Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1908-02-27
SS[GlS~
CHAPTER |.

The approach 10 the Offices of Girdle
stone 4 Co. was no. very t.su.ded one
A narrow doorway opens ju,c long
white washed passage. On owe side OF
this is brass plate With the inscription,
"Girdlestone \ Co. African Merchants,
and above IL curious h.e-oEyphNc sup
posed 10 represent Il human hand IN the
act of pointing Following he guidance
of this emblem. the waytacev ipds him
self in small square yari surrounded
by doors, upon one O: which rhe name
OF the firm reapnearS in larS" white let
ters, with the word push printed bH-
meath it. II he follows this hconic invl-
tation he will make his way iuro long
low apartment. which is the countins
house of the African traders.
On the afternoon of which we speak
things were quiet at the Offices. Misty
London light shoue hazily through tn"
glazed windows and cast dark sha Iows in
the corners. On a high perch in tho
background a weary-faced, elderly man.
with muttering lips and tapping fingers,
cast up endless lines of figures. Beneath
him, in front of two long shining mahog-
y
peared to be riding furiously. neck anl
neck, in the race of life. Any habitue Of
a London office mil ght have ieduced from
their relentless energy and Incorruptible
diligence that they we're under the eyes
of some member of the firm.
The member in question leaned against
the marble mantelpiece, turning over the
pages of an almanac. and taking from
time to time stealthy peep over the top
OF it at the toilers around him. Com
mand was imprinted in every line of his
strong, squareset face and erect, pow
erful frame. There was something class
ica in the regular olive-tinred features
and black, crisp, curling hair fitting tight
ly to the well-rounded head. Yet, though
classical, there was an absence of spirit
uality. 1t was rather the profile Of ono
of those Roman emperors, splendid in its
animal strength, but lacking those subtle
softnesses of eye and mouth which speak
of an inner life. Such was Ezra, Tao
only child of John G.rdlestoae, and the
heir to the whole of his vast business.
The junior partner was silent, and tho
clerks were working uneasily. Their
fears were terminated by the sharp sound
of a table-gong and the appea rance of
a boy with the announcement that Mr.
Girdlestone would like a moments conveT
ga ton with Mr.. Ezra.
The sanctpm of Mr.. John Girdlestone
was approached by two doors, one of oak
with groundless panels, and the other
covered with green baize. The room itself
L,,, Ioft nj ~, lie
ornamented by numerous sections of ships
stuck upon long fiat boards, very much
as the remains of fossil fish are exhibited
in museums. There were also several pho
tographs of the various vessels belonging
to the firm, together with maps, chars
and lists of sailings innumerable. Above
the fireplace was a large water-color
painting Of the barQue Belinda as she
appeared when on a reef to the north of
Cape Palmas. An inscription beneath
this work of art announced that it had
been painted by the second officer AMI
presented by him to the head of the firm.
1t was generally rumored that the mer-
chants had lost heavily over this dsas-
ter, and there were some who quoted it
as an instance of Girdestone's habitual
strength Of mind that he should decorate
his wall with so mela ncholy a souvenir.
John Girdestone, as he at at his
square Office table waiting for his son.
was undeniably remarkable looking
man. For good or for evil no weak
character lay beneath that hard angular
face, with the strongly marked features
and deep-set eyes.
He was known to be a fanatic in re-.
ligiOu, a purist in morals, and a man of
the strictest commercial integrity. Yet
there were some few who looked askance
at him, and none, save one, who could ap-
ply the word friend to him.
He rose and stood with his back to the
fire as his son entered. He was so tall
that he lowered above the younger man.
but the latter's square and compact frame
made him, apart from the difference of
age, the stronger man.
There's news of the Black Eagle" be
said She is reported from Madeira. 4"
"Ah ~ cried the junior partner eagerly
"What luck?"
she is FULL or nearly so. according to
Captain Hamilton Miggs' report
Il wonder Miggs was able to send a
report at ALL and | wonder still more
that you should put any faith IN it," his
son said impatiently. The fellow Is
pever sober"
"Miggs is a good seaman, and popular
On the coast. He may indulge at times
but We all have our failings. Here is thc
list vouched for by our agent. Six hu,-
dred barrels of palm OIL
''Oil is down to-day" the ocher inter
rupted
1T will rise before the Black Eagle
arrives" the merchant rejoined confident
ly. Then he has palm nuts III bulk, gum
ebony, skins. cochineal, and ivory. Ivory
is at fancy figure. We are sorely in
need Of a few good voyages, for things
have been very slack Of late. II is NOT
upon this matter that | wanted to speak
to you" Girdlestone continued 1T has.
however always been my practice to pre-
fer matters Of business to private affairs,
however pressing. John Harston is said
20 be dying, and he has sent 4 message to
me saying that he wishes to see me.
II Is inconvenient for me TO leave the
Office just now, but | feel that il is ny
Christian duty 10 obey such a summons.
] wish you. therefore, to look after things
until | return"
Il can hardly believe that the news ID
true" Ezra said, in astonishment There