Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-12-27
n 6e n n
Silver Horde
D., DIV pEANu Author Of Spousn" and
ny MA OAkASAA The barrier
COPYRIGHT. HARPER e. BRorHERs
PER g. THEIRS


"It's an awful big piece Of money"
Bait admitted. with sigh.
81 never fully realized before how
very large" Boyd said. And yet
without that amount the Seattle bank
won't back us for the remainder"
"Oh, it's no use to tackle the busi-
hess on a small scale" Big George
pondered. "We'd ought to be on the
coast now. We're shy s25,000, eh?
"Yes."
| But the clouds were blown away
few days after when Alton Clyde
threw down twenty FIVE $1,000 bills be-
fore Boyd-got from mysterious
source which he refused to name.
Emerson later met the leading suitor
laside from HIMSELF for Mildred Way
lands hand. parsonage whose exist
ence he felt as Il continued menace.
He was visiting Mildred at her home.
Hearing voices outside the library.
the young man asked hurriedly: Give
;ne some time alone with you. my lady.
! must leave early"
There was time for no more, for
Wayne Wayland entered, followed by
another gentleman at the first sight Of
whom Emerson started, while his mind
raced of into dizzy whirl Of incredu-
lity. 1t could not be. 1t was too gro
tesque-toO ridiculous! What prank
If malicious fate was this? He turned
his eyes to the door again to see II by
| any chance there were third visitor,
but there was not, and he was forced
to respond to Mr.. Waylands greeting.
The other man had meanwhile stepped
directly to Mildred, as If he had eyes
for no one else. and was bowling over
her hand when her father spoke.
"Mr. Emerson, let me present you to
AIr. Marsh. | believe you have never
happened to meet here" Marsh turned
as II reluctant to release the girls
hand, and uot until his own was out
stretched did he recognize the other.
The two mumbled the customary sal
utations.
"You two will get along famously,"
said Mr.. Wayland. "Mr. Marsh is ac-
quainted with your country, Boyd"
"Ahy Marsh exclaimed quickly
"Are YOU an Alaskan. Mr.. Emerson?
Indeed, he is so welded to the coun'
try that he Is going back tomorrow.
Mildred offered.
Marshs first look Of challenge now
changed to one Of the liveliest interest.
and Boyd imagined the fellow endeav-
oring to link him. through the affair
ut the restaurant. with the presence
| Of Big George in Chicago.
Yes" Boyd answered cautiously, Il
am typical Alaskan-disappointed.
but not discouraged"
what business?'
"Miningv'
"Oh! indifferently.
Boyd has something far better than
mining now" began Mildred. "He was
| telling me about 1t as
you interrupted u.s." interjected
Emerson. panic stricken. Il didn't have
| time to explain the nature of my en-
| terprise."
The girl was about to put in dis
| claimer when he flashed look ut her
which she could not help but heed. 81
am very stupid about such things"
she offered easily. Il would not have
understood 1t, l am sure" To her
father she continued. leaving what
she felt to be dangerous ground. 81
didn't look for you 30 early"
I'VE finished sooner than expect
ed" Mr.. Wayland answered. 80 ]
drove Willis to his hotel and waited
| for him to dress. was afraid he might
disappoint us II let him out OF my
sight. My dear, have effected Won
| derful deal today" went on her father.
with the help Of Mr.. Marsh closed
the last details of consolidation
which has occupied me for many
months"
Another trust, l suppose"
Certain people might call 1t that
chuckled the old man. Willis was the
inspiring genius and d.l most OF the
work; the credit Is his"
"May / inquire the nature OF this
merger?" Emerson ventured.
Certainly" replied Wayne Wayland.
There Is no longer any secret about
II. have combined the packing In
dustries Of the Pacific coast under the
name Of the North American Packers
association"
Boyd felt himself growing numb.
"What do you mean by packing In
dustries?" asked Mildred.
"Canneries - salmon fisheries! We
own co per cent Of the plants OF the
entire coast, including Alaska. That's
why I've been so keen about that
north country. Boyd. You never
guessed 1t, eh?"
mo, sir" Boyd stammered.
well. we control the supply, and
we will regulate the market. We will
allow only what competition we de-
sire. 1t was beautiful transaction"
Was he dreaming? Boyd wondered.
| His mouth was dry, but he managed to
inquire:
what about the independent can
neries?"
Marsh laughed. There Is no senti-
ment In business! There are about 40
per cent too many plants to suit us.
believe l am capable Of attending to
them"
"Mr. Marsh Is the general manager"
| Wayland explained. with the mar
ket I'm our own hands and sufficient
capital to operate at loss for year
or two years, II necessary. l don't
think the independent plants will cost
us much"
Now for the first time Emerson re-
allied the impropriety Of his own pres
ent position. He was here in the Way
land home under false pretenses; they
had barred to him secrets not rightly
his with which he might arm himself.
When this, too. became known to the
| financier he would regard him not only
rs a presumptuous enemy, but as
traitor. Boyd knew the old tyrant too
we'll to doubt his course Of action;
thenceforth there would be war to the
|