The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, October 12, 1902, Page 3

generation after generation for centuries.” He reached over as he finished, and, Placing his hand on the astrolabe, said. ho can now read this, Hugh Banner- ton? The young man started up at mention of his pame “What trick is this? he cried. “It is a trick, a mere trick,” replied Dr. Dusseldorf, coolly. “A very simple one. ‘What mummery Here; allow me to hold your hand in mine. Now, place the other on my fore- head. Bannerton felt a soft glow, a sinking in- to_dreamiand—Edith—Edith— Dr. Dusseldorf removed his hands quick- Iy, and smiled " he said, “I will not tell you of vou thought. 1t is of L00 tender and personal a nature.” So you are a hypnotist,” exclaimed the ung man, with seme scorn. 1 cught to bave known it.” “Hypnotism is & allow attainment,” me, what are you?" Bannerton, sinking back into his a man, an honest man, and a orshiping I who has- dared o 2 wider field of human knowledge than 1 couid find by following >f 1o-day.” must admit that this me,” said Bannerton, not see wh is_all beyond rising. “and 1 can- I can do for you. | have ai- ed upon you. 1 must now anking you for your hos- most remarkable even- ave ever experienced.’ well, you must be the judge,” eldorf, rising also; “but hope that this is the beginning of a fur- ther acquaintance. I am drawn tv You, and 1 feel, nay, 1 know, we shail be fricnds. And now, before you go, allow me to say & last word. At any hour be- tween 10 in {ke evening and dawn you wiil find me here. My night is day; my day 1s either this mellow glow or the radiance cf electricity. 1 should be pleased to call upon you some evening.” began Banncrton. t Dr. Dusseldorf stopped him with a wave of his hand. not construe what 1 have said into such an invitation. But should you ever be in trouble, sore in mind, or beset Ly evil influence of any kind, come’ to mc. There are some things that cannot ve forced, and one of these is a true friend- ship between men—for women may be wooed and won. Ring thrice sharply ause, and ring again four tuimes—seve and the door will be opened. he ovened the door and Banner- ton went down the steps, out into the street, now black with a hurrying throng. He was at_his office almost before he The mail was light, and scon red away. He picked up the morning and the first thing that caught his was the announcement of the intro- duction of the ordinance, set forth and dressed up by Shuttle’s headlines. He sat staring at them for some time before he went furtier, and began to read the art cle in detail “it_has come.” he exclaimed, when he had finished; “it has come, and just when 1 hoped i+ would not. Oh, why did 1t come so soon, and what shall 1 d0?" And he arcse and went up on to the mount—only the mount was the private rcom <« the commissioners, in which he Jocked hi elf, telling his office boy that he was not to be disturbed. In an hour he came forth again, and none knew the verdict but himself. CHAPTER XI. LOVE AND LIFE. The introduction of the ordinance in the Common Council, coming in the devious way it did, caused very little comment But while there was s a period of in- jarger field, there were i s in several of the smailer circles—events that brought one man inte a new sohere and that made betier ac- ted some who had mingled together on of social intimac Miss h Crosby wa oung woman 30 having once set her mind on a pro- oceeded to carry it through with tness of a4 YOUNg PErson a aving her own way. Dete e of Mr. John Han- nd secretly resolved that he should ore of her whether he would or had gone to work to bring him her circle first of all. 'Her first came known to Bannerton almost je it, and by reason of formed of his friend, ire to_humor Edith in whim of the mo- me her ally. exclaimed the bachelor law- action in the tercsting eve: qua estimate oupled with “See here, yer, stamping into the artist's studio one 4 noon and finding Bannerton stretched out on the couch; “you have got me into 2 fine mess. Look at that.” He produced a bit of note paper, at which Bannerton glanced, and then Jaughed as he returned it to the lawyer. “It does not appear so very serious to he said. “It is merely an invitation wn party to be given on Mrs. War- on’s grounds. 1 shall be there, and Il do what I can to make it pleasant you. Yee, but T shall not be there.” an- swered Hannum, decisively. “I tell you, 1 won't be dragged into this sort of thing »h, but you can’t help yourself,” re- rton. ‘“What excuse could light face. Hugh, couldn’t I send her a pres- groaned. Suddenly a d her the money,” said the artist ger man Jdaughed. while the ame to Hannum's face. He was not as well pleased to be the subject of jest ) jest at the expense of others. il he said, guietl: ¥ the words that t a quick glance at him, ° hall be there. , John, don’t be offended at a oking,” cried Bannerton, ¢pringing 1 thought you were a good hand at g a sittle chaffl. You are always up- g me for being too ready to take offense, Hugh,” said the lawyer, iing and showing his white teeth. -'i never backed up for any thing yet, hall not begin now. 1f there 1§ no vy out of it I shall go.” at_is what 1 call sensible,” “Of course, there is no way How can there be when a young lady has honored you with an invitation such as this?” A stolid resolution to “go through” had entered into John Hannum's soul, very much as a soldler charges a battery. So he changed the subject with the ready #kill of which he was master, “] see your aldermanic friend, the foe of corporations. has started another cru- sude against the street rallway company. 1 tbought the ordinance introduced by Alderman Rabner sounded very much Jike you. Hugh. You will be suspected of hav- yn it.” no fears that Bidwell will sus- answered Hugh, dryly. “In fact, John, neither you nor I have very much to doubt as 1o the inspiration. But you are on a false scent so far as your efforts to stir me up are concerned. 1 have be- come a good citizen. It is not my busi- ness to save the community.” “I like to see a man go through, Hugh,” said Hanpum, speaking in a changed tene. “No man could talk me away from what 1 thought to be the rigit, were he friend or foe, Of course, a man has a right to change his opinions, but he should have some reason other than seif- interest or faint-heartedness for so do- ing.” “John,” sald Hugh, “there is one thing life you have never feit, and therefore not understand. I would not care a rap new if Bidwell and his companions tied this city up for a century and made slzves of all who dwell therein, If—if—wel] ot ki He turned and threw himself face down- ward on the old couch of the artist. John Hannum, keen to all the subter- nd tricks of men, stood stupidly gazing at the recumbent figure, no sign of comprebension on his puzzied face. With 2l he knew, he did not know that one thing alene could make of a sensible, sober man a foolish one. He directed a questioning glance to the artist, who had {-turned from his easel. The artist raised his hand and motioned to him to go. With a little gesture of acquiescence he went out, closing the door softly be- Eind him. “He must be in debt,” he muttered to himself as he went down the stalrs. “Why doesn’'t he come to me if he has over- playved himself?” he asked, half-angrily. “He wmight know I would help him out.” For some time there was a dead silence 1 the studio. Presently the artist began ik, as if to himself, but loud enough e young man to hear. He spoke at in short sentences. a long while ago, I ioved. Then way. 1 crossed the ocean. But then | have loved always, every- the sun, the wind, children, flow- e men.”* oung man with his face buried in piliows sprang to his feet. 'rie! Oh, Laurfe, you do understand! I—I—um in love. In love, Laurie. with the sweelest, the purest, the most lovable of women. but—but—she doesn’t understan she doesn't understand.” *S0,” exclaimed the artist blandly, *“I \flaa thinking out loud; and you heard me, Then Hugh, with that sure instinct-that bids men upen their Learts to those they gzn trust, burst out with all there was in im. - it was the story of an undersianding grown mto a misunderstanding. Of how they had firsy met, he and kdith; how they kad accepted one another without a speken word. He told how they had icved, for when he recalied their early cays, he feil sure she had loved him, as a child, as ihey went about together with perect’ irecaum, ateld, in the wooeds, in the city life. And now, now that the fuil 1orce of mun’s love had seized him, how was Le to approach her with this? When he was all through he sank into a chait und asked what he should do. And the ariist, his friend, smiied be- nigniy and teld him, in different words, the sume as Mrs. Warrington had done, “1 buve iwng walched the biras, Hoo,” he saia. 1t is always alone that the pair mate, When aavther comes there is trou- bie. By Jove!” exclaimed Hugh, springing up and ciencking his fists, “if only I had a rival!” seized his hat and bolted out of the studso. “The aruist filled his pipe and smoked. “Pernaps he gels one sooner than he thinks,” e said at tast. “But he is right. He Las made the right wisn, for then he will know When Edith had suggested a lawn party Mrs. Warnugten had readiy acquiescea. L am glad, my cear,” she said, “"to see that you aie paying attention to some of the conventioalities of young women like yourself. 1 haa supposed it was drawing io the time when yuu and Hugh would be ofi on another Nsluhg irip. You must be- sin to reauzc that you are no longer 4 garl, my dear.” “Oh, auniy, do not say that,” ‘cried Edith. "1 s a girl, and what is a giri but a woman who has not been spoiled by all the siily life of pink teas and func- UunE und what not? . I wouid not miss the nshing {rip with Hugh for ail the iawn parties and eptions that could be giv- in a year You may be a girl to me, God bless you,” answered Mrs. Warrington with a smile, “and to me you shall alwdys be ove. But to the world you are-2 young woman.” “Well, T care little, so long as I am not & young wuman Lo you or Hugh,” she re turned gayly. “Bul 1 must wse no time in senciug out invitations.” ““lo Hugh and myseil,” repeated the elder won.un as she watched tne girl rua- wng vp the stairs as ughtly us a fawn. “she 1s even pow to Hugh more than a woman, a hittie less thaa an angei—the one he loves.” lenry Liuwell had made it a point to come oftener of late to see his ola friend, Mrs. Warrnngton. It was on one of s shor't visits (iat he learned of the coming fawn party. “A very good idea,” he said, addressiug the lady Of the house. “Thuuk you,” sawd Mrs. Warrington, arching her handsome eyebrows, “buc what shail we y ol your conauct? A yoUng man of your age—for weaith knows no_ colsge—sthouid " practee whal he preach “rernaps I shall,” returned Bidwell, casirg 4 meaning glance at her, “for I uever felt younger than 1 do this very eveuing. But whose fauit is it that | have nof nad difterent habits, and perhaps been n the iater yea:s of this “Certainiy replied the wid- OW, In & urm toire. “You are even now buck here, Henry, engaged i a nerve- & project against which 1 advised YOU, ana in opposiion to every Iniuence 1 couig bring to vear on you." No,” saia Bidweli; “not every one, Kate—"" una ot her maiden name ut- tered in the tone that it was Mis. War- slon flushed andy rose irom her chair, A truce so often broken is—'' ‘I'he sentence Was not finished, for at that instant kdith came out on the porcn where Bidweil and Mrs. Warrington had been sitting. “Oh,” she said, stopping as if about to return, 1 have interrupted a tete-a-tete.” " ur unele is much interested in your lawn party. Pray tell him about 1t, Edith.” Mrs. Warrington passed Into the house. Kdith vushed an ottoman to his side with ber, feet and, dropping down on it, looked up intc hisx face and asked: “Can 1 reajly tell you all about it “Go ahead.” he sald. She needed no furtuer word of encour- 2geinent; and ratted away. as only a man can on.stcn a topic. At ast she paused for breath. ‘I am ‘sure it will be a delightful af- fair,” he said, stroking the siky hair from her forchead ana speaking in - his sottest tone. have just one ravor to ask you, my dear.” “Just one?” she cried. “Oh, Uncle Hen- ry, I would grant you a thousand.” “I would like to have you invite my friend, Hermun Sprogel. ‘““I'he fat old man, with the puffy eye- lids and the horrible compiexion, who talks way down in his throat? Why, un- cle, what would he do at a lawn party amgng us young folks?" “*Young women are poor judges of age, Edith,” returned Bidwell, with some :u- perii “I have indicated a wish to you. 1 have my reasons for wishing him to be present.” ““Why, of course, he shall have an invi- tation if you want him to have one, un- cle,” said the girl, rising. “But I thought he never went out.” “‘He doesn’t; but I intend to bring him out, ' answered Bidwell, dryly. one. For an instant the girl looked into the eyes of her uncie. Then she burst into you are bringing him rington. I might have 1 will not breathe a word. How known. stupid of me!” Bidwell made no reply beyond a smile. Then he drew his niece to him and kissed her on the forehead. “Good night, my dear, and do not for- get.” There was a grim little smile on. his face as he went down the walk and pass- ed out into the street. CHAPTER XIIL A STRANGE FRIENDSHIP. While the current of events, seemed to move slowly, it nevertheless moved sure- ly. On the surface there was nothing moving. The ordinance introduced by Al- derman Rabner—the traction-baiting ordi- nance, as it was called by the friends of the company—was now in the hands of a speciai committee named by President Connie Moran, but really seiected by Bid- well in advance. None doubted that it would remain with the committee, and the outside friends, even the conservative business men, with all their density, real- ized that the company was in little dan- ger of being Larassed. But Shuttle, the busy Shuttle, animated by what he thoaght a spirit of fairness, but in reality inspired by the subtle suggestions poured into his ears by Bidwell's agents, every now and then caused The Watchman to editorially bellow against the iniquity of the Aldermen who would thus attempt to cripple one of the city’s great institu- tions—the traction company. Bidwell smiled approvingly at the course of the paper, and took pains that Shuttle should know of his appreciation of what be was pleased to term *fair treatment.” The Watcnman's hammering along these lines was by no means an unimport- ant factor in furthering the plans of Bl well and his assoclates. 1t was laying a foundation of sympathy for the com- pany in the business community, on which. he expected to rely much in the future, and it would also have the effect of greatly diminishing the influence of the paper, should it uliimately uvppose the or- dinance which Bidwell intended to push through the Council. For Bidwell was not 80 sure of being able to secure complete control of The Watchman. Certein rich stockholders had not been as complaisant as he had expected, and even Martin Yarr, the largest stockholder, was now evincing a strong tendency to recede from earlier promises. Of these suspicions Bid- well had said nothing to ‘either Ledlow or Sprogel. Despite the fact that Bidwell was ready enough to attend the lawn party of Mrs. Warrington. and concerned himself about so trifiing a_matter as an invitation for bis friend, the phlegmatic Sprogel, there was no man in all the city who worked harder than he those days, It was no easy matter to decefve and blind two hundred thousand persons to their own interests, to reach into their pockets and take each day a share of their earnings, to gral grab $10.000.000 in booty and risk neither life nor lkerty. Hard as he worked, mnch as he tax:d his strength. his nervous vitality, Bid- well scemed to thrive on jt. He had never looked or felt better. It was t he called nice. clean wor'. The boodle Alder- men were in Sprogel’s care—a sort of sew- erage department, organized and officered, with Mayor Thorn as active -upefl!fteend- ent. To the mass of the people, the pub- lic, he gave no thought now. It was to be -to Mrs. Warrington, diverted. cajoléd, or, if it cgme to.the Iwm'csl:]. to be dodge‘d, lgllk' t.me slow-swing- ng blow of a beefy glan’ 5 “Give me the officers.” he said to him® self, “and [ will not worry about the res/ of the arm; T RIS There was at this time in_the office of the City Attorney, employed as a sten- ographer, a young woman whose. rela- tions with men and affairs could scarce be paralleled. Her name was Dolly De- vine, From 9 in the morning until 4 in the afterncon she was the pink of pro- priety, deft in her work, soft volced and with 2 _bearing that kept all .men‘at 2 respectful distance. An hour later. she was likely to be the center of an admir- ing group at some saloon table, taking drink after drivk and thrilling her com- panions with the slang and repartee of the official ‘set. . There were times when the sweetness and purity of something unrevealed seemed to animate her. and it was then, and only then, she sang. Bannerton had first met her thus. and the. song. sung in a dainty. -trembling way, quite indescribable, had made a feel- ing of pity for_this poor girl which never left him. And this was the burden of the song. and nothing more: “Do dah, do dah, do dah day.” That Hugh should have conceived a lik- ing - for her was nothing strange, for all men iiked her. But there was something different in his IKing; It ‘was tempered by more of an understanding of the strange nature of the girl than came to the rough and ready fellows who were her companions. It was he who had, exercising an au- thority to.which she yielded much to the surprise of other men who had seen her in defiant moods, picked her up and bundled her home when crazed by wine and excitement. She had submitted on these occasions and become as passive as a _child, sobbing. with her head on his shoulder, as they rode to the little cottage where she lived. vowing to drink no more—for all the world like a man. And the next day, after Hugh's first res- cue. she had come at noon, in hér heat little black dress, with the high white collar, cool, sweet and demure, to thank him for his kindness. They had a good talk then, and Dolly listened to the first lecture that she had heard for m#ny and many a day—words of true Kkindness from a man's lips. Bannerton knew she tricd, but In a week she was drinking again. So it had been from day to day. from week to week, from month to month, until a comradeship had devel- oped. There was never a word that might not have passed between them had she been a weak lad, and he a strong and steady man, But sometimes he found on his desk the flowers that new pur- suers had left for the trim little stenogra- pher. It was as if a man had left a cigar —there was an understanding between them, unspoken, but understood. CHAPTER XIIT. THE LOVE OF MONEY. By society in general the Warrington reception was long remembered as an event notable for the preponderance of those who were not there, a matter which those who were there took care to keep green in the memories of sthers. Second only to this feature was the sensaticn made ty Miss Edith, who chose on this occasion to blossom forth as a full-fledged woman of fashion. Formerly simple in her attire, she now chose to appear de- collete in the grandest of costumes, her plump shoulders. her flashing eyes and the polse with which she carried herself completing a picture which -astonished most those who had known her best. The stream of guests beginning to ar- rive viewed with varied feeling the vision of girlish ‘loveliness standing beside the hostess. Hugh Bannerton was speechiess, 'l;nd stood silently staring when he saw cr.. “So pleased to see you here.” pered. extending a little hand. 5 Mechanicaily, he grasped the hand she held ont to him, but his voice refused to come. 3 “Yes,” assented the young lady. with a smile that would have done credit to Olga Nethersole, “it is indeed a charm- ing evening.” And, deftly moving aside to make way for him, he had no recourse but to pass on. Henry Bidwell came with Sprogel. The nervous manipulator could not repress a start of .surprise as his- eyes met those of his niece. His face darkened. but this had not the slightest .effect upon - the young beauty, who favored him with a smile, and then- turned.her full batteries she sim- on the milllonaire who stood before her.. The dull, leaden eves of the rich man lighted he looked down on the mas- nificent creature before him and a faint glow came to his flabby cheeks. A gut- tural mumblng seund eam=. from - be- tween his lips, and he passed on. “Your niece is a star,” he sald to Bid- well a moment later. ‘‘She’s a winner in a parlor dress.” « To John Hannum alone the appearance. of Miss Edith was no surprise; it was just what he had surmised. Society girls! Pah, they were all alike! Poor Hugh was beside himself with rage and disgust which centered upon Hannum. in whose complacent mien he saw the evidence that .the mad girl's frolic was taken in all seriousness. He could not trust himself to speak to his friend, and, while he avoided meeting him, he was in turn avoided by Miss Edith, whom he sought in vain to catch alone, if only for an instant. Once, to- ward the close of the evening, their eycs met, and there was that in the black face of the young man that caused the girl's color to heighten and a tremor to run through her. Ah, who shall fathom what so trivial a thing as a single glance may tell?. At any rate, Miss Edith raised ber eyes, which had been downcast for an instant, and looked again at Hugh as he turned away. And she thought him never before so fine, so thoroughbred looking, so noble, as when he averted the eyes that had but an instant before flashed to her a message of sorrowful re- proof and sincere attachment. 2 But Miss Edith was not bred to re- trace her steps or falter when once en- gaged in an adventure. This was only 2 momentary pause, and she concluded the evening in full command of the part she had started out to play. To the utili- tarian mind of Bidwell, the favorable im- pression _made by his nlec: on the fut millionaire was an advantage not to be overlooked. He contrived to push Sprogel forward, and Miss Edith, as If resolved to be in full ‘accord with her uncle’s wishes, was lavish and unabashed in her favors to the huge, spluttering creature. He could not -dance, so she went to the refreshiment.room- with him and saw him eat, with much the same faeling that little girls watch the feeding of the animajs at the zoo. She was glad to return to the ballroom, and on the first opportunity she left him to promenade with Hannum, who, having taken a large number of pri- vate dancing lessons late in life, waltzed very badly. Mrs. Warringfon had early in the evening given up all attempts at controlling her runaway charge, and the actions of Bidweil in connection with Sprogel had aroused in her mind a sus- picion that there was something back of the girl's actions. But it so chanced that Edith's marked favor to Hannum had aroused in Bidwell's mind a suspicion that he at last found opportunity to express ‘or, despite his usual cunning, he was at times prone to jump at conclusions. “I can hardly find words to express my appreciation of the remarkable develop- ment my niece has made under your tu- telage,” he sald. “‘She Is certainly creat- ing a sensation to-night.” “I have an-idea :he inspiration come from another source than from me,” an- swered the widow, coolly. *Your niece, Heary, is. very miserable to-night.” “‘She shows it,” responded Bidwell, dryly. *Let me ask—now long have you known this man, Hannum?"” “I met him once when you were pres- ent. It was Edith who invited him. He is a friend of Hugh's. You know when and where Edith met him.” “A pleasing fable,’ sniered Tidwell. “Are all women, my dear Mrs. Warring- ton, match-makers?” **No, Henr;;," she answered, looking him straight in the eye, “but some men wouid do_anything for money."” Bidwell coughed and colored, but im- mediately regained himself. » h“N):v. my Qdenrt friend,” e g changing his tone to one of pur soft- neng,“'le‘t us be frank with each or:fier. as should befit old friends. This. young man, Hannum, and he is not so young, I will admit, is a worthy f2llow. He is worth something like $50.000, and would, under ordinary circumstances, be an_ excellent match for Edith. But ;?u( :are paltry thousands compared to’ten sillions, ey- erything else equal?’ b " “Henry Bidwell. exclaimed = the woman, her ewes fiashing fire, “do yeu dare téll_me ihat vyou would give your niece to Herman Sprogel?” f “And why not?” cried Bidwell. “There was never a man with kinder heart. and he can give her everything that is dear to a woman. And he ten million: . rington looked at him with no attempt to conceal the scorn she felt. worth more than He pavsed for breath, and Mrs.- War- | 1,1t is the that is true, ¥é'y old, coarse n your hands, only word you hz Henry Bidwell." and Lrutal, he is and you have ii with an un- natural desire. /to your money schemes, break men in business, throttie honest competition, the whoie world of busipess 'and politics, but, “for God's sake, Henry, 'do not thus late in life. go ‘to breaking heargs!” > The madness for monéy was in him, and for once he held his ground before her. It was too much to give up—to have . Sprogel as Edith's husband meant too mu; ch. 3 “Do you think I am “lind not té have seen that you wished that young snob, Bannerton, for Edith’s husband? But she does not care for him. I sounded her on that point a few days ago, when I took occasion to.talk with her as her guardian, aye, almost as her er, for such [ have been to her. She has no such abhorrence for Herman Sprogel as you hgve expiess- ed. She will do as I wish.” She shall do as 1 say.” ‘Oh, Henry!" crled Mrs. Warrington, catching one of his hands, for they were standing hidden by the ‘drapery “of an alcave, “‘do not persist in this. You will break the hearts of two women.” E ‘“‘Anything else, Kate," he answered, “but on this I am resolved. The girl shail marry Herman Sprogel, my friénd.” “But if the girl loves Hugh?" she said, faintly. 1 “Always that young sprig,” he cried. furiously. jerking his hand away from her clasp. *‘And yet,” , “I shall perhaps make some allowance for the love of a mother for a son." . She stepped back a pace and threw her head" up. “Henry Bidwell,”” she said, in a tone so cold and ley that a thrill’ ran through bhim, “a man sometimes makes the one great mistake of his life late in life. . You have done o now. A cruel taunt has come from vonr lips that can never be recalled. 1 will fight ycu now -in every way that God may #ive rae power. 1 wiil make you wish you had a hundred men onposed to you. rather than one woman.” He cuailed before ker glance, but as she moved rast him to leave the alcove he put_out his hand to detain her. “Do not touch me.” she sald. with a lit- tie shudder. “Thcre is nothing more. The girl will go to vour house in the morn- ing, and God protect her.” Cintching the heavy curtains. razing, and yet shaking with fear. Henry Bidwell ‘remained berind. Tn a few moments he emerged, smiling and ‘svhave, to mingle with the denarting’guests._bowing. mak- ing good-humored salutations, the affable, cheery gentleman whom all envied. ‘When the last guest had gone, the big doors were closed and the lights turned off, Mrs. Warrineton, in- a last turn through the rooms, came upon a dishev- eled heap on a sofa in the deserted draw- ing-room. ° CHAPTER XIV. ALLIES, Mys. Warrington and Bidwell were each too shrewd to let the worid know that a rupture haa taken place between ' them. Miss dith was now msialled as the nead or ner uncle's estavlishment, a post which she niled to the complacent satsfaction of Bidwell, who knew much more ot men thaa ot women. She received, and made calls, and ook part in the gay runcuuns of ihe opening season. U'o Sprogel, who came to tne nouse In eompany with her uncle on sumething moie tnan a pretense of business, she was-as affable ana divert- ing as her uncle could desire. But for anything further she was as elusive to Sproger as a butterfly wouid have been had he sought to pursue it with his lum- bering gait. This was highly satistactory to uidwell, who deemed it shrewd.to be in a0 hurry; whie Sprogei, having mno doubts as to the finul outcome -where such a preponderance of money was in his fayor, ‘ourning as yet with no speciul ar- dor, was weil conuunt to enjoy the pleas- ing repuse of assured anticipation. Her constant participation in the affairs of the set. that called itseif society gave Kdith much frecaom; and none dunced harder, or_was more. vivacious, 8o it was smail wdiluer that she had a train of young men fouowing wherever she went. She was cargiess,y’ impartial, but it there could be sdld to- be any one to whom she ex- hibitea_special iavor it was John Han- num. That gentleman, as if to make up 1or lost time, had beccme one of tasi- ion’s devotees, und seldom was theie a tunetion of auy sort at which he was noc “awong the present.” “Mrs. Warrington and Bidwell were, to. all outward appearances, the same friends as of old. - but, Bidwelt was. in ©OHDL. to, T his es when hi# anger had subsided, he sought to re- new his resations with the.woman who had _so- long been ' his friend—the oue tried who_haa the courage to tell mm the truth. He found her willing to ‘Lsten, but not inclined to talk. “Very well,” she said, when he had fin- ished what was no doubt an expressfon of sincere contrition (for who is not con- trite when he has done something to hurt his cwn Interests?), “‘there is no need for further consideration of the mattér. As you plead, a man may v much in the heat of passion that he does not mean. So let us drop the matter now, and oblige -me by never referring to it again.’ Her tone was velvety, but there was lacking that note of kindly interest he would have liked to hear. and which he knew so well. from her lips. ¢ His plans had worked out with the pre- cision of a well-made timepiece. and ev- erything .was in readiness for the touch of the master hand that would set in mo- tion the mechdnism which was to enrich him and his assoclates. There had been just one hitch, but that would be over- come before long. It was securing the control of the morning paper—The Watchman—and without which he hés- itated to pursue his enterprise. Yarr, true to his agreement to betray his. ‘associates, was willing enough, but he alone could net turn over a majority of the stock. In some way. unknown 'to Bidwell, Elliotson and his assocfates had received an inkling of the project,” and each in turn had remained proaf against offers for stock, made in many 'devious ways, and without regard to the quoted value. But Bidwell had no fears of not being able to eventually secure control. He had a theory that no man could refuse to sell if he were but offered a big eriough price. And what had become of Hugh Bannerton? The question was asked by many who knew the ' voung man. by young women who missed his cheery face at the functions of the budding ‘social season, by men who no longer heard his voice in their haunts, ‘and by all those. who knew and liked him. 3 ¥, “You have ofted laughed at me for be- ing a boy,” he said biiterly to Hannum, “but the time has 2ome when 1 shall be a man.” And he sald this when he had just done. the most boyish of all things. for he Had written a cruel and foolish letter to t| woman for whom he would have laid down his life. ‘ Away he da;}m}{ leaving Hannum smil- ing cynically. and gazing into . space through half-closed eyes. A “Humph,” muttered the lawyer, “a man is a fool to fall in love before he'is forty, let alone to think of marrying.” mnd being over forty, he _thought a whiie. Away to the hunting marsh went the young man, where, for the first week;.lie astonished even those who had known im as an active hunier by the way in - hich he paddled his boat from morning until night, facing the fercest of gales, [OF: braving revery danger - of a dangerous sport and coming in each night sa fag- ged that he often fell ‘nto his bunx with- out walting for his supper. But youth is recuperati end of ten days *there was a decided change for the betts: A ‘yourg 1 is elastic, it may vend. Lut it wili sel- dom break. Another week of mcderated exertion began to ‘produce a marked change to the good. G One day there came from Mrs. War- rington a letter—a letter so full of moth- erly love and tenderness that the tears came to his eves as he read ft, Tl “‘And now, my dear boy,” concluded the missive. “come back to the city and face vour friends as well” as your en 3 Remember. Hugh, that he who shirks a daty is not less culpable than he' wl does a wrong.”. s s e There was much in this'Jetter that was news to Rannerton, for he »1d withdrawn . himseif as completely as though Mf‘u( gone to Siberia. 't Edith had gone to live with her uncle, that she “g‘”‘lfid far from hulpby. despite the fact t! she went much {nto soclety, were straws that he clutched at, as no doubt Mrs. - .;_ t rington t that he should. du:tn!a on Hugh that he had made some- 1 Martin _;:ka that-Bidwell suggested the idea to . continued. as hé'stéod fumbling with his ..appeared from sight than a certain young . ‘disappeared from si ih- dlw:i&nx a bit of nd, — ‘“That you have,” he cried, seizing one of her hands and carrying it to his lips. “The time has come, Hugh, that in do- ing something for me you wiil be doing something for yourself and for many others. Between Henry Bidwell and my- self there has existed for many years 4 sort of friendship, although on my par it had long been maintained by a desire to save him and others from the sorrow and- suffering that must come from his actions. At one time I did wield some influence over. him, but that has past. He has no longer the attributes of a sane and humane man. .He has become a crea- ture with the sole impulse of making money, a miser in an age when misers no longer hoard, but.go on, and on, reach= stick with the big show.” low continued to whine, to grow pale when Bidweil reported no progress in se- curing the block of Watchman stock nec- essary to cortrol, and to show all the signs of a“man heartily sick of a venture in which he was émbarked. Suddenly, one day, Bidwell flared up and said: “Lediow, Go you wish to sell some ot your street raiiway stock?"’ “Why, no,” stammered the banker, his bawk-like tace flushing slightly—he had not biood enough in his whole body to give it a crimson hue. “Why do you ask?” ““Oh, I mean to me,” repded Bidwell. *‘Oh, that is different,” answered the banker, suddenly seized with a fit of nervous coughing. might let you have 1 3 " ra- some of it, Henry,” he said, when he had pna!;n';“"& wtm: constantly ln_crmfns m“}w ‘himseif. ‘“How much do you She paused, and Hugh looked in won- Want? -3 der .at the stern,- hangmme face of his . .‘“Half what you hold,” returned Bid- lri;nd. the mouth sét, the eyes half closed }Y)T‘"it calmly. “Will you take my paper I T amay . . “we are to be . -Yes” said Ledlow: “I see no reason partners hereafter, althoug! she added, Why I should not take your paper. You speaking as if (o herself, ‘I cannot tell 2r¢ good with this bank. 5 e S I 7 It is a_bargain,” said Bidwell. “Let us make the transfer now. you hold?” Ledlow-. hesitated just the fraction of a second - before he answered, but Bid- well noted it. “I.said I wished to take half,” he said, meaningly, 5 bought more after we compared holdings,” - explained the banker. ‘“But why not take it all, Henry? My heaith 1s :‘fllng, and I may be compelled to take a trip.” s ‘“No,”" repled Bidwell. “I want you here, Ledlow, so I take half or nothing.” ““Very well,” assented the banker, ne vously arranging the papers for the trau: Hugh hung. eagerly, expectantly, on her How much do words, a strange thrill running through him. But: she recovered herself in an in- ers! Yes, Hugh, we are to be The plans of Henry Bidwell are e ind this city is to see a con- test such as it has never before dreamed of. You have not given heed for some time, ‘but I know that the time is close at hand when he will strive to seize a great right that belongs to the people of “this city.” % J “But what is the great harm, after all?" said Hugh, wearily. ““Harm!” ‘exclaimed Mrs.. Warrington. “Let me touch on just ome phase of it. to show ‘that it is the meanest of all forms of modern aggression. This man seeks to obtain the right to charge a 3- cent fare in this city for fifty years to come. Have'you: ever. thqught what 35 cents is to each of the army of working girls in this city? Living too far from the business centers to walk the distance. the ‘street car becomes a necessity. and each day from the thin hands of women and children the great corporation—per- sonified ‘by Henry Bldwell—reaches out and selzes am unpatural part of their daily pittdnce. "And this phase alone, were it all. shou'd be enough to appeal to me as.a woman—a fellow feeling for the poor and lowly of my sex. who bave been_forced to do the work of men. that some men may loll in an ever-increasing wealth, while other men look for work in vain." “It is wrong. all wrong,' burst forth Hugh; “I know it is all wrong, but what can we do to prevent it? A “Who can tell. Hugh? But, being wreng, it is our duty to oppose it. Now, let me tell you how .matters: stand at present.” Conclsely she rapldly- sketched out the general situation. ~Of the hitch in acquir- ing. the.stock. of The Watchman. of the control _secured of the Common Council, and of Bidwell's plan to build up a public sentiment for the ordinance, she was fu'ly aware; so thoroughly posted that Hugh's ex‘pren!on showed plainly his great sur- prise. 1 ‘“Yes, Hugh she said, as if divining his thoughts. “I do know a good-deal about this; and Henry Bidwell did not tell me all of it. T know: better than any er. . When the few necessary pem scratches that changed the ownership had been made, the gaunt banker rubbed his hands together, cracked . his . kpuckles, and beamed on his associate. “Do you think we can secure control of The Watchman, Henry?’ he asked, as Bidwell prepared to take leave. “Whya | always told you we would,” returned Bidwell, somewhat indignantly. “That will all be arranged in a few days. That is settled.” When Bidwell had gone the banker dropped into a chair and held his head in his hands. “‘Oh. oh,” he groaned, the sweat break- ing cut on his forehead and forming Hitle rolls of dirt under his palm as he rub- bed, “I have lost a fortune! [ have lost a fortune! I know I have.” Then he fell to weeping, moaning like a child over a broken toy. An hour later Bidwell told Sprogel of his purchase from Ledlow, and also. some- thing further of the reason why. “Ugh!” grunted Sprogel. “T like that. Why didn’t you take me in?" “You can go in as far as you wish with me. I will divide with you If you ask it,” replied Bldwell. ““No."” said Sprogel, “It was fairly won. But I'll buy the rest of his holding at once. He clapped on his hat, and started for the door, but Bidwell called him back. “No, Herman,” he said, “see him at once; but do not buy. Offer to sell your stock to him. He will not buy, but it will strengthen the record.” The banker’s eyes gleamed when Spro- gel, fat and good-natured, offered to sell some of his holdings. But the caution of one his methods and his aims. But there the banker rose to check the avarice of Is nothing to be done as yet. and it is on the man. another matter entirelv that I wish to “T will let you know to-morrow,” he ask your aid. Tt is a service that T would said. do to no less a personage than the Presi- That was the day of the visit of the dent.of this country.” President. “A favor for the President!"” exclaimed ‘What power could be invoked to check Hugh, - *“And how'can we be of service the thoughts that ran through the mind to him? of Bammerton, as he sat in the banquet “Briefly and to the point, I will ex- hall waiting for the play to begin—for ain,” ~answered = Mrs. ‘Warrington. it was a nlay to him. The great dinine- “Henrty was never aught but treacherous, and he has an old grudge agalnst the man who has guided this country through thé perils of war amid the dnnserg'\:\a cliqgue of men who hold money above honor or country. Always a ‘trimmer,’ Henry Bidwell has secretly favored yleld- ing to the clamor of the so-called Ger- man elemént among our population, and he has advised the President that the present foreign policy must be abandoned, or at least temporized with. It is to Bld- well's . interest to have it appear that there is a strong German sentiment here against the President’s policy as he out- lines it. He has chosen the coming Presi- dential banquet as the place for its dem- onstration. and his_tool, Mayor Thorn, is to spring the mine."” ‘1 - “But. Thorn is a Democrat,”” exclaimed Hug:. 3 w"m I;I‘Il(_?h t!l': better tool,™ nl‘:l I'I’l‘rs. arrington. * e . at the ban- quet as Mayor gll’ m‘fl w‘ ’:’-d Bldwell as the op- room of the hotel blazcd with electric lights, and the garish festal decorations of the money epoch were about him. On a raised platform facing the guests, or, rather, the patrons of the President on this occasion, were the President and the toastmaster, in the center. Extending ‘o the right were the members of the Cab- inet: also the entire oficial family of the President was there. in company array. to. support its. chief. To the left were Mayor Thorn, Bidwell. Sprogel. Ledlow and a few of the more distinguished mem- bers of the local committee. On every side were faces that proclaim- ed a peasant ancestor—faces with thick lips. the hedvy, squatty nose, and the slanting forehead, battered back bv cen- turfes of industrial onpression. This was the -business face, as Bannerton saw it w. before him—not bad, or wicked. in a sense. but dense and stupid. save where the cpnortunity.for money might kindle it to life and inspiration. "And'.ve(."({hmht PBapnerton. “‘once let them see and uderstand! At heart they may, be honest, but thev have an instinct to hend the knee; they are timid, and they are stupid.” Jt was now.close to the time for the speeches. and Bannerton felt all the thrills of a man who watches the plav of a tense drama. He had been closeted ear'ler in the evening with a man close to the President. to whom he had told the full story of the plot; and later he had even seen the President for a few moments alore. The President was frank and out- spoken in expressing opinions concerning certain great persons and some current events: so much so,that Bannerton was greatly surprised. “I have no hesitancy in freeing my mind before. those whom trust,” said the Chief Magistrate. ‘“You have done me im- portant service, sir, and I hope some day to repay you.” [ thank you,” responded Bannerton, “but' I want absolutely nothing now, nor shall 1 in the future.” “*Hullo! What have we here?” exclaim- ed the President, laughing, and turning to his_companion. ‘‘Here is a man who does me a tavor, and bluntly declares he wants nothing in return. Are you a Re- publican, young man?" “*Mcre wonderful, indeed,” exclaimed “the President, as Bannerton bowed assent in reply to the questitn. I was told tha has convineed"him that he portunity of a lifetime before him. He is to deitver a rabid speech against im- perfalism, as un-American, and opposed to the traditions of the German-American citizens of this State, and of the coun- ““And. what does Thorn get out of it? How can Bidwell'induce him to take such chances?” . .“‘By appealing to his vanity." responded Mys.” Warrington. ‘‘No one bas a softer tongue than Henry, and no one is so easy for him as Thorn. Now, T wish the Pres- ident to have word of this plan before he reaches this ¢ity. The banquet, as you have probahl¥ forgotten, is to be ‘glven to-morrow night. Can you see that this is done?" b * ‘The .young man kpitted his hought deeply for a moment. - “Yes,” he exclaimed. suddenl; ‘there is one man in this State who can always see. the President, and he shall know from me in_ample time. But what a shame that Bidwell cannot be exposed to his narty associates.” ‘“There is no chance for that.'” =ald Mrs. Warrington.. *‘for even Thorn has no brows and t am. ~He beli¢ves: he originated it, and rhat Henry merely agrees with him that t 1= a ‘brilliant. plan. Henrv. has Thorn in his power .through a foolish letter written some time ago. Tt is dangerbus to write to Henry. But I will-speed you, Hugh, and trust you will attend to this, and take none Into your confidence whom. vou -cannot - trust fmplicitiv. Merely a hint to_the President is all that is needed. As evidence you may say that Thorn has consulted two people for advice as to the effect 1t might have on his own political chances.” ) 1 know what ' vou want, Hugh.” she t I would meet strange men in the West, and I reaiize it now, But allow me to thank you again, and I hope some day to see yau in Washington.”" ‘As Bannerton sat at the press table, with ' Jonathan Fluttéry buzzing on one side of him and 8huttle jerking out inter- rogatory sentences on the other, he smil- ed at the humor of the whole thing—of Bidwell manipulating the committees on one hand and plotting with Thorn on the other: of business men, swélled. with the watch chain, loth to take leave of her; importance of the occasion and their own “but we will talk of that some other time. emembér. we aré partners. and that car- component dignity; of Connie Moran and riés with it your ajms and innermost am- ‘ubbett, in frock coats and high hats, bitions ‘as. well as my own. Trust to my as members of the reception committee at the rallway station, where they stood in a drizzling rain for the culminating triumph of being bundled into a_ carriage to follow the President to Der Germanla clubhouse. ¢ . There was the smart rap of a gavel _The clink of glasses.and the buzz of con- versation were hushed and Samuel Elliot- son as toastmastcr arose and int the President. When the burst of ap- plause that greeted the head of the na- tion had subsided, this squére-built man, with the heavy jaw and the hooked nose, began his address: s “The President has no_policy agalnst the wish of the people. The best policy” in _this world, for men. or nations. is the policy_ of duty, and_wherever that ealls we should follow. -We should not halt. We should not hesitate. Responsibility judgmeént,” Hugh, and turh a cheery face to the world.” ., ' ‘And ‘he did trust. her; so he merely laughed somewhat sheepishly, wrung her ‘hand and went .E'-y ‘without a word of what was nearest to his heart. * . As he went briskly down the street, ne hsd not the least . idea that a pair of Liright eyes were watching him from an. upper dow of the old house. And no ‘soaner ‘had ‘he turned the corner and dis- ‘woman: was weeping over a scrawly let- ter, all Ink-splashed and stained, which <he hastily placed back in her basom as the mald came to say that Mrs. Warring- ton_wished. to see her down stairs.. - *“Yon should have told me he was com- ing,” she sald frigidly to Mrs. Warring- ton, a flush on her face, and forgetting all about the telitale evelids. “I slipped out born of duty cannot be evaded with honor. bam,vfiitln'io. T would .not have met him- We are in the Philipnines; our flag is . Al the world. - No; not. for all ‘the ther2; the first requirement, the indis- wor 2o pensable requirement, 15 peace. ' But N she in turn went down the no terms until the undisputed au- street under the great elm. trees Mrs. thority of the TUnited States shall ‘Warrington watched the trim figure.. She be - acknowledged - in every foot of territory in the archipelago. After that, Congress will make a government un- der the soverelgnty of the United States. In no other way. gentlemen, can we give peace to the national conscience or peace to the world.” The roar that went up. told Bannerton in an instant that the President had won. The audience sprang to its feet and cheer- ed again and again; the city might have a German name. but its heart was Amer- ican. “Der Bresident has right,” roared the richest tanner of the city. “That I think.” returned the richest brewer. In the midst of the u r Bannerton kept his eyes on Bidwell, whose face be- out had stood in the gathering.dusk, 100l from the window, long after the?# the curtain in her twirling the bit of lace. - . L e s CHAPTER XV. A BANQUET TO THE PRESIDENT. With the timidity of too much money. with all the quaking cowardice of sweat- ed wealth, Ledlow, the banker, was con- sumed with a great fear. It was the fear that Bidwell's In?';wyuld fail because of pon which he had never reckon- s thing was to the ban®er a hith- ! lncompr‘é‘:u-flfle fact—the fact that men vwd not sell for a price. The own. ers of Watchman stock, hu&«l b{‘ Sam- . uel Ellictson, refused to part with their holdings for even a double price. R i ow,” snapped Bldwell one day, as he and Sprogel came away from a confer- ence with the banker, low acts like womal rm:‘::g' savings in- well, just a ed. erto a timid ol n vested in Governmen! “It s about the same thi one way.” fleets over ‘again,” thought Bannerton, thing of a of himself, but it is doubt- returned 1, with l::c 'numblfng "_‘Qn‘: bovt as even a match every way.” ful if he ized the fine judgment of chuckle; * is all in.. T would not give Mayor Thorn wilted early and the look Mrs. Wargls m_in allowing his mood much for the bank if you fell down In that he e to 'well would have em-, to run its course before a ling to his this. He is' loaded’ to the guards with barrassed one less hardy; for he did not better sense. So he packed up his things, street rahiway stock.” . doubt for 3 moment that Bldwell had be- cased his gun and, taking a brace of can- ~ “Yes, d: him, !fi‘em ‘me something,"” his plan to the Prexident. On the vasbacks, bade farewell {o rhe ontdoor eaid Bidwell. ‘‘He rushed in lntgnbhd other hand, Bidwe'l was filled with rage. life that had ¢ £0 much’ for him and both when he thought it was - ‘elt sure same one had given word which he dearly loved. A a 5 . Za by T RO, M t. He understood the gen- Mrs. Warrington greeted him with. de- port of the assault from the Cab- M ien» she began: : Neroused the snspicion i ‘his “Hugh,” she ! 3 n in friend for many years. _mind that perhaps he hlfbun involved in the disclosure. At any rate the Pres- ident and his associates had seen fit not only to ignore his advice, but they had boldly gone to the other extreme. And the result had proved the wisdom of their iudgment. He was for the time being dis- credited, and he knew it. But he now wished Thorn to go ahead, that his fail- ure might be so complete that he (Bid- well) might turn it to advantage as a shrewdly pianned coup, by which the tri- umph of the President would be all the greater by comparison. , when the speeches were about half made, he leaneds toward the Mayor and sald softly: ““The reaction will be all the stronger after this. You will catech on in great sh: 3:4 They are overdoing it. you take me for a royal sucker?” demanded the Mayor through his teeth. “1 shall follow my original intention.” Bidwe!l flushed a little, but made no reply. When it came to the toast, “Our City,” the Mayor rose, with his grandest and most magnificent air, and, throwing his chest forward, with eyes looking up- ward, deflant and fearless, he began: “In. the storehouse of memory or ex- perience we each have treasured up som: thing of beauty, romance or fiction, ti pleasing recollection of which brightens our gloomy moments and encourages ex- ertion when courage falters.” For, although the Mayor talked loud and long, that was all he really said— nothing less and nothing more. And he made a great hit, too, for the consensus of opinion among a portion of the solid business element was ex- pressed by Gottlleb Schuesterheisen, the - greatest of all hardware man- ufacturers, who said: “There is no use talking, der Mayor ks Eng- lish beautiful.”” As for the political follow- ing, weil, Connie Moran Edmund Burke never saw the day when he could trot .in the same class with the Mayor. " said he, “he Shuttle clung to Bannerton as the ecrowd surged out of the banquet-room, those in the van jostling and pushing to get as closé a view as possible of the oniy ruler on earth whose dignity is not about by some form of protection from the vulgarity of a well-clothed mob. “They tried to get it. They tried to get it.” he sald, in his quick. jerky way “Did you hear about it? What—what? Hear about what?” asked Bannerton. “Why, about them trying to get The Watchmarn—Ledlow and Sprogel. But we found it out.in time and fooled them. It is fixed up now so they can’t get It. ‘What—what?” “T told you some weeks ago that Bid- well kad his eye on The Watchman stock.” returned Bannerton, coolly. “Bidwell had nothing to do with it responded the managing editor, sharply, for he wanted nothing but assent from all whose copy had ever passed through his hands. “Bidwell denied 1t when I asked him. He gave me his word. Was that not enough? Do you think he would He? What—what? Besides. theré was nothing in_it at the time you spoke.” The Hon. August Himmell, on his way to meet the President, came from the rear at this point and Bannerton and Shuttle were varted as if they had been two dories in the path of an ocean steamer. “So they have finally seen a gleam of light. have they?" thought Bannerton. “Well, it is better than if they had re- mained in the outer darkness. So Bid- well had nothing to do with it, and Shut- tle knows it, because Bidwell told him so. But I am glad they have been. discovered and the weapon that may protect the peo- ple is in the hands of honest men, at least, if not bright omes.” Tne celebration that followed the ban- quet in many respects excelled the main affair. It was a roaring, swearing mass of outer cleanliness and inner foulness. Through it moved Sprogel, greeted on every L hand by bowing and scraping fromi these unused to the festivities of his court, and with devil-may-care easy good fellowship by his courtiers. At last the great man spied Bannerton, and toward him he steered his clumsy course. ‘“‘Hullo, Bannerton,” he said, laying a kindly hand on the young man’s shoul- der. “You're all right. Bottle of wine, boy” (addressing a waiter). “T like you, Bannerton, and I'll have you working for me before long. Give up that City Hall job. "It's no good. Politics will ruin any young man.” “T do not think so very much of the place,” answered Bannerton, with & laugh, “but I guess I will hold on to it & ‘while longer.” “Guess again, and take my tip,” said the fat millionaire. “T don't give many, but they are good ones. I like you and I am going to have you work for me. I like your work.™ “I am much obliged,” sald Bannerton, “‘but it takes two to make a bargain of that sort.” “Don’t you think so.” returned the mil- lionaire, “not when the salary offered is 80 big that a man can’t refuse it. I know my business.” Before Bannerton could reply to this enunciation of divine truth, Stalker, ti lobbyist, pushed through the crowd and, leaning over the table, whispered in Spro- gel's ear. “That's all damn nonsense,” Sprogel. ‘“We '\have got it that is all there is to it there ten minutes after the bank opens. Don’t bother me any more to-night.” A messenger boy slipped a note Into Bar‘\lnerwn'u hand. He tore it open and read: “Come to me at once.—K. W. Before Bannerton realized his intention, Sprogel had reached over and seized the note, which he read. Bannerton’s eyes blazed, but he smothered his anger with an effort. A leer came to Sprogel’s purple features. “Wait for me,” he mumbled, thickly. “There is nothing like having a good buy- er with you. You can't fool the duke.” He gave the note back, and laughed when he saw the scarlet Bannerton's face. “Never mind,” he said; “I like a young fellow that can win them. It's the cham- pagne buyers with beer incomes that cause the trouble in the banks." Glad to seize the excuse afforded by Sprogel’s surmise, Bannerton laughed and made his escape. A minute later he was in a cab, bound for Mrs. Warrington's housde. He stopped the cab four blocks away, for he knew cabmen. As he hurried along the street he won- dered what could have ca sum- mons, for it was now past 2 o’clock in the morning. Mrs. Warrington was wait- inz for him at the door. “What has happened?’ he cried, seizing her hands and turning very white. “Has anything happened to—to—to Edith?" “No, Hugh,' she answered, a look of pain coming to her handsome face for an instant, as she returned the -f-' ques- oning gaze of the boy—for all men are boys when in love. “No, nothing has hap- But something that car- he sh on greater import il I'lwlel? bavc':ontrol of The Watchman to- morrow, and then God the of a city where a bad man owns a good newspaper.” The reaction came so quickly that Hugh could not N;l'ell :m &:’hpuuon of re- i understand T Rt e flel . . “It is the e of m;cwecll'l plans. I sought to thwart him and gave Information to Elliotson a month ago. i3 ” broke in Hugh, “and so did T «o',n‘-:‘-me:_ and he asked Bidwell if 1t ‘were true.’ #Not alone that,” continued the woman, nd forth in-the room with almost tigerish, w)y a week ago paid $10,000 for tho sell and would have done so. But let me "é‘heyo“ -E:’S' mmomb. t, :( to collect a , as her nn?nghu. and then again, rapidly: q"l‘n”&‘e bank at Malden there are sharcs that can be bought {qF $0900 cash by any one who will lay tHe money down. would buy it in an instant. It is the balance of stock! It Is emough to give Bidwell control if he can get it.”” “I will start on The frst train il the utes after the bank can that on my wheel and neve e md ‘pay for it with & willing heart bty hand. Whi to get morn- ere am but_an an Kt ) The k into a chair. but XhtS R Soved"Seck Siobts in the room. “No, Hugh, there is nothing to do,” she said, at la: t,hwet”mu' in a n‘l::v tone. ‘But we shoul not give Huhfl,(hcu‘lhu!flrtmmhu ‘words. “No: we should not give up. D-z' she exclaimed. “It Is never too late a woman to do one thing—to trust im help. God, and to pray for