The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1909-11-18
renlied the nteel mnn.


pose after they test the Sommers gun
they give It preference over the Rhine
strom gun and countermand our or
der"
Durant nodded. pleased.
II wish they would" he said. "We
could still get the business and not
gouge the government. Sommers is an
officer In the navy and can claim no
royalty. II would reduce the cost Of
every twelve inch gun $1,000"
Pinckney bowed In agreement, then
suggested:
"You are partly right. Mr.. Durant,
but II they took his gun there would
be no certainty about our getting the
order. We would have to compete In
the open. and some one might under
bid u.s.
1--WE can't help that" replied his
chief. "Is Sommers' gun better than
ours?"
Pinckney looked up Indignantly.
"Of course not" he exclaimed, "but
Sommers has influence. and | do not
trust him. | think he'd be capable Of
any dirty trick to have our gun turned
down.
Durant laid his hand on the young
managers arm in kindly fashion.
| Now. now. Edward" he said mean
ingly. II like your enthusiasm: it's
good for the business. but you must
not let your enthusiasm lead you to
foolish hatred. This young Sommers
seems to me to be very decent sort
Of young fellow. | never saw him be
fore tonight. but was quite favorably
impressed. Frances also seems to like
him very much"
$50 you've noticed that. too. have
your" sneered the manager.
Frances father looked up sharply
"Yes: have your he asked.
Again Pinckney hesitated IL was
time for careful work now. He could
not afford to make an open rupture or
say anything about O direct explana-
ton. SO he began using all his diplo-
macy. suggesting by look and gesture
rather than by open accusation what
he meant.
Yes | have noticed it. Mr.. Durant,"
he said II hoped | was mistaken.
would hate to see anything like that,
erything that concerns you, and par
ticularly In Frances" He hesitated
for a moment. wondering just how to
go on.
"Yes. understand your interest" 4"
said Durant kindly. II understand
that"
THANK you. sir" exclaimed Pinck
ney gratefully. you know. then. how
hard II is for me to see her associated
with such a fellow as Sommers and
what a blow II would be II he were to
make her fond Of him."
Durant looked at the younger man
keenly.
DO you mean there's anything
against this young fellow" he asked
"any reason why Frances should avoid
him?''
I'D rather not say. Mr.. Durant,"
hesitated Pinckney.
Durant was a straightforward old
fighter who liked to have people come
right out.
IF you can't say right out, why do
you intimate. EdwardY he demanded
sternly. II don't like people who beat
about the bush. II you have anything
on this young fellow. come right out
and say So Be prepared to prove IL
and don't beat about the bush and
suggest all sorts Of things against him
merely because he's paying attention
to Frances"
Pinckney rose and drew himself NJ
to his full height.
I'm very sorry. Mr.. Durant. that
you should think me capable Of such II
thing" he said with dignity. ~
thought my interest was too well
proved for you to think that | woul9
do anything underhanded. | say moth
ing against this fellow Sommers now
because I'm not prepared to prove It,
but. remember this. Mr. Durant. he's
no good. and sooner or later you'll find
It out. ! only hope II won't be too
late"
Durant looked at his young manager
keenly. He had no reason to suspect
that Pinckney would lie or do any.
thing maliclously undetermined merely
to put a rival out Of the way. He had
known Edward from a boy and found
him always apparently devoted to the
Durant interests. All this made him
judge kindly when from another man
he would not have tolerated mere
backbiting
"All right, Edward" he said kindly,
you've proved yourself devoted to
me. think this is just little over
enthusiasm In the Durant interests
As general rule. I've found these IA.
val chaps straightforward, decent
young fellows, and I'd hate TO believe
otherwise. However. wen watch hin
and see. Come to me If you get any
thing on him, but you know | will moi
stand for mere rumors and suspi
cions."
He stopped abruptly, for the door
opened and the man of whom they
were speaking. with Frances, came in
| The nuiCk aVa NJ tho Girl cauphf haI