Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1909-11-25

II wish they would" he said. I'VE
could still get the business and not
gouge the government. Sommers Is an
officer in the navy and can claim no
royalty. 1t would reduce the cost OF
every twelve inch gun $4,000"
Pinckney bowed in agreement. then
suggested:
You are partly right. Mr.. Durant.
but if 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."
I'VE can't help that" replied his
chief. us Sommers' gun better than
ours?"
Pinckney looked up Indignantly.
"Of course not" he exclaimed. but
Sommers has influence. and l 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 Il very decent sort
of young fellow. l never saw him be
fore tonight. but l was quite %favorably
impressed. Frances also seems to like
him very much"
$50 you've noticed that. too. have
you?" Sneered the manager.
Frances father looked up sharply.
Yes; have you" he asked.
Again Pinckney hesitated. 1t vas
time for careful work now lie could
not afford to make an open rupture or
say anything about a 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. l have noticed it. Mr.. Durant."
he said. II hoped | was mistaken. l
would hate to see anything like that.
because you know my interest in ev-
ticularly in Frances" He hesitated
for u moment. wondering just how to
go on.
Yes. l understand your interest
said Durant kindly. Il 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 it would be If 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
hing"
I'D rather not say. Mr.. Durant.'
hesitated Pinckney.
Durant was a straightforward old
fighter who liked to have people come
right u
IF you can't say right out. why dc
you intimate. Edward?" he demanded
sternly. II don't like people who beat
about the bush. If you have anything
on this young fellow. come right out
and say so. Be prepared to prove ii
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 uE
to his full height.
you should think me capable of such q
thing" he said with dignity. 81
thought my interest was too vel
proved for you to think that l would
do anything underhanded. l 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. l only hope it 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 maliciously undetermined merely
to put Il 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 tc
me. l think this is just a little over
enthusiasm in the Durant interests
AS a general rule. I've found these ma.
val chaps Straightforward, decen'
young fellows, and I'd hate to believe
otherwise. However. We'll watch hin
and see. Come to me if you get any
thing on him. but you know l will no
stand for mere rumors and suspi
cions."
He stopped abruptly, for the doc
opened and the man of whom the,
were speaking. with Frances, came in
The quick eve of the girl caught he
fathers angry mood.
whats the matter, dad?" she asked
The old man turned to her. with
smile.
SNOthtpu ot oil NttIa opa oyCap