Newspaper men wield a more potent influence in our American life than
any other single factor. Use your talent nobly, not ignobly, Ames.
And above all things never tell a vile tale about any man's mother.
Don't do it, Ames!" and here Enoch's voice for the first time broke.
Ames, his hands trembling, picked up his hat. His face had turned an
agonized red. Biting his lips, he made his way blindly from the room.
"And now," said Enoch, "if you'll leave Mr. Fowler and me alone for a
few minutes, Abbott, I'll appreciate it." As the door closed after
Charley he said, "Sit down, Fowler. I'm sorry to have put you through
such an ordeal, but I knew no other way."
"I deserve it, I guess." Fowler sat down wearily. "I was an unlicked
whelp in my youth, Huntingdon, but though I got into rotten company, I
never did anything actually crooked."
"I believe you," Enoch nodded. "Let the guiltless throw the first
stone. We both have paid in our heart's blood, I guess, for all that
we wrought in boyhood."
"A thousand-fold," agreed Fowler. "Huntingdon, let me try to express
my regret for--"
"Don't!" interrupted Enoch. "If you are half as eager as I am to
forget it all you'll never mention it even to yourself.
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