Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / May 13, 1906, edition 1 / Page 16
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CIIARLOTTE DAILY OBSERVER, MAY 13, lVOGl By firs, Catharine Cecil Thurston r Copyright !, ttO. ' "I !$'-.;:'-;'CMiPTB' IV. ! To those WhAM sphere lie In the Trrst Of London, fleet afreet la llttl more than a nam. an4 Clifford' Inn ft nitre letter.. Yet Clifford's inn lie as suieiy stowed a war In tba shadow of th Law "Court aa any gravs under ' a country church wall it la aa ren of grass, as fray of stone, aa lrresponslv to tht pe - ut footstep. .-. Facing- ths- ralled-ln-grasB-plot of It little court stood the Imn Itwwhkh John u Ixxler had hi room. Taken at a fliet alsnoe, the houao had the deaerted lr of ' an ffloa. Inhabited only in the early hour) put, aa night fell, Hshts would t sn to ahnw out. drat on on floor, than on another faint, human bearon unronacloualy signalling each other. The . rooms Lodor Inhabited wr on the h)gh aat floor; and from their windows one might gsss philosophically on th tret- trpe, forgetting tna uneven pavemem aim the worn railing that hemmed them round. In the landing outaid the room hhi mum appeared above the door, but . the paint had been soiled by time, and the ' letter for the moat part reduced ta shadow; ao that, taken In conjunction lth the saant atalrraae and bare walla. the elace had a cheeriest look. i Inaide, however, the effect waa some what mitigated. The room on the rl.ht hand, aa en entered the small paasug tnat served aa nan. waa oi iair ". ' though lew-celled. The paint of the wall- Dajineliinr. like the name above the nut- er door, had long ago been worn to a Jlrty and nondescript hue. and the floor , was innocent or carpet; yei in m miuii of ths-roorn stood a line old Cromwell T - table, and on the plain deal gook-slwlves ' snd along the mantel-piece were aoine valuable books politic! and historical. There were no curtains on the windows ' .. snd a common reading-lamp with a green 1 shade stood on a desk. II was the room of a man with a few hobble und no pleasure whs existed because he waa ' alive, and worked because he must.. Three nights after the great fog John ' Xeder sat by his desk In the light of the streen-ahaded lamp. The remnlna of a . very frugal supper stood on the centre 7 i table, and In the grate a small and eco ' Domical-looking fire waa burning. Having written for close on two hours, tie pushed bark hla chair and stretched Ills rramped Angers; then he yawned, rose, and slowly walked across the room. 1 Beaching the mantel-piece, he took a pipe : fraas I ha pipe-rack and some tobacco from the Jar that stood behind the book. . , Utm fir looked tired and a little worn, as Is common with men who have worked ' long st an uncongenial task. Shredding ' the tobacco between hla hand, he slow ly tilled tn pipe, men ugnim n irom the fir with a spill of twisted paper. Aiict at the moment that he applied " the light tba sound of steps mounting the ' tincarpeted stairs ouisioe causm ma ai tent ton, and he. raised hla head to listen. Jreaently the steps halted snd he heard match atruck. The stranger waa evi dently uncertain of hla whereabouts '''. Then the steps moved forward again and ' ' 'Aprealon of surprise crossed Lo Oer's face, and he laid down his pipe As tha visitor knocked, he walked quietly cross ths room and opened the door ' The paaaage outaid was-dark, and the ; new-comer drew back before the light from the room. "Mr Loder V he begun, Interrogative. ly. Then all at once he laughed In em- . farrasaed apology. "Forgive me," he said ' The light rather dassled me. I dldn t realise who It w." i t . Under recognised the voice sa belong- vlag to his acquaintance of the fog. , ''Oh, It s you!" he said. "Won t you rom InT" Hla voice was a little cold. This sudden resurrection left him sur-prlaed-and not quite pleasantly surpris ed. He walked back to the fireplace, fol lowed by hla guest. .... f , Tha guast seemed nervous and agitated. ' ! must apologise for the hour of my 1 vtelt,".a said. "My- my time I not !iode? waved" his hand. "Who time I . ' III own?" he said. ' Chi loot, encouraged by th remark, . drew nearer to the fire, t'ntll thla mo ment he had refrained from looking di rectly at his host; now, however, he rals- - , ed hi eyes. and. despite hi preparation. ha recalled unavoidably before the eitra .' ordinary resemblance. Been here, In th caaual surroundings of a badly furnished and crudely lighted room. It waa even tnore astounding than It had been In the mystery af the fog. rorglv me," he said aseln. It la nhvaical fNirelr phvslcal. I am bowled ' ' over agalnat my will." leader smiled. The slight contempt that - ChtloeU had first Inspired rose galn, and with It a second feeling less easily ' defined. The man seemed so unstable, so lacapable. yet so grotesquely suggestive , ta blraeelf. "The likeness Is rather overwhelming. " It Mid; "but not heavy enough to sink . under. Come nearer the fire. What breua-M rou here? Curiosity?" Ther was a wooden srm-chalr hy the flre-plac. Ila liuHratad It with a wave of th hand: ; --thn turned snd took up his smouldering Calleote. watching him furtively, obey- d the geeture and eat down. It Is extraordinary !" he said, aa If tillable to dismiss the subject. "It-It Is qut extraordinary!" 1 ne Oiner gianrfa rounn. i-i umi 'I-et's dron ti - Ka ..1.1 "H a bo confoundedly ot. Vtta" Th.n his lone chaneed "Won t . v.. ! ' ... Tliatik " r'hllfril tiaanfl If. riimllla fnr j , I .Hut his host forestalled him. Taking a lei from the mantel piece, lie held It , . , "My only extravagance!" he said. Ironl- mlly. "My resources bind me to on: and 1 I think I have made . wise selection. It I is about tba only vie we hsven'l to pu r ! sis times over. ' He .Unco ahsrplv at I tha fat ao alurdly like t. own. lhehJ - llahtlna a fraah simII. oftfred his surst a ' ii.ki I I cr In sympathy. hilcote rose again, pjened his clsarett, and'"'- f?11-1".' '"" ""' In the flarr ",f the paper i ."uU'i.'- , Wl,nl " ,n,.':'h ,n0!: ?' set and uniloue. but ki. , pr1n1'v,, . ,h,n Oin ympathy-and I'm Ihf III did init twitch Hlw',""'r t"y ,or a on "the previous cas.-m ' . Th" n,h" ,,,r" l ,h,lm u" riven him a light, and a L"' 'I" t.'.?" ,n hr ,,,,r',l thl 4.t.llcota moistened his claarett. .nj'11' '. "' ,Ued, but the agltBllon leaneo lorwarn. Ma face looked der saw that tb they had done kok of eomr.rThen.lo,, rro-setf hto eves WW will you flrinkT Or ml her. will ytU aavs a whiskey? I k"-p nothing; .1.. ui,.ih i. A..t HI iuxuHes" " "ih fChllooU Shook hi, heart 'I seldom drlok. Hut don l let that iH,r you " La4er .mlled. "I have one d.lnk In th. twenty-four hours--generally ,t : o .M k. 1 when my night's work la a-.m. A s-.li nf tarv man iTa to look wher lie I, . ,.J L ' , f Too work till two'" I "Tviwif thres.' ; . Chllcot' eye wandered tu tin- d-sk. .' fo write?" he asked. The other nodded curtly. "Books?" Chllcote's tone was iimlnus. Under laughed, and the bitter note , gkowed In his voice, "Nonot book," h ssid. ' Chllcot leaned back In hi chair and passed his hand across his face. The .... Strong wave of satisfaction that thi ' words woks in him was difficult to con- deal. i "What I your work?" ' Loder turned aside. "Tou must nut ask that," h said, shortly. "When a man ha only one rapacity, and the capacity ,' has ao outlet, he la sot to run tn seed , In wrong direction. I cultivate weed at abominable labor and a very email re , ward." He stood with hi back to th ' :ir. facing hi visitor: hi stlllud waa a , etiHou Mending of pride, dsnsnc snd le-- wamdeney., Chllcote leaned forward agsln. "Why apeak of yourself tike that? You are a 'tn o( Intelllgenoa and education." lie spoke nquatiouing1y, anxiously. 'fnlelllgonc and Sducatloo!" tipder fsTigbed shortly, . "ixttdnn la cemenid , with tntelligenr. ;And educatkm! What .. l'educatlnT Tb aourt dress noceeaary - to presents tlon. th wis; and gown neo. ewsary to the barrister. -Uut do the wig . and gwwit fieceossrily mean brlefa Or ibe court dress royal favor? Kducatlon Is tlf sccesMMwt it is Ipfluent e that Is srntlal. Ton should know that." , ciiilrot ftioved restlessly' In hi seat, Tort talk bitterly," he anld, ; v Tli other looked tip. "'I think bitterly Ht'erly, which Is Worse, I as one of the tinlM'ky beggars who, In tha expeeistion of money, lias been oVenled ft profession een a trade, to which to cling In time of shipwreck,; and who. when disaster c mea. drift out to sea, I warned you ' the other night t Steer clear of me, - oi.me und-r ihs head or flirt nam!" lul.-'.i' s face lighted, N "You com ft tr'" wj!" he asked. - ,..t .-.- '.,- j ' . . It some tin els who com f"--nr. I only dealt Jn results,'' tt, .-j-t?" i - ' . k V! ' t . iiom pro bs bis slghty thog- by Harpsr Bros, . J"; t';.. ssnd pounds to a certain sight hundred," Chllcot glanced up. "How 414 you Uk UT" he aaked. " r , v. "IT Oh t wa twenty-flve then. -1 had ft good many hopes and a lot of pride: but there 'is no place (or either in ft work ing wono. . 'TBut your neon IsT" ' ; "My last relation died with tha for tune." , . v , , Veur frlendir ' Loder laid down hla bine. "I told you I waa ," ha said, with th ting of humor that sometimes crossed his man ner. "Doesn't that explain th thing? I have never taken lavor in prosperity; a change of fortune was not likely to siter my ways, as i nav said, I was twenty-flve." He smiled. "When I real ised my position I sold all my belongings with the exception of a table and a few books which I stored. I put on a walk- Ins-suit and let my beard grow: then. with my entire capital In my pocket, I left England without saying good-bye to any one." "For how long?" ,, "Oh, for six years.. I wandered half over Rurope aiM through a good part of Aala In the time." "And thenT" . "Then? Oh, I ahaved off th beard and cam back to London!" He looked at Chllcot. partly contemptuous, party amused at rile curiosity. But Chllcot sat ataring In silence. The domination of the other a personality and the futility of bla achievements baffled him. lxder saw hla bewilderment. "Tou won der what the devil I came Into the world for." he eald. "1 sometimes wonder th same myself." At hie words a change passed aver Chll cote. He half roet, then drojoad back Into hla seat. i u.u. rUmlae V. m ma A "Vamp life Is worth nothlns to vouT' IHler raised his head. "I thought I had "You are an absolutely free man. "No man la free who worka for his bread. If things had been different 1 might have been In such shoes as yours. ssunterlng In legislative byways: my hopes turned that way once. Hut nope, like more substantial things, belong to th past-" He stopped abruptly and looked at hla companion. The change In Cliilcote had become more acute; he sat fingering his cigarette, his brows drawn down, his lips set ner vously In a conflict of emotions. For a apac he stayed very still, avoiding Lo- der s eyes: then, aa If decision nad sud denly come to him, he turned and met hla gase. "How If there was future," he said, "as well ss past?" CHAPTER V. For the apace of a minute there was alienee In the room, then outside In th still night three clocks simultaneously chimed eleven, snd their announcement was taken up and echoed by half a dosen others, loud and faint, hoarse and reso nant; for all through the hours of dark ness the neighborhood of Fleet street Is alive with chimes. v Chllente, startled by the jangle, rote from his seat; then, as If driven by an uncontrollable Impulse, he spoke again.. "You very probably think I sm mad" he began. louder took hla pipe out of his mouth. "I am not so presumptuous," hs sold, quietly. For s space the other eyed him Bllently. as If trying to gauge hla thoughts; then once more he broke Into speech. "lok here," he said. "I came to-night to make a proposition. When ( have made It you'll first of all Jeer at It as I leered when I made It to myself; then you'll see Its nosslbllltlea as I did; then" he paused snd glanced round the room nervously "then you'll accent It aa 1 did." In the uneasy haste of his speech his words broke off almost unintelligibly. Involuntarily Ider lifted his helid to retort, but ("hllrote put up his hand. HI face was set with the obstinate determi nation that weak men sometimes exhibit. "Before I begin I want to say that I am not drunk-that I am neither mad not drunk." He looked fully at hi companion with hi restless glnnce. "I am quit Bane quite reasonable." Again I Oder esanyed to speak, but again he put up hla hand. "No, Hear me out. Tou told me something of your story. I'll tell you something of mine. Tou'll be the first person, man or woman, that I hnve confided In for teh years. You say you have been treated shabbily which Is harder to reconcile. I had every chance and I chucked every chance away." There was a etralnad pauae, then ayain lydcr lifted hlahead. "Morphia?" he aald. very quietly. Chllcote wheeled round with a acsrel r:esture. "How did you know thst? ia said, sharply. The other smiled. "It wasn't gueaalng -It wasn't even deduotlon. You told me, or as rood as told me. In the fog when we talked of Ixlnston. You were un strung that night, snd I Well, perhaps one gets nver-oheervant from living alone.'' He smiled again. Chllcote collapsed Into his former seat and passed his handkerchief across his forehead. lMlr watched him for a spare: then nr spoae. vt ny uon I you pull tip? he he apoke. "Why don t you pull tip? sain ion are a young inun still, wny " Vu drop the thing lfore It gelr too later ms race was iinaymnatnet e and below Ihe nueatlon In hla vnlra lav a . . . - . ' " 1 1 1 ' " ill 1 1 II l u 1 1 ' r . Chelereturned Ills -glance. Tiesug- r""!m 'V Jrpr't"" " .. "' r".",,"r1 ." pallor. I'nder hla excitement he looked ,",.B,,,. w.rn.', . ,. ,. . You might talk till doomsday. hu fv". word would be wasted." he sa d, "llably. !m paat praying for, by .m.,'"'ln '" , , 1,V"'nl.wh,v r0m" V"r!... l"H r aWV I'"" " h"r' " h a pipe. I m not a deal- er In sympathy. hilcote rose again. i would be worth a fiver to you." he said ".".! "..wor.,h .ver to you.' : coldly. "You're cither under a delusion or you're waiting my time." iiiicoie laugnen nervously. "Walt." "ld "Walt. I only ask you to wait. 'Vl. h,,.r',,., my P"IUo"-U ,"1e """ wnrl: . , ,M '1,'2,1".l,r.r ." C,hll.rh"'" "f Vr,,'"n'L: "' ,h" .flJ"1 ,,l,y nl" , u" recognise that "'.' "'1.' "" """..- nl" "wn lw' "m the family tree. nf weni soiiiii to warx and entered a ship-owning Arm. In thirty years' time he rtlfd. the owner of one of the biggest irad'-x In ICnxland. having tiisrilof the daughter of Mis chief. My father was woiily-four nnd altll ut Oxford when h Inherited. Almost his first act waa to i reverse mv urandfather'a arly move by ?lns anally ing north and Ple.'lng together the y friendship. He married hla flrat ciiiisln; and then, With Ihe Chllcote pre, tlga revived and tba shipping money to " n. tie entered on ins amltillnn. which wns lo repreaeut Kuut Wark In the i onservauve interest, it was a big fighl, " u wtm---R morn oy perstinal HinU etireashyany uiher. He was an nrlsto crai, nut ne waa a keen business man aa wen, rue combination currlee weight with your lower rtaaaea. lis nevr rti.l much in the llrmse, hut he wa a power to hi puity In Wark. They still us ma nam lllrs (ft conjure With. Ixider leaned forward Interestedly, iiobert Chllcote?" he said "I have nn. n or moea pit, Unos enlallous flgures-strong n action, a little narrow In outlook, prhfiHi, btlt es smitlal to a couDliy'a staying power. ymr i2tCrTry 'T". 10 pr5ud of Chllcot laughed suddenly. "How eos. jly we iim up. when a mutter Is Imper sonal! My father mny have lieen a fine flirure. but he shouldn't have left ms te climb to his pedestal." " " IHlr's eyes questioned. In his newlv S wakened interest lie l.tfd let his pips go otit. . . i tn' you grasp my menblngf hll eMe i went on,. "My father el and I wa fL.M T.P1"1 Wark rmt mar say that If I had no real Inclination for tV.e prmltlon I could, have kicked. Hut I tell roil I coulda t, ICvery local Interest, no Htlenl and commercial, hung upon Ihe canaioate Being a, Chllcot. f did whatl riaui rnn out or ten wouio DSva done. ltded In nreesiire." - , - "Miiet WM hav wide w!'" Chit cot laughed again unpleasantly, "That was six years ago, f had started on Ihe morphia tsrk (our years earlier, but up I my ftbr dth ba4 It undsr (tay thumb-or believed I had: and In the realisation of my new responsibilities and th excitement o (the political right I al most put It aside. For several months after 1 entered Parliament I worked. I believe 1 made one speech that marked me as, ft ovmltig man." 11 laughed deri sireiy. . - even marnew , -.. "Y. - A girl or nineteen tha ward " of teaman. It was a brilliant olltloal!y a well aa socially.' ft great stateams marriage oolltloallr Hut It didn't work. I was born without the aapuclty for love. Iflret ths -social Ufa palled on me; then my work grew irksome. There was only on factor to mak Ufa endurable morphia, before six month wer out . I had fully admitted Uit." ' " ' -;., "Hut your' wlfst" ' "Oh, my wlf knew nothing knows nothing. It Is th political business, ths beastly routln of the Dolltlcal life, that I wearing me out. . tie stopped nervous ly, then hurried on again. ,fl tell you It's hen ta see the same laoes, to sit in ine same seat day In, day out. knowing ail ths time that you must hold yourself in hand, must keep , your grlD on the rein-" It is alwavl eosslbl to apply for ths wniitern nunureos. - "To ret Irs 7 Possible to retire r' cnil cole broke Into a loud, sarcastic laugh. xou don t kaow what ths local pres sors of a placs Ilk Wark stands for. Twenty time I have been within an ace of chucking the whole thins;. One last year I wrot privately to Vale, on of our big man there, and hinted that my health was bad. Two hours after hs had read my letter he was In my study. Had I been In Greenland ths result would have been tha ami. No. Resignation I a meaningless word to a man like me." Loder looked down, "I see," hs said slowly, "I see." Then you see sverythlng tne auneui- ty, the Isolation of the position. Five years ago three even two years sgo I waa sbl to endure It; now It gets more unbearable with every month. The day Is bound os come when " he paused, healtatlna- nervously "when It will be physically Impossible for ine to be at my iyxier remained silent. "Physlcslly Impossible." Chllcote re peated, excitedly. "I.'nfll lately 1 waa able to calculate to count upon myself to some extent; but rest r day I received anocK yesterday i aiscoverea mi- hock v that-'agaln h hesitated painfully "that I huvs passed the stag when on may cslculate." The situation wa growing mors em barrassing. To hide Ita awkardnesa, Un der moved back to the grate and rebuilt the Are. which had fallen low. Chllcote, still excited by hi unusual vehemence, followed hlin. taking up ft position by the mantel-piece. "Well?" he said, looking down. Very slowly Ioder rose from his task. "Well?' ha reiterated. "Have you nothlns to sny?" "Nothing, except that your alory Is unique, and that f suppose I am flatter ed by your confidence." His voice was In tentlonally brusque. Chllcote paid no attention tn the voice. Taking a step forward, hs laid hla fing ers on tha lapel of Loder's coat "I have paeaed the stage where I can count upon myself." he said, "and I want to count upon somebody else. I want to keep my place In the world's eyes and yet be free" loder drew hack involuntarily, con tempt struggling with bewilderment In his expression. Chllcote lifted hi head. "Hv an extra ordinary chance," he said, "you can do for me what no other man In creation could do. It waa suggested to me un consciously by the story of a noog hook In which men chanse Identities. saw nothing In It at the time, hut this morning, as I lay In bed. sick with yes terday's fiasco, it came back to me it rushed over my mind In an Inspiration, It will save me and make von. I'm not Instilling you, though you'd like to think in " 1 Without remsrk Ixider freed himself from the other's touch snd walked bark tn hla deak. His ans-er. his pride, ana against hla will, hi excitement were all aroused. He sat down, leaned his elbow on the desk, and took hi fare between hi hand. The man behind him undoubtedly talked madness; but after five year of rirarv sanltv madness had a fascination A an Inst all reason It stirred and roused him. For one Instant hi prldu and his anger faltered before It, then common sense flowed back again and adjusted ths balance. "You uppose." he sHld, slowly, "thst for a consideration of money I should trade on the likeness between ue and become your dummy, when you are oth erwise engaged 7 Chllcote colored. "You are unpleasant ly blunt," he ssld. "Hut I have caught your meaning?" "In the rough, yea." I,odcr nodded curtly. "Then take my advice and go home,1' he said. "You'rs unhlnxed." The other returned his glance, and as their eves met Idr waa reluctantly compelled tn admit that, though ths faca It.v. "I make you a proposal." Chllcote ra ptated. nervouslv but with distinctness. "Itn vou accent?" For an Instant Inder wa at a loss to And reply sufficiently final. Chllcote hrrtlte In tinon the nause. "After all." he urged, "what T sak of you la a simple thing. Merely tn carry through mv routine duties for a week ni two occasionally when I And my en durance sivlnr wsv when a respite be comes resent IbI. The work would be nothlns to a man In vour state nf mind the pav anything vou like to name." In Mr r-rerne- he had followed Ivxler to the desk. "Won't you give me an an swer? I told you I aro neither mad nor drunk Ijodrr pushed back the scattered paper that lay under his srm. "Only a lunatic would propose such a scheme," he aald, brusquely and without re ell us "Why?" The other'a Hps parted for a quick re tort: then In a surprising way the. re tort seemed lo fall him. "Oh, becapae the thing isn't feasible. Isn't practicable lrom any point of view." Chllootj stepped closer. "Why?" b In sisted. "Hecause II couldn't work, man I Couhln t hold for a dosen hours. Chlhot put out hla hand and touched hla arm. "Hut why?" he urged. "Why? Give mo one iiiuitiewerahle reason." I,oder shook off the hand and Uugh en, but below his laugh lay a suggestion oi the other's excitement. AaTn thu scene stirred him against his aounder .ndament: though his reply, when It came, waa nrm enough. "Aa for reusons-" he said. "There are n hundred If I had time to name them. Take, for the sake of aupiawltlnn. Hint I were to accept your offer. I should taks my place In your house at let u s.iy at dinner-time, vour man gets me H to your evening clothes, and there, at Ihe very Btart. you have the first aus plclnn set up. He has probably known nu for years known you until every turn of your nppearanre, voice and man i er la fnr more familiar to him than It Is to you. Thrro sre no eyes (Iks a ser vant . "I have thought nf that. My servant anil my ecretnry can both le changed. I will do th thing thoroughly." lender glanced at him In surprise. The fradnesa had more method than lie had believed. Then, a he atlll looked, a fresh Idea atrurk him, and he laughed. "You have entirely forgotten one IMng," he said. "You can. hardly dismiss your wife." "My wife doesn't count. " Again I -nder laughed. "I'm afraid I scurcely agree. The complications would lie allghllv-sllghlly He nstised, Chllcote's Istent Irritability broke out suddenly. "ikr nere,- ne aald. "this Isn't a chaffing matter, 'It mny be moon shine to you. nut u a rsnnty to me," Again Loder look his face between his hands. 4, , "Ixtn't ridicule tha Idea. I'm In dead earnest, tider ssld nothing. 'i "Think think It over , before you re fuse." For a moment lender remained motion less; men ne roes suoueniy, pushing back ins rnair, "Tush, mgnf ,Tot mVt know what yon say, Th fart nf yonr being married bars II. Can't you see thai?" Asnln Chtlcots cauaht hi arm. "You misunderstand." h aald. "Tott mlstnks the position. I tell ymi my wlfs nd I nr nothing to each other. Hhs goes, her weyt I g mln. w hav our own friend, our own room, Marriage, dual marring, i doesn't enter the ones, tlon. We meet occasionally at meals, and at other people's houses: somsilmes ws go out together for the aak of ae pen ranees; bevond that, nothlns. If vou lube up my llfe.-nolavty In it will tmnhl vou 1 than Rve I ran promts that " He laughed- unsteadily, i. .-, . n"? dcr's face remained unmoved "r.veit granting thai." he said, "th IWne I atlll IrrmosslhU." - Vn "Why?" " ' ,.y.--..4 t "Thr 1 the-: Hons. The lton ther Willi he Untenable, A man Is "" 1r bs he Is known In hi ewe WW' lie arewftwar-frem Chilcotsl touch, "Vsry possibly. Very possibly." f Chll oote lauaiied quickly and excitedly. "But What club is without t eccentric mem ber? ' I am elud ran insks of that. am glad , you raised that point. -It waa a long time ago that I hit upon ft repu tation - for moods as a shield for for other things, and, ths more userul It hu become, tha more I have let It grow. tell you you might go ' down to ' the House to-morrow ml spend th whole day without speaking to, even nodding to, a Single 'man, and a long as you were I to outward appearances no one would rals an eyebrow.. Ia the game way you- might vote in my placs, ask a question, mak ft speech If you wanted - At tha word speech Ixodes turned- In voluntarily. For a, fleeting second the coldness of his manner dropped and hli face chanaed. . Chllcote, with his nervous quickness tK N-iccyiKn, hi ine Blierauvp, ana at uvw look crossed hi own face. r "Why not?" h said quickly. "Tou one had ambitions In that direction. Why not rinew the ambition T" "And drop-back from th mountain into ine cutter?" LOdsr smnea na stow iy snoog hla head. ''Better to live for one day than to ex ist ror a - hundred!" Chllcote's voice trembled with anxiety. For ths third time he sxUndsd his band , snd touched th Oiner. This time Lodee did not shake off ths detaining hand; he scarcely seemed- to "liOOk here." , Chllcote's fingers tight aned. "A llttl whll aso you talked of innuence. iters you can step into a po sition built by Influence. Tou might do all you one hoped to do" , , Loder suddenly lifted his head. "Ab surd!" hs said. "Absurd! Buck scheme was never carried through." - "ireciseiy wny it will succeed. IeopJ never susnact until they have ft- prece- 0nt. Will vou. consider itT At least pen- elder It. Remember, If ther is ft risk. It Is I who am running It. On your own showing, you have no opposition to- Joo- pnrotse." The otner laughed rurtiy. "Before I so to-nlaht will vou srotn- Ise me to consider ItT' . , "jvo" "Then wilt tou send m Tour decision by wlrs to-morrow. I won't tak your arswer now," Iorler freed his arm abruptly, "why not?" hs asked. " Chllcote smiled nervouslv. "Recause 1 know men and men's temptations.- TV are sll very strong till th nulck Is touched- then w all wince. It's mor phia with one nun. ambitions with an other. In each case It's only a matter of sconer or later." He laughed In hla satirical, unstrung way. and held out hla nana, -rou have my address," h said, "Au revolr." TjOder creased the hand snd drooped It. "Oood-bye." he said, mesnlnglv. Then he crossed the room quietly and held the floor open, -uooo-pve." ne said again ss the other nnssed him. As he crossed the threshold. Chllcote paused. "Au revelr," he corrected, with emphasis. t'ntll the last echo nf hi visitor' steps 1 ad died awav loder stood with hla rand on the door: then, closing It anlet lv, he turned and looked round the room. For a considerable spare he stood there as If weighing the merits of each ob ject! then very slowly he moved to one f the book-ahelves. drew out May's Par liamentary Practice and. carrying It to tne desk, readjusted the lamp. CHAPTER VT. All th next day Chllcote moved. In ft ftver of excitement. Hot with hope one moment, cold with fever -.he next, h rushed with restless energy Into every task that preaented Itself only to drop It aa apeedily. Twice during the morn ing lie drove to the entrance of Clifford' Inn, but each time hi courage failed him and he returned to Oroavenor qua re to learn that th expected ran sags from Loder had not com. .'t waa a wetting condition of mind; but at worst It Waa scarcely more than sn exaggeration of what his state had been for months, and made but little ob . lous difference in his bearing or man ner. In the afternoon he took hla place In tha House, but, though It was his first aipearanc since nie tatiure or two oays sgo, he drew but small personal notice, when he chose, his manner could repel advances with extreme effect, and of lata men had been prone to draw away from him. In ons -of the lobbies he encountered Fraide surrounded by a group of friends. With hi usual furtlvs hast he would hav paaaed on; but. moving away from hla party, the old man, accosted him. Hs sa always courteously particular In his treatment of Chllcote. aa th husband of hla ward and godchild. "Better. Chllcote?" ho said, holding out hla hand. At the sound of the low, rath er formal tones, sn characteristic of the old ststeemsn. a hundred memories rose to Chllcote's mind, ft hundred hours, dis tasteful In the living and unbearable In the recollection: and. with them the new flash of hope, the new possibility of free dom. In a sudden rush of confidence he turned to his leader. "I believe I've found a remedy for my nervea," he said. "I I believe I'm going to he a new man." He laughed with s toui-h of excitement. Fraide pressed his Angers kindly. "That Is right," he said 'That la right. I called at Oroavenor Bquare this morning, hut Rve told me your Illness of the other dsy ws not serious. She was very busy this morning she could only spare me a quarter nf sn hour. She Is Indefatiga ble over the social aid of your pros pects, Chllcote. You owe her a large debt. A popular wife means ft great Oca tn a politician The steady eyes of his companion dis turbed Chllcote. He drew away his hand. "Eve I unique." ha eald. vaguely. Fraide smiled. "That la right," he said asnln. "Admiration Is too large! ex cluded from modern marrlagea." And with a rourteoua excuse he rejoined hi friend. It wss dinner time before Chllcot could desert the House, but ths moment Aeiairlure wns possible .he hurried to flrnavennr -flnuare. As he entered the house, the hall wss nmptv. He swore Irritably under his breath and pressed th nearest bell. Since hla momentary exaltation in rratnes presence, hla spirit had steadily fallen, until now they hung at the lowest ebb. As he waited In unconcealed Impatience for an answer to hla summons, hs caught sight of hla roan Allsopp at ths head of tne stairs. "Come here!" he called, pleased to find some on upon whom to vent ills irrita- tlon. "Has that w re com ror ms?" "No. sir. 1 Inaulred five minutes back." "Inquire agsln." "Yes. sir." Allsono disappeared. A second after his disappearance the hell of the hall door wblxsed loudly. He half moved to the door, then stopped himself with a short exclamation. At ths same Instant Allsopp reappeared. I t nucot turnea on mm axcueniy. "What the devil's the meaning of thlT he said. "A battery of servsnts In th hntia snd nobody. to open the hall donrl'1 Allsopp looked emnarranaed. "Cre,- fiham ia coming directly, air, H only eft ths hall to ask Jeffries-' Chllcote turned. "Confound Crapham!" he exclaimed. "Oo an open ths door yourself." Aitaopn neaitatsd. ms oignity st rug- gllng with his obedience,' wit j his obedience. As ne waited, ne immi sounded again, , - , ' "Ihl you hear me?'' Chllcote said.' "Yes. sir." Allsono crossed the hall. As th door wa opened Chlloote paae-i en nis nanaxernmet from one nana to Ihe other In th tension Of hops and four: then, aa the sound of his own nsms In the shrill tones of a telegraph-hoy reached hla ears, hs ' let th handker chief inp to tne ground. ' Allsopp took ths yellow envelope ftnd carried It to his master. ,;. "A telegram, sir." h said.. "And ihe boy wishes to know If ther Is an 'an swer," Picking up Chllcote's handker rhlef, he turned aside with elaborate dig nlty. 1 1 ,- -:', . Clillent' hand were so unsteady that ha could acarcely Insert his finger undvr tha flap Of the envelope. Tearing off a comer, he wrenched the covering apart gnd smoothed out the flimsy pink paper. The meeeage was very simple, consist Ing of bu avn words t -y -- 1 . ' , -. I '. '.- '"! "Hhall txpect yo at olsvsn to-night II read It two or three tlmse, then h liHiked up. "No answer," he ssld, me chanically! and to hla own ear th re lief in his voice sounded harsh and uo nstural. , . , , -'-, .- , Fxsctly as ths clock chimed eleven Chllcot mounted the stair to lyxler's rooms.- But this time there Was more of haste than of uncertainty In hla steps, and, reaching the landing, he creased It n ft couple of strides and knocked fsv rlshly on Ihe door. - It opened at once, and fader Stood be fore him. 1 he ocrsslnn wa peculiar. Tft a mo mnl tsiuier poki tach Involuntarily loekad at the other with new syae and under changed condition. Kacrt had as sumed a fresh etamtpolat In the oilier thought. The passing astonishment, lbs, half-Impersonal curiosity that had pre-1 vloualy ttnaed their relationship, was cast aside, never to be reaasumed. In each, the other saw hlmH-nd soms- tning more. , As usual. Loder was th first, to reocr r hlmaeaf. ; . - "I waa expecting you,", he aald. VWon't you come inT'' -- 1 v . -"V - The words were almost the - same as nis woros oc ths night before, out ms voice had different ring; Juat as hi face, when he drew back lute ths room, had different expression a, suggestion of decision and enera-v . that had been lacking before. Chllcote caught the dif ference as he crossed the threshold, and for a, bare second a flicker of something like jealousy touched bint. , Hut the sen sation . wss fleeting, .-.t ... . . " ' " "I have to thank you." he aald. hold ing out his hand. He waa too well bred to show by- ft hint that he understood the drop- In ' the other's principles. But lder broke down the artlflo. "Iet'a be tralht , with ' each"' other. since everybody els ha to be deceived," n aald, taking the other's Hand, "xou have nothing to thank me for, and you know It. Itra a touch of tha old Adam. You tempted me, and I fell." He laugh ed, but below the laugh ran a note of something like -triumph the curious tri Uimh of a man who has known tha tvo ranny'of strength and suddenly appre ciates me ireeaom or, ft weaanees. "Tou fully realise th thin? yoo hav proposeoT' ne aaasa, in ft amereni tone, tl,'. nn Ian 1-.- te . AV- " Chllcote ooened his Una. nauaed. then laughed In Imitation of hla .oompanlon out ina lausn aounoea rorceKi. c "Mr dear fellow." he aald at last.' "I uevvr mran," . . '-., "Neverr1 , . i--. -'-. w-i- - "Never." A- '. "Then the barraln' sealed..' - Ixder walked slowly serosa the room. and, taking up his position by the msn-tel-ploco, looked at his companion. . The similarity between them aa they faced each other seemed abnormal, defying the closest scrunlty, - And yet, so mysterious Is Nature even In her lapses, they were subtly. Indefinably different Chllcot wa Lodar deprived of on essential: Lo der. Chllcot with that essential bestow ed, xne difference lay neither in rest tire, In coloring, nor In helsht. but ' in that baffling. Illusive Inner Illumination that some can individuality, ana o triers soul. Something of this Idea, misted and tangled by nervous Imagination, croesed Chllcot' mind In that moment of scru tiny, but ho shrank from it apprttxo slvely. . . . . - - -A I I came to discuss dstalla." lis ssld. quickly, crossing ths space that divided him from hla host. "Shall . we T . Are you r He paused uneasily. "I'm entirely In your hands." Loder spoke with abrupt decision. Moving to ths table, he ladlested ft ehalr. aad drew another forward for himself. Both men sat down. Chllcote leaned forward. resting el bow on the table. 'There will be sev eral things to consider" he began, ner vously, looking across st the other. "Quite so." Loder glanoed back ftp- rreclatively. "I thought about - those hlngs ths better part of last night. To begin with, I must study your handwrit ing. I guarantee to get it right, but It will taks a month." "A month I" "Well, perfaaoa three weeks. WS musn't make ft mess of things." Chllcot shifted his position. , 'Three weeks!" h repeated- "Couldn't you T" ' ft.T n . T .w,.i1,lt Vl.. .MAk. ...Ikn.1 t a lively. "I might never want to nut pen to paper, but, on tne other nana, i might hav to sign a check one day." He lsughed. "Have you ever thought of that? that- r might have to. or want to. sign a cnecgr , - ... "No. I confess that escaped me." "You risk youreiortune that vou may keep the Place It bought for you?" Loder laughed again- "How do you. know that I am not a blackguard?" ne added. How do you know that I won't clear tit one day and leave you high and dt? wnat ta to prevent Jonn uniicote from realising forty or fifty thousand pound auu mm inmaviiie uiiuaci avatwi . 1 . k k-1 Ul 1 '. "You won't do thst." Chllcots said. with unusual decision. "I told 'you your weakness last night; ana it wosn t money. Money isn't the rock you n split over." , Then you think I'll split upon some rock? But that's beyond the question. To get to business again. ' You 11 risk my studying your signature?" , Chllcote nodded. - . ' 'Right! Now Item two." Loder count ed on hla fingers. "I must know the names and faces of your men friends as fsr as I can." Your woman friends don't count. While I'm you, you will be ada- Man, VI .-kl . unln .I.H...II, 'But the men are essential the back bone of tha whole business." I have no men friends. I don't trust the Idea of friendship." "Acquaintance-, then." Chllcote looked up aharply. "I think we score there,", he said. "I have reputa tion for -absent-mindedness that will car ry you anywhere. They tell me I can look through the moat substantia! man In the House as if he were srossamer. though I may. have lunched with hint the same oay." , Loder sralieo. ''By jpvei" ne excisim ed. "Kate must have been constructing this be for either, of u was born. It dovetail ridiculously. But I rrfust know your colleagues vn If It's only to out them. You 11 have to take me to ths House." ' . t "Imnoaalhlo"' "Not at all!" Again th tone of author ity fell to Loder. "I can pull my hat over my eyes and turn tip my coat-collar. Nobody will notice me. We can choose tha fall of the afternoon. I promise you 'twill be all right." "Suppose the -likeness should leak out? It s a risk." Ixnler laughed confldeotly. "Tush, man! Risk Is the salt of life. I must see you at your post, and I must see the men you work with." He rose, walked across the room, and took his pips from ths rack, "When I go In. for ft thing. I like to go In over head and ears," he added, as h opened his tobacco lar- His pip filled, he resumed 'his seat, resting his elbows on, the" table In un conscious Imitation of Chllcot.- "Oot a match?" hs said, laconically, hnlrilna- out hla hnd- In res pons Chllcots drew his match-box from bis pocket and struck a. light, as their hands touched, an xclamation es caped rum. ''Br Jove It he aald. with ft fretful mix- ture of disappointment and surprise. "I hsdn'l noticed thatl',' His eyes were fixed In annoyed .Interest on Loder'r extended hand. . thaler, following hi ' glance, smiled. "Odd thst we should .both nave overlook ed It! It clean escaped my mind. It's rather an ugly scar." Hs liftsd his hand till the light fell more fully on It. Above tha second Joint of ths third finger ran a Jagged furrow, tne reminder ot a wound thst, had once laid hare tne bone, Chllcote leaned forward. "How did you jut. k. IIS' h. . Ths other shrugged hit snoulderg, "Oh, that's ancient history." - . .- ;'. -. The results are present day enough. It's Very awkward! Very annovlnal" Chllcote's spirits, at all times over-eally Played , upon, were damped by this ob stacle. ' "''; ; . : .;,: , . . Loder, ktm . looking at his hand, didn't seem to hear. - "There's only one thing to ha dona." he aald. "Kach wear - two rlnas on tha third linger of ths left hiuid. Two rings ought to cover It." He made a speculative measurement with .the stem of hi pipe. - . . ; , Chllcote still looked Irritable and dis turbed. "I detest ring. 1 , never . wear ' Iod'er raised. bis eyes calmly. "Neither do -," us sato.. . , wui tnsrg g no reason for bigotry.", , ' But Chllcote's Irritability was gtarted. Hs pushed back his chslr. "I , don't like ine loea.' ne smia, -! The other ved him smtlsedly. "What a nuaer beggar you are!" he eald. "You waive the danger of ft man signing your checks and Shy ftt wearing av piece of Jewelry. I II have a fair Sliar of Indi viduality to stuay." y . Chllcote moved .restlessly, "Everybody gnnws-I oetesi jewelry. -, .,,, i ,, "EverybtHir knows yon ftr caorlctous. It's got to be the ring pr nothing;, so far Chllcote ago In a!trd hla " position. voiding th other eyes. At last, aftsr struggle with nimseir, ne looked up. "l" suppose you're tight!" - he sold. "Hav It your own wr." It waa th flrat mall, tangible concession to the stronger will. - Ider took his victory quietly, "nond!" he said. 'Then-It's all Straight Balling?" "Kxcept for the matter of the the re muneration." Chllcots hssarded the Word Uncertainly. -; , .. . - There waa ft faint pause, then Loder Unshed brusquely. Mv pay?" Tns other wss embarrassed. ' didn't wsnt lo put It quite like that." ,"iut that waa what you tuounht ,WJur, & -.tl 7I r lit i i el U v u ru THE GREAT ryESTCRW OIL nEFIIall,Ci 7ir.l PIPE LIWE CO., OF ERIE, UAN. p yV. fin operation," ; 10,000 barrels each, its ? touch with 100 wells belonging to various compa- es;titorefoei7d8iU'' txrAlIci imAn S4m'd fVinT1 , waa uvu , Baiu vuw . ; entire plant, Arll aTk M Wasa dft ess. e?xe. aaa bsw? sVlsx'' " ; yjott- vi xcxuuug, wiui pi oil lands. Its plant over $300,000, $100,000 , blet over one-half of the capital ; stock still in the ; :rA treasury, will pay dividends ranging from 10 to 25- cents per share annually ,- with the present 1,000-barrel plant. ' We ; expect to increase the "capacity to fully 5,000. barrels, so - you see the tremendous sons purchasing the stock at the present price 25 cents per share. This price will be ad vanced to 50 cents per share June 15th. I would advise quick action in this matter. There is no company in the United States that will stand a more thorough cleaner record. " If you have from $10 to $5,000 -that you desire to invest in a - first-class . proposi- , ' tion, send it to me at - days, and if not perfectly of your money will be other information, write for same.1 Make all r checks payable, address y y S . ii. . XL, X ii . ; U-a o Suite 526-527 Missouri Trust Bld. ST. LOUIS, MO. (Cut Out This Inquiry Blank and Mail) CO. - IT. P. FIFE, Missouri Trust Dear Sir: Please mall me Oroat Western Oil Refining h Nam .. .. .0 .. ,. Street and No. .. ... , V- - '-Otjr .... ...r. ........... .. Stat .. .. .. .. COLONEL W. P. PIFE, One of the Most Successful Pro-; ' mbters of th " GOL. W. P. FIFE is one of the . most successful : promoters of the West He recently removed ;i- to St Louis and has V opened offices ' in , IVIissoiui ? Trust Building. 7 He is one' of the best known men -" 'v throughout the, country," having been in public life . i iformanyears.',, ;-! Y.V i A He organized the Great Western , Oil ' Refining "PJpe Line Company of ler.Kejftsa on the '30th J1 " clay of March, 1905, and on the 23rd day of Febfu i ary, 1906, the fires were kindled in the furnace of a l,00(;barrel refining plant. : The company owns its own pipe lines, tanks ranging from 600 to 10,000 ' barrels each, and leases on hundreds of. acres of lands. It'controls24,wells, ,a Vefinery site of 53 ; ' acres with 3 magnificent gas walls, upon it and the finest railroad facilities ' that can be found in , 'the .West Its properties are valued at $300,000, with $100,000 in bank and in hills receivable, and with , oyer one-half of th e stock still in the treasury. The r , plant is equipped wjth all the latest machinery 1 and & tne pipe lines are laid in such ;a Way 'as ;to i connectl with 100 producing wells belonging to various com ... paniesvrThe: company is endorsed by mercantile r . agencies, by banks, county and town , officers and the State Auditor of Kansas, all of Erie, Kansas. ' ; nr rr?i w I i . a w "..-,.' ' I .- .:' t.f II . .- " NA L!i UU .V f- tanks ranging from 600 tb'f ; own private pipe lines in v, 53 acres, 3 magriulcent gas r vrnll ' MSmicVi fiial. rtw Irift.' I vr . - uauau . .mw tyi , vuw .-j Ask ssmm bs la est j4 eakaSv J 1 aK to ak ASatAal icasca uii uiuiutcua vi ut; r and properties valued at ;4 in bank and bills receiva- on rll outstanding stock, ;, dividends in sight for per investigation and has a V once. Investigate thirty : satisfactory every dollar returned. If you desire all communications, to r- .-:. ,.. no.. Boildlnx, St Ixmla, Mo. . ' prospectus In retard to The Pipe Line Co., of Erie, Kan. .. ... .. .. ; .. .. .v .. r .. .. .. . .1 - ( -c - . - t r 7.i
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
May 13, 1906, edition 1
16
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