Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1907-05-03

which. perhaps, she did not realize.
The strike and Oakley had become n
mania with the editor, and from him
she was able to learn what Dan was
doing.
The unpopularity Of his son was a
source OF Infinite grief to Roger Oak.
ley. the more so as he took the burden
OF II on his own shoulders. He brood
ed over 1t until presently he decided
that he would have a talk with RYDER
and explain matters to him and ask
him to discontinue his abuse of Dan.
There was a streak In the old con-
vict's mind which was hardly sane. for
no man spends the best years of his
life In prison and comes out as clear
headed as he goes In.
As he pottered about the shops with
McClintock he meditated on his project.
He was sure II he could show Ryder
where he was wrong and unfair he
would hasten to make amends. 1t new
er occurred to him that Ryder had
merely followed in the wake of public
opinion, giving ii definite expression.
one evening-and he chose the hour
when he knew Antioch would be at
supper and the streets deserted-he
stole from the shops without telling
Dan where he was going, as he had
shrewd idea that he would put veto
on his scheme did he know of ii.
With all his courage his pace slack
ened as he approached the Herald Of
flee. He possessed unbounded respect
for print and still greater respect for
the man who spoke in print.
The door stood open. and he looked
in over the top of his steel bowed spec
tacles. The Office was dark and shad-
owy, but from an inner room, where
the presses stood, light shone. While
he hesltated the half grown boy who
was Griff's chief assistant came from
the office. Roger Oakley placed hand
on his shoulder.
rs Mr.. Ryder in, sonny?" he asked.
Yes, he's in the back room. where
you see the light"
THANK you"
He found Ryder busy making up by
the light Of a single dingy lamp. for the
Herald went to press in the morning.
Griff gave a start of surprise when he
saw who his visitor was. Then he said
sharply, "Well, sir, what can l do for
your
Ii was the first time the old convict
and the editor had met, and Roger
Oakley, peering over his spectacles,
studied Ryders face in his usual slow
fashion. At last he said, II hope am
not lntrudlng. Mr.. Ryder. for I'd like
to speak with you"
Then be quick about IT," snapped
Griff. Don't you see I'm busyT'
With the utmost deliberation the old
convict took from his pocket a large
red and yellow bandanna handkerchief.
Then he removed his hat and wiped
his face and neck with elaborate thor.
oughness. When he finally spoke he
dropped his voice to an impressive
whisper. 81 don't think you under
stand Dannie, Mr.. Ryder, or the rea-
sons for the trouble down at the
shops"
Don't II Well. I'll be charmed to
hear your explanation" And he put
down the rule with which he had been
measuring one of the printed columns
on the table before him.
Without being asked Roger Oakley
seated himself in a chair by, the door.
He placed his hat and handkerchief on
a corner of the table and took off his
spectacles, which he put into their case
Ryder watched him with curious inter
est
81 knew we could settle this, Mr..
Ryder" said he, with friendly simple
lty. you've been unfair to my son.
That was because you did not under
stand. When you do l am certain you
will do what you can to make right
the wrong you have done him"
A vicious, sinister smile wreathed
Ryders lips. He nodded. go on"
"Dannle's done nothing to you TO
make you wish to hurt him, for you
are hurting him. He doesn't admit 1t,
but | know
81 hope So" said Ryder tersely. IL
should hate to think my energy had
been entirely wasted"
Olo he Continued