The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-11-24

plain that she loved him and he loved
her. and all the gossips were straining
their maginations to coniure just
what would be the result when the
girls lover was tried at the court mar
tial for the loss of his gun. forged in
her fathers works.
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
Mr.. Durant had met them there. and
all came on 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 rela-
ton 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.
cts no use, George" she said ed
ward hasn't a chance. That wreck
killed any feeling she ever had. We
were all in the wireless room, and
when be began to bungle and send
foolish messages Mr.. 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
done You must give Mr.. Sommers ev
cry opportunity to clear himself Of
blame"
George Durant nodded in agreement
"I'lI give him every chance, my
dear" he said Give him chance
that's all any man can ask
Now the day of Sommers' chance
was at hand, for Mr.. Durant had pu
his books and the entire force of th'
works in charge of Bradley to ferre
out the truth.
| Pinckney, with a few hours start
| hurried TO the works as fast as posi-
| ble He wanted to meet Marsh befor
]
/ know what Marsh had told Bradley
Their stories must agree. But the frs
/ blurted question brought another SUI
/ prise to the chief conspirator.
81 haven't seen any secret servic
man. There hasn't been any aroun
here" protested Marsh.
Pinckney shook his head impatient
ly.
"Dont be foolish. Marsh. You say
him and talked to him. He questione
you here nearly a month ago. Hi
name was Bradley"
Marsh. thoroughly frightened at th
idea of secret service men working o
a case. could only redouble his pre-
test
Il haven't seen him. haven't talke
to anybody | didn't know in a month.
Pinckney gave a relieved sigh.
Then he bluffed me-" he said. "Ru
now listen. This investigation is con
ing off today. We're all right. If 70
keep your head for half an hour 20
can't go wrong And we begin wor
on government contract for th
RhineStrom tomorrow
What must say?'' inquired the il
ventor of the Rhinestrom gun weakly
"Swear that Smith was drunk an
say that | and Sommers were in til
furnace room when the gun went int
the tempering bath Then Rradle
can't prove anything to save his life
Don't let him brighten you. He'll TT
to. but keep your nerve. If he ask
you about the Rhinestrom gun don
know anything about it,
Marsh. naturally nervous was nov
trembling with fear
You know of those killed ar,
wounded. Mr.. Pinckney. We both dc
serve states prison for it,
Pinckney grabbed the little man h
the shoulder to shake some courag
into him.
Don't get chicken hearted. You fool
he cried angrily. Il feel as bad abou
the accident as you do. but we can
think Of that now. It's states prison
or fortune for you. Marsh. Nov
keep your nerve. How did we know
! Tue gun was SOiUS 10 tx llOue: ueNe
thought il would stand the test at tn,
proving ground. Come on in the Office
and I'll give you a drink to brac,
you
They were still in the inner room
when Bradley. cool and debonar. a.
usual strolled into the outer office.
"How are you:" he said genially t,
Maize O'Rrien. the pretty stenogra
pher. pegcing away in one corner a
/ her machine. II was looking for Mr.
7 Pinckney."
Hes in the inner office with Mr.
Marsh" responded the girl.
| Bradley nodded.
''Sure. He sent for Marsh as soon a.
| he came. didn't he!'
Eyes" replied the girl curiously
\ "How did you know that?"
/ Bradley smiled.
"Mind reader" he suggested. ther
added. with serious explanation, :"
\ have an engagement with him. so