Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-03-22

ly been taking advantage OF lucky
opportunity.
"Otherwise." he finished. 1--WE
shouldn't have been able to get the
Job done for another year. II that big
Cronin contract goes through well
you know what that would mean In
the shipyards nobody would get even
look In. And Mcleod Is willing to
give US n price to keep his men busy
So, you see. I had to close at once"
TITS a good chance. all right" ad-
mitted Orde. "but It never occurred to
me we'd build any more vessels until
we'd recovered little"
Recovered. Newmark repeated
coldly. 81 don't see what recovered
has to do with 1t. If the mill burned
down we'd rebuild. wouldn't we? And
rs we're making $4,000 year out Of
our freighting It seems to me too good
a business to let slip into other hands"
~ suppose so." agreed Orde.
Therefore had to act without
you," Newmark finished.
"Of course" agreed Orde drearily.
"Joe." replied Orde, "I-I don't think
Ill stay downtown this morning. r.
Newmark glanced up keenly.
"You don't look WE'LL" said he; kind
pf pale around the gills; bilious"
Orde closed bis desk and went out.
Newmark turned back to his papers.
Prom an inner pocket be produced a
cigar. The corners of his mouth slow.
ly curved In grim smile.
Orde Immediately set into motion the
machinery Of banking to borrow on the
California timber. Taylor took charge
Of this. as the only man In Monrovia
who had Orde's confidence. At the
end Of a necessary delay Orde receiv.
ed notice that the west had been heard
from. He stepped across the hall to
the lawyers office.
"Well. Frank" said he. glad we
managed to push 1t through with so
little trouble"
Taylor arose, shut carefully the door
into bis outer office. walked to the
window. looked coutemplatively out
upon the hotel back yard and returned
to his desk.
"But there is trouble" said he curtly.
whats the matter?" asked Orde.
"The banks refuse the loan"
Orde stared at him in blank astonish-
ment.
What grounds can they possibly
have for thatT'
Its about the title"
But | thought you went over the
title"
II did" stated Taylor emphatically.
land I'll stake my reputation as a law.
yer that everything is straight and
clear from the land Office itself. I've
wired for an explanation. and we
ought surely to know something def
mite by tomorrow"
For the first time In his business ca
reer a real anxiety gnawed Orde's VI
tails. He had been In many tight
places. but somehow heretofore sue.
cess or failure had seemed TO him
about immaterial. like points gained
or conceded In the game. Now the
game itself was at issue. Property.
reputation and the family's future
were at stake. Therefore he awaited
further news with the greatest impa-
tience.
The message came the following day.
Land office under investigation"
Orde read. fraudulent entries sus-
pected."
Taylor glanced up at Orde with COM
miseration.
"They simply won't lend money on
an uncertainty" said he.
Frank" said Orde. rousing himself,
"I've got to be here. I couldn't get
away II my life depended on 1t. ]
want you to 60 to California and look
after those interests for me. Make
what arrangements you please. but go.
It'll be like q sort of vacation to you.
And I'll make 1t worth your while.
Take Clara with you. Now, straighten
It out as quick as you can. Borrow
that money on 1t and send 1t on
p. d. O."
Taylor hesltated. "All right" he said
Mt last
"Goodm cried Orde. rising and hold.
Ing cut his hand. He made his way to
the Office Of the Welton Lumber COM
pany.
Look here, Welton." be demanded
abruptly when he had reached that
operators private Office. "how much OF
cut are you going to make this
year"
About 2O.OOO.OOO." replied Welton.
"WhyT
lust figuring on the drive" said
Orde. nodding Il farewell.
He then drove to the offices Of all the
men owning timber on the river. When