Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-12-27

the secret purchase of the California
timberlands from Trace he became an
unwilling participant in one Of the
strangest duels known to business his
tory. Newmark opposed to him all the
subtleties, all the ruses and eXpedients
to which his position lent itself. Orde,
sublimely unconscious. deployed the
magnificent resources of strength, en-
ergy, organization and combative spirit
that animated his pioneers soul.
Newmark worked under this disad-
vantage: He had carefully to avoid the
slightest appearance Of an attitude In
imical to the firms very best prospect
ty. Ii the smallest incident should bring
clearly before Orde that Newmark
might have an interest in reducing
profits he would know the logic of the
latter's devious ways. For this reason
Newmark did not dare make bad sales.
awkward transactions. The profits OF
the first year were not quite up to the
usual standard, but they sutficed.
Newmark' finesse cut in two the
tiAn's income of the second year Orde
reused himself. With his old time en-
ergy he hurried the woods work until
an especially big cut gave promise OF
recouping the losses of the year be-
fore. Newmark found himself strug-
Cling against force greater than he
had imagined it to be.
The end Of the fourth year found
Newmark puzzled. Orde had paid reg
ularly the interest on his notes. How
much he had been able to save toward
the redemption Of the notes themselves
his partner was unable to decide.
What Orde regarded as petty annoy
ances had made the problem of pay
ing for the California timber matter
OF great difficulty. A pressure whose
points of support he could not place
i was closing on him. Against this
pressure he exerted himself The mar
gin Of safety was not as broad as he
had reckoned But in any case. If
worse came to worst. he could always
mortgage the California timber for
enough to make up the difference. and
more. Against this expedient. how
ever, he opposed sentimental OBJ
stinacy. 1t was Bobby's, and he OBJ
jected to incumbering it.
Affairs stood thus in the autumn be-
fore the year the notes would come
due. Navigation remained open into
November. No severe storms had
swept the lakes. The barge and her
two tows had made one more trip
than had been thought possible.
The weather continued SO mild that
Orde decided that they take on load
for Jones & Mabley of Chicago.
Did intend to ship by rail-" said
he. They're all 'uppers.' so it would
pay all right But we can save al
kinds of money by water. and they
ought to skip over there in twelve to
fifteen hours"
Orde departed for the woods to start
the cutting as soon as the first belated
snow should fall.
To Newmark. sitting at his desl
after Orde's departure. reported Cap
tain Floyd Of the steam barge NORTH
Star
"All loaded by noon. sir" he said.
Newmark looked up in surprise.
well. why do you tell me?" he in
qulred.
81 want your orders"
my orders? Why?"
This is bad time of year" ex
planned Captain Floyd. land the storm
, signals up. All the signs are right TO
q blow"
Newmark whirled in his chair.
care you afraid?" he sneered.
Captain Floyd's countenance burne'
a dark red.
81 only want your ORDERS" was al
he said. 81 thought we might wait t
see."
'"Then go" snapped Newmark. ''Yo
heard Mr.. Orde's orders to sail as 500
as you were loaded"
Captain Floyd went out.
, Newmark arose and looked out Q
the window. From the government
, hagpole he caught the flash of re
. from the lazily floating signal. III
was little weatherwise, and he shoe
l his head skeptically. Nevertheless
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