The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-09-23

1 smile.
 Nothing at all, little one, except l Edwards been saying some things | that interest me greatly, and to show | him what I think Pm going to ask him | to come to the study and continue the l conversation. I'll leave you to enter | tain Lieutenant Sommers if you'll ex- cuse me-
 ''N1r. Sommers was just going" said Frances.
 'Yes," broke in Sommers, ttthat bad time when I must say good night has arrived"
 "How much longer will you be in Pittsburg, MT. 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 yourself?" Sommers smiled at him. 'Is that surprising? I'm somewhat interested, you know" "We're glad to have you, of course, MT. 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 moment behind. "Of course," he began rather eau tiously, i've are glad to have you, as MT. Durant says, MT. Sommers, but with your gun so we'll under way don't see how you can possibly be of any help to us."
 Just a 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" the implication. Instead of taking of fense he smiled courteously.
 ''I had no idea of being of any help. MT. Pinckney. I only want to be on hand when the tempering is done."
 'You mean at the work in the fur mace room? ?" gasped the manager
 Sommers smiled.
 That's it exactly.''
 Pinckney was beginning to lose his temper ','N
 May ask why?' he said sharply
 Sommers continued to smile.
 "Only to be sure it is properly done," he explained.
 Frances was standing by, watching the men and in her mind comparing them. She saw Pinckney, big, aggressive, strong. an iron man, used to overriding all who opposed him, now matched and held by this quiet, smiling man, whose coolness and evident pliant strength reminded her more than any thing else of the finest tempered steel, tough elastic, unbreakable, that out lasts iron every time. Now Pinckney was losing more of his temper.
 Have you any idea we are not com petent enough to handle this job?" he demanded ..sfesz. ssl..s:a,,s. .s7 75,.. K,
 Sommers still smiled.
 "Oh, no, of course not, only I pre- fer to see for myself, that's all Ahr' He turned to see Mrs. Durant, who had entered. Mrs. Durant, I fear I must say good night, much as I hate to. Thank you for splendid evening""
 Mrs. Durant shook hands cordially.
 Good night, MT. Sommers. I hope you'll come up often while you're in town"
 Sommers bowed.
 ''Thank you. You may be sure I'll Couie dS oAIeu as udfe, He SdIu- Then he turned and held out his hand to Frances. (
 Good night, Miss Durant."
 The girl shook her head
 ''I'm going to see you out" she said.
 He smiled gratefully.
 Thanks"
 Next he turned to Pinckney,
 Good night MT. Pinckney. What l time will that gun be in?''
 Pinckney hesitated a moment
 ''Two o'clock sharp. Good night"
 Sommers bowed, turned and follow ed Frances out into the hall, leaving the girls mother and Pinckney stand | ing in the doorway staring at each | other.