The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-10-07
CHAPTER Xv.

"HE Durant gun works was in a fever of excitement. Ever since the forging of the Sommers gun events of importance. had happened in such close succession that about the works generally was the feeling of stunned engagement. The office force and even the hands when they met would look at each other fearfully. What would happen next? No one could tell. But all were sure something dreadful might be expected.
 First had come, the fight in the fur mace room, when Sommers was nearly killed; then the discharge of Smith, but with the rumor that he had gone to work in another plant controlled by MT. Durant; next had followed a ter iible explosion of the Sommers gun. and now was the shipwreck, the won- derful rescue through the bravery of Sommers and Frances Durant, finally to eliminate in rigid investigation to be held in the Durant works. So no wonder the thousands connected di- rectly and indirectly with the Durant works were in fever of excitement.
 The story of the heroic rescue had been told over and over again. All knew how Frances voluntarily had stayed behind on the wrecked yacht to share apparently certain death with the heroic young naval officer. It was plain that she loved him and he loved her, and all the gossips were strafning their imaginations to conjure just what would be the result when the girls lover was tried at the court mar tfal for the loss of his gun, forged in her fathers works.
 1 As soon as the Mongolian reached New York the survivors of the Irvessa had landed. Pinckney hurried to Pitts burg on the first train, but Sommers stayed over a few hours to make the trip with Frances and her mother. Mir. Durant had met them there, and all came eon together. The steel man was not given to many words. Som mers was equally undemonstrative. They had wrung each others hands with mutual respect and esteem, but there had been no words of the re1a- tion which all knew must exist be- tween the young officer and Frances. The girl had said nothing. Even her mother was not in her confidence.
 On the trip from New York to Pitts burg Mrs. Durant had found time to take up the subject with her husband.
 'It's no use, George she said. Ed ward hasn't chance. That wreck killed any feeling she ever had. We were all in the wireless room, and when he began to bungle and send foolish messages MT. Sommers just caught him by the collar, pulled him away from the key and put -him out side. If you had seen Frances face then you would know Edward was cry opportunity to clear himself of blame."
 George Durant nodded in agreement.
 t.I'1l give him every chance, my dear" he said. sGive him a chance, that's all any man can ask"
 Now the day of Sommers' chance was at hand, for MT. Durant had put his books and the entire force of the works in charge of Bradley to ferret out the truth.
 Pinckney, with a few hours start, hurried to the works as fast as possi- ble. He wanted to meet Marsh before the investigation began. He must know what Marsh had told Bradley. Their stories must agree. But the first blurted question brought another sur prise to the chief conspirator.
 ssI haven't seen any secret service man. There hasn't been any around here," protested Marsh.
 Pinckney shook his head impatient ly.
 Don't be foolish, Marsh You saw him and talked to him. He questioned you here nearly a month ago. His name was Bradley
 Marsh, thoroughly frightened at the idea of secret service men working on a case, could only redouble his pro- test.
 q haven't seen him. haven't talked to anybody didn't know in a month. .'
 Pinckney gave a relieved sigh.
 s"Then he bluffed me- he said. "But now listen. This Investigation is com ing off today. We're all right. If you keep your head for half an hour you can't go wrong. And we begin work on government contract for the Rhinestrom tomorrow
 What must I say?' inquired the in- NChIOI Ol luC RHluCOtloIA uA WCdhly.
 Swear that Smith was drunk and say that I and Sommers were in the furnace room when the gun went into the tempering bath. Then Bradley can't prove anything to save his life. Don't let him frighten you. He'll try to, but keep your nerve. If he asks you about the Rhinestrom gun don't know anything about it.''
 Marsh, naturally nervous, was now trembling with fear.
 You know of those killed and wounded, MT. Pinckney. We both de- serve states prison for it''
 Pinckney grabbed the little man by the shoulder to shake some courage into him.
 "Don't get chicken hearted, you fool y he cried angrily. sI feel as bad about the accident as you do, but we can't think of that now. It's states prison or fortune for you, Marsh. Now keep your nerve. How did we know the gun was going to explode? never thought it would stand the test at the proving ground. Come on in the office, and I'll give you a drink to brace