Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-11-06

&
~ don't hare 70 treat anybody lCeU. I'm
Independent"
very valuable man. one Of the best
I've ever known. I'd hate TO lose him.
He is thoroughly competent even
though he seems drunk. Liquor only
makes him quarrelsome and imperti-
nent. II doesn't affect his ability as
a workman.
HE was just the man for this Job.
That's why ] put him I'm charge ana
let him stay on even though drunk.
You can depend on ir. he'll do the
work all right"
Sommers accepted the explanation
with a shruC.
well, you're the general manager.
Mr.. Pinckney." he said. II that gun
is ruined in your place the Durant
works will be responsible. Personally
1 think, valuable as Smith may be. II
would be good thing to lay him or
until he sobers up"
Pinckney nodded.
Il understand your feelings" he
said, but I'll stay out here myself 20
see that the gun goes through all
right. Smiths nasty now. IL might be
as well II you didn't stay any longer.
Ii upsets him 10 have outsiders about"
For the FIRST time a real suspicion OF
foul play took hold OF Sommers. They
were all too obviously anxious to get
him away.
Don't worry" he said shortly 20
Pinckney. IN take care OF myself.
I've got time 20 get into my working
toys. haven't ~
He turned away and started back to
the Office just IN time TO meet Marsh
approaching. He had sized up Marsh
for an honest, well meaning fellow. so
he didn't hesitate TO stop him.
"Oh, l say. Marsh. what time did
that gun go into the fireg'
The head draughtsman loozed up
and down and everywhere but at SOM
mers' face.
IL don't know, Mr.. Sommers. ex-
actly," he hesitated.
Don't known exclaimed the officer.
What's going on here anyhow? 1t
wrong Didn't you tell me that gun
went in at 6 o'cIockT'
Marsh was thoroughly frightened
now.
did ! say @ o'clock? I've forgotten.
Mr.. Pinckney will know. I'll ask him"
Suspicion had become practical GER
tainty in Sommers' mind now. He
saw he. too. must be diplomatic. He
must not let these people realize what
he suspected. He shook his head ca
gerly.
'Oh. don't bother Pinckney. Marsh
I'll be back in a moment, just as soon
as get on my working clothes"
And. leaving Marsh In a cold sweat
Of fear. the naval man hurried into
the office. AS soon as the door had
closed after him Pinckney rushed over
to Smith
Now. Smith. go to it quick" he
commanded.
In a moment the roar in the big fur
mace room had increased tremendous
ly. Smith began TO below his orders.
The men realizing the important time
had come went to work with a will.
- NC huSh tldNc IcI WIS IuSueu over
above the trap furnace as fast as it
could be moved. The chains were be-
ing lowered into the trap to draw out
the gun when Marsh caught Pinckney
by the arm.
mr.. Pinckney. don't-don't try it."
he exclaimed. 'Sommers suspects"
Pinckney shook of the restraining
touch
Let him suspect" be exclaimed con-
temptuously. What difference does
that make? Once set that gun into
the bath without his seeing it, / can
beat him. no matter what story he
tells I'm Washington"
But you can't get it in," expostu-
lated the frightened draugbtsman
Hell be back in a minute. He knew
you couldn't beat him or he wouldn't
have left He's gone to put on his
working clothes"
For reply Pinckney shook himself
free and shouted To Smith:
Here. Smith. Sommers has Just de-
manded that you be discharged. He
says you can't handle the job. He's
gone TO change his clothes. and he'll
be back In minute 10 boss the Job
himself"
That was enough The drunken
foreman's rage was as fierce as one of
his own furnaces now.
He has, has he?" he roared aboxe