Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-05-30
"sl.li We 60 Into tn.

ing It Robert ''shall We 90 Into the
other roomr'
Robert reveled In her beauty. and 10
that extent his anger against Gregory
famed higher. Pretty soon." he said.
pretty soon, Miss 0rscs-tn Just
twenty minutes" he looked at his
watch. then at Abbott.
Il must tell you. Mr.. Gregory" Alb
bolt began rapidly, shat I had Just
thirty minutes to consummate the
matter with you-just half an hour.
when we came here. and ten minutes
are already gone. Only twenty min
utes are left"
What do you mean by your twenty
minutes being left?" Gregory blus.
tered.
Abbott spoke carefully, at the same
time drawing little farther away
from the man he despised: Bob has
been to Springfield about that matter.
you understand"
mo, don't" cried Gregory. "Or II
l do-tell 1t out-all Of it,
He has been to Springfield" Alb
bolt went on. "and he got on the in.
side of the business. and the interests
are determined that-that they will
retaliate on you for your successes in
the past, and at the same time be a
help to Bob
II don't understand" Gregory gasped
blankly.
me neither" muttered Robert.
Its very simple" Abbott main.
tanned. 1.-THE Springfield interests
want to give you blow. and give Bob
helping hand. Therefore. you are
to transfer your secretary to his store,
where bookkeeper is needed"
"Oh. indeed" interposed Grace Noir
icily. II am q mere pawn, presume,
to be sent where I am wanted. But
would like to ask Mr.. Clinton IL he
found out anything about Fran, while
he was in Springf1eld?''
Fran Is all che claims to be-" Rob.
ert declared bluntly.
"All? You can prove she's no
fraud?"
"My pockets are full of proofs"
Robert exclaimed, looking significant.
ly at Gregory.
Dear Fran!" muruured Mrs. Greg.
DRY with q sweet smile of reminis.
cence.
Abbott" Mr.. Gregory gasped. as he
began to realize the compromise that
was offered. you have always been
my friend-and you have been inter.
ested in my charities-you know how
important my secretary is to my work
It is true that did wrong, years ago
very wrong-it is true that I bitter
ly-what shall say the
interests at Springfield. But that was
long ago. Am to be punished now"
Mr.. Gregory" said Abbott. clearly
and forcibly, II have nothing to do
with any punishment, have nothing
to do with demanding the release Of
your secretary. I am q mere agent
OF the interests. sent to you to demand
that your secretary be dismissed in
the morning; and il you cannot see
your way to promise me now that you
will dismiss her, my once is ended
II you can promise to send her away,
give you my word the transactions
shall be forever hushed up. 20 far rs
We are concerned. II you cannot prom.
ise. all will be revealed at once"
I'm Just ten minutes." said Robert
Clinton, consulting his watch
Grace stood looking at Gregory a. II
turned to stone. She had listened in
tently to every word AZ It fell from
Abbott's lips. but not once had she
turned her head TO look 1T him.
You are cruel" Gregory hared out,
you are heartless. II send away
the only one who 10 in perfect knowl.
edge and sympathy With my work."
Then you refuse?"
"Of course refuse. III not permit
the work Of years to perish because
of an unreasonable and preposterous
demand. You wouldn't exchange your
position here for Bob's grocery, would
you. Miss Gracer he ended appeal
ingly.
''Yes-if you dismiss me-" Grace an
swered, her eyes smoldering. /,
"Lucy'-Gregory was almost beside
himself-"tell her she must stay-tell
these men We cannot go on with our
work, without her."
Not for worlds would Mrs. Gregory
have betrayed her eagerness for Grace
to go, but for no consideration would
she have asked her to stay. "Ar