Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-11-06

With an the strength be could com
mand O'Leory caught her arm.
Don't trouble about me. Hurry over
and do what Miss Frances tells YOU
and don't tell any one else"
Still che girl hesitated. but just then
Marsh entered the Office from the
works.
Marsh VIII take care Of me-" gasped
O'Leary. Hurry, DO as I told you.
Reluctantly Lucy ran out Of the office
as the head draughtsman came over
TO the injured man.
What's happened. O'LcaryT"
The assistant foreman was almost too
weak from the shock and loss OF blood
10 reply. but ne managed 10 gasp out
family:
smith cracked me with q hammer
when I wasn't looking He's fighting
drunk. Mr.. Marsh. and running the
Sommers gun"
Marsh, experienced about the works.
was examining O'Leary's wounded
head with almost professional skill.
You've got bad rap. boy. We
must rush you 20 the doctor"
He stepped 20 the door leading into
the works and yelled Tor two men.
then came back 20 do what he could
Pinckncy had almost at the same mo
ment returned from his private office.
what's this2" he exclaimed as he
saw the bloody O'Leary half lying
across an Office table
The workman. injured though he
was. stil held 20 his grim determine
ton 20 get justice Tor Sommers. At
Pinckney's question he half raised
himself on the table.
IT'S Smith. sir" he said to the gen
eral manager. Hes leaving that gun
too long in the furnace. ] kicked. and
he hit me when my back was turned
III fix him"
Pinckney looked at the bloody man
coldly.
You ought 20 have more sense than
20 kick" he said Smiths In charge
OF that job. He's responsible. Its
none OF your business. You ought 10
have kept your head shut"
OLeary stared at the manager. too
amazed TO retort. He was stin half
dazed from the terrific blow he had
received or his suspicious would have
been Immediately aroused. The two
men had entered from the works and
stood ready. They knew just what
20 do.
Here ordered Plnckney, take this
fellow across 90 the doctor quick. Tell
him it's a works case"
The two men seized O'Leary, picked
him up ia their arms and hurried with
him ont OF the Office.
Marsh turned 90 the general mana.
ger.
We've got 70 stop this. Mt. Pinck.
ney,' he exclaimed. smith is fight
ing drunk"
Pinckney nodded carelessly.
"Oh, yes. / understand. but III see
10 Smith. There's something more i'm
portant on now. I've just got a wire
from my agent In Washington"
About my guns" asked Marsh anx
iously.
About the Rhinestrom gun" came
Pmckney's cold correction.
The head draughtsman nodded ac-
Quiescence.
Yes. that's what l mean" he agreed
Pinckney took a telegram out OF his
pocket
We'll. there's all sorts OF trouble in
Washington" he explained. "Tomor-
row they'll notify US not to begin on
the Rhinestrom order until the som
mers gun is tested"
What OF thatF' asked Marsh blank.
ly. 1T only means a slight delay"
Pinckney made an impatient gesture.
slight delay. nothing. Haven't you
sense enough 10 see it's a game OF this
toy sailor. SOmmers? They'll counter
mand the order for our gun after they
test his just as sure as fate"
Marsh dropped into a chair defect
edly
Just my luckP' be exclaimed 10 dis
tresS. That's the end Of my royalty
l might have known. 1t always hap
pens that way with me. i never have
any luck"
Pinckney stood looking, a sneering
smile on bis face.
That's it," be said contemptuously.
Lay down. That's the reason your
luck is always bad and always will
be bad A gutter can't have sny luck.
How do you expect to have anything
If you drop az the FIRST ditchy"
The inventor looked up. puzzled.
What eau / doT" he asked.
Pinckney smiled pityingly on him.
What can you do? Haven't you
sense enough TO guess? Here"-he
stepped closer to the inventor to speak
In a lower, hrmer toDe-"this dirty.
tricky sailor has got the best OF us in
Washington. but with Smith drunk |
guess we've got the best Of him here"
Marsh looked up. startled. amazed.
Some slight hint OF what Pinekney In
tended began TO dawn on him.
What do you meanY he asked
slowly IN an almost dazed tone
The general manager looked at him
sharply.
What time did you say Sommers
would get hereT
"One-fhfrfay 4" rpnIfod Marsh