The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, October 12, 1902, Page 4

cd lugh, standing very stff too late for a maa ned on his_hecl, Lurrying down IX NE saoon, @ piace uit , Liazing Wwith electric ing guass, arrived Baaner- ¢ proprietor cume o greet extending his nand gbis and ton at last. i na smidngiy said: % “50 you bave come at last. It wasn't the square thing to stay away so long, ~specially after not taking the fall shoot- ing with me. But, then, I have no kick coming, for 1 have kept posted nng 1 Enew you must be working and had ‘cut out’ the grape. But you are just in time. There is a canvasback on the fire now and it will be up in a moment. “1 can’t eat, Ben,” said Hugh, dropping juto @ chair, and wiping the sweat Iroum bis brow, for he had walked at a terrific pace. “Eat!” he exciaimed bitter:y. “Ben, 1 would go without eating for forty days to bave in my band to-night what I am Jooking for. I would, so heip me God!™ “You have not been drinking, said Locksiey, giving him a keen, searching glauce, “and I never knew you gambled. “That is the oniy hope, cxclammed the srvrmflng to his feet, and vy the arm. “Ben, younger man, grasping Locksiey Joan me a hundred doilars 2t once. I must bave it The only way oul is to win the cme right into the office,” answered Locksley, without a moment’s hesitation, al the same time wheeling about and leading the way. Bannerton followed, a mew light in his eyes—the blazing, bungry light of the v * said Locksley, motioning Hugh to a seat. “Hugh Bannerton, you lave been my friend—one of the best friends 1 ever had. There is $%% in that safe, and more out in the drawer. You can have every cent of it, Hugh, and not @ scratch of the pen be en us. Pay when you can. There it is; yours, under one_condition. ““Yes,” said Bannerton, his breath com- ing fast, “and what condition? Quick, every moment is precious.” ““The one condition, Hugh,” sald Locks- ley, kindly, but firmly, “is that you will promise never to gamble again, and that uot one cent of this money shall be ga bled. If you stop it must be now—now! and he brought his clenched fist down on the desk before him. *“Good God!” cried Bannerton, “I have not gambled, Ben. 1 never gambled in myhute. But I must have $20,00 to- night.” Locksley fell back in his chair. “Twenty thousand dollars to-night!” he exclaimed. “And expect to win it at an- ohh(—r man's game. You are crazy, that's i “Ben Locksley,” answered Bannerton, speaking in an even tone, “I am sober #nd sane. Look at me. I tell you I must bave $20,000 to-night. 1 can get it to-mor- row for its intended purpose, but I must have it to-night. Let me have that nwoney. “Hugh Bannerton,” said Locksley, just as cool and speaking in much the same tone, “if it were anybody else but you I would ring for the patrol wagon.” “Listen,” cried Hugh, “and then judge if 1 am not sound.” Quickly, concisely, wasting no words, he poured out the story, for he wouid bave trusted Locksley with his life. “IL is a hard proposition and you are Lp against it,” said Locksiey, when Hugh had finished, and sat with his head bur- ied in his hands. “My money is there for You tc be used for anything except gam- bling. For, let me tell you one thing, there is not $20,000 in the combined bank- roll of all the gambling houses in this city ic-night.” “Then what is there for me to do?” groaned Bannerton. “Cut it out. Eat; take a cup of black coffee and go to bed. I've half a notion to dltch the train that is to take the other fellows out to-morrow. I'd do that for you, Hugh,” he added, half laughing, &lthough there was a suggestion of tears in his eyes. hAnu Bannerton, looking up, belleved “m. “Not that, Ben,” he said, rising, and grasping his hands. *“‘You are right. It is ali up. But, somehow, do you know, 1 can’t give it up.” He gave a little choking sob, pushed Locksley back gently when he wowd have Getained him, and as he opened the door ard backed out of the room he add- : “T'll walk it off and then come back.’ Now stumbling along with his head down, then with a steady and firm tread, Bannerton hurried through the streets. Suddenly he came to a fuil stop and look- ed about him. Again, as one night in the summer, he was standing in front of the gloomy old hou: of Dr. Dusseldorf. Without a moment’s hesitation he walked up the steps and gave the signal cn the bell, and ringing in his ears were the parting words of the strange old man: “Should you ever be in trouble, sore in mnd, or beset by evil influences of any kind, come to me.” He had no sooner touched the bell-but- ton than the door was opened, and Said Abdul bowed low before him. The Or- iental indicated by a gesture that Banner- ton was to enter as quickly as ssible, end he stepped in. A moment later he stood before the doctor, who remained seated, studying him from beneath the heavy gray eyebrows and stroking his lnng bear “‘Speak,” he said, at last, for Bannerto; stood dumb before this strange man. “I have told you to come to me if in trouble, and you have come. That you are in trouble you have aiready told me. The drawn features, the wrinkles under the eyes, the set mouth, tell me that. But I do not know all. There is yet a veil that I have not torn aside. Speak, and tell me, that I may judge whether I can be of ln’z aid to you.™ eyed to a high tension, the absurdity of his call flashed on the mind of Banner- ton, and he burst out iaughing. “A very commonplace physical phe- nomena,” observed the physician. ‘“‘Take Do not trouble said Bannerton. mestering himself, “I have made an ass of myself. and have presumed on your ®ood-nature by intruding into your priva- cy. My trouble is such that there is lit- tle likelibood of your being able to help me out of it, and much less grobfihmty of your doing so. It is too much to ask of any man, much less of one I have met but once before in my life.” I shall be the judge of that,” respond- ed the old man. “Proceed with your tale, and lose no time, for I presume from the appearance of your lfiplrel that you have ave now little time 1" exclaimed the laughing; “why I have now fore me. The time is past. It is too late.” “Young man,” sald the aged doctor, speaking in 2 sharp tone, “heed my wis and tell me what evil fate pursues you. , 1 cannot do less, if you are in- clined to know,” said Bannerton, after a moment’'s thought. “I at least owe you some entertainment for having thus broken in on you.” Again he told the story as he had told it to Locksley. The old physician listen- ed with an amused and critical attention. “I can iet you have the money,” he said young man, centuries be- ." replied the old man, his keen eyes fastened on the face of his guest. % God!” exclaimed Bannerton, klu face blanching and bis limbs growing @o weak that he sank back into the chair. “Is this all 2 dream?” “Listen;” said tbe old man. *It is im- bable, it is absurd on the face of it, ut it 0. These are the ‘things that are so. shali have now from my hands in this room the sum of $20,000 as alloan from me 1@ you if you answer me one question as 1 wish it to be answered. What security will ypu give, what oath will you take to bind you to repay?”’ “I give you my word of honor.” cried Bannerton. “It is the right answer,” said the old ;n;m, with a pleased expression on his ace. He clapped his hands together, and Sai Abdul & 00G before them. He spoke .st:vdv words in a lJangulige strange to the young men, and the servant disappeared. only to veturn in an instant bearing a packet in his band. This he presented to Dr. Dusseldorf, who in turn passed it to Ban- nerton. ’ “Open it,”" he said, “and count.” With trembling hands Bannerton tore the packet open and beheld a roll of bank. pills. e ren them over, and found L “There is a thousand over.” he said, looking up. ““There is " assented “Bur ‘t will be as easy sum 2s the other the physician. to return one do your part, _ whot has passed between us to-night is & sceret that is ming zlone, and one that vou have no right to disclose until I re- lease you.” “My word of honor,” cried Bannerton, as he dashced from the room. 5 Locksley was standing in front of his place as Eannerton turned the corner and dashed up to him. - “Great Scott!” he exclaimed, “haven't, ed running yet? " eried Bannerton, seizin, shouider=, “Ben, old boy, 1 him by ave got Come_into But hold on. First order a cup of coffee. Your wheel is here. 1 want to borrgw it. You know what I want it for—a littie spin of sixty miles, and more at the end than any man has ridden for in many a day.” “The coffce part is the first sensible thing I have heard out of you -to-night,” replied Locksley, grimly. “I belleve you are crazy, but the coffee angle is sound- héaded enough. Go into the office and I will order it.” Locksley joined Bannerton in the office a moment later and found him busily o ting the treasure. oly smoke!” he exclaimed. starting back, “what a bundle! Where did you get it? _ “Never mind,” answered Hug] it, and that is all there is to it.” “Hugh,"” said Locksley, laying his hand on his friend’s shoulder, and looking him in the eye, “this is too much money for a man to have come by houestly at this time in the morning. Have you the com- bination of the city safes? If I thought that you had come by this wrongly, I would take it away from you now. You shall not go wrong if I can prevent it. You have taken some desperate charce. Was that all straight goods about the stock and the ride you intend td take?' “On my honor, it is the truth, Ben,” replied Bannerton, “and—" “‘That's enough,” cried Locksley. “Here,” he cried, pushing his head out of the door, “rush that coffee along, and get out my wheel. There is no time to lose.” Five minutes later Bannerton rode down the street, and, turning the corner, straightened out for his long ride. ‘Ahiough the streets ot the city he wheeiea at a pace that made the strag- £ilDg WOrKmen gaze at hun in sieepy as- tonishment, and was soon in the suvaruvs. Then came the dirt roaus of the wutskitts and soon he was out in Lhe country, with the smoky haze of the city behina hum. He came to0 a viuage ana stopped at tne town pump. He sxnew he had comne twen- Ly mues irom the city, and his watch 0id him he had been gone just an hour. he pace was too fast, and he resolved to reserve his strength, for the exertion was beginning to teil on him, with his loss of sieep, and the previous night's excite- ment. An hour and ten minutes later he had covered another twenty miles. “Only twenty miles more,” he said to himse.f, and already he saw himself in the bank, counting out the money, and taking the covetea stock, that meant so much to so many people. He swung round & curve in a couniry road, caught one horritied flash of a tallen limb, aud the next instant was tearing up dirt and gravel with his face. For a moment he lay motionless, stunned mentally by the horror of the disaster rather than in- jured physically. Then he spragg up and looked about him. Back in the branches was his wheel. He rushed to it ana drag- ged it away, as if the motion.ess wood were a monster. One glance told him ali, and a great sickness came over him, making him so weak that he staggered (o the 10adside and sank to the ground. My God!" he moaned, with his face in his hands. “What have I done to deserve this? Only twenty miles away, and every- thing lost now.’’ Again’ he got on his feet, and started to run, but a sharp twinge in one of his an- kles caused him to flinch, and he threw himself on the roadside, face downward. ““Well, I swear, if that ain’t the darnest way to treat a borrowed wheel!” Bannerton started up at the words to see before him in the roadway Ben Locks- ley, leaning on another bicycle, and grim- 1y surveying the wreck. en!” he cried, rushing toward him with outstretched arms “Ben Locksley!” He could say no more, but threw his at;rms about his friend, and burst into ears. ‘“There, there,” said Locksley, trying to shake himself free. “‘You are all right, and that is the main thing. You will get there on time, after all.” “Yes,” exclaimed Bannerton, pulling himself together and brushing the tears from hig eyes; “I will get there on time, but I owe it all to you. How can I ever repay you?”’ “Don’t say anything like that to me,” said Locksiey, in a grieved tone. @‘It ain‘t right. You_just climb aboard now, the it. anc 1 am going to win out. the office with me. “I have and peg along a little more carefully. Re- member 1 won't be following you with another ambulance. I thought you would and, concealing the pain his wreched an- kie gave him, he mounted and rode away. “By the holy mackinaw!" Locksley sud- denly exclaimed, “I belleve I can fix that wheel so it will run.” And he did, after an hour's work, and rode into Malden on it. “I want to see the president of the bank,” said Bannerton, peering through the wicker grating that was supposed to protect the pale young man who acted as_teller for the Malden bank. The teller began drumming on the coun- ter in front of him, as if he were playing a plano, all the while wondering if the stranger would shoot him in the back if he went into the vault for the big revol- ver that was hid snugly away in a pigeon- hole, where it could not possibly go oft and shoot somel y. “I am not a bank robber,” said Ban- nerton, smiling. “I have merely had a bad fall on the road, and I have import- ant business with the president. I carry this instead of a revolver.” He drew forth the packet of bank- notes and flared them before the teller. The effect was magical. “Right back here,” he said, slippin his stool, smiling and obsequious. ** at leisure now.” Bannerton followed back, and was ush- ered into the presence of Hon. Hiram Stubbitt, member of the Legislature and president of the Malden Bank. “You have a block, of stock in The Watéhman,” began Bannerton, bluntly, when the teller had bowed himseif out. *1 understand it is for sale.” Stubbitt was a wiry, dried-up little man, with fuzzy chin whiskers and the bright eyes of a money man. “It has not been on the market very long,” he answered cautiously. “No,”” assented Bannerton, “just about eight minutes, if your clock is right. But it is on the market now, and I wish to buy it.” “The terms are cash,” said the banker. oft e is “It is a valuable property. Whom do you represent?” “If the terms are cash I cannot see what importance that can have in the transaction,” answered Bannerton. “What is the price?” The banker figured for a minute on a tiny scrap of paper that had been used cn one s d; It was to gain time while he was thi 8. “It can be bought by you for $20,300,” he said, without looking up from the pa- per. “And why the $300,” asked the young g:-:.: “I uriderstood the price was $20,000 at.” * “It was,” replied the banker, “but you @ppear to want it pretty badly. I have taken that chance. Some one might of- fer me more before long.” “Can I have it for that figure?” asked Bapnerton. “Can I have it in hand now?” “Yes,” replled the banker, “if the money is paid over now.” “It is a bargain,” said Hugh, reaching in his pocket and bringing forth the money. “Produce the stock and write me a recelpt.” The banker withdrew from the room pre:hen(ly 'x;eflxr{\ed wk:hhthe stock. ‘0 whom shal make the receipt?” he asked. v “l prefer to have no names mentioned. It is a matter between us. You take the money and 1 take the stock. Indorse it in l;llnk." 555 “A secret is never so well guarde when It is protected by another ucget?"' swid the banker, in a low tone. “Your receipt will read for $§20,000 flat, but you pay the agreed price.” “It is a bargain,” said Bannerton, ' Half an hour later the Hon. Hiram Stubbitt was bland and suave before two men who raved and stamped about his little office. “Gentiemen,” he said, at last, ““) me I'm the one that ought to doin’ seme of the kickin’. You come and offer me $30,00 for something I've just sold for $20,000. though 'tain’t probable you'd a-pushed it on me if I hadn’t aiready so.i it. One way I ain’t lost nothing, but another way I'm out just $19,000. Why didn't you tell me you was comin'? I L eckon somiebody told something to some- ars to Yes,” cried one of the men, ripping out a string of oaths, “somebody told, -and there will be hell to pay.” “Well,” said Stubbitt, dryly. “I got whit was coming to me, and T reckon I air’t in on that last account.” “I don’t know about that, Stubbitt,’ \ retorted the man, “you and I have done iness before.” Yes,” returned the banker, whiskeérs bristling, “and I' aerstand, Bill Stalker, we' on something besides promissory notes ritten in wind next session. And now ou’ll just get right out of here, or Il call the town marshal. I'll have you un- derstand this ain’t no place for takin® the name of ihe Lord in vain.” CHAPTER XVIL y THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE. The discovery that the essentlal block of stoek had been sold by the Malden Bank carried consternation into the two wings of- Watchman stockholders. The whole game was uncovered, and Billot- son, his assoeiater aware of the plot by which Bidwell and his street railway fol- lowing sought to gain control, believed this had been accomplished, For with this stock the opposition would have been in command, officering the company and dictating the policy of the paper. Shuttie jabbered and sputtered, pointing out what would have been dome. and repeating it over and over again when not bewailing the misfortune. Elliotson, however, was made of better ‘stuff, and took the mat- ter philosophically. They have control, and that is all there is to it” he sald. ‘“We' have lost ard they have won by being alert and through’ the treachery of some of the men we trusted. Let'them run it now.” his chin “But cannot we compromise?” uavked Shuttle. “I have seen a good deai of Mr. Bidwell of iate, and he. a rs to be very reasonable. Would it not be well to make some sort of a compromise?”’ “Mr. Shuttle,” sald EHiotson, ‘‘the unly kind of a compromise you could make with Henry Bidwell when' he is master is the same sort of a compromise a naked bebe might make with an alligator. No. We will hold the annual meeting, and let them vote the stock they hold.as if nothing had happened. We will say nothing about what has taken place unless they bring it up. The less you have to do with the matter the better it will be for you,” he added. ““We may hold you in place.” “I would be loyal to the paper, no mat- ter who controlled,” said the paper man, fervently. “That 18 right,” said Elliotson. “Our primary duty to the other stockholders is to make money for them.” ‘With Bidwell, Sprogel and Ledlow it ‘was a different matter. The failure to ob- tain this Enrnculnr piece of stock was a crushln{l low. The three men were brought together when Bidwell ogened the telegram that brought word that the stock had been sold. For a moment he was unable to speak. s ‘‘Gentlemen,” he said at last, his yoice betray!ng little of his agitation, ‘“we have met with a slight repulse. Some plars will have to> be rearranged. The Malden s{ock has been bought up by some one else.’” The gaunt form of the banker became limp, his eyes rolled with an agonizing look from one to the other of his com- panions, and speech failed him utterly. ““Well,” sald Sprogel, after a long period of silence, ‘‘we are up against something. ‘What do we do, Henry?" Bidwell knit his brows and made no answer, but the banker found his tongue. “Dot’ he exclaimed, “Why. we are done. What can we do? You have got me into a trap. The whole scheme must fall. How can we face The Watchman with such an ordinance as we have drawn? We must compromise, and save ourselves if possible.” “I don’t like compromises,” growled Sprogel; “I would ralger go through to a finish. A compromise is where you give up a chance to win in order to get oniy half-licked.” “It looks bad,” said Bidwell, “We might unload, but—but—"" “But what?"' queried the banker, ner- 2 at last. vously. Bmeve]l did not_answer, but was again lost in thought. He was running over in his mind the magnificent preparations he had made for the battle. He could trick these men, the men of the business world, into line, before The Watchman would cothe out in its full opposition to the ordi- nance. This last came to him like an in- spiration. He sprang up, and exclaimed: “But we can n if we go through. ‘What does The Watchman amount to, after all? It will dedge and feel along at first. Before it is ready we can commit the best element of this city to our cause. Perhaps we are better off without its sup- port. ~ It has lost oftener than it has won."” “They will expose us in the end” groaned the banker, for he alone felt the pangs of a man who esteems himself en- gaged in a bad cause. “‘Expose us!” exclaimed Bidwell. “What are we doing that any other business man in this city would not do if he had a chance? 'We are making money, and making it strictly within the law. We are-ending this strife, and we are giving permanency to one of the solid institu- tions of the city.” “You don’t mean Ledlow’s bank, do you?” broke in Sprogel, with a heavy, rumbling laugh, that grated on the nerves of the banker like the filing of a salv. “What do you say, Herman?" cried Bld- ‘well, suddenly turning on the millionaire, and ignoring his heavy flippancy. ‘‘Say the word, and I stand by your decision.’ “1 stand by what you sav, Henry,” re- turned the big man, “but I don't like to back.up.” “Nor do I” cried Bidwell, *“We will go ahead, and we shall win Of that I am sure.” Sprogel leaned over the table and ex- tended his hand. with a peculiar motion very much like the flutter of a fish’s fin. . “lhlke,“ he sald; “‘there’s nothing more o it The banker smiled feebly, and made haste to declare that he was also in. He was, too, for there was no way for him to back out and save his nioney. “The word must be given at once,” said Bidwell. “There is no time to lose. We must Lave the ordinance . introduced be- fore the committee, and then begin the work of bullding about it. Your men in the Council will stick, Herman, because there is no money on the other side. But there are others who will have to be worked upon night and day. Did you give that insurance to young Daubrn{? 07 Good! Hold it back and deal him off small slices at a time. There is another man in the Council to whom the most ai- tractive policy is the one with the revenue stamps on it. I would not have needed him if we had The Watchmin, but now I must draw him over. These detalls, however, can be discussed later on. Led- low,” he said, turning to the thin and nar- row banker, “we are in for a good fight, but we are going to win. I never made a mistake yet. I will make you more money than you could have made in the banking business in hundred years as Elliotson runs his bank.’ & “Yes,” sald Sprogel, before the banker eould reply, “but Ledlow doesn’t run his bank that way, either.” “I hope you are right, Henry,” sald Led- low, the first look of fright still lingering on his face, “and perhaps you are.. At any rate, you can depend upon me to do my best.” The decision of Bidwell to go ahead at once brought about great activity in cir- cles over which he held sway. The Alder- men on the judiciary committee were rounded up and coached by the lawyers in the employ of the company, the City At- torney was consulted often, and was early of a er grade than K‘l":ontact v‘vith ge members of the al- dermanic committee. No man ever stond more proudly or felt a keener thrill of honest pleasure than Aid Hugh Pannerton when he stpod bs. fore Mrs.- Warrington and placed The ‘Watchman stock in her hands. For a moment she was sneechless. Then she threw her arms about his neck and kisscd him, crying: “Hugh. Hugh, my own brave Hugh!” l'fe half drew back, with a_ques- tioning look in his eyes. “No, not yet,” she sald. as if diviting “tell me at his_thoughts; “not yet, Hugh. “But_teH me,” she cried, once. How did you get {t? Sit down, for you look scarcely able to stand. Ani z‘"}: face is cut and brujsed. Did vcu g1 tin! Bring a glass of wine for an - nerton at once.” s “Coffee,” said Hugh. “I never drink in train- when I am in training, and I ing now.” . ““Well, we will not quarrel about that."” she said. gazing fondly in his face: “but be seated and tell me all about it.” They sat together while Hugh told ike whole story of the night’s adventure and its successful outcome. “Strange and almost incredible,”” she said, reverting to that portion of the nar- rative dealing with the unknown friend who had furnished the money, for Hugl kept back the name. “and yet, Hugh. I have felt something of that indefinable in- fluence which your friend seems to have fathomed—that something that tells us things we capnat quite understand, and which we nejther hear nor see."” “Well,” said Hugh, “he knows, and I know, and that he has loaned me a sum never befare sn freely pa with in this city, I'll warrant.” ‘‘You are right to get back to business. Hugh, for such a debt must be promptly for it, Hugh? Here, Annetm gnr-‘ hand; paid. Come downtowr will ‘give you Safa &a" “should that £ The Wi with me, and I " ‘suggested Hugh: A ‘O,utered’on the books any?"” “company? it is exactly as I wish p out the Preaent officers trtum control. It is in blank now and blank it shall remain until the time when I shall write In the name I wish to ses o Hugh, and - Keep your own counsel, we will wait and watch a bit.” After u week had elapsed Bdith came to see Mrs. Warrington one afternocn, much troubled. T do not know what to make of unelc,” she said, “and I believe you should talk to him. Five days ago he came home one afternoon and said: ‘Edith, 1 am in New York' That evening 1 saw by the paper e had gone East for a business trip, and I understood he wished it thought he was gut of the city, t I was not prepared hur what has wed. have seen im only twice since, once when he came nto the house in the morni early, and once when he came down to use the te.ephone. e Was 8o haggard and white that he actual- .3' frightened me. The worst of it is, I Io rot belicve he has sient a wink dur- bfls tne wholc time. The light in his room urns all night, and I can héar him moy- ing about and talking to himself. What can we do My dear,” answered Mrs. Warrington, the quicker you earn to expect almost anything from your upcle the easicr it will be for your peace of mind. He is a strange man. [ have known him many years, and am more bewildered now than When I first began to take an interest in his actions. He has some wotk in hand, and no power cn earth can break him tr‘om his purpose.”’ ,But he may die,” pleaded the girl, mnen.d'—md—he has always been kind to “‘Men_like your uncle do not die that Way, Edith,” replied the elder woman. ‘They may burn and shrivel up, but they do not die. He will emerge, when he has completed the task which he has set for himself, shattered and weak, perhaps, but al'l've: yes, very much alive.” ‘Aunt Warrington,” sald Edith, solemn- ly, as if telling a great secret, “‘éxcepting uncle, do you know I cannot like very rich men. "They all seem alike, shallow or selfish.” ~Mr. Hannum is rich, and yet, from what I have heard, you seem to find him qQuite interesting,” returned Mrs. Warring- ton, quietly. “How unkind of you,” answered the 8irl, her cheeks taking on a flush. “The world is full of people who talk, who are full of misinterpretaticn, who wink at each other and wag fheir heads if two people exchange a few words. It is socle- ty. Mr. Hannum is not spoiled yet. He is more like— like—"" She stopped, and flushed again, until her face was crimson. ‘“More like Hugh,” said Mrs. Warring- ton. ‘“‘Edith, you have brought to mind something that I have wished to speak to zg:l"about. Have you and Hugh quarrel- “Why, no, indeed,” answered the girl, throwing her head back, while her eyes flashed. ““What a_question to ask! How could we quarrel, if we had a mind to? I have not seen him since the night of the lawn party. He disappeared as if he had gone to Europe. He hid hirnself away and avolded everybody, even Mr, Han- num, who is his ‘stanch friend. He re- fused all invitations to go out; he dodged by the people in the street; he sulked, and then went off for the fall hunting without ever a word to me. He did that, and you ask me if we have quarreled.” She had spoken with rising heat, and, catching her breath. she continued, speak- ing rapidly, and with trembling lips: ‘What had I done to him? y should he show his resentment against me? We had been friends for years. almost brother and sister, and because I chose to do as women do for just one evening—you called me a woman yourself, you know you did— )'njnr)l'a"rea up, and—and—treats me shame- +‘Why, what has he done?”’ asked Mrs. Warrington, “Tell me what he has done, my dear, that another man would not have done in his place?’ “‘In his place!” cried Edith. “Oh, Aunt Warrington, you knew and unde: d. Why should he be so blind? Wh; uld he not see it all?_ What was I to do, with that detestable Sprogel forced upon me by my uncle? What am I to do now? ‘What have I done for weeks, but to ask the question, over and over, to myself? And then to turn around and upbraid me at the first opportunity! What right has he to call me to account?”’ 5 “So_you did quarrel, after all?* said Mrs. Warrington. ““No,” cried Edith, “but he wrote me a letter that I could not answer. It was cruel; it was cowardly, on his part. How could he expect me to know? Why, he :?l?“!'\'g did not know himself until that g “And you, Edith,” sgid Mrs. Warring-~ ton, slipping an arm about the trembling rl; “you did not know until you received is foolish letter.” Her only answer was to put her head on her aunt's shoulder and burst into tears. “There, there,” said Mrs. Warrington, stroking the bowed head, “there, there, I know vou love him.” 2 “T don’t. I hate him!"” sobbed Edith. Mrs. Warrington led the girl to a seat, and there, holding each other's hands, they sat together while the girl poured out her heart to the one true, womanly friend she had in the world. - “How can I tell Hugh that I do not love him?” she said at the last. “And I can never tell him that I do love him. No: it is_too late now.” She sprang up, and her mood changed in an instant. “I am a woman at last!” she exclaimed deflantly. “A woman of the world. Why ghouldn’t 1T marry a man who is rich, dull and good natured? What would half the girls in the city give for the chance!” “Edith,” sald Mrs. Warrington, with deep displeasure in her tone ‘the love of an honest man is something more pre- cious than gold or silver. The woman who throws ft aside in vouth carries a heavy burden for the rest of her life.” “Yes,” returned Miss Edith, “but one cannot cast aside what one does not pos- ress. But T do not wish to give you pain. It has all been very foolish. this talk of Jove. I have charge of a business estah- lishment, and T must be hurry'ng bark. It there is nothing to do for my uncle now, T must at least be ready to greet him when_he reappears after his tussle with the Monev Devil. There, don't be 8hocked. Remember the hooke that Hugh and T read together. Tt is affectation to pretend to know too little. Oh, dear, I can see it in your face. When T was a wirl, vou wished me a woman, and now that I am grown a woman of the world, vou wish me the girl again.” On thé way home in her carriage she cried a little, and then, drying her eves, she attacked a loose thread in one of her loves so vigorously that she soon had he satisfaction of seeing a gaping seam. It was very much the same as when a man hurls a pet pipe to the floor, or breaks a cane. It was some relief. CHAPTER XVIIL WHEELS WITHIN WHEELS. The presentation of the company’s or- dinance in the Common Council had not caused the stir Bannerton anticipated. Bidwel! had been at great pains to pre- pare a copy for Shuttle In advance, and along with it went an interview in which Bldwell explained that the ordinance was merely submitted to the Council as the company's idea of what it would Ilike. Of course, the wily manipuiator said, it was open to many modifications. Resigned to the bellef that Bidwell had secured control of the majority of the stock by buying the block held by the Maiden bank, Elliotson was inclined not to interfere in whatever course Shuttie might choose to take, although he frank- ly told the editor that he thought the ordinarce the most daring and vicious plece of municipal legislation he had ever seen or read of. Now, while Shuttle be- lieved Bidwell controlied the stock he was not sn, certain but that another shift might not place it back in Elliotson’ nds. e decided upon a course o. carefu] trimming, which he called “being fair.” The ordinance was therefore duly promulgated. with all the contributor advertising that Bidwell chose (o worl in_with it. Bidwell contrived to see a great deal of Shuttle, whom he commended for his ~upright and honorable treatment of the ympany. ‘‘Of course, we -had to make the ordinance prefty strong at the be. nning,” he sald. “‘because the sand- ggers and the demagogues in the Coun- cil will be after us. ‘e must put our- selves I a position at the outset where we can gradually recede and make con cessions to effect a ca-prorg-é. ‘We must protect the innocent pur@hasers of our stock, you know.” But Shuttle did not lack information as to the actual state of affairs, The City Hall reporter told l}llm the ordinance was slated to go ugh as it stood and was gliven a lecture; the political man came in with the same story and was pramxu, for going outside of his field of endeavor. To this he demurred, claiming was all politics and nothing else. . THE SUNDAY CALL. *must be located. ““Nothing of the kind, nolh'ln, of the kind,” qried the irate editor, ‘‘You,fel- lows all see politics whenever Bidwell does anything. fio is a business man and this is_a business propesition. Bannerton, acting under instructions from Mrs. Warrington, in whose judg- ment he had every confidence, had sore back to his routine work and diversion. He stuck to his office, reading much while there and saw a great deal of Hannum and the artist in the evenings, the three ::Je;fln: in the bachelor quarters of Han- ‘Thus two months dragged by. On the surface there was little to be seen, but enry Bidwell was hard at work, bur- rowing and laying wires, reaching out here and there making connections, and steadily advancing , along the lines so carefully mapped out by him. Graduaily the public tired of the puttering objec- tions of The Watchman; a feeling of security overcame the opponents of the ordinance and it became a prevailing sen- timent that it would never be passed hy the Council. It was the echo of The Watehman's policy of puerile opposition. Suddenly, ene day, there eame a broad- side in The Spinning Wheel that, in a measure, opened Shuttle's eyes. It was in the sl?a&e of a solid page of carefully worded interviews with the leading busi- ness men of the city, in which thg{ were nearly all committed, either by inference or_directly, for the ordinance. Shuttle hurried to-see Bidwell. “What does this mean? What does this mean? What? What? Are you trying to get nuspurt for the ordinance you have submitted to the Council?” he demanded. The business men of the city seem to think pretty well of it,” replied Bidwell, complacently spreading the page of in- terviews out in front of him. “Iflhey ara satisfied the men who make the city, Wwho pay the taxes and employ thousands, w‘}‘% should you object?"” hey have been’ tricked into placing Hl:m!e ves in this position,” fumed Shut- ll’l.‘ip:?égll'ly g ua‘lid mzel}, “Bnld others lorced. e it at its worst. What of 1t2° ¢ “You are making a mistake,” said the editor. “The people will not stand such an Imposition. Why, the fare in other cities may be three cents, two i'ents, or less, Jn twenty years.” 2 “THat is what we are looking out for, returned Bidwell. “It depends entirely upon the point of view. e are not pay- ing car fares. We are coliccting them.” ‘You are making a mistake. You are making a great mistake,” sputteréd the editor, nérvously, shaking his head. ‘Look here, Shuttie,” said Bidwell, “you have told me that on several oec- casions and I have never before made any reply to it. Look at .me now and then look back and see where I was thirteen years ago. Does the record show that I have made many mistakes? Now, it strikes me that you are the man who has made mistakes. What has it profited you to oppose me as you have done every now and then during that period? What i this to you now? Why not come over with us and make a legitimate profir? There is stock to be boufht that will be increased a hundred-fold if this ordinance is passed. Be falr and reasonable in this matter and you' will make good div- idends.” “I am fair and reasonable,” declared Shuttle, his eyes flashing, “and I do not Lzve to be bribed to be so, Mr. Bidwell. I do not have to be bribed. What? What? “Bribery is an ugly word, Mr. Shuttle,” sajd Bidwell, in a menacing tone. “I sbould dislike very much, for your sake, to have to tell any one that I tried to bribe you.” ““What'is the use of all this pretense?” cried Shuttle. “Why do you not ask for my resignation at once. You can have it now. What is the use of playing with me, Mr. Bidwell?"’ “I do_not quite understand you,” served Bidwell, quietly. ‘‘Oh, of course not,” sneered Shuttle. “Do you think I am a fool? Do you im- agine that we do not know that you con- trol the stock? Who got the Malden stock, if you did not?” ““Humph,” said Bidwell, with a little shrug of his shoulders, ‘“‘some one has bLeen talking too much.” “Very little goes on that I do not find cut,” continued Shuttle, shaking his head decisively. “Now, what is the use of beating about the bush? You want me to support this ordinance. I decline to al- low the paper to take such a stand as long as I am at its head. You can have my resignation now. It must come to that, so here it is now, to take effect at cnce.” He produced a lead pencil and began to scribble on a piece of paper that he found on the table in front of him. When he had finished he passed it over to Bid- well. The wily manipulator took it and looked it over. Then he slowly and care- fully tore it to pleces, and threw the bits intc the waste basket. “‘Mr. Shuttle,” he said, at last, “I de- cline to accept your resignation. I ad- miire your_courage and I respect your opinions. Now. I have just one thing to ask of you.” *1 will grant it, if it is what an honor- able man can do,” responded Shuttle, 1much affected by Bidwell's generosity. “It is to be fair with us,” said Bidwell. *“To allow: the Common Council and the people to hear our side of the case. That is all I ask.” “I promise you that,” cried Shuttle, jumping up and extending his hand, “ccme what may.” “Very well,” said Bidwell, with all the manner of a man speaking to an em- picye. “There is nothing more for us to discuss.” “It pays to be firm. It pays to be firm,” repeated Shuttle over and over to himseif, as he hurried back to his den on the top tloor of the Watchman building. The moment the editor left the office Bidwell pushed a button. “Tell Stalker to come to me at once,” he said to the clerk who answered the buzzer. Then he paced back and forth in the room, talking to himself. i ‘““They have not got it; they have not got it. There is a chance yet. Where can it be? There is also another move. Ell otson thinks I have the control. He might sell.” His soliloquy was cut short by the en- trance. of Stalker, whom he motioned (o be seated. “Stalker,” he began in a way that made the big lobbyist quiver, “‘you have bun- gle@ several, things for me. I have kept yecu with me for old times' sake. But there are some things I cannot forgive.” “What have I done?” answyered Stalker, in vain trying to summon the little gur- gllr&g laugh that was his chief stock in rade. “‘You reported to me that the other side had secured the Watchman stock held by the Malden bank,” said Bidwell, sternly. "lltt ?u not true. 'Did you take it your- self?” 5 For a moment Stalker, who could bluff and browbeat a State Senator, or even a Governor, on a Flnch, was dumb with fright, as Bidwell came n:arer to him, all the while fixing his glittering eyes on him as if they would pierce the innermost secrets of. his breast. . “Geod God! No!'' he managed to ejac- ulate. *“It was bought in the Maiden tank. I have Stubbitt's word for it, anl 1 saw the money in co}d, hard cash.” “‘Stalker,” sald Bidwel, after mo- ment’s pause, '‘some one else, othér than Elliotson and his crowd, has that !!0(’3( now. ob- I will stand for any- thing—anything—do you understand?” “I wilt find it, Mr. Bidwell,” cried St?!ker. rising and thumbing his hat. “I will find it if every power on earth must be invoked to aid me.” “‘Yes, and all the powers in hell, if nec- essary,” said Bidwell. ‘“Your report threw me off completely. On the success of your efforts depends your further con- nectior. with this company—and your con- nection with anything eise in this State.”” There were times when Bidwell did things straight and direct. He left his office and went at once to the office of Ssmuel Elliotson. “It is something out of the ordinary run to see you here, Henry,” said Elliotson, in meflng. ‘““We meet often enough in the club, but I do not remember when I have had a call from you.” “Elliotson,” began Bidwell, “let us bs frank and straight in the talk that we are to have together. We have been op- wAced to each other in a good many au&, but that should cut little figure in 4 st t business proposition." “1f it is _on the street rallway ordin- ance,”" -‘wdl Elliotson, “you ought to be satisfied with wkat your man has made me say in that interview. I do not be- Ileve in that ordinance, and I never shall, 1 'w too much of the whole speculation that Is back of it. You should not expect me to think otherwise under the circum- ces.’ ““It is not in reference to the ordinance,” returned Bidwell. “It has to do with The w-h.;!nn-n. You know h.n.w matters stand now. 3 “I know that you have control margin,” ed Elliotson. - 50 “Very well,” continued Bidwell. “I wish you to continue as mt‘tfl the com- :?fim what conditions?’ asked Elliot- x I must have it. At any rate, 't- “{Inder absolutely no conditions,” re- plied Bidwell. I am will Lo trust to your judgment and sense of wr.e-l:- T For some moments Elliotson 'n.; o thought. At last he iooked up and sal P “Henry, I cannot accept it. 1 apwfldb 4 r confidence in me one W2y, h‘m's— &rothcr way your coufidence in me By placed. I am absolutely and irrevoctvy oppesed to the ordinance that yourco‘"h pany now has before the CommoR CCrrT cil. "I believe in the indeterminate oo chise and the fixing of rates of fare :' 5 five years, based on the earnings of 'o¢ road. 1 am willing to allow you o Hen ] stock. ou withdra dll‘r- ce ‘ndtym‘eu'“sh a propositien to the people of this city?” ould_you favor a new banking 1AW that would eut your profits dqyn.l S “I might,” said Elliotson, ‘if bl my rofiu Wi d a bur ere excessive an oun the people. No, Henry, Wwe cannot come to terms, and I have no idea WDy you have offered to allow me to ram:in as president of The Watchman cumnll fi!a- For, should I remain, I would fight o ordinance tooth and nail in the paper, 53 I shall do out of it when the time cnn}: -t “Well,” remarked Bidwell, "enoug! gr that now. Will you sell some of yflm stock? As you say, we have control, - Dflll:' refusal in ti empna; C'l‘l} have n earing on your position 3 e “Henry Bidwell,” returned Elliotson, T told you once I would never sell a pex:“ ny’s ‘worth of The Watchman stock to you. In a business. sense I consider you a bad man to own a good newspaper. You have control. You are a shrewd manager. You may make money for us stoc! D'di ers, and as for the policy of the paper will not be held responsible. No; I st and where I did before. Not a penny’s worth of stock at any price.” . “Samuel Elliotson,” said Bidwell, llvlg with rage, “‘you are an old man, and— “Oh, I don’t know about that, Henry, interrupted Elliotson. “I would not trade with you. My body is tolerably sound, angd so is my conscience.” Bidwell rushed from the room, tottered about for a moment outside and then, puliing himself together with a great ef- fort, made his way back to the office. Trat night Edith heard him stirring about in his den, working and-talking to himself far into the morning hours. He came to his breakfast trembling and white, but was much improved when he had eaten. “You did not rest well last night, did you, uncle?”’ asked the girl. “Rest!” he began, smiling across the table at his niece. “Rest! never rest, IXI{‘ dbe‘?r. Sometimes I sieep, but that is a habit.” Elliotsen sent for Shuttle the day after Bidwell called upon him. “Shuttle,” he said, “I am tired of this dilly-dallying. Either the paper must come out flat-footed against this ordinance or support it, the way the rest of the papers are doing. I am tired of seeing editorial writers doing a dally tight-rope act. Shuttle hemmed and hawed. ““We are merely being fair,” he sald at last. “There has been nothing done as vet. The ordinance is merely up for dis- cussion now.” “And in the meantime Bidwell is mak- ing capital for it in e(lery section and among every class. But I tired of having the responsibility and not the free con- trol. 1 do not care to give imperative or- ders, under the circumstances, and do not rropose, even by inference, to stand for the present policy. The annual meet- ing has been twice postponed at Bidwell's request, which, by the way, I thought very pecullar. I shall call the meeting for to-morrow.” “Might as well write out my resigna- tion in that case,” said Shuttle. “Oh, I do not know about that.” said Elliotson. “You have been doing quite well. Mind, I do not blame you at all, Shuttle.” “I have always wished to do what was best for the paper,” said Shuttle. “I know you have,” returned Elliotson, speaking in_a kindly tome. ‘You have been a faithful and hard-working servant, loyal to the paper and homest. I regret as much_as you do the change In the sit- uation. But you will have to learn to conduct the paper 1 the Interest of some- thing else than the per in the future. You will have to keep your eye on the trolley.” The call came for the meeting just when Bidwell least wished it. But there was no getting away from it. So he made the best of the situation, and, possessed of a knowledge which he had shared with no one else, he was present when the roll was called. The stock controlled by EI- Hottson was filed with the secretary, as was also the stock held by Bidwell and his associates. The secre‘ary ran it over and verified it, and then, turning to Bid- well, said: “You have forgotten the block held by the Malden Bank, Mr. Bidwell.” “I beg your pardon,” returned Bldwell, “but I have not fo-gotten it. I do not think I shall, either. “But it is not here,” persisted the sec- retary. “I am glad to_hear it.” responded Bld- ‘well, smilinez. “‘But there is no lo T any use of further pretense In fact, I never said I had it, and T have not. I may get it.” he added significantly. John Dee, one of the stockholders asso- clated with Elliotson, rose and called the president aside.. When they hadefinished their short conference they returned and Elliotson asked: “Am I to understand that we are in the maiority, Mr. Secretary?’ “You are from what T have before me,™ replied the secretary. ‘“‘But the Malden Rank stock wonld take it away from you if it were filed here to-day."” “But it is not here to-dayv.” said Dea. move, gentlemen, that President Fl- liotson bhe continued at the head of the corporation. A< he is in the chair, I shall put the motion.” “Allow me *tn second the motion. if you please.’” said Bidwell dryly. The vote was urarimous. “And now. zentlemen.” said Bidwell. “T move that there be absolutely no change in the officers ar emninves of this com- pany at the vresent time. I wish fur- ther to sav. that T have nothing but com- mendation for Mr. Shuttle. ,who has thus far candneted tha narer for the best in- terests of all concerred in it.”” There wasj little further business ex- centing of a routine natrre, and Bidwail left hefore it was Anished. “fiad, T admira Henrv Aan't you?" ex- claimed Jchn Dee to Ellioton when the meetine adiourned. ‘“He Is smooth, and no mistake.” “T much admired the cat’s naw, for same reasan, when I w-~s quite yonng. renlied the veteran. “But one day I stenned on her tail.” That evening Elliotson, John Dee and Shuttle held a long conference. “I stand for an aggressive and fearless . policy in this matter.” said Elljotson, as they were about to part. “This ordinance is a plece of viclous legislation, and back of it is a great specuiation—an opportu- nity to grab millions of doilars. I am con- servative when I place the ultimate profits at fifty million dollars if it were to be- come operative and made binding by the courts. It ties the people of this city hand and foot. There is no half-way stand to be taken on this measure. To be in favor of 1t man must be either a knave or a ool ““But you wish the paper to be fair, do you not?" asked Shuttle. “Of course—just as fair as you or I would be with any robber: knmock him down—and then give him a fair trial.” “‘That is where I stan e will back vou up. 'All right, gentlemen,” "sajd _Shuttle, ut no paper can afford to be unfair. Yo have both told me that a hundred time: “Ellictson,” said Dee, when they were going down in the elevator, and Shuttle had already begun to worry the telegraph flmu. “our man is inclined to be a weak ter.” “It is our fault,” replied Ellfotson, “‘for we have brought him up that way. But he is honest. and that covers a multitude of sins nowadavs.’ The Watchman flamed out in. a few days in a way that shook the city hall, politiclans and office-holders, from clerk to Mayor, its first attack being on the city administration and the A!:em en. At once Bidwell bolstered e the Mayor, who swore to stand to a finish. The other pa- pers, taking Bidwell's cue. devlored the that The Watchman had politics into a busimess proposition. he public was at sea, some takin Watehman's side, some being o by the arguments of the other papers. The Watchman en turn- ed Its attention to the ordinance itself, and tore it reds with and facts. Bi foveen at once produced figures by the ya; that “the eomp-nx had )o-t’ :’ol‘a:y.hr; years; that it had built up the city and expended thousands and thousands of dol- lars in improvements, and. above all, that the d»ro:wsed ordinance, with some modi- fications, of course, would give the city the finest street rallway system in ihe country. ‘The Watchman began to make headway. Men to shake thelr heads. The Aldermen DOTH! 1 round-ups that clrt;uu'en:: af I Sas e saime ordinsms k. djestions R o S onE e i B el real had made by committing themseives 1n e jn obtained by Bidwel:'s men. les on every hand they found brought to bear to k them quiet, or make them open supporters of the ordi- nance. This pressure came from Led- low’s bank, from Sprugel's vast ramifica- tions in the manufacturing line, and from the political world, over which Bidwelir, held so firm a hand. On every nand these ’ business men said to Sauttle, to Eliotson, and to his associates: “We are opposed to the ordinance, and you are taking the right course. But we can say nothing. Our business wouid be ruined.” The great mass of people began to rouse themseives, and to see into the seheme by which they were to pay a new tax for half a century On a popular vote the ordinance wouid have been buried under an avaianche of ballots. But there was no provision by which such a vote could be taken; be- sides, said one of Bidwell's papers, it was a business matter, to be decided by busi- ness men. Bidwell, through all* this, was playing for time. In a hundred ways he worked night and day to keep his forces mov- ing; make a bold front; declared again and again in print that there was no hur- ry; that all the company wanted was a calm and dispassionate discussion of the subject; that what he wanted was to build up, not to tear down. In many and devious ways he reached Shuttle, and caused it to be whispered about that the per was making a mistake, that it was acomln‘ anarchistic, trying to stir up the mass against the business world. The counell committee continued to meet, dis- cuss the ordinance and then adjourn. Gradually Shuttle began to weaken. He began to qualify and to temporize. The ‘Watchman declared that, after all, it were better to take time, to listen to the arguments of the com; y, to give it a fair chance. By implication it was ad- mitted that the ordinance might be all right, after all. Bidwell was quick to se{u the advantage. He proposed that the business men should be heard by the committee. But the struggle had taxed Bidwell almost to the limit of his re- séurces. Sprogel’s phalanx was held in line by the cohesion of favors givem and more expected, but the other Aldermen _ wavered, alarmed by the attitude of their constituents. There came a lull which was much needed by Bidwell And it came at a time when Bidwell had all but given up. With a sigh of relief he threw The Watchman aside one day, and exclaimed: “If I had only got the paper, how easy it would have all been. But Shuttle had begun to feel the effect of the susges- tions. And to think that such a fellow as Ed Tubbett should stop the glant that stands in my path. But, after all, what is stronger than ridicule, backed up by a fit face and a good laugh! Shuttle! He ought to receive a double salary. One from me, and one from the company. But I wish I had the paper, just the same. “There is no use keef!n‘ at it now, Shuttle explained to Elliotson. “There nothing being done. It is simply in the hands of the committee, and I have pri- vate information that Bidwell will th- draw the ordinance when the time comes.” “That time can never come,” said El- liotson. “They are in too deep on their holdings of stock. But use your own judgment on the matter.” “Well, I want to be fair; I want to be fair,” said Shuttle. “I have heard con- siderable criticism.” she decision of Shuttle to be fair caused something of a truce, so far as the battle before the public was concern- ed. For Bidwell speedily took measures to see that Shuttle was not stirred up by the other papers. In The Daybook and The Spinning Wheel he took to running editortal homilies on “Charity,” “Build- ing Up, Instead of Tearing Down,” and kindred toplcs. There was also much concerning “the strides of our beau- tiful city.” During all this time, fof it covered a month, Bidwell ¥ not fail to press his search for the miss- ing block of stock, for he had doubts if he could pass the ordinance through the Council in the face of The Watchman thoroughly in fighting trim. His cause was too black. The evidence of the rob- bery was too strong. and reasons why the Aldermen should vote for it were too weak. Al! this time Bannerton had been sitting bac, restrained by Mrs. War- rington from taking any part. “Not yet, Hugh.” she sald, “it is not time. 1’ know Henry Bidwell. But if things go as I fear you shall have an op- portunity. And it shall not be a small part that you shall play.” What she meant he did not know, and he did not ask. There were times when he longed to go to Shuttle, to tell him of things he knew, to point out openings, to leave some things unsaid, but Mrs. ‘Warrington's advice gulded him. “Not yet,” she sald; “not yet.” So the lull came and everybody rested—everybody but Bidwell. Bannerton dropped down to see Locksley one evenlni “How is everything?’ he asked. ‘Dead,” replied ey. “T guess the ordinance is knocked out,” ventured Hugh. “Well,” said Locksley, blowing a cloud of smoke from his lips, “you know I don’t attend to much but my own busi- ness. But I don’'t mind telling you one thing on the strict ‘Q. T." The gang Is stfll on the pay roll. Quiet like now, but still on the roll. ‘The Duke’ never backs up—that is the watchword. The paper had them guessing for a while, but it let up just in time. I guess I didn't have anvthing to do with that, either!” “Why, what do you mean?" asked Hugh, laughing. ~ “I" thought you were with me in this matter?” “I am, at the finish, to a certain ex. tent,” returned Locksley. “But I am in- terested in mlnf these yahoos come down here and call for a bird and a small * bottle. A bird and a small bottle! The best they ever got before th got into office was an even break with cornbeef Gt how dld you etop the paper’s at “Bul oW yQu stop e s at- tacks?" persisted Hugh. '-reu’;a. Ben.” “‘Oh, that was easy. Tubbett and Shat- tle are chums, you —old college chums. They meet every night, just by accident—every night, just gy accident. Says I to Tubbett, ‘Your work is coarse.” Then 1 told him what to shoot into him. 1 told him to give him the laugh—to tell him eveyybody was laughing at the because everybody was all off; that the ordinance was dead, that the Aldermen had all gone back on it, that he was shooting at something that everybody knew wasn’t there and that the business Ruys were getting tired because it hurt trade—Scotty Parlee was dead _scared, and wouldn't buy @ new hat while this Was going on. He sald that when the papers got out to pull the tail-feathers out of the vulture of vice they generally got around and closed up the gamblin; houses. Tubbett sprung it all on his ‘oox old friend, and then it was all off.” “Ben,” said Hugh, “there should be a good retainer fee for you from the street railway people. You ought to be on the pay roll.” ‘“Hugh.” returned Locksley, “I make my money badly enough, God knows, al- though no worse than the ‘who rents to me. But that Is neither Nere nor there. I wouldn't take a cent that way if I were starving. I won’t let anybody own me."” ‘What Locksley told him gave Banner- food for thought. But it was what he had feit all along. He told Mrs. ‘Warrington his surmise. She smiled and said she was waiting. He also told Han- num at one of their chats, and the lawyer sneered. “Why, they can never m: ordinance. It is not legal, and, if they did, the courts would never sustain it. Any lawyer knows that.” “But they may.” “If they do, I will knock It out” ~* “You!" cried Hugh. ‘““Why, you have all along taken their side. You have said they ought to have all they want, if they could get {t."” o “Yes, if they can get a legal ordinance, But it’ must be legally done.” b —-" how about bribery and ecorrup- ton tion > “Isn’t it ‘all around us?" restorted the lawyer. ‘“What is the difference if you buy an Alderman to save the life of your corporation, or to fix things so he can no longer menace you? You don’t blame a man for using his money to save hs life, do you? Then, why blame a cor- poration? The ldw cannot take cogn: zance of bribery until it is proven. I a legal ordinance is passed, with legal pro- lure, it will stand; otherwise it will not. The courts will protect the people as mnuch as they are entitled to be pro- tected. “1 don't know about that,” sald Ban- nerton, doubtfully. “Well, 1 will show vou if this ordinance is passed by the Common Couneil.” “Is that a promise?’ demanded Hugh. “Yes,” answered the lawyer, “I give you my word."” o;w-n," ::lld “‘,“h"fl have at l:'u done good thing for people. You are “No, no,” the silent 3 - AR artist, with any part. I cannot _get away from it. It is on every side. I hate it—the law. The law says who must not rob, and how to rob, and who may rob. If it is your right that is mheu‘. the law is right, and you re- spect the law, because it is right. Then the others cry it is all wrong, but Tne lawyer 15 at frst & Netle part e lawyer al a man himself; then the man mb: small part of the lawyer—and then, some-