Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-21


whicn held the Sommers gun. One
quick look assured the navy man Of
the foreman's condition.
How soon do you take the gun out
Smith," he asked.
"None of your business" he retort-
ed. II take 1t out when i get good
and ready. Maybe at one time, and
then again it may be another"
The answer was enough. Every
muscle in Sommers' powerful frame
set for action. Already he had the
foremans protruding jaw measured
for his right hand. and Pinckneys
voice checked him.
Il say, Sommers, come fere. please.
will you?"
The naval man turned without a
word and walked over to the general
manager.
Perhaps you can explain this. Mr..
Pinckney?" he demanded sternly.
-Pinckney smiled apologetically.
II hope you won't mind Smith. You
can see he's been drinking"
The officers eyes narrowed. The
fighting look was still on his face.
And that's the kind Of man you
allow to be in charge of important
work." he demanded.
Pinckney was still apologetic.
1T doesn't often happen. I'm glad
to say" he explained. But Smith Is q
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. It doesn't affect his ability as q
workman.
HE was just the man for this job.
That's why I put him in charge and
let him stay on even though drunk.
You can depend on 1t, he'll do the
work all right"
sommers accepted the explanation
with a shrus.
well, you're the general manager,
Mr.. Pinckney," he said. IF that gun
Is ruined in your place the Durant
works will be responsible. Personally.
I think, valuable as Smith may be, 1t
would be a good thing to lay him on
until he sobers up"
Pinckney nodded.
81 understand your feelings" he said,
"but I'll stay out here myself to see
that the gun goes through all right.
Smiths nasty now. 1t might be as
well If you didn't stay any longer. 1t
upsets him to have outsiders about"
For the first time 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 to
Pinckney. "Tll take care Of myself.
I've got time to get into my working
togs, haven't II"
He turned away and started back to
the office just in time to meet Marsh
approaching. He had sized up Marsh
for an honest, we'll meaning fellow, so
he didn't hesitate to stop him.
"eh, say, Marsh, what time did
that gun go into the fire"
The head draughtsmaR looked up
and down and everywhere but at Som
mers' face.
IL don't know, Mr.. Sommers, ex-
actly," he hesitated:
Don't know!" exclaimed the Officer:
Whats going on here anyhow? It
looks to me like there's something
wrong. Didn't you tell me that gun
went Ia at o'cloek?r
Marsh was thoroughly frightened
now,
did I say s o'clock? I've forgotten:
Mr, PiHekHey will know: I'll ask him.
Suspicion had become practical GER
tainly In Sommers' mind Row: He
saw he, toe, must be diplomatic: He
must not let these people realize what
he suspected. He shock his head ea-
gefiy.
"oh, don't bother PinckHey, Marsh,
I'll be back In moment, just as sooH
as get on my working clothes.'
And, leaving Marsh In cold sweat
Of fear. the naval man hurried into the
office. As soon as the door had closed
after him Pinekney rushed over to
Smith.
Now. Smith, so to 1t quick he
commanded,
In a moment the roar In the big fur
mace room had increased tremendously,
Smith began to below his orders, The
men realizing the important time had
come went to work with will,
The huge traveller was rushed over
above the trap furnace as fast as 1t
could be moved. The chains We're be-
ing lowered into the trap 10 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 off the restraining
touch.
Let him suspect" he exclaimed con-
temptuously. What difference does
that make? Once get that gun into
the bath without his seeing it, I can
beat him, no matter what story he
tells in Washington"
But you can't get it in," expostu-
lated the frightened draughtsman.
Hell be back in 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 a minute to 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 above
the noise Of the furnaces and the
Changing steel. IF he comes In here
I'll throw him in the furnace"
Il don't blame you," supplemented
Pinckney. And Smith. seeing now the
Separol nnanayer was behind him in