (taxon's press notices fnr exceeded
“And this Is your Idea of an intro­ Ills own In frequency and Interest.
“You certainly have a fine press
duction?" Miss Brown spoke without
enthusiasm. He was a little stag­ agent," McKImber said, not without
gered. His smile was what people bitterness.
usually termed Infectious.
“The best," said Raxon. "So long
"I had to Introduce myself." he re­ as he remains the best he gets a very
turned, "because nobody else would.” large salary. If he falls off, I shall
"Exactly what was the necessity?” get rid of him. He knows that. One
might say," Raxon went on, "that that
she demanded.
"I wantpd to npologtze for nearly Is my method always. I pay more
running you down on the drive this Ilian the union scale, because I want
afternoon.’' She wns not making It a result above the average."
easy.
“Maybe you’re wasting your money."
Raxon shrugged his shoulders
'Tm afraid you exaggerate,” she
said calmly. "I was standing on a "Muybe.’'
"The public buildings of this conn
rock fully two feet uhove the road
level when you turned the corner so fry are the best In the world," Mc­
recklessly." n is face fell. She could KIniber declared. He had been read
not help smiling a little. "But. of lug something of the enthusiasm Rax
course, If you really do want to apolo­ on hnd created among federations of
gize for being so careless—”
women’s clubs.
"I do," he said earnestly.
“You probably think so," Rnxon
"Then you must apologize to your ngreed Idly. "You could sit before the
parents. They were in reul danger statehouse at, let us say, Harrisburg,
and I was not.”
and think It was the last thing In ar­
"I'm a most careful driver,” he said. chitectural art. I am going to stamp
"Ask my mother. What happened to­ out monstrosities In stone nnd melo­
day never hnppened to me before."
dramas In marble. We have not yet
"What wns tl,.-,(•• ' l l , was a evolved a national style, but we shall."
trace of a smile which passed over her
lie paused 11 moment to greet Itobln
face and wns gone.
McKImber und Agatha Brown. He
"I ssw that eyes could renlly he vio­ hnd noticed of late that the two were
let,” he answered. He looked Into very friendly. They made a splendid
them admiringly. "I forgot every­ pair. He commented on It. McKIm­
thing."
ber grunted. He hnd other plans for
"You should lose your license,” she Ills son. lie found himself filled with
said severely. But there wns no doubt increasing bitterness.
that she smiled ns she turned away
"When can we have a talk?" Mc­
with a slight how.
KIniber said nbruptly,
She was more used to verbal fenc­
"What ure we doing now?”
ing than he had Imagined. On the
"You know wha| I mean. I'tn going
whole, he decided he had behaved
very stupidly. This wns no brow
benten dependent thirsting for kind
words, ltohln's evening was spoiled
John McKImber was puzzled eon
eernlng Paul Raven, lie hail known
of Union for years, hut he had never
niet him nor believed very much In his
Influence. McKImber had thought of
him as a younger man who would look
up to him ns one having long ago won
his spurs. McKImber hail come here
sure that victory would he his In the
Struggle.
He wns uneasily nwnre flint Raxon
wus not easy to Impress The younger
man's knowledge of politics and poll
tlclnns seemed uncanny. He was
without reverence for the dead or re
■peet for the living. Once or twice
McKImber believed Ids ho 4 was laugh
lug nt him. It would not be advisable
to start any serious discussions until
the two were on more friendly terms
Ruxon's would not lie the first polit­
ical aspirations that McKImber hud
nipped In the bud. That was the dutv
of all sound machine politicians or
popular government might creep In
and destroy the machinery. Raxon
would see he w as wrong to Imperil tils
party because of his new horn ninbl
Maybe Y o u ’ re W a stin g Y our M oney."
tlons. For almost a generation now
John McKImber had been the main to let yon Into our confidence, and
atay of hla party In hts own section you ought to know that strangers
of the state If honors were to he shouldn’t bear It."
awarded It was to him they should
“Whose confidence?”
eonte Raxon would probably see It
"The party's confidence. It's a big
In that light. If lie did not there thing. Raxon."
would he summoned the big men who
“Ought I to hear It? Am I Impor­
must he obeyed.
tant enough V' Raxdn's manner had
•
• • • • • •
no hint of sarcasm In It, but McKIm­
Ba von had two big rooms for him ber knew that the other was laughing
•elf In a tower from which an unln at him. "Tomorrow night the young
tarrupted view o f the sound could be people are having a dunce. I keep
enjoyed. One of the rooms was a late hours. What about midnight?
library, deep-paneled and splendid. You have never yet been In my tower
Tbe ether was his bedroom and bath. study have you? gneed shall bring
E
G
J
M
N
Willamette Chevrolet Co.
S
George William Wright
FARM LOANS
F. M. French & Son
LINN BUTTER