The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-05-16
AT He LEFT THE TOM WITH 9oME. REGRET

When Messiter got the telegram in
cipher from Chicago announcing the de-
parture of President Eaton for Inverness,
he tossed it over to his partner with the
remark: Gay outlook, isn't it?''
Il should remark. Let's us out good
and plenty answered Barry after he had
read it. .sssssl
Messiter sat drumming with his fingers
on the desk, in front Of him, a. thoughtful
frown on his distracted face. He knew
very well that, If Inverness got hold of the
president first, it would be all up with his
chances. At all cost, Eaton must be kept
away from Inverness for time: He
thought about it quite a WHILE and the
Immediate result of his thinking was that
he rose with a smile on his face, and
said easily: "oh, don't know. Wen
see about that
There had been heavy rain in western
washington for weeks, and temporary,
but vicious, rivers were running all over
the land seeking what they could devour.
It was one of these that ditched the
express. Stills 1t is little strange that
the track had held for miles against a
heavy pressure and should finally be
swept away by stream not six inches
deep nor ten feet wide.
President Eaton felt the train slow
down Then 1t stopped with jar that
sent him forward heavily against the
chair in front of him. He looked out Of
the window, and saw the train hands
gathered round the engine. He OWNED at
once that there had been a washout, and
strolled forward to see the extent Of the
damage. The engineer was explaining
excitedly how 1t had happened. II slowed
down pretty slow at the curve here, know
in there was q bad place jest this side
Soon as got round, seen there was a
washout, and threw on the Emergency
brakes, but the want time to stop, and
she waltzed right in.''
The damage was very slight, but It
would be impossible to proceed for many
hours. The railroad magnate did not
view with particular equanimity the PROS
pect Of a long wait In the dreary forest.
At this opportune moment, Jim Messiter
and his surrey came In sight. The engi-
neer say him first, and deliberately winked
at jim
Most harmless accident you ever saw,
Mr.. Messiter,' suggested the conductor
with q grin. ~
Messiter was, of course, surprised to
meet Mr. Eaton but had a way to- sllg-
gest out of the difficulty. Jump into my
surrey, Mr.. Eaton, and I'll take YOU to
Willapa Bend. You can look over our
town. and Tomorrow I'll take you across
the bay to Inverness in my launch
The railroad president reflected that
this would save him from making spe-
cial trip to Willapa Bend. He could take
1t in on his way to Inverness, and then
he could tell Roberts that he had seen the
town.
Messiter had plenty of time to size UP
his man before they reached town. Dur
ing the past few weeks he had omitted
| no opportunity to find out all he could
about the man who held the fate of Will
apa Bend In his hand. AS result of his
| Inquiries he had learned that Eaton was
q quiet, reserved man, who hated above
Iall things fuss and pompous display. He
dressed quietly, but well, and liked good
dinner as well as most men, tho he some
times suffered from It afterward.
/ Messiter drove straight to the office
where Barry met them ana insisted or
their dining with him. Mrs. Barry was a
Ihousekeeper among thousand, but thai
| day she fairly outdid herself. Eaton ad-
mitted to himself that town six months
old able to furnish an impromptu dinner
like the one he was eating wasn't SO fal
out of the world after all.
After dinner, Barry and Messiter took
him around to the club, and again the
railroad man opened his eyes. The ap-
Epointments and service were In exceflen,
taste, and the few men he met were alto