The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-12-13
HLRLSE
CHATTER xx.

Throughout the winter the work went on-wfth little success Jack was in- deed putting his back into 1t: admitted now fully to the confidence of his em- ployer. he could render himself Tar more useful than hitherto. As he had said, Mir. Crunden's ship was certainty not sinking; but tsG order had been riven "a .shorten sail" That Is ai- ways q wise order when there Is doubt ful weather about: but no one need fake alarm when 1t Ia heard. It not, for instance, such an order as all hands to the pumps" When that comes through the speaking trumpet even the rats may be excused for reel inx nervous. Mir. Crunden, then, as a nrecautionary measure was trying to close the yard. All the cottages were finished: he was keeping only the smai- last possible stan for the comple- lion of the last and innermost or the decoy houses. When that was done' the gates beneath the old archway would be shut and padlocked-uniess dirty Stevens, the dairyman, cared 10 come back as tenant.
 Meanwhile. with less to do at the yara in practical work. Jack threw himseit upon the financial and purely business side of affairs. He went here ana tnSI9 about the country, seeking suostahtlai adventurers and flouting men of straw A Iicity on the cheapest terms-advertis- ing hoardings to be erected, space iet to cover cost, other space excnahseu for Crunden's advertisements all oyer England; he had composed a pamphiet printed by MT. Mees,-descriping the charms and amenities of Medford, and inc unbuilt-on paradise offered to the world by Crunden; he had important Tn | terviews every day. and as Cruhuen representatiye opened negotiations for mortrages with dozen London firms. and entered particulars of ground rents and leaseholds for sale on the books of q hundred agents. In all dfrections-at home and abroad--he displayed an unparalleled energy which was recognized and admired by nis em- blower. Never was man better served by a clerk for twenty shillings week and his food.
 Sometimes old Crunden thought of it--and Of how sorelv he would nave missed his clerk For one thing. he was so cheerful-kept one In heart. Cour- age and hope came from him in every dark hour. And dark hours were many in this long winter.
 Mrs. Price, ws en she heard that there was. after alf. to be no change or clerks. had uttered the liveliest pro- festations of pleasure. She hastened to obtain from her master confirma- tion of the good news.
 eAnd I'm sorry, sir. that spoke rude. I could have bit my tongue off after wards for what said-but at the time I don't think knew what was say ing"
 "Dont' mention it. said Crunden. sr understand what lay behind any re- marks you let fall" and he gave grunt "You're uncommonly fond of Mr. Jack?'
 aof course I am. said Mrs. Price. sswho could help being fond of him?"
 Not Mir. Crunden. He had tried hard to help it-and had failed. This young mans voice was music, his smile sum shine to him. Absurd, ridiculous! Old Crunden struggled valiantly against yielding to such preposterous senti- ments--as if to yield had been a base weakness. It had seemed to him like the evil spell of the Hill itself-now ruined, broken and trampled down rising again to enthrall ones mind and confuse ones senses. Do what you would to the lord of the Hill, he could bring you to his feet--force you to bow before him as hereditary immemorial oyer-lord. By playing with the snoh- bisa cravings that Turk in even the stoutest breast, he could twist one to the pended knee. With condescending manner and hattering assumption of graciousness, he could persuade you to renounce your right to be grim and stern and harsh to him.
 nothing for the condescension harped upon by Bowling. He was fond of Jack now, as forty-three years ago in