The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-10-27


on this young fellow. come right out
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 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
thought my interest was too well
proved for you to think that | would
do anything underhanded. say moth
ing against this fellow Sommers now,
because I'm not prepared to prove it;
but, remember this, Mr. Durant, he's
no good. and sooner or later you'll find
1t out. | 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 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 to
me. | think this is just little over
enthusiasm in the Durant interests.
4 a..
val chaps straightforward decent
young fellows, and I'd hate to believe
otherwise. However, We'll watch him
and see. Come to me if you get any,
thing on him. but you know | will not
stand for mere rumors 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 dad?" she asked.
The old man turned to her, with a
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-
MIR. 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 yoursef?'
Sommers smiled at him.
rs that surprising? 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 +"
The steel man shook hands and.
turning. started to his study. Pinck-
ney remained a moment behind.
"Of course" he began rather eau
tiously. we are glad to have you, as
Mr.. nurant says. Mr. Sommers, but
with your gun so well under way |
don't see how you can possibly be Of
any help TO us"
just 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 he smiled courteouSly.
Il had no idea of being Of any help.
Mr.. Pin, kney. only want 70 be on
hand when the temrrring is done
You mean at the work in the fur
mace room" gasped the manager
SOmmerS smiled.
That's il exactly"
Finckney was beginning to lose his
temper
MA! ask why" he said sharply
SOmmerS continued 70 smile.
"Only to he sure it is properly DONE"
ne explained
Frances was standing by. watching the
men and IN h"r mind comparing them
She saw Tinckney. big. aggressive.
strong. an iron man. used to overriding
Ill who opposed him. now matched
ind held by this quiet. smiling man.
whose GOODNESS and evident plant
strength reminded her more than any,
hing else of the finest tempered steel,
ough. elastic. unbreakable. that out
asts iron every time. Now Pinckney
vas losing more Of his temper.
Have you any idea we are not COM
'etent enough to handle this jobY' he
demanded.
SOmmers still smiled.
"Oh. no. OF course not. only 1 pre-
er to see for myself. that's all. Ah,"
lie turned to see Mrs Durant, who
lad entered. Mrs. Durant. l fear I