Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1906-01-17

much time at crisis when tl2e was
precious. Judge MacFarlane had to
be recalled and once more bullied into
subjection; and Falkland, acting for
the Plantagould interest, had insisted
upon some formal compliance with the
letter of the law.
Bucks had striven masterfully to
drive and not be driven; but the de-
lays were memorable, and the impend-
ing strike threatened to turn the or.
derby charge into rout. The gov,
ernor had postponed the coup from
day to day, waiting upon the leisurely
movements of Falkland; and at tho
end of the ends there remained but
three hours of the final day of grace
when the telegram came from Falkland
with the welcome news that the Over
land officials were on their way from
Midland City to keep the appointment
in CASTOR.
Of all this Kent knew nothing, and
was anxious in just proportion as the
minutes elapsed and the time for the
departure Of the eastbound express
drew near. For the success of the des-
perate venture turned upon this: that
the receivers special must leave ahead
OF the passenger train. With the ex-
press blocking the way the difficulties
became insurmountable.
Kent was still standing at the train
mems wicket when Callahan sent the
private car gently up to the trackhead
of track eight. M'Tosh had been tele-
phOning again, and the receiver and
his party were on the way to the sta
ton.
II was afraid you'd have to let the
express go first" said Kent, when the
trainmaster came his way again.
"How much time have WEI"
Five minutes more; and they are on
the way down-there they GOMEZ
Kent looked and saw group Of six
men making for the nearest exit in the
grille. Then he smote his fist into his
palm.
"Damn!" he muttered; they've got
the vice president of the Overland with
them! That's BAD
cts bad for Mr.. Callafeld," growled
M'Tosh. "We're in too deep now to
back down on his account
Kent moved nearer and stood in the
shadow of the gate-keeper's box, leav-
ing M'Tosh, who was on the track
platform, free to show himself. From
his new point of espial Kent checked
of the members Of the party. When
Maj. Guilford left it to come back for
word with M'Tosh, there were FIVE
others: the governor, his private Sec
rotary, Hawk, Halkett, the general SUI
perintendent, and the Overland's vice
president.
"All ready, M'Tosh?" said the re-
ceiver.
Ready and waiting, Major" was
the bland reply.
"WhO is our engineer"
Patrick Callahan
"That wild Irishman? The governor
says he'd as soon ride behind the
DEVIL
Callahan will get you there" said
the trainmaster, with deliberate en-
phasis. Then he asked question of
his own. lis Mr.. Callafield going with
you?"
"No. He came down to see us off.
How is the fast mail to-night?"
''She's just in-an hour and thirty
five minutes late"
The major swore pathetically. He
was of the generation of railway Off
Gals, happily fast passing, which
cursed and swore itself into authority.
'*That's another $500 forfeit to the
post office department.! Who's taking
it west:"
''Tischer.'
''Give him orders to cut out all the
stops. If he is more than SIS minutes
late at Bighorn, he can come in and
get his time"
Fischer had just got the word to go,
and was pulling out on the yard main
line.
''I'l catch him with the wire at yard
limits" said M'Tosh. Then: would
you mind hurrying your people a lit
tie, major? The express is due to
leave"
Guilford was heavy man for his
weight, and he waddled back to the
others, waving his arms as signal for
them to board the car.
Kent saw the vice president of the
Overland Short Line shake hands with
Bucks and take his leave, and was so
intent upon watching the tableau OF
departure that he failed to notice the
small boy in. Western Union blue who
was trying to thrust a telegram, damp
from the copying rolls, into his hand.
tits rush, SIR" said the boy,
painting from his quick dash across the
track platforms. 80.
It was Ormsby's message from
Breezeland; and while Kent was try.
ing to grasp the tremendous import. OF
it., MTosh was giving Callahan the
signal to 60. Kent sprang past the
gate-keeper and gave the square Of
damp paper to the train-master. ss IF :.
my God! read that" he gaaped,
with q dry sob 81 excitement. It wa
our chance one chance In q millI)n-,
and we've lost IT, IL .s5
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