Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-10-28


Durant was Il straightforward old
fighter who liked to have people come
right out
IF you can't say right out. why do
you intimate. Edward?" he demanded
sternly II don't like people who beat
about the bush. II You have anything
on this young fellow. come right out
and say so. Be prepared to prove 1t
and don't beat about tho bush and
suggest all sorts Of things against him
merely because he's paying attention
to Frances"
Pnckney rose and drew himself up
to his full height
I'm very sorry. Mr.. Durant. that
you should think me capable Of such
thing" he said win dignity "a
thought my interest was too well
proved for you to think that l would
do anything undermined. 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
It out | only hope It won't be too
late"
Durant looked at his young manager
kcenly. He had no reason to suspect
that Pinckney would lie or do any
thing maliciously undetermined merely
TO put a rival out Of the way. He had
known Edward from boy and found
him always apparently devoted to the
Durant interests. AL this made him
Judge kindly when from another man
be would not have tolerated mere
backbiting.
"All right. Edward" he said kindly.
You've proved yourself devoted to
me. think this IS Just a little over
enthusiasm In the Durant interests.
AS a general rule, I've found these ma
| val chaps straightforward. decent
young fellows, ana I'd hate to believe
otherwise. However. We'll watch him
and see. Come to me il you get any
| thing on him. but you know will not
stand for mere rumors and suspi-
| cions'
! lie 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 n
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
10 come to the study and continue the
conversation. III leave you to enter
tain Lieutenant Sommers If you'll ex-
cuse me-
Mr. Sommers was just going" said
Frances.
yes" broke in Sommers. that bad
time when must say good night has
arrived"
"IIow 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.
ooh. then you intend to remain to
see the forging Of the gun YOURSELF"
Sommers smiled at him.
rs that surprising? I'm somewhat
interested, you know"
We're glad to have you. OF course,
Mr. Sommcrs," spoke up Durant. "Ev-
erything is at your service. Good
night. sir"
The steel man shook hands and,
turning. started to his study, Plnck-
ney remained a moment behind
"Of course" he began rather eau
tiously. I'VE are glad TO have you, as
Mr. Durant 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 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
But the naval man overlooked entirely
the implication. Instead of taking Of
Tense he smiled courteously.
80 had no idea Of being of any help
Mr.. Pinckney. only want to be or
hand when the tempering is DONE"
"You mean at the work in the fur
mace room?" gasped the manager
! Sommers smiled.
That's 1t exactly"
Pinckney was beginning to lose bis
temper.
"May ask why?" he said sharply.
Sommers continued to smile.
"Only to be sure 1t IS properly done. y
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 GOODNESS and evident plan
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 job2" h.
demanded.
Sommers still smiled.
"Oh. no, OF course not only / pre-
fer to see for myself. that's all, All!
He turned to see Mrs. Durant, VIII,
had entered Mrs. Durant, | fear
must say good night, much as l hat
to. Thank you for splendid evening
Mrs. Durant shook hands cordially.
Good night, Mr., Sommers. hop
you'll come up often while you're II
town"
Sommers bowed