The Washington times., 1908-05-31


Running smoothly. as usUaI" said
Allan. The water SUNNY Is bsttsr
than We thought I found a leak ar
one Of the feeders and had II re-
paired
Gone on just as we'll without ms as
with me, suppose?" said Craig IN hts
way Of brusk demand
Allan smiled. Il think So he re-
Piled
Huh! You think so. do you? And
about how long could you keep it up
II 1 We're 20 die?"
'As long as the timber remains to
De- cut on company land" said Allan,
without the slightest boastfulness or
hesitation.
Craig was secretly pleased tie adj
mired the younger man exceedingly.
not only for his fine ability. bus also
because he was not afraid.
You'd run me out. If you got the
chance" he said, however. in his
blunt, uncompromising way I'm see
how things are looking later on.
got you here to talk of something else.
Have you got any money!
81 don't depend entirely on my sal
AIRY, - answered Allan. I've got a few
odd dollars laid away
Five thousand. sayg
Five THOUSAND? Yes"
II thought SOL Craig was glazing
at him savagely, as If he felt the
money had made the young man indie
pendent. Huh! Well, Kennedy, what
co YOU say TO taking up a mortgage
with your money and some I can let
YOU have and coming into the COM
Pany with me-
Allan said: who is the mortgag7rs
Craig looked him oveI sharply; the
glitter increased in his eyes.
Jerry Kirk, he said.
Allan faced him unfiinchingly and
thought II out. He felt, but Re could
not be certain. that this was bit of
business with which Jerry Kirk was
entirely unacquainted.
isn't Mr.. Kirk quite satisfied With
his present mort gagee?' he inquired.
J'Whats that got 10 do with ite'' de-
manded Craig. IT want that mortgage
here-I want it in my own hands
a great deal more In your hands
than in mine perhaps?" asked Allan
His boldness astonished himself no
less than it did his chief. Craig was
instantly ahronted. but he knew. the
younger man was tempered steel him
self,
MOI" he said. The mortgage VIII be
yours. Kirk has been too big In this
house. and now I'm going 10 take
hand"
Il like and admire Jerry Kirk very
much indeed" Allan told him honest
Iy. I'D rather not disturb the mort
gage, If you please"
well, I don't pleaseT cried Craig,
striking the table with his fist until the
ink-weu and paper danced. I thought
YOU and Kirk were rivals. What do
hear of you being 'after that girl
that Jerry wants 70 marry
Allan c0lored. You haven't heard
anything from me" he said. and
probably nothing from Mr. Kirk"
Cant anybody talk bat you or
Kirkg" demanded the chef. with his
eyes sharply focused on Rennedy's
face. You don't deny the story?"
II don't propose TO drag IL In, >" said
Allan.
Craig was piqued. He could neither
Brighten. excite, nor allure his man
into discretions Of speech. The pres
eut bait was evidently no temptation
Whatsoever yet he gave up unwilling
Iy.
DO you mean to say you haven't
got the sense 20 take a legitimate ad-
vantage of "a rival?'' ne asked. Don't
be fool"
Allan burned with shame at the mere
suggestion Of ticking advantage Of
man for whom he felt respect that
was kindling to affection, and whom
DE had almost If not quite wronged
already.
Il can't understand your thinking
this even possible" he said Il know
] haven't understood YOU correctly"
He added with pointed significance. I
know / couldn't understand But
about the new sugar-pine log coming
in"
Logs You're a Iog.'' interrupted bis
employer. Cit out Of the Officer
Allan was instantly angered by this
order
I'm out Of my onice now" he said
a little holly.
Craig looked once in his set. young
face. and knew he had made a num-
Der of mistakes -
Then 90 back" ne said In a reason
able voice And watch that sugar
pine TO see that Croson hasn't worked
in any yellow"
Allan went. and Asa Craig began
to walk up and down in a singular
mixture Of emotions. He was certain