University of South Carolina Libraries
Uncle Terry Iii in W?$ CHARLES CLARK M?NN Kg Copyright. I900. bT LEE <7& SH ET AUTO *'wmmm? Gl CIIAPTER III. STRANGER visiting Sanfjgnto, Iii the Green mountains, on a summer afternoon would in cvltnbly conclude tho town was asleep. Often not n person would be visible the entire length of Its tnnln fetrcet, cooled by three rows of runples, one dlvldtng it und ouc shading each of the two sidewalks formed of narrow strips of weather stained marble. Un der some of these trees that almost touch branches for half a mile ono or two cows wight be grazing or taking ft siesta while chewing the cud of con tent. On tho vino hid porch of the village tavern Landlord Tell would quite likely be dozing In an nrruchnir tilted back, und across tho way Mr. 6obbs, who keeps the ono general store, .would as likely be napping on a counter, his head pillowed upon a pile of calico. A little farther up tho street and near the one tall spired white church Mrs. Menrs, the village gossip, may be sitting on tho veranda of a smull bouse almost hid by luxuriantly growing Norway spruce and Idly rock ing whilo sbo chats with tho Widow Sloper, who lives thero and whose mis sion In life is to cut and fit tho best "go to ineetin' " gowns of female Sand gate. Both dearly love to talk over all that's going on, and whether this or that village swain is paying especial attention to any one rosy cheeked lass, and, if so, "what's likely to come on't." Both mean well by this neighborly In terest, nud especially does Mrs. Sloper, who always advises plaits for stout women, "with inlddlln' fnllness in the bust" for thin ones. One or two men may be at work hay ing in tho broad meadows wost of the village, through which tho Blow cur rent of a small river twists and turns, or others wielding hoes on a hillside field of corn to the cast, but so fur as moving life in. tho village stroct goes thero will be nono. On either side of tho Saudgnto valley two spurs of the Green mountain range, forest clad, stand guard as if to isolate from nil tho world this peaceful dale, whose dwellers' sole ambition In life may bo summed up in to plow, plant, reap and go to meeting. On the north end of this park-like highway and beyond the last house it narrows to uu ordinary rondwoy and divides. One fork turns to the right, following up the banks of a winding stream to an .old gristmill with moss covered wheel and lily dotted pond above. Tho other turns to tho loft, crosses tho narrow Sandgate valley and bears south past the Pago place. If it were Sunday, not many years ago and about 11 in the morning, a stran ger passing the church would have heard through ,tho open doors and win dows tho exquisitely sweet voice of 'Allce.Page, clear as a bell and melodi ous ?s n bird's, toylhg and trilling through "Coronation!' or some other easily recognized hyrnn, and had that stranger awaited tho closo of service he or she would have seen among tho congregation filing out ono petite and plump little lady, with flower-like face, Sparkling blue eyes and kiss inspiring mouth, who would most likely hnvo .Walked demurely along with her big brother Albert' and, turning down a narrow pathway, follow him nerbss the meadows, over a footbridge that spans tho stream and up to nn old fashioned elm shaded house. This landmark, known far and wide ns the Tage place, Is historic. Built in tho time of King George and one of the first threeterected in Sandgnte, It 'has withstood the storms of two centu ries and seen many generations of Images come and go. 'Additions have been made to It?an ell on one sldo, larger windows and a wldo veranda in ifront. Inside it Is much tho same, for tho open fireplaces remain in parlor and sitting room, and a tall clock of solemn tick stands in the hall whero it stood wbon Paul Revere took his fa mous ride. Tho last owner, Simeon Page, or, as ho was called, Squire Page, Joined the great mnjority two years after an enterprising railroad crept up the Handgate valley. lie had bitterly op posed its entrance into the town, and It was asserted that chagrin at his de feat hastened bis death. His widow, with their two children, Albert and Alice, and a widowed sister, remained and with the nld of hired men man aged the farm. But bushes began to choke the pastures and meadows, the outbuildings grew shabby, the house received no paint, and ns the children grew up and needs increased ono by ono the broad fields were sold. It had been the squire's ambition that his on ly son should become a professional ?man, and, carrying out his wishes, Al bert's mother bad pinched and saved, denying herself all luxuries, and given him a collegiate education. He had graduated with honors, read law, been admitted to the bar and then returned to Sandgate and opened an office. Alice, three years his junior, had been sent to a bonrdlng school for two years, Whore she devoted most of her tiruo to music, then came home again ns mother's helpmate. But the years of self denial were at an end, for one June day that mother laid dow n her burden and was placed beside her husband in tho village cem etery. Then tho two orphans found themselves joint heirs to an old tlmo worn house, a few acres of meadow, n couple hundred dollars of debts nnd? nothing else. No, that Is not right, for ihey both had youth, good health and habits and good educations. Albert, who had rather taken charge of matters since his return to Sand gate, kept tho debt situation from Alice after his mother's death, feeling she had grief enough to bear without It, but for all that it troubled him se riously. The income from his practice was scarcely enough to clothe him and not likely to increase, for Sandgate had scant U30 for a lawyer, and what to do or which way to turn he knew not. If it wore not for Alice and ' 'Aunt Susan he thought it would bo easier, but they must be provided for. Alice, who had been his companion, playmate nnd confidant since the days of short dresses, he especially cared for, nnd that feeling wan mutual. So devoted a brother and sister wero they that It hnd kept them from form ing other associations, and when Al bert had been asked why he did not es cort soino other young lady to the husk ing bees, bam dances or church socia bles his usual reply was, "Alice la ; >d enough for me, nnd when sho prefers another beau I may. but not till th- n.'' With Altco, though many or tho. vil lage swains wooed, she wouldn't. Even Jim Mears, stalwart and with a hand like a foot, fared no better, nud when Albort rallied her once about young Mean ?bo answered, "Oh, Jim's all right; ho isn't handsome, but, then, ho Is strong," which delicate sarcasm may be considered a sufficient reflex of her feelings toward others of tho would bo nttentlvo young farmers. But for all that Alice was counted in on every fest Ivo gathering. If it was a barn dunce, she was always there and novor lucked partners, and when tho Jolly party rodo home In a big wagon filled with straw it was her voice that always started "Tho Quilting Parly" or other old time ballad usually inspir ed by moonlight, when a strawberry festival was in order at tho church, she was glveu a post of honor, and whon Christmas decorations wore necessary every young man felt it a privilege to obey her orders, At home ebo was tho saino winsome little tjuoen nud had no more devoted subject than her brother. For a month after tho funeral ho worried a good deal. IHo knew that bills had been left unpaid through Ida mother's Illness and that t.?- family woro in straitened circumstances. Ills own law practice so for had yielded scant returns, nud What to do and whero to turn was a puzzle. Ho wrote to a former classmate whose father was a prominent merchant in Boston stating his situation and asking advice. It wa9 two weeks ere he received a re ply, and theu, though u'cordial letter of sympathy, it did not go far toward solving tho problem. A week later, however, came a letter from a lawyer in that city of the name of Frye offer ing him a position as assistant In his office at a small salary- It was so small that "Albert thought It a hopeless task to pay homo expenses out of it and leave anything toward their debts. It was more thau his present income, how ever, and yet to accept the offer and leave Annt Susan and Alice alone seemed hard. On tho other hand, to borrow money on What llttlo of tho farm was left did not help matters, for when that was gono what then? Matters came to a climax one day and ended his indecision. lie had bceu away froui his office all that afternoon taking a long stroll in tho woods to es cape his loneliness, and, returning at tea time, found u cloud on his sister's face. "Mr. Ilobbs called this afternoon/* sho said as they uat down to the table, "and asked for yon. Said ho went to your ofllco and, not finding you in, came here." And then sho added, 'with a quiver In her voice, "Oh, Bertie, wo owe him ovor a hundred dollars!" The trouble was all out now, and Al bert looked gloomy. "I don't think any more of him for coming here to dun us," he answered savagely. "Ho might have waited until he saw mo." "Ob, ho was very nice about it," re sponded Alice, hanfl begged my pardon for speaking of it. Die said thero was no hurry, only that ho had made out Iiis bill as a matter of form, etc., and wo could pay It when convenient." Albert made no further comment, but whoa the meal was ended said, "Come out on the porch, sis, and lot US talk matters over." She followed him, feeling there was trouble coming, and, drawing her low chair next to his, placed Dno elbow on his chair arm and covered her face with that hand. For a few moments he remained silent, watching the fireflies beginning their evening dance over the meadow and listening to the distant call of a whlp poorwlll. Across the valley the village lights were coming in tight one by one, and a faint odor of new mown hay came to him. The pathetic llttlo figure at his side unnerved him, how ever, and he dreaded to say what he must. "Well, sis," he said at last, "I've kept matters from you as long as I can. We not only owe Ilobbs a good deal, but as much more in smaller bills to oth ers, and there Is no money to pay them. I've worried about them more than you know or than I cared to have you. One of two things must be done, either borrow money and pay these bills or I must go away and earn some." Then the llttlo bead beside him sunk slowly to his chair, and ns he began stroking it he added: "I've written to Frank Nason, my old college chum, and through him have received a fair offer to go to Boston and have derided to accept It. I shall leave here as soon as I can get ready." The troublo was growing serious now, and as he ceased speaking he caught tho sound of a suppressed sob. "Don't cry, Alice," he said tenderly; "it can't be helped. Our home must be broken up somo time, and it may ns well bo now ns any other. The thing that worries mo most Is leaving you and Aunt Susan here alone." Then tho sobs Increased, and tho bowed form beside him shook. "Oh, Bertie," sho said at last in a choked voice, "don't leave us hero alone. Ix>t us sell tho old house, pay tho bills, and If you must go away let us go too." "No, dear, that is not best," ho an swered softly. "I can't earn enough at first to do It. You will have to stay here till I can." Then tho proud spirit that hod como to Alice I'ngo from many generations of self helpful ancestors spoke, and sho said as she" raised her head and brushed away the tears: "If you aro to leaYe mo here 1 shnll go to work as wellT I can tench school or do some thing to help you, nud I shall too." Her delimit little speech hurt Albert just a bit, nnd yet ho felt proud of her for it. "It may bo best for you if you Could get a chance to teach," ho re sponded, "nnd it will help me somo and tnko up your mind, which is worth a good deal." Hut the worst wns to come, and the evening before his depnrturo she nover forgot. Thero wore somo consolations to exchange, however, for sho had seen Mr. MearB of the school committee and obtained n position to teach tho north district school in Sandgato, a Buuill byroad Bchoolhousc two miles from her homo, and felt n little prldo in telliug about it, while he had to re port that all whom they owed had promised to wait patiently for their dues. "Mr. Hobbs even offered to lend mo money If I needed it," ho said after they had talked matters over, "aud so, you sec, we have a good many friends In Sandgato after all. And now I wnnt you to slug a few of the old songs for me, so that 1 can have them to think nbout when I nm lonesome nnd home sick." Hut the singing was a failure, for Al ico broko down in tho middle of tho first song, and they had to go out nnd watch tho firellles once moro while sho conquered her tears. "You will write to mo every day, won't you, Uertlo?" sho asked discon solately as they waited tho next morn ing for the train that was to separate them. "I shall be so lonesome nnd bluo all the tiiue!" When he kissed her goodby slie could not speak, and the last ho saw as tho train bore him away was that sweet sister's face trying bravely to smile through its tears, like tho ?uu peepiug out of a cloud. _ OHAPTBR IV. F all tho smooth, elusive vul tures lurking in the shadow of the temple of Justice or perch ing upon it Nicholas Frye, or "Old Nick," as many called him, was the most eunnlng. Nor did his looks belie tho Comparison, for he had deep set, shifty, yellow gray eyes, a hooked nose, nnd his thin locks, dyed Jet black, formed a ring about his bald poll. lie walked with a stoop, as if scanning the ground for evidence or clews, and to add to his marked individuality when ho talked he rubbed his hnnds together as though washing them with invisible soap. It was not from any sense of cleanliness that he did this, for they had many times been soiled willingly In tho most nefarious transactions. A client was to him a victim to be kept iu waiting, exasperated in regard to his grievances by all possible means, de luded as to his chances of success In quest of Justice, deceived as to its cost and robbed in every way known to an astute lawyer. He had been the legal adviser of John Nnson for many years, and when that busy merchant came to him on behalf of his son, who wanted to And a position for Albert Page, Frye readi ly promised to give him employment. Jt wns not because ho needed him, but because ho saw at onco that through some friendship for this young sprig of the law, as he intuitively considered Albert to be, he could strengthen his hold upon tho father and obtain somo secrets that might eventually be used to rob him. In plain words, ho thought to use this young country lawyer as a spy. He know that John Nnson felt a keen interest In his only son Prank, and that was another reason for em ploying that son's friend. Ho knew also that Prank was given a liberal allowance, spent It rapidly and most likely would be getting into various scrapes needing a lawyer's efforts to rescue him, and so he would have fur ther pickings in that direction. These were two good reasons for his ostensi ble acts of kindness, and so he at onco sent for Page to come. When, the morning after his arrival In Dostbn, Albert presented himself at Prye's oftlce, he found that lawyer busy reading his mall. "Take a seat, sir," said Frye politely, after Albert had Introduced himself, "and excuse me until I go through my letters." And then for a long half hour Albert was left to study tho bare ofllce walls and peculiar looks of his future employer. Finally Frye turned to him and asked rather abruptly, "Well, Mr. Page, what do you know about law?" at the same time scanning him as If expecting to see hayseed ad hering to his garments. "Not much perhaps," replied Albert modostly, uncertain of his ground. "I hnvo been in practice only a year at Sandgato, and tho few people thero do not have much use for a lawyer." "Then why didn't you stir 'em up a little and bring 'em to see they needed your services?" was Frye's ner.t query. "You will nover succeed as a lawyor unless you make business. Did you bring your sheepskin with you?" "No, sir," answered Page. "I didn't think it nccossr.ry after what I wroto you. I havo it in my trunk." "Well, bring it tomorrow," said Frye. "I mako It a rule to take nothing for granted and havo everything in writ ing." And then ho added, with a searching look, as If ho was about to utter a crusher, "What Is your idea of a lawyer's chief object in existence?" Page was a little nonplused. "Oh, I suppose," ho replied slowly, "to seo that laws are properly executed nnd Justice done." Pryo looked at him a full minute without making any further comment, whilo n sardonic grin gradually drew his lips apart, showing a full sot of false teeth, and then, as ho began rub bing his hands together, he said: "It's evident, young man, you havo much to learn In your profession. Laws aro made for lawyers and aro the tools of our trade. If the world does not seo fit to use those tools, It Is our business to make them, and, ns for Justice, that is an allegory, useful In addressing a jury, but considered a fable by the Judge. Laws are useful to oppose oth "WUttt do you know about lawt" er laws^jvlth, and various decisions aro Old' ? 'a: as tho; help your f " ~- "" case aud hinder your opponent"*?'" "You seem on hont et appearing young man, which is well so rar as our rela tions go, but no further. I want an as sistant, one who is ready and will ing to do Just as I direct and to ask no questions. Do you think you dan fill tho bilir "I can try," replied Albert quietly, "and us soon as I get used to your methods of procedure hero I think I can succeed." He was a little startled at tho pecul iar choracter of bis employer and m a way slightly disgusted, out he was not in a position to Cavil or feel squeamish over apparent lack of honesty and re* solved at oneo to Ignore It. "What do you wish me to do?" he continued after a monienjt. "I will do the host I can for you and am roady to go to work uow." "You aro to be at tho office at 8 o'clock sharp," replied Fryo, "take ono hour for lunch nnd remain til) 0." Then ho adde " way of a spur to his slave's fid "I om paying you $75 o month -ocommeod oi on Important elloi. ,? who want ed to humor his son. was your good luck to have this son's friendship, ai ho belongs to a wealthy family. He is a spendthrift, of course, but that ti no matter nnd ail the better for us. Take my advice aud cultivate him all you can. It may bo the means of bringing us uioro business. What I say to you I shall expect you to con sider u professional secret, and I hope you will mako good use of your time wheu with this young friend of youre and heed well what I havo said to you." That ended tho interview, and Albert was set at w8rk copying legal docu ments aud at the samo time trying to reconcile himself to his now surround ings. That night ho wrote to Alice: "I havo hired out to a most unmitigat ed old scoundrel nnd yot ono of tho sharpest lawyers I ever met. He as ; surcd mo I must lay nsldo my con I science if I mean to succeed, and hlnt ed that ho might use me later on as I a sort of spy, upon Frank, I imagine. . Ho employs a stenographer of uncer ' tarn age, who comes in nnd takes dic j tat Inn and does her work outside. The I only stupid thing he has said was to I warn me not to flirt with her." Then he wrote to his friend Frank, telling him whero ho was located, thanking him for his nsslstanco and begging him to call at an early date. I After that he smoked for an hour in glum silence. His room was small and cheerless and In comparison with j his home quarters a mere deu. Hut it ! wu8 n question of saving, and the lux ury of space even he could not afford. ' There is no more lonesome place In : the wide world than a great city to j ono born and bred amid the freedom of tho wide fields and extended wood lauds, as Albert bad been, nnd now that ho was shut in by brick walls all day j and Imprisoned in one small room at night, with a solitary window opeuing j on an area devoted to ash barrels and '. garbage, it made him homesick. He was a dreamer by nnturo and I loved tho music of running brooks, tho ; rustling of winds in tho foieBt and tho j song of birds. The grnnd old moun I talus that surrounded Sandgate hod been the delight of bis boyhood, and to ' fish in the clear streams that tumbled ] down through narrow gorges nnd I wound amid wido meadows or In tho ! Illy dotted mlllpond his pastime. He had the artist's nature in him also and loved dearly to sketch a pretty bit of natural scenery, a cascade in the brook or a shady grotto in tho woods. Ho loved books, flowers, music, green meadows, shady woods and flelds white with daisies. lie bad been reo rod among kind hearted, honest, God fear ing people who seldom locked their doors nt night and who believed in and lived by tho Golden Rule. The selfish nnd distrustful life of n great city, with Its arrogance and wealth and vanity of display, was not akin to him, and to put himself at the beck nnd call of a mercenary and utterly unscrupulous old villain, as ho believed Fryo to bo, was gall and bitterness. For two weeks he worked patiently, hoping each day that tho one nnd only friend the city held for him would call, passing his evenings, as he wrote Alice, "In reading, smoking and hating myself a little and Fryo a good deal." lie; had hesitated to write Frank in the first place, disliking to ask favors, but it could not be helped, and now he began to feel that his friend meant to Ignore him. This humiliating conclu sion was growing to a certainty and Albert feeling more homesick than ever when one afternoon while he was, as usual, hard at work in Fryc's office Frank came In. ?Tray excuse mo, old man," remark ed that youth briskly after the flrst greetings, "for not calling sooner, but I was off on my yacht about the time you came, and thou I ran down to New York to take in the cup races. You see, I'm so busy I do not get any time to myself. I want you to come over to tho club nnd lunch with me today, nnd we can talk matters over." "You will kindly excuse me," replied Albert. "I have a lot of work cut out and am only allowed ono hour for lunch. Can't you come around to my room tonight and have a smoke talk?" "Maybe," replied Frank, "and wo can go around to tho club later. You will meet some good fellows there, and we always mako up a game of draw? smnll limit, you know. Hny, old man," ho added Interestedly, "how do you like Frye?" As that worthy happened to bo out Just then tho two friends bad a good chance to exchnugo opinions. Albert's Is already known, but, for reasons, ho did not caro to express it to Frank at this lime. "Fryo Is a shrewd lawyer, I pre sume," ho nnawered, "and so far I have no fault to And. Ho tokos good care to boo I hnvo work enough, but -that Is what I am hired for, and I have been rather lonesomo nnd glnd of it." Then to change the subject bo ndded: "I want to thank you once more, Frank, for getting mo tho place. Things were in a bad wny nt homo, nnd I needed it." "You may thank dad, not me," re plied Frank. 11 was just going off on a trip w hen your letter came, nnd I turne,1 tho matter over to him. Frye's his attorney, yon see." "Are you personally well acquainted with Mr. Fryo?" asked Albert, having an object In mind. "No, not at nil, except by sight," was tho answer, "i bollovo he i? con? rod a very sharp lawyer nnd al ii It invariably wins his cases. Dad says ho has won out many times when t)i ! law was idl against him and Is n t overscrupulous how ho does It. They eny ho In rich and a skinflint. He always romlnds me of a hungry btiB?nrd." Albert thought of Hums' apt cyn icism Just then and wished (that Fryo might for i no monionl see himself as others Bat lilm. fie felt tempted to tell Frank Juct what Fryo bad said nnd what his opinion of hlrnVwns, but wisely kept It to himself. "Well, I must 1 o going," srtld Frnnk at laut. ' I've got a date for) the uat. this nft , Bto ta-la. I'll call njuud some SHIRT SALE AT COPELAND'S A lot of "Odds and Ends" Standard make, good patterns. $1.50 Shirts at $1.15 $1.00 Shirts at .75 A few Pants left that are going at HALF=PRICE im J0*AI COPELAND'S "One Price Store." Shoes, Hats and Men's Furnishings Customers' Shoes Shined Free. eve. at your room and take you up to the club." When Ills friend bad departed, Albert resumed hie rather monotonous copying the gist of a lot Of decisions bearing upon a case that Frye had pending Just then, and when ho went out to lunch it was, as usual, alone and to n cheap restaurant. "It's nice to have a rich father, a yacht, plenty of monoy and nothing to do but spend it," he said to himself rue fully that night as lie fiat In his cheer less room smoking and dwelling upon the picture of a gay life as disclosed by his friend. "Hut we are not all born to fortune, and perhaps, after all, I might be worse off," which, to say the least, I is the best way to look at It. CHAPTER V. HEN, a few days after Frank had called upon Pago, the hit ter chanced to mention it to Frye, he made a note of it. "I am glad," he said cordially, "that your friend has hunted you up. 1 knew he wns away on his yacht when you came and was going to suggest that you call on him as soon as I know he was at home. As I told you, cultlvnto him all you can. He will serve as a door to get you into good society. When did he call?" "It was ono day while you were out," answered Fngo, "and he invited mo to lunch with him nt his club." "Which, of course, you did?" said Frye. "No, sir. I knew I shouldn't have time for it during my one hour, and, then, you had given me a lot of work to do that day." A shade of annoyance came over Fryo's face. "Well, that's all right, of courso," ho said, "but when he calls again take all the time you need if ho asks you out, and," with a scrutinizing look at Page, "as I said, cultivate blm. It's busi ness. Ills father Is my most valued client, and tho more Intimate you be come with his son the sooner you will hnvo an acquaintance that will bo of value to you." Page could not quite fathom all this, but the more he thought of wltat Fryo had said the more certain he becamo JIc found himself being introduced h\l his first name. that kindly regard for his own welfare did not enter into that shrewd schem er's calculations. Ho was more and uioro disgusted also each day with his employer's cynical ^indlfferenco to all sense of honor n,nd honesty, copv lng to the conclusion that ho was no better than u thief nthcart. Beneath Albert's disposition to adapt himself to those ho mingled with lay a vein of sterling good sonse, flno honor ami tho energy of golf sacrifice, If necessary, nml Fryo's uttrlbutos were so obnoxious to him ns to be simply repulsive. At college ho hail nover Indulged in much "larking," ami Just why tho bond of friendship bo? twoon himself and the good nnturod, self Indulgent, happy go lucky class mate, Frank Nuson, had been cement ed is hard to explain, except upon tho theory of an attraction of opposltcs. When, a few days later, that young man appeared'at the ofilco just before closing time and suggested they "go out for a night's racket." as ho phrased it, Albert was not inclined to accept. "What are you up to?" he said as they walked away from tho office, "nnd what do you mean by a racket? If It's likely to be expensive, count me out; I can't afford it." "Well," answered Frank lightly, "you ore working too hard and need shak ing up, so I thought I'd drop/round and do it. We will dine at tho club, then go to tho opera house, whore there is a burlesque on nnd no end of pretty chorus girls. 1 Know two or three of them, and after the show we will tnko them out to supper." "It's all right except the end-up," answered Albeit, "and on that I think you had best skip mo. As 1 said, it's a diversion I can't afford. I've no monov to spare to buy wine ft ;? ball : girls." "Oh, that's nil right." responded Frank cheerfully. "I've asked yon out, and It's my treat. I'll pay the sli d this time." "I shall pay my si are If T go," as sorted Albert firmly, "but 1 would rath er omit tho after part. Wo will have the evening together, and then you can go and entertain your chorus glrlfl, and I'll go to my room." It was a laudable resolution, but It cnino hard, for beneath all Albert's good resolves wn ; lurking desire for a lit*it* exelton cut to bronk the dull mo notony of Ids life. He h d been to tho theater only twlco einco he came to Boston, desiring to save in every way he could, and only Mi" week before had sent Alice one-third of Ids (list month's salary. At the club Frank introduced him to several of his friend--, nnd of course they wore asked to Join them In a social glass, which did not tend to strengthen Albert's resolution. AI the theater the exhilarating music nnd the glitter of a Bingo full of pretty girls had their effect, and by the time the show was over he found it Impossible to resist his friend's urging that Ihoy go around to the stage door nnd meet tho girls he hod invited to sup with Hi- IU. "Mind you, let IUO pay my share," whispered Pago, and then he found himself being introduced' by his Ural name to two highly colored queens of tho ballot, nnd all four proceeded at once ton private supper room. Albert found the girls bright, vlvncloUH and expressive, as far as a superficial use of slang goes. They ordered the choic est nnd highest priced Items on the bill of fare and talked about tholr "mashes" in Other cities in a way dial made Al bert grateful that he had been intro duced by his first name only. When in the wee small hours they escorted the two ?Irls (o their boarding place, Pago was glad to be rid of them, nnd when lie reached his room he did not fe<d particularly proud of himself. Ho felt less so the next morning when be received a letter from Allco Which rend: My Darling Ttrotlirr? I was no pleaaed when I received your loving letter nnd tho money you sent. You do not know how It hurts me to b ei we owe .tief), and I havo cried over It more than you will ever know. I.aat week I received my flrnt mon'b's pay- $30-and I was vory pron't of it. for it is tho nrnt money I ever orned. I took half and put It with tho ttfonty-flva you went and gavo It to Mr*, i^obb?. X have only fu left, t<n I had ? ! i:y BomO boots 1 glOVCCf, bot uint \. i'.: : ??' mo a month, for I've not tho ,: ;r. upend n penny I am not oHi^ed i \:i ;ll tho cJcbtn nro paid. 1 hnd to )>ny iJ boots because walking four miles a thiy wears them out very fast. And he htul spent $20 the night be :?) hear n couplo of ballet girls talk slang: rpT? CHAPTER VI. AHE was a little late tit the of fleo tho next morning, and US there ahead of him. out with young Na ! i i evening," he explained as the ?i : lawyer bade him a rather crU3ty ?od morning, "and i overslept." "Oh, that I:.' :tll right," responded Fry ? i:i nn instantaneously sweetened tone. "1 am glnd you were, and, as I told you, you r.rc wive to cultivate it ..i. i suppose," ho continued, with a ll. :. "that you were buying wine for mo of tho gay girls?" Pago looked confused. "Well, wo v :l to tho theater and after that had M Into supper," ho explained, "and il was nflor 1 beforo 1 returned to my room." "i tlon'i fare how late you are out .rr wlml you did," said Frye, still ey ing Pago, '"so leng as you were with young Nnson and kept out of the lock up. 11 i:< father pnyr. me a salary to It.;>'.?: nftcr his business, and his son is lite pride of his heart. I trust you u idi L'stnnd my uieaniug. If you don't feel like work this morning," he con tinued suavely, "mount your wheel a id take a run out to Winchester and sco If that mortgage on the Seaver estate h;is boon satisfied. The exercise and air will do you good." Pago was nonplused. "He has route deep laid plot in bis mind," ho <bought as he looked at l'rye. Ho was glad to escape the office, however, for Ids head felt full of bees, and, thanking his employer for tho permission, lie quickly left the city be hind him. The crisp October air and exercise soon drove away some of tho self reproaches nt his own foolish eon duci of the night before, Tho errand at Winchester was at tended to, and then he headed back for the city, taking another course. By the time he reached town he was faint from hunger, for ho had eaten no breakfast. A good dinner restored him to his natural seif possession, and then ho wont to the office. For a week he reproached himself every time he thought how much his escnpndo had cost and felt too ashamed to answer Alice's letter. When he did 1)0 assured that innocent sister that bo was saving all he could and should send more money as soon as possible. Prank called twice and the second time urged hint to join the club, to which Pngo assented. "It will serve nn a place to spend a lonesome evening," he thought. Several times Frye had made casual Inquiries as to the progress of his In timacy with young Nnson, nil of which led Page to wonder what his object wns and why it concerned him, At last, one day at closing thno and after bo had told the ofllce boy he might go, Frye lot n littlo light into that enigma. "Bit down a moment, Mr. Page," ho remarked as tho latter was preparing to leave. "I have a proposition of nn important nature to inako to you." And then as ho fixed his merciless eyes on his clerk and began to slowly nib his hands together he continued: "You hnvo been nearly three months In my employ, Mr. Page, and hip/o fulfilled your duties satlsfoctorlly. I think tho time has come when I may safely en large them a little. As I told you, John Nasoti pays mo a yearly retainer to attend to all his law business. I haw- reuson to feel he is not entirely sfttlsf! il to continue that afrangomont, and I nm forced to Und some way to !>??:? n llttlo pressure to bear on him ii\ order that be may see it is for bis Interest to still retain me. '.'Now, I believe John Nason is not en tirely happy In bis homo relations ami that a certain young lady receives a share of b!s attentions. While they aro never seen in public together, gossip links their names. What I want is for you to find out through your acquaint ance with the Nnsons just what bond there is between the older Nason and the young lady and report to me. I do not Intend to use tho knowledge for any Illegal purpose, but merely as a leverage to retain Nason's business. I am aware that to prosecuto your in quiries discreetly by moans of your in timacy with young N'asou will require more money than I am paying you, and therefore, If 1 can depend on you to do a little detective work, I shall from now on Increase your salary from $70 to $17?. What do you say?" ' The ilrst impulse that I'age felt was to absolutely refuse there and then to have anything to do with Fryo's ne farious scheme, but the thought of bis situation, the unpaid debt at home and the certainty that a refusal would mean a loss of his position conquered bis pride nnd kept him silent. 1 \>r a moment he rollocted, trying hard to see a way out of the dilemma, and then ua Id: "It is rather a hard task you ask, Mr. Fryo, for I am not accustomed to tho role of detective, but I am In your em ploy, and as long as I am I will do the best I can for your interests." It was a temporizing reply, and Frye so construed it at once. "I must Insist If you accept my of fer," he said, "that you give me your prondse to do your best to earn the money. It doesn't pay to be too squeamish in tins world," he continued in a soothing tone. "All business is to a certain extent a game of extortion -- a question of do the other fellow or he wdll do you." Then arising and hold ing out a skinny hnnd to grasp Page's, he added, "I shall expect you to keep faith with me, Mr. I'age," nnd the in terview ended. When Albert met Frank at the club that evening ho was preoccupied and morose, and Frank, noticing his frame of mind, tried to cheer him, "You look as If you had been given a facer, old man." lie said. "What Is ilie matter? Has Frye boon call ing you down for fOinoihingV" Page looked at his friend a moment, nnd the impulse to make a clean breast of It and relievo his feeling, was strong, but he did not. "I do not like Fryo," he said in stead, "nnd the more I see of htm the less I like him. At times he makes me feel ns if lie was a snake ready to uncoil and strike. Have you ever no ticed his eyes ami the way he has of rubbing his hands when talking?" "1 have," was tho answer, "and ho has tho most hideous OJ'CS i ever saw in a human being. 'I hey look like a cat's in the dark. Dad told mo onco ho saw Fryo look at a witness ho was cross examining in such a way that tho poor fellow forgot what his name was nnd swore black was white. Thoso eyes are VlclOUS weapons, they say, and he uses them to tho utmost when ho wnnts to scare n witness." "ThOy make mo feel creepy every tlmo I look nt them," Bald Albert, and then, ns If anxious to change the sub ject, ho added: "Lot's leave here, Frank, and you cotUO with me to my room, Whoro we can have a quiet talk together. I am In the dumps tonight and want to unbosom my troubles to you." j (to be continued.)