The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-02-27


ssxn2J idency formed but a part of
her plan. She next held long CONVEX
sation with Colonel Jolson. to the end
that on Friday morning Runnels heard
Il rumor that threw him into the great
est CONSERVATION. 1t was to the effect
that instead of his succeeding to the
office of superintendent he was to re
tain his old post and that Colonel JOI-
sons brOther-in-law was to Supersede
him. Although the word was not au
thoritative il came with sufficient di-
rectneSS to leave him aghaSt If true
it was, of course. equivalent to his dis
charge. for it meant that he could not
even continue in his former position
without putting himself in a light in
tOlerable to any man of spirit If he
did not resign voluntarily he knew that
his ney superior would eventually
force him to do so. for Blakeley would
build up an organization of his own.
Inasmuch as his assistant was con
cerned in his threatened calamity. Run
nels made haste to lay the matter be-
fore him
'Then this would seem to end our
fine hopes, eh!' said Kirk.
Rather Runnels broke out bitter
iy. I've worked hard. Kirk and
deserve promotion if anybody ever did.
This other fellow is dub-he has
proven that. Why. I've forgotten more
railroading than he'll ever know. Ev-
cry man on the system hates him and
likes me: and on top Of it all l was
kto {oh 49,
wife and the kid"
He stopped to swallow his emotion
and went on:
II gave this job the best l had in
me. for | had the idea that l was
doing something patriotic. something
for my country. That's the way they
used to talk about this canal you
know. I've put in four years of he'll;
I've lost step with the world; I've
lost my business connections in the
States. and l haven't saved up any
money. can't quit, and yet III have
| to. for if I'm fired it'll mean I'll have
| to go back there and start at the bot
| tom again, Those people don't know
anything about these BANKED politics.
! government work, and I'll have to live
| it down. What are you going to do!"
Kirk started. oh. | don't know.
| was thinking about you. | haven't
| spent much of that lottery coin. It's in
| the bank. all that Allan hasn't used.
and half of it is yours if you'll take it.
You and Mrs. tunnels and the kid and
Allan and land one other party-will
! hike back home and get something else
| to do. What do you say"
| Runnels voice shook as he answered:
by Jove. You're the-real stuff. An
thony. I Il think it over. Who is this
other party?"
My wife,
| Good Lord. You're not married?"
mo. but I'm going to be. You talk
| about your troubles. Now, listen to
mine. I'll make you weep like a fog"
Briefly he told his friend of the blow
that had SO suddenly fallen upon him.
You are up against it. old man"
agreed RunneIs when he had heard all.
''Garavel has set his heart on the pres
idency. and he'll pay any price to get
| it. It's the same all over Central
America. These people are mad on
| politics.
But the game isn't over. | carried
the ball forty yards once for a touch
down in the last ten seconds of play.
and Yale won. | had good interior
ence' then. and | need it now. Some
bOdy'll have to run ahead of me-.
Runnels smiled. Il guess you can
count on me- What is the plan:"
For the next half hour the two talk
ed earnestly, their heads together. their
| voices low.
Il don't believe it will work. my
boy. tunnels said at last. Il know
| these people better than you. and yet
Lord. if it does come off. Now. don't
mention this rumor about Blakeley.
want to see Steve Cortlandt first
"CortIandt. By the way. do you
happen to remember that he's to be our
guest for supper tomorrow night: Kind
of joke now. trying TO thank him
for what he's done. isn't it,
Not at all. 1t may be our one
chance of salvation: he may he the
| one person who can help US"
Well" Kirk reflected. Il have a
good deal to thank him for. suppose.
| outside of this. and I'll go through
! with my part
He proceeded at once TO put his plan
| INTO execution. his first step being to
/ rent u room 1T the Tivoli. taking par
! ticular care to select one on the first
/ ..oOr in the north wing. That evening
! he and Allan moved tunnels tele-
! nhnnad during tho aranino that h..