Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-01-21
CHAPTER XVIII.

I6zNoJ Instead of resuming theiI
keK9 conversation the entire as
semblage Of Garavels waited calmly
for their caller to begin, and he real
lied in panic that he was expected
to make conversation He cast about
madly for a topic.
His host helped him to get started
and he did fairly well until one OF
the Misses Garavel began to translate
his remarks to the old lady and the
ferocious cousin from Guatemala. AS
their replies were not rendered into
English, he was left stranded He
knew that his whole salvation lay in
properly impressing his auditors. so
he began again and foundered through
a painful monologue.
The night suddenly turned OF swell
teringly hot, Precipitation began to
trickle down his brow. his collar be-
came tourniquet. and he cast APP
pealing glances at the silent figure hid.
den demurely behind the RUSTY old
lady in the black harness. The look
OF mingled pity and understanding she
gave him somewhat revived his faint
ing spirit and he determined to stick
1t out until the family were ready to
retire and allow him a word with her
alone. But idle hope. Gradually it
dawned upon him that they had no
such intention.
BY now his collar had given up the
struggle and lain Imply down to rest.
The whole experience was hideous.
YET he understood quite well that these
people were not making sport of him.
All this was only a part of their for
eign customs. They were gentlefofk,
reared TO different code from his
that was all-and since he had elected
TO come among them he could only suf-
fer and be strong.
What he ever talked about during
that evening he never quite remem-
bered. When it came time to leave
he expected at least to be allowed
farewell word or two with Gertrudis,
but instead he was bowed out as cere-
moniously as he had been bowed in
and, finding himself at last in the
open, sighed with relief. He felt like
a paroled prisoner. but he thought of
the girls glance of sympathy and was
instantly consoled. He crossed slowly
to the plaza. pausing a moment for n
good night look at the house, then, as
he turned, he caught a glimpse of a
figure sinking into the shadows of the
side street and smiled indulgently.
Allan had been unable to re-
sist the temptation to follow him. But
when he had reached his quarters he
was surprised TO find the boy there
ahead of him.
"How did you beat me homer he in
luired.
81 have been waiting h'impatiently
ever since you went out. To be sure. /
have had one little dream
Didn't you follow me to the Cara
rels'?"
"Oh, boss. Never would / do SUCH"
Seeing that the negro was honest. |
Kirk decided that somebody had been |
pying upon him, but the matter was
Il so little consequence that he dis
missed it from his mind.
Although Runnels had spoken with
confidence of the coming shakeup in
he railroad organization, 1t was not
a certain surprise that he
woke one morning to find himself ac
lively in charge of the entire system.
lie lost no time in sending for Kirk.
|
ancement with characteristic equa-
Unity.
Now, there is nothing cinched yet.
Understand" the acting superintend-
Mt cautioned him. Were all on pro-
alton, but If we make good / think
7e1l stick"
I'll do my best TO fill your shoes"
"And 1 have the inside track on
in spite of Colonel Jolson, so
m not alarmed. The break came
,oner than I expected, ard now that
-e chaps are in control it's the chance
our lifetimes."
Kirk nodded. You're entitled to all
OH get, but I've never quite under
God how I managed to forge ahead
, fast. I've been mighty lucky"
"You don't really call it luck, do
ou?" Runnels looked at him curl
lsly.
I'm not conceited enough toNthink
N a downright genius"
why, the Cortiandts engineered ev-
ything. 1t was they who arranged
,ur promotion to the office in the first
ace, and they're behind this last af-
ir. They have stood back of you at
cry step and, incidentally. back of
e and the other boys"
when you say they you of course
can she"
'Of course. One has TO recognize
m. though, as the head of the family.
nd he really did have a part in 1t
D. At least IL he had been against
we never would have won"
I'd like to show the Cortlandts that
. appreciate what they've done, but
, can't openly thank her without hu-
iiating him. I'd like to give him
Suppose we give him a quiet little
pper some night and tell him frank
how grateful we are He's the sort
appreciate a thing like that. and it
,uld be a delicate way OF thanking !
wife too"
Good I'll speak to the other fell .
VS.. and now the acting master or ,
is going to shake with !
new acting superintendent and I
sh him every success"