The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-02-26

jumped to the platform and hurried
across it to the big marble steps that
led to the street. He ran up these, and
climbed into a cab
Corner of La Sale and Monroe"' he
ordered. 'In hurry
He had eight minutes in which to keep
his engagement with John Birch, who
did not tolerate hardness in subordi-
mates, and who never broke an engage
ment ..Imseif
At o'clock precisely, Sanford push
ed open the door of the general man
ayers private office and entered.
At his desk sat John Birch. Facing
him was handsome. slender man, talk
ing in a low. weil-bred voice.
He looked cGriously at Sanford as he
approached, taking him in at a conpre-
hensive glance.
AS the door closed the general man
ager wheeled around in his chair.
His face was cold and impassive. There
was a CLINT in his gray eyes. and the
furrow deep between his brows was
deeper than usual
For a moment he looked "a Sanford.
who returned his gaze with one of Curl
osity Then he spoke.
when can you leave town."
mo. 2 leaves at 9:40,'' replied San
ford
1T means a mission of great respon-
sibility." said the general manager.
Sanford bowed slightly.
1T may be one of great danger.
Another bow and wave of the hand
was all the reply he got from lis pri-
vate secretary.
There will probably be some fight
ing and perhaps DEATH" continued Birch
coidly.
Sanford looked at the great clock that
hung against the opposite wall, and
bowed again.
The general manager turned to the
man beside him. and said
This IS the man l spoke of. He is
/, my private secretary. 1 have perfect
faith in his discretion, ability. and cour-
age. What I know about the road he
knows also Mr.. Gordon, this is Mr..
Sanford.
The men bowed to each other, and
the president of the c., Ell P. & G. rail-
road formally offered his hand to the
younger man.
Sanford looked at his superior curl
| lousy.
He was a type unknown to the West
ern man, the type of the exclusive and
aristocratic American money king, who
| lives quite as much in Europe as in his
native country, and whose millions are
| increased by workers of the stamp OF
| John Birch.
| Rapidly Birch disclosed to Sanford
| the situation in the Indian Territory
| He was not a waster of words, this
| brusque railroad man.
Then followed his instructions, to the
recital of which the president nodded
| his head approvingly from time to
time.
Now" he said to Sanford. by way
of final ADVICE, Il rely on you to carry
this thing through. L am too old to
do the active part of it, and besides,
you are unknown to Hart. You are
| at liberty to use any means you see
fit TO accomplish our purpose. There
is unlimited money at your disposal
| But we must get that franchise signed
and we must shut Hart out.
/ You will find him dangerous and
INSCRIPTIONS antagonist. He will use
| violence if necessary. Be careful &c
surround yourself only with reliable
men Good-by. You have twelve min
| utes in which to catch your train
The general manager gave Sanford s
/ hand a short hard pressure. The presi-
dent nodded coolly, and in minute
| Sanford was out of the office and into
| a cab on MS way 10 the union STA
| ton.
AS he rode along. his mind rapidly
digested and assimilated the details OF
| his assignment, an exceedingly difficult
| and responsible one for a man twice
| his age.
/ Walter Sanford was twenty-five. He
was tall and slender, and had the muscu
lar development of an athlete, and h'
| was alert physically and mentally.
| His fair hair curled over his high
broad forehead. and from beneath his
| brows shone a pair of dark, sharp eye:
| that seemed to see and comprehend
Everything. His lean, clean cut face be
spoke intelligence, plenty of reserve
power, and an abundance of courage
His whole personality was remarkably
attractive. Men instinctiyely trusted
him; but of women his busy life had pre-
Icluded much knowledge.
Sanford was born in the West, and ha(
left his fathers ranch in Kansas tc
| learn telegraphy, al which he served ar
apprenticeship. AS telegraph opera
tor, he took up the study Of shorthand
! and became an expert at it, as he was
with the telegraph instrument.