Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1910-01-07

not afford to make an open rupture or
say anything about a direct explana-
ton, so he began using all his diplo-
macy. suggesting by look and gesture
rather than by open accusation what
he meant.
Yes, l have noticed it. Mr.. Durant,"
he said. Il hoped | was mistaken. l
would hate to see anything like that.
because you know my interest in ev-
erything that concerns you, and par
ticularly In Frances" He hesitated
for a moment. wondering just how t.
go II.
Yes. l understand your interest"
said Durant kindly. Il understand
that"
THANK you, sir" exclaimed Pinck-
ney gratefully. you know, then. how
hard it is for me to see her associated
with such a fellow as Sommers and
what a blow it would be If he were to
make her fond of him."
Durant looked at the younger man
keenly.
do you mean there's anything
against this young fellow" he asked
'any reason why Frances should avoid
him?'
I'D rather not say, Mr.. Durant,''
hesitated Pinckney.
Durant was a straightforward old
fighter who liked to have people come
right out.
IF you can't say right out. why do
you intimate, EdwardY' he demanded
sternly. II don't like people who beat
about the bush. If you have anything
on this young fellow. come right out
and say SO. Be prepared to prove ii
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. Il
thought my interest was too well
proved for you to think that | would
do anything u~nderhanded. 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- L only hnpe-~it- won'tIf 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 a 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 hiE
judge kindly when from another man
ne would not have tolerated mere
backbiting.
"All right, Edward" he said kindly
you've proved yourself devoted tC
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, and I'D hate to believe
otherwise. However, Wen watch him
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.
"What's 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 hin
to come to the study and continue the
conversation. I'll 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 bao
time when l must say good night has
arrived
How much longer will you be il
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 tC
see the forging of the gun yourself?"
Sommers smiled at him.
as that surprising? I'm somewhat
interested. you know"
Were 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, 1--WE are glad to have you. as
Mr.. Durant says. Mr.. Sommers. but
with your u so well under way
don't see how you can possibly be Of
any help to u.s."
Just a slight hardening of his tone
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