The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-08-16

uatfOn down at the shops, II lnal IS
what YOU mean The men may not
like me any the better or respect me
any the more for knowing Of them, but
they will discover that that will make
no difference where our relations are
concerned"
ITO be sure. only meant that pub
lie opinion will be pretty strong
against you. 1t somehow has an in
fuence,' ruefully.
II suppose it has," rather sadly.
"Do you have to stay and face it?
1t might be easier, you. know I
don't mean exactly to run away
81 am pledged to put the shops and
road on a paying basis for General
Cornish. He'd about made up his
mind to sell to the NJ. and w. If he
does it will mean the closing Of the
Shops and they will never be opened
up again. That will wipe Antioch off
the map. Not so very long ago had
a good dea! of sympathy for the people
who would be ruined, and can't
change simply because they have,
can ~ with Il look on his face which
belonged to his father.
The doctor stroked his beard medi-
tatively and considered the question.
II suppose there Is such a thing as
duty, but don't you think, under the
circumstances. your responsibility is
really very llght?"
Dan laughed softly.
II didn't imagine you would be the
first to advise me to shirk it,
Il wouldn't ordinarily, but you don't
know S-,sloch. They can make it very
unpleasant for you. The town is in a
fever of excitement over what has hap
pened today. 1t seems the men are
not through with you yet
YES, know. My father should have
gone back. 1t looks as if I'd yielded,
but l couldn't ask him to when saw
how he felt about it,
you see, the town lives off the shops
and road. 1t is a personal matter to
every man, woman and child in the
place"
That's what makes me so mad at
the stupid fools!' said Oakley, with
some bitterness. They haven't the
brains to see that they have lot more
at stake than any one else. If they
could gain anything from a fight I'd
have plenty of patience with them, but
they are sure losers. Even if they
strike and the shops are closed for the
next six months it won't cost Cornish
a dollar-indeed, it will be money in
| his pocket
II don't think they'll strike" said
the doctor. II didn't mean that exact
ly, but they'll try to keep you on a
strain"
".Ihey have done about all they can
in that direction. The worst has hap
pened won't say it didn't bruise me
up bit. Why, am actually sore in
every bone and muscle. l was never
SO battered, but I'm beginning to get
back, and I'm going to live the whole
thing down right here. can't have
skeletons that are liable to be unearth-
ed at any moment"
He took a letter from his pocket
opened it and handed it to the doctor.
II guess you can see to read this If
you will step nearer the street lamp"
\ The letter was an offer from one OF
the big eastern lines. While the doc
tor knew very little of railroads, he
understood that the offer was a fine
one and was impressed accordingly.
I'D take it, he said. II wouldn't
fritter away Hy time here. Precious
little thanks you'll ever get"
II can't honorably break with Gen
eral Cornish. In fact. have already
declined, but l wanted you to see the
letter."
II am sorry for your sake that yol
did. You are sure to have more trou
ble."
$50 much the more reason why
should stay"
II am quite frank with you, Oakley
Some strong influence is at work. No
it hasn't to do with your father Yol
can't we'll be held accountable for hi
acts"
Ryders laughter reached them as b.
spoke. Oakley could see him faintl,
outlined in the moonlight, where lie sa
between Constance Emory and he
mother. The influence was there. l
was probably at work at that very me
ment.
II wouldn't be made a marty
through any chivalrous sense of duty,
continued the doctor. I'D look out 70
myself"
Dan laughed again.
You are preaching cowardice at
great rate
well, what's the use of sacrifcin
oneself? You possess most horribl
sense of rectitude."
II would like to ask favor of you,
hesitating.
Il was going to say if there was any
t thing could do
IF you don't mind" with increasn
hesitancy, will you say to Miss Emor
for me that I'd like to see her tomol
i row afternoon? I'll call about 3-tha
, is
Eyes, I'll tell her for YOU"
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