Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-07-21

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was working against time. that there
was limit to his period OF action, tor
he seemed obsessed by an ever-grow-
ing passion to accomplish some end
within given time and had no
thought for anything beyond the en-
crossing issue into which he had
plunged. She was dumfounded by his
sudden transformation, and delighted
at first. but later. when she saw that
he regarded her only as a means to
ship piqued her and she felt hurt.
Constantine had been sent for Bait,
with instructions to keep on until he
carried him over the range During the
days Of impatient waiting they occu-
pied their time largely in reconnoiter.
ing the nearest cannery, permission TO
20 over which Cherry ha0 s-cureu
from the Waterman, who was in
debted to her. The man was timid at
first, but Emerson won him over, then
proceeded to pump him dry of infor-
nation, as he had done with his hos.
tess. He covered the plant like fei.
ret; he showed such powers Of adap-
liability and assimilation as to excite
the girls wonder; his grasp Of detail
was instant; his retentive faculty to-
nacious; he never seemed to rest.
why, you already know more about
cannery than superintendent
Does" she remarked, after nearly
week Of this. IT believe you could
build one yourself"
He smiled. "I'm an engineer by edu-
cation, and this is really in my line.
It's the other part that has me guess
ing"
"Balt can handle that"
but why doesn't he Gomez" he
questioned Grossly. A score of times
he had voiced his impatience, and
Cherry was hard pushed to soothe
him.
Nor was she the only one to note
the change in him. Fraser followed
him about and looked on In bewilder-
ment
What have you done to Frozen An
nie?" he asked Cherry on one occa-
sion. you must have fed him speed
ball, for I never saw a guy gear up so
fast. Why, he was the darndest Grape
hanger l ever met till you got him
Fingered up; he didn't have no more
spirit than sick kitten. OF course,
he amt what you'd call genial and
expansive yet, but he's developed a re-
markable burst of speed and seems
downright hopeful at times"
Hopeful Of what?'
"Ahl that's where wander; he's q
puzzle to me. Hopeful of making
money, suppose
"That isn't it. I can see he doesn't
care for the money ITSELF" the girl
declared emphatically She would have
liked to ask Fraser If he knew any
thing about the mysterious beauty of
the magazine, but refrained.
IL don't think so, either" said the
man. "He acts more like somebody
was going to ring the gong on him it
this fish thing don't let him out. II
seems to be case bet with him.
tits case bet with me, too" said
the girl. "My men are ready to quit.
and-well, Willis Marsh will see that
am financially ruined!" .|y,--.-
"Oho! So this is your only out,
grinned "Fingerless" Fraser. NOW,
had different idea as to why you got
Emerson started" He was observing
her shrewdly
what idea, pray?"
"Well, talking straight and side
stepping subterfuge, this is lonely
place for woman like you, and our
mutual friend amt altogether unai-
tractive"
Cherry's face famed, but her tone
was ICY This Is entirely business
matter"
"Hm-m-! I amt never heard
you touted none as business woman"
said the adventurer.
"Have you ever heard me"-the,
color faded from the girls face, and it
was trifle drawn-"discussed in any
way?"
(To be Continued.)