Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 31, Number 265, 22 October 1906 — Page 7

The Richmond Palladium, Monday, October 22, 1906

Page Seven,

THE

By KATHERINE CECIL THURSTON, Author of "The Circle," Etc.

Copyright, 1904. by "rofgive me, sir. l never meant to Imply retirement. Why, Rickshaw, Vale, Cressham and the whole Wark crowd would be about your ears like flies If such a thing were even breathed now more than ever since these Persian rumors. By the way, is' there anything real in this border business? The St. George's came out rather Btrong last night." Chilcote had moved back to the table. His face was pale from his outburst, and his fingers toyed restlessly with the open newspaper. I haven't seen the St. George's," he said hastily. "Lakely is always ready to shake the red rag where Russia is concerned. Whether we are to enter the arena is another matter. But what about f'raig-Burnage? I think you mentioned something of a contract." "Oh, don't worry about that, sir. Blessington had caught the twitching at the corners of Chileote's mouth, the nervous sharpness of his voice. "I can put Craig-Burnnge off. If they have an answer by Thursday it will be time enough." He began to collect his papers, but Chilcote stopped him. . "Wait," he said, veering suddenly. Wait. I'll see to it now. I'll feel more myself when I've done something. I'll come with you to the study." He walked hastily across the room; then, withi bis.; band; on, tbe loor, he. paused. "You go fir6t,fBlessington,? he said. "I'll I'll follow you in ten minutes. I must glance through the newspapers first." Blessington looked uncertain. "You Von't forget, sir?" "Forget? Of course not." Still doubtful-, Blessington left the room and closed the door. Once alone Chilcote walked slowly back to the table, drew up his chair and sat down with his eyes on the white cloth, the paper lying unheeded beside him. Time passed. A servant came into the room to remove the breakfast. Chilcote moved slightly when necessary, but otherwise retained his attitude. The servant, having finished his task, replenished the fire and left the room. Chilcote still sat on. At last, feeling numbed, he rose and crossed to the fireplace. The clock on the mantelpiece stared him In the face. He looked at It, started slightly, then drew out his watch. Watch and clock corresponded. Each marked 12 o'clock. With a nervous motion he leaned forward and pressed the electric bell long and hard. Instantly a servant answered. "Is Mr. Blessington in the study?" Chilcote asked. "He was there, sir, five minutes back.", Chilcote looked relieved. ' "AH right Tell him I have gone out had to go out. Something important. 'You understand?" ; "I understand, sir. But before the words had been properly spoken Chilcote had passed the man and walked into the hall. CHAPTER III. EEAYIXG his house, Chilcote walked forward quickly and aimlessly. With the sting of the outer air the recollection of last night's adventure came back upon him. Since the hour of his waking it had hung - about with vague persistence, but now in the clear light of day It seemed to stand out with a fuller peculiarity. The thing was preposterous, nevertheless it was genuine. He was wearing the overcoat he had worn the night before, and, acting on impulse, he thrust his hand into the pocket and drew out the stranger's card. "Mr. John Loder!" He read the name over as he walked along, and it mechanically repeated itself In his brain, falling into measure with his steps. Who was John Loder? What was he? The questions tantalized him till bis pace unconsciously increased. The thought that two men so absurdly alike could Inhabit the same city and remain unknown to each other faced bim as a problem. It tarjgled.wlth, his personal worries- and aggravated them There seemed to be almost a danger la such an extraordinary likeness. He befn to regret his impetuosity In thrusting his card upon the man. Then, again, how he had let himself go on the subject of Lexington! How narrowly he bad escaped compromise! He turnedhotand cold at the recollec-a tion of what he had said and what he might haTe said. Then for the first time he paused in his walk and looked about him. On Jeaving Grosvenor square he had turned westward, moving rapidly till the Marble arch was reached. There, still oblivious to his surroundings, he had crossed the roadway to theEdgware road, passing along it to tiie labyrinth of shabby streets that lie behind Paddington. Now, as he glanced about him, he saw with some surprise how far he had come. The damp remnants of the fog still hung about the housetops in a filmy veil. There were no glimpses of green to break the monotony of tone. All fwas quiet, dingy, neglected. But to Chilcote the shabbiness was restful, the subdued atmosphere a satisfaction. Among these sad houses, these passersby, each fllle4 with his own concerns, lie experienced a sense of respite and relief. In the fashionable streets that bounded his own. horizon if a man paused in his walk to work out an idea he instantly drew a crowd of inquisitive or contemptuous eyes. Here if a man halted for half an hour it was nobody's business but his own. Enjoying. this thought, he wandered on for close upon an hour, moving from one street to another with steps that were listless or rapid, as inclination prompted. Then, still acting with kaucruit, almlessness. he stepped in his

Hirper Is Brothers

a wanderings and entered a smaii eating house. The place was low ceiled and dirty, the air hot and steaming with the smell of food, but . Chilcote passed through the door and moved .to. one of the tables with no expression of disgust and with far less furtive watchfulness than he used in his own house. By a curious mental twist he felt greater freedom, larger opportunities in drab surroundings such as these than in the broad Issues and weighty responsibilities of his own life. Choosing a corner seat, he called for coffee; and there, protected by shadow and wrapped in cigarette smoke, , he set about imagining himself some vagrant unit who had slipped his moorings and was blissfully adrift. TVe Imagination was pleasant while it lasted, but with him nothing was permanent. Of late the greater part of bis sufferings had been comprised In the irritable fickleness of all his aims the distaste for and impossibili ty of sustained effort in any direction. He had barely lighted a second cigar ette when the old restlessness fell upon him. He stirred nervously In his seat, and the cigarette was scarcely burned out when he rose, paid his small bill and left, the shop. Outside on the pavement he halted. pulled out his watch and saw that two hour& stpetcHetP ftn front" before itty appointment claimed his attention. He wondered vaguely where he might go to, what he might do, In those two hours. In the last few minutes a dis taste for solitude had risen In his mind, giving the close street a loneli ness that had escaped him before. As he stood wavering a cab passed slowly down 'the street. The sight of a well dressed man roused the cab man. Flicking his whip, he passed Chilcote close, feigning to pull up. The cab suggested civilization. Chil cote's mind veered suddenly, and he raised his hand. The vehicle stopped, and he climbed in. "Where, sir?" The cabman peered down through the roof door. Chilcote raised his head. "Oh, any where near Tall Mall," he said. Then, as the horse started forward, he put up his hand and shook the trapdoor. "Wait!" he called. "I've changed my mind. Drive to Cadogan gardens, No, 33." The distance to Cadogan Gardens was covered quickly. Chilcote bad hardly realized that his destination was reached when the cab pulled up Jumping out, he paid the . fare and walked quickly to the hall door of No. 33. -"Is Lady Astrupp at home?" he ask ed sharply as the door swung back in answer to his knock. The servant drew back deferentially. "Her ladyship has almost finished lunch, sir," he said. , For answer Chilcote stepped through the doorway and walked halfway across the hall. ' "All right," he said. "But don't disturb her on my account. I'll wait in the white room till she has finished And, without taking further notice of the servant, he began to mount the stairs. In the room where he had chosen to wait a pleasant wood fire brightened the dull January afternoon and sof tened the thick white curtains, the gilt furniture and the Venetian vases filled with white roses. Moving straight forward, Chilcote paused by the grate and stretched his hands to the blaze; then, " with his usual instability, he turned and passed to a couch that stood a yard or two away. On the coach, tucked away between a novel and a crystal gazing ball, was a white Persian kitten, fast asleep. Chilcote picked up the ball and held it between his eyes and the fire, then he laughed superciliously, tossed it back into its place and caught the kitten's tail. The little animal stirred, stretched itself and began to pur. At the same moment the door of the room opened. Chilcote turned around. "I particularly said you were not to be disturbed, he began.; "HavevI -merited displeasure?" He spokeastjtvith the uneasy tone that so often Unuerrari his words. Lady Astrupp took his hand with a confiding gesture and smiled. "Never displeasure," she said lingerIngly, and again she smiled. The smile might have struck a close observer as faintly artificial. But what man in Chileote's frame of mind has time to be observant where women are concerned? The manner of the smile was very sweet and almost caressing, and that sufficed. "What have you been doing?" she asked after a moment. "I thought I was quite forgotten." She moved across to the couch, picked up the kitten and kissed it. "Isn't this sweet?" she added. She looked very graceful as she turned, holding the little animal up. She was a woman of twenty-seven, but she looked a girl. The outline of her face was pure, the pale gold of her hair almost ethereal, and her tall, slight figure still suggested the suppleness, the possibility of future development, that belong to youth. Shewore a lace colored gown that harmonized with the room and with the delicacy of her skin. "Now sit down and rest or walk about the room. I shan't mind which." She nestled into the couch and picked up the crystal ball. "What is the toy for?" Chilcote looked at her from the mantelpiece, against which he was resting. He had never defined the precise attraction that Lillian Astrupp held for him. Her shallowness soothed him; her Inconsequent egotism helped him to forget himself. She never asked him how he was, she never expected impossibilities. She let him come and go . ajxd act a ha "'t'H never demand

ing reasons. Like the kitten, sue was charming and graceful and easily amused. It was possible that, also like the kitten, she could scratch and be spiteful on eecasion, but that did not weigh with him. He .sometimes expressed a vague envy of the late Lord Astrupp, but even had circumstances permitted it Is doubtful - whether he would have chosen to be his successor. Lillian as a friend was delightful, but Lillian as a wife would have been a different consideration. "What is the toy for?" he asked again. She looked up slowly. "How cruel of you. Jack! It is my very latest hobby." It was part of her attraction that she was never without a craze. Each new one was as fleeting as the last, but to each she brought the same delightfully insincere enthusiasm, the same picturesque devotion. Each was a pose, but she posed so sweetly that nobody lost patience. "You mustn't la ugh f she protested, letting the kitten slip to the ground. "I've had lessons at 5 guineas eacc from the most fascinating person 3 professional and Im becoming quite

an adept. Of course I haven't been much beyond the milky appearance yet, but the milky appearance is every thing, you know. The rest will come. 1 am trying to persuade Blanche to let me have a pavilion at her party in March and gaze for all you dull political people." And she smiled. Chilcote smiled as well. "How is it done?" he asked, momentarily amused. "Oh, the doing is quite delicious. You sit at a table with the ball in front of you. Then you take the subject's hands, spread them out on the table and stroke them very softly while you gaze into the crystal. That gets up the sympathy, you know." She looked up Innocently. '"Shall I show you?" Chilcote moved a small table nearer to the couch and spread his hands upon it, palms downward. "Like this, eh?" he said. Then a ridiculousness seized him, and he moved away. "Some other day," he said quickly. "You can show me some other day. I'm not very fit this afternoon." If Lillian felt any disappointment she showed none. "Poor old thing!" she said softly. "Try to sit here by me and we won't bother about anything." She made a place for him beside her, and as he dropped Into it she took his hand and patted it sympathetically. The touch was soothing, and he bore It patiently enough. After a moment she lifted the hand with a little exclamation of reproof. "You degenerate person! You have ceased to manicure. What has become of my excellent training?" Chilcote laughed. "Run to seed," he said lightly. Then his expression and tone changed. "When a man gets to my age,", he added, "little social luxuries don't seem worth while. The social necessities are irksome enough. Personally I envy the beggar in the street exempt from shaving, exempt from washing" Lillian raised her delicate eyebrows. The sentiment was beyond her perception. "But manicuring," she said reproachfully, "when you have such nice hands. It was your hands and your eyes, you 'Other Men' Shoes, " he read. know, that first appealed to me." She sighed gently, with . a touch of senti mental remembrance, "And I thought it so strong of you not to wear rings. It must be such a temptation. She looked down at her" own fingers, glit tering with jewels. Z . But the momentary pleasure of her touch was gone. Chilcote drew, away his hand and picked up the book that lay between . them. Other Men's Shoes.' " he read. A novel, of course?" She smiled. "Of course. Such a fan tastic story two men changing Identi ties!" Chilcote rose and walked, back to the mantelpiece. "Changing identities," he said, with a touch of interest. Yes. One man is an artist, the oth er a millionaire. One. wants. to know what fame Is like, the other wants to know how it feels to be really sinfully rich. So they exchange experiences for a month." She laughed. Chilcote laughed as well. "But how?" he asked. 'yrh, I told you the idea was absurd. Fancy two people so much alike that neither their friends nor their servants see any difference! Such a thing couldn't be, could it?" Chilcote looked down at the fire. No," he said doubtfully. "No. t sup pose not" "Of coifrse not. There are likenesses, but not freak likenesses like that." Chileote's head was bent as he spoke, but at the last words he lifted it. By Jove! I don't know about that!" he said. "Not so very long ago I saw two men so much alike tha I I" He stopped. - ' Lillian smiled. He colored quickly. "You doubt me? he asked. My dear Jack! Her voice was del icately reproachful. "Then you think that my my Im agination has been playing me tricks?" My dear boy! Nothing of the kind.

hark tu j ulace and tell me

the whole tale?" She smiled again, ana patted the couch Invitingly. But Chileote's balance had been upsef. For the first tlme'ne saw Lillian as one of the- watchful, suspecting crowd before which he was constantly oh guard. Acting on the sensation, he moved suddenly, toward the door. "I I have an appointment at the house," he said quickly. "I'll look In another day when when I'm better company. I know I'm a bear today. My nerves, you know." He came back to the couch aDd took her hand. Then he touched her cheek for an instant with his fingers. "Goodby," he said. "Take care of yourself and the kitten," he added with forced gayety, as he crossed the room. That afternoon Chileote's nervous condition reached its height. All day

he had avoided the climax, but no evasion can . be eternal, and - this he realized as he sat in his place on the opposition benches during the half hour of wintry twilight that precedes the turning on of the lights. He realized It in that half hour, but the application of the knowledge followed later, when the time came for him to question the government on some point relating to the proposed additional dry dock at Talkley, the naval base. Then for the first time he knew that the sufferings of the past months could have a vjsible as well as a hidden side could disorganize his daily routine as they had already demoralized his will and character." The thing came upon him with extraordinary lack of preparation. He sat through the twilight with tolerable Calm, his nervousness showing only in the occasional lifting of his hand to his collar and the frequent changing of his position, but when the lights were turned on and he leaned back in his seat with closed eyes he became conscious of a curious impression a disturbing idea that through his closed lids he could see the faces on the opposite side of the house, see the rows of eyes, sleepy, interested or vigilant. Never before had the sensation presented Itself, but once set up it ran through all his susceptibilities. By an absurd freak of fancy those varying eyes seemed to pierce through his lids, almost through his eyeballs. The cold perspiration that was his daily 'horror broke out on his forehead, and at the same moment Fraide, his leader, turned, leaned over the back of his seat and touched his knee. Chilcote started and opened his eyes. "I I believe I was dozing," he said confusedly. Fraide smiled his dry, kindly smile." "A fatal admission for a member of the opposition," he said. "But I was looking for you earlier in the day, Chilcote. There is something behind this Persian affair. I believe It to be a mere first move on Russia's part. You big trading people will find it worth watching." Chilcote shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, I don't know," he said. "I scarcely believe In it Lakely put a match to the powder in the St. George's, but 'twill only be a noise and a puff of smoke." But Fraide did not smile. "What Is the feeling down at Wark?" he asked. "Has it awakened any interest?" "At Wark? Oh, I I don't quite know. I have been a, little out of touch with Wark in the last few weeks. A man has so many private affairs to look to" He was uneasy under his chief's scrutiny. Fraide's lips parted as if to make reply, but with a certain dignified reticence he closed them again and turned away. Chilcote leaned back in his place and furtively passed his hand over his forehead. II is mind was-possessed by one consideration the- consideration of himself. He glanced down the crowded, lighted house to the big glass doors; he glanced about him at his colleagues, Indifferent or Interested; then surreptitiously his fingers strayed to his waistcoat pocket. Usually he carried his morphia tabloids with him, but today by a lapse of memory he had left them at home. He knew this, nevertheless he continued to search, while the need of the drug rushed through him with a sense of physical sickness. He lost hold on the business of the house; unconsciously he half rose from his seat The man next him looked up. "Hold your ground, Chilcote," he said. "Rayforth is drying up." With a wave of relief Chilcote. dropped back into his place. Whatever the confusion in his mind it was evident ly not obvious in his face. Rayforth resumed his seat, there was j the usual slight stir and pause; then Salett, the member for Salchester, rose. With Salett's first words Chileote's hand again sought his pocket and again his eyes strayed toward the doors, but Fraide's erect head and stiff back just in front of him held him quiet With an effort he pulled out his notes and smoothed them nervously; but, though his gaze was fixed on the pages, not a line of Blessington's clear writing reached his mind. He glanced at the face of the speaker, then at the faces on the treasury bench, then once more he leaned back in his seaf. The man beside him saw the movement. "Funking the dry dock?" he whispered jestingly. "No" Chilcote turned to him suddenly "but I feel beastly have felt beastly for weeks." - The other looked at him more closely. "Anything wrong?" be asked. It was a novel experience to be confided in by Chilcote. "Oh. it's the grind the infernal grind." As he said it it seemed to him suddenly that his strength gave way. He forgot his companion, his position, everything except the urgent instinct that filled mind and body. Scarcely knowing what he did he rose and leaned forward to whisper in Fraide's ear. Fraide was seen to turn, his thin face interested and concerned, then he was seen to nod once or twice in acquiescence, and a moment later Chilcote stepped quietly, out of his place, , One or two men spoke to him as he hurried from the house, but he shook them off almost uncivilly, and, making for the nearest exit hailed a cab. The drive to Grosvenor square was a' misery. Time after time he changed from one corner of the cab to the other. his aeute. internal pains prolonged by every delay and Increased by every motion. At last, weak in all his limbs, he stepped from the vehicle at bia own

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Entering the house, he Instantly mounted the stairs and passed to his own rooms. Opening the bedroom door, he .peered In cautiously, then pushed the door wide. The light had been switched on, but the room was empty. With a nervous excitement scarcely lo be kept In check, he enter ed, shut and locked the door, then mov ed to the wardrobe and. opening it, drew the tube of tabloids from th shelf. His hand shook violently as he car ried the tube to the table. The strain of the day, the anxiety of the past hours, with their final failure, bad found sudden expression. Mixing a larger dose than any he had before al lowed himself, he swallowed it hastily and, walking across the room, threw himself, fully dressed, upon the beiL CHAPTER IV. mO those whose sphere lies in the west of London, Fleet street Is little more than a name and ' Clifford's inn a mere dead let ter. Yet Clifford's inn lies as safely stowed away in the shadow of the law courts as auy grate under a country church wall. It is as green of grass, as gray of stone, as Irresponsive to the passing footstep. Facing the railed in grass plot of its little court stood the house In which John Loder had his rooms: Taken at a first glance the house had the desert ed air of an office, inhabited only In the early hours, bul as night fell lights would be seen to show out, first on one floor, then on another faint, human beacons unconsciously signaling each other. The rooms Loder inhabitqd were on the highest floor, and from their windows one might gaze philo sophically on the treetops. forgetting the uneven pavement and the worn railing that hemmed them around. In the landing outside the rooms his name appeared above his door, but the paint had been soiled by time and the letters for the most part reduced to shadows. so that, taken in conjunction with the gaunt staircase and bare walls, the place had a cheerless look. Inside, however, the effect was some what mitigated. The room on the right hand as one entered the small passage that served as hall was of fair size, though low ceiled. The paint of the wall paneling, like the name above the outer door, had long ago been worn to a dirty and nondescript hue, and the floor was innocent of carpet. Yet in the middle of the room stood a fine old Cromwell table, and on the plain deal bookshelves and along the mantel piece were some valuable books pollt ical and historical. There were no cur tains on the windows and a common reading lamp with a green shade stood on a desk. It was the room of a man with few. hobbles and no pleasures, who existed because he was alive and worked because he mustThree nights after the great fog John Loder sat by his desk in the light of the green shaded lamp. The remains of a very frugal supper stood on the center table, and in the grate a small and economical looking fire was burn ing. Having written for close on two hours, he pushed back his chair and stretched his cramped fingers. Then he yawned, rose and slowly walked across the room." Reaching the mantel piece he took a pipe from the pipe rack and some tobacco from the jar that stood behind the books. His face looked tired and a little worn, as is common with men who have worked long at an uucohgenlal task. Shredding the tobacco between his hands he slowly filled the pipe, then lighted it from the fire with a spill of twisted paper. Almost at the moment that he applied the light the sound of steps mounting the uncarpeted stairs outside caught his attention and he raised his head to listen. Presently the steps halted and he heard a match struck. The stranger was evidently uncertain of his whereabouts. Then the steps moved forward again and paused. An expression of surprise crossed Loder's face and he laid down his pipe, As the visitor " knocked he walked quietly across the room and opened the door. The passage outside was dark and the newcomer drew back before the light from the room. "Mr. Loder?" he began interroga tively. Then all at once he laughed in he said. "The light rather dazzled me, I didn't realize who it was." Loder recognized the voice as belong ing to his acquaintance of the fog. "Oh, it's you!" he said. "Won't you come in?" His voice was a little cold This sudden resurrection left him sur prised, and not quite pleasantly sur prised. He walked back to the fire place, followed by his guest. The guest seemed nervous and agitated. "I must apologize for the hour of my visit," he said. "My my time is not quite my own." Loder waved his hand. "Whose time Is his own?" he said. Chilcote, .encouraged by the remark, drew nearer to the fire. Until this moment he had refrained from looking directly at his host. Now, however, he raised his eyes, and, despite his preparation, he recoiled unavoidably before the extraordinary resemblance. Seen here. In the casual surroundings of a badly furnished and crudely lighted room, it was even more astounding than it had been in the mystery of the fog. "Forgive me, he said again. "It Is physical, purely physical. I am bowled over against my will." Loder smiled. The slight contempt that Chilcote had first inspired rose again, and with it a second feeling less easily defined. The man seemed so unstable, so Incapable, yet so grotesquely suggestive to himself. "The likeness is rather overwhelming," he said, "but not heavy enough to sink under. Come nearer the fire. What brought you here? Curiosity?" There was a wooden armchair by the fireplace. He indicated it with, a wave of the hand, then turned and took up his smoldering pipe. Chilcote, watching him furtively, obeyed the gesture and sat down. "It is extraordinary I" he said, as if unable to dismiss the subject "It it is quite extraordinary f The other glanced round. "Let's drop It," he said. "If s so confoundedly obvious. Then his tone changed. "Won't yon smoke?" he asked. "Thanks." Chilcote began to fumble

ror his cigarettes. But his host forestalled him. Taking a box from the mantelpiece, he held it out ...r . . . 1 ,,"My one extravagance f he said ironically. "My resources bind me to one; and I think I have made a wise selection. It is abaut the only vice we haven't to pay for six times over." He glanced sharply at the face so absurdly like his own. then, lighting a fresh spill, offered his guest a light Chilcote moistened his cigarette and leaned forward. In the flare of the paper his face looked set and anxious, but Loder saw that the lips did not twitch as they had done on the previous occasion that be had given him a light, and a look of comprehension crossed his eyes. "What will you have, or, rather, will you have a whisky? I keep nothing else. Hospitality is one of the debarred luxuries." Chilcote shook his head. "I seldom drink. But don't let that deter you." Loder smiled. "I have one drink In the twenty-four hours generally at 2 o'clock, when my night's work is done. A solitary man has to look where he Is going." "You work till 2?" "Two or 3." " Chileote's eyes wandered to the desk. "You write? he asked. The other nodded curtly. "Books?" Chileote's tone was anxious. Loder laughed, and the bitter note showed in his voice. "No; not books," he said. Chilcote leaned back In his chair and passed his hand across his face. The strong wave of satisfaction - that the words woke in him was difficult to conceal. "What Is your work?" Loder turned aside. "You must not ask that," he said shortly". "When a man has only one capacity, and the capacity has no outlet, he is apt to run to seed In a wrong direction. I cultivate weeds, at abominable labor and a very small reward." He stood with his back to the fire, facing his visitor. His attitude was a curious blending of pride, defiance and despondency. Chilcote leaned forward again. "Why speak of yourself like that? You are a man of intelligence and education." He spoke questioningly, anxiously. "Intelligence and education!" Loder laughed shortly. "London is cemented with intelligence. And education! What is education? The court dress necessary to presentation, the wig and gown necessary to the barrister. . But do the wig and gown necessarily mean briefs or the court dress royal favor?

Education Is the accessory. It is influ ence that is essential. You should know that Chilcote moved restlessly In his seat "You talk bitterly,". he said The other looked up. "I think bitter ly, which is worse. I am one of the tin lucky beggars who in the expectation of money have been denied a profession even a trade, to which to cling in time of shipwreck and whowhen disaster comes drift out to sea. I warned you the other night to steer clear of me. I come under the head of flot sam!" Chileote's face lighted. "You came a cropper?" he asked. "No. It was some one else who came the cropper. I only dealt in results, "Big results?" "A drop from a probable 80,000 to a certain 800." Chilcote glanced up. "now did you take It?" he asked. "I? Oh, I was twenty-five then had a good nfany hopes and a lot of pride; but there is no place for either in a working world." "But your people?" "My last relation died with the for tune." "Your friends?" Loder laid down his pipe. "I told you I was twenty-five," he said, with the tinge of humor that sometimes crossed his manner. "Doesn't that explain things? I had never taken- favors in prosperity. A change of fortune was not likely to alter my ways. As I have said,' I was twenty-five." He smiled, "When I realized my position I sold all my belongings with the exception of a table and a few books which I stored. I put on a walking suit and let my beard grow. Then, with my entire cap ital in my pocket, I left England with out saying goodby to any one." , "For how long?" "Oh, for six years. I wandered half over Europe and through a good part of Asia in the time." "And then? "Then? Ob, I shaved off the beard and came back to London!" He look ed at Chilcote, partly contemptuous. partly amused at his curiosity But Chilcote sat staring in silence. The domination of the other's person ality and the futility of his achieve ments baffled him. Loder saw his bewilderment "You wonder what the devil I came Into the world for," he said. 'T someti wonder the same myself.' At his words a change passwover Chilcote. He half rose, thenCropped back Into his seat (To Be Contin Use artificial p light and heat 10-tf New Floor Completed. The new floor which has been un der construction on the North Tenth street bridge has been completed and the roadway, on each side improved. F D P 0.' I tried ;i klndi of blood imidlM kl,k r.11d to do m uriwd bat I kT tnn tb rl6 tbint lyt M fie was foil of plnftlea aa4 blackfcaA. After taking Caacarata uy mil left. I am eonttnakn tarn ui of than as 4 Mr,mamdin, them to mrfrtasda. I feci na bn I rU -n tb morolaa. Ho K hare a chase to reeeaaaM Cucaxata." Frsc C. wtttaa, 71 Clm St., Kawark. Sr. . Maaaaa P,lrf.u. - r.. anjt TV. ClA Tar Sicken, Waasea or Gripe. Ma. Be. Me. Kara aolat ta balk. Tk, m.bu. ,&kTm, luaul flCO. Oaaraataadto ear or yaw Bontr back. Sterling Remedy Co., Chtcaao or N.V. cm

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Rheumatic

Pains

"I have suffered terribly with rheumatism. Mt took Dr. - Miles' Anti-Pain Pills and thev gave me great relief. I have spells of terrible pains in my ribs, and in. the small of my back, and the Anti-Pain Pills help tne right way. I am now. well of the rheumatism and think Anti-Pain Pills done m more good than all the other medi ernes. I first heard of th through the following: circi stance that happened at our e two years ago. A friend, Irs. JJrown, of Orion, Mica., visit us. She had not been e to le to dress herself or comb he n hair . came for months. A friend of in and seeing her suffer offered her some Dr. Miles nti-Pain Pills. She laughed at e idea ot relief from such a urce alter doctoring for so long ut took one the remark do her no one of the tablets w that it would at lc. harm. She tooki another that evening, and ie n) t morning she was so elatedwhaft&he went to the druggist s andagt a package and took them hojr with her. Recently she was here again, and 'told us that she continued taking the pills, and that one box cured her, and she has not had a symptom of rheumatism since." - S. R. FARMER, 332 Third St, Detroit, Mich". Dr. Miles' Antl-Paln PIHa are m1 ky your erogglet. who will guarantee that the first package will benefit. If It falls, he wlfl return your money. 29 dose. 25 cents. Never aeld In bulk. Miles Medical Co., Elkhart, Ind THE CHIOJgO, CICCIIIIIATl & LOLISVILLE R. R. (Tnfc NEV7 WAY) Efferfrve May 20th, IMS. BftUy. tDat''xcpt BoOa.y. aBuavtetfl nly. A una to Orimui aaAljr xoepi, 6ai4y. TM Mt aBa. train tram BlokunonA ratavka 'lift oa section, an QrlfBta wttb Qnutd' TnsnJt tBrCblcago, avrrlTtoc CMoaao 7 a. ou All caaVtoooiul tnafnamake -"rrrr irnnnae , lieoa at coitag um Mno,if. D. HvfrkvH Ua.mllttn I.lhArtvinn,MIIUi Kuaarvffl. JFiI uui uiu ranicuouii ataaa OA. Pass. am4 , AL. H has some ocy values In Real Es tate. RerYycollected and every attention gen the property. INDIANA, COLUMBUS & EASTERN PACTION CO.-DAYTOn-RICHnONO DIVISION TIME TABLE EFFECTIVE DCT. 15. 190 3 (A.M.. Richm'd lv.6:00 jP.M.j P.M. P.M. 8:00; 9:20 11:00 ;8:20J 9:3711:20 ;8:30 9:45 11:30 8:42; 9:54 11:42j 8:55;io:04;ji:5ar 19:11110:17 9:15;10:19 9:55:io:55i New Westi6:20 New Hopar j6:30j Eaton A 6:42,' WetA!ex 6:55J Joirnsville 17:111 Lebanon ,7:15j Dayton Ar. J7:55; All cars make cd inections at Newr, Westville for Cedarl 5prings and Newj Paris. , Connections at rton for Hamil-; ton, Cincinnati, Spril rfield, Columbus,1 Newark. Zanesville, Lancaster, Clrcle-i ville, Chillicothe, I aware, Marion.1 Xenia, Troy, Piqua, Lima, FindlayJ Toledo, Sandusky, feTeland, Detroit! and many other polr Limited cars from l3yton to Spring' field every hour 7:30 a. m. to 7.30 p.j m. No excess on Dayton Springfleldi Limited. 150 pounds of baggage check-; ed free. Ticket office 28 S. 8th street,1 Home Phone 269. MARTIN SWISHER. Agt Merchants' Delivery Headcfro llifr's Store - - '- , ,r - - . Phone 723 See how what you have heard looks. in print and get a dollar for doing ill Win th ntwa mp prlza.

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