Part 12 (1/2)

I'll go to the devil first.” His fingers were on the red decanter, his brown eyes aflame. ”I'll--”

”Armstrong!”

No answer, although the fingers halted.

”Steve!”

Still no answer; but bit by bit the hand retreated.

”Steve,” repeated, ”sit down, please; please, I say. Let's talk this matter over a little rationally. People have changed their minds before, some few billions of them--and made good afterward too. Have a little patience, man, and sit down. I have a proposition to make to you.”

Reluctantly Armstrong obeyed. His face was still unnaturally pale and he was breathing hard, but he obeyed. Back in his seat he waited a second, uncertain; with an effort he faced his companion fairly.

”I--realize I'm an a.s.s, Darley,” he began, hesitantly, ”and that this sort of thing is melodramatically cheap.” The white had left his face now and words were coming more easily. ”I won't attempt to apologize, I just simply admit the truth. I've lost my grip this evening.”

”Forget it.” The voice was commonplace. ”Just forget it.”

”I can't; I'm not built that way; but I wish you would. If there's one thing I hate more than another it's cheap heroics.”

”I know it--and understand. Let it go at that.”

”Thank you. All right.” It was matter of fact, but such with an effort.

”Let's hear your proposition.”

As usual Roberts wasted no preface.

”The suggestion is merely in line with what I said before. In so many words, it's to throw up this place of yours in the University and get into business. You'll come into contact with realities that way and realities are eternally opposed to--cobwebs. You'll be happier and more contented, I'm positive, once you get adjusted.” He gave his listener a keen look. ”I've got an opening in mind right now. Say the word and I'll have the place ready for you the day they appoint your successor in the University. Do you care to consider it?”

”Consider, yes, certainly.” Armstrong had lit a pipe and puffed at it shortly. ”It's white of you too to offer it. I know it's a good thing or you wouldn't make the suggestion.”

”It's not as good as Graham's offer,” refuted the other evenly, ”places like that don't dangle loose every day; but it will pay you better than a university chair, and it offers possibilities--you antic.i.p.ate probably,--it's in connection with the new electric line. Between ourselves, Armstrong, this system is going to be a big thing when it's complete. This is a straight tip. I happen to be in a position to know. I also happen to be in position to put you very near the bas.e.m.e.nt, providing you wish to come in with us unhampered.” The voice halted meaningly. ”That's all I'm at liberty to say now, until you are really in and prove unmistakably--I'll have several things more to tell you then.”

”Don't misunderstand me, Darley,” he said slowly, ”or take offence, please; but--but, to sc.r.a.pe off the veneer, you don't trust me very far even yet, do you?”

There was a moment of silence, time for second thought.

”I can't misunderstand what you mean,” said Roberts; ”but unfortunately there are others besides yourself for me to consider.” The voice was patient, unnaturally so. ”I've already talked more than I should.”

”If I accepted,” un.o.bservant, Armstrong's mind was running on in its own channel, ”the place you mean would take my entire time. In a way it would be like Graham's offer. I'd be compelled--you catch the idea, don't you?”

”Yes.” This time the other did not amplify.

”You know why I refused that proposition before. We beat the brush pretty thoroughly at that time.” It was declination involved, but declination nevertheless unmistakable. ”It's a rocky road I'm on, and with occasional mudholes such as--well--such as I fell into to-night; but somehow I can't leave it. I won't try to defend it this time. I'm not in the mood. But when it comes to breaking free, taking a new trail--I simply can't do it, can't!”

”Very well.” The voice was non-committal. Waiting, Armstrong thought there would be more to follow, a comment at least; but there was none.

Roberts merely leaned back more comfortably in his place, remained so for a minute while like smoke the former subject faded from the horizon.

Armstrong grew conscious that he was being observed intently.

”By the way,” introduced Roberts, abruptly, ”I've decided to give up my residence here in the suburbs. They're remodelling the office building I'm in, you know: adding another floor, an elevator, and one thing and another. I've rented a suite in the addition, to be fitted out after some ideas of my own. They'll begin on it inside a week.”

For a moment Armstrong said nothing.