Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-11-11

he said. 81 hoped was mistaken.
would hate to see anything like that,
because you know my interest in ev-
erything that concerns you. and par
ticulariy In Frances" He hesttated
for a moment, wondering just how to
60 on.
"Yes, I understand your interest"
said Durant kindly. 81 understand
that"
Thank you. sir" exclaimed Pinck-
ney gratefully. "You know, then. how
hard it is for me to see her associated
with such q fellow as SommerS and
what a blow 1t would be If he were to
make her fond of him."
Durant hooked at the younger man
keenly.
do you mean there's anything
against this young fellow" he asked
"anV reason why Frances should avoid.
him2"
It'd rathe: 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.
sternly. 81 don't like people who beat
about the bush. II you have anything
on this young fellow, come right out
and say 80. Be prepared to prove it
and don't beat about the bush and
suggest an sorts Of things against him
| merely because he's paying attention
! 10 Frances"
Pinckney rose and drew himself up
to his full height.
I'm very sorry. Mr.. Durant, that
you should think me capable of such a
| thing" he said with dignity. II
| thonght my interest was too well
proved for you to think that would
do anything undetermined. say moth
ing against this fellow Sommers now,
because Pm 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 1t won't be too
late"
Durant looked at his young manager
keen1y. He had no reason to suspect
| that Pinckney would lie or do any
| thing maliciously undermined merely
| to put rival out Of the way. He had
known Edward from q boy and found
him always apparently devoted to the
DuraRt interests. All this made him
| judge kindly when from another man
he would not have tolerated mere
backbiting.
''AIl right, Edward" he said kindly
| you've proved yourself devoted to
me- / think this Is just a little over
! enthusiasm IN the Durant interests.
! As general rule. I've found these ma
/ val chaps straightforward, decent
| young fellows, and I'd hate te believe
! otherwise. However, wen watch him
and see. Come to me If you get any
| thing on him. but you know will not
stand for mere runners and suspi-
cions"
! He stopped abruptly, for the door
| opened and the man Of whom they
were speaking. with Frances, came in.
The quick eye Of the girl caught her
fathers angry mood.
whats the matter, dad7" she asked.
The old man turned to her, with
smile.
Nothing at all, little one, except
Edwards been saying some things
that interest me greatly, and to show
! him what think I'm going to ask him
| to come to the study and continue the
conversation. I'll leave you to enter
tain Lieutenant Sommers If you'll ex-
cuse me-
"Mr. Sommers was just going" said
Frances.
YES" broke in Sommers, that bad
time when must say good night has
arrived"
How much longer will you be in
Pittsburg, Mr.. Sommers?" asked Du-
| rant.
"Only until my gun is forged" re-
piled the lieutenant.
Pinckney looked up in surprise.
"Oh, then you intend to remain to
see the forging of the gun yourselfT'
Sommers smiled at him.
SIS that surprising7 I'm somewhat
interested, you know"
"we're glad to have you, Of course,
Mr.. Sommers,' spoke up Durant. ''Ev-
erything is at your service. Good
night, sir"
Tho steel man shook hands and,
turning, started to his study. Pinck-
ney remained a moment behind.
"Of course" he began rather eau
tiously. 1--WE are glad to have you. as
Mr.. Durant says, Mr.. Sommers, but
with your gun 80 well under way 1
don't see how you can possibly be Of
any help to u.s."
Just a slight hardening Of his tone
made Pinckney's speech mean only
too plainly, There's no use In your
staying, because we don't want you"
But the naval man overlooked entirely
the Implication. Instead Of taking Of
Tense be smiled courteously.
81 had no idea Of being Of any help.
Mr.. Pinckney. I only want to be on
hand when the tempering is DONE"
"You mean at the work in the fur
mace roomT' gasped the manager.
Eommers smiled.
That's It exactly"
Pinckney was beginning to lose his