Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-06-21
Copyright, 1913, by Harper S Brothers


his trusted lieuteaants dreamed Of the
grave importance Of his mission. They
knew the necessities that bounded him,
they were well aware Of the trem-
bling insecurity in which affairs now
stood. but they maintained their cheer
full industry, they pressed the work
with undated energy, and the road
crept forward foot by foot, as steadily
and as smoothly as If he himself were
on the ground to direct it
Thus far O'Neils rivalry with the
trust had been friendly, if spirited. but
his action in coming TO the assistance
of Mrs. Gerard and her daughter rails.
ed up q new and vigorous enemy whose
methods were not as scrupulous as
those Of the Reidlemanns.
Gordon was a strangely unbalanced
man. He was magnetic, his geniality
was really heart warming, yet he was
perfectly cold blooded in his selfish
ness. He was cool and calculating, but
interference reused him to an almost
insane pitch of passion. Tickle in most
things, he was uncompromising in his
hatreds. ONeil's generosity In afford
ing sanctuary to his defiant mistress
struck him as personal affront, and
it famed his dislike of his rival into a
consuming rage. 1t was with no
thought of profit that he cast about for
a means of Gripping O'Neil.
Dan Appleton entered the bungalow
one evening, wet and tired from his
work. to find Eliza pacing the floor in
agitation.
What's the matter, Sis?- he inquir-
ed, with quick concern.
His sister pointed to copy of the
Review which that days mail had
brought.
Look at that" she cried Read it,"
"Oh, your story, eh?"
Read it,
He read a column and then glanced
up to find her watching him with an
cry eyes.
Gee, that's pretty rough on the
chief, Kid, l thought you liked him.
he said gravely.
Il do. l do. Don't you understand.
dummy: 1 didn't write that They've
changed my story-distorted it. I'm
furious"
| Dan whistled softly. Il didn't sup
pose they'd try anything like that. but
they did a good job While they were at
it Why, you'd think O'Neil was a
CRATER and the S Il. and n. nothing
but a land grabbing deal"
How dared they" the girl cried
The actual changes aren't so many
just enough to alter the effect Of the
story-but that's what makes it sc
devilish For instance, | described the
obstacles and the handicaps Mr.. O'Nei
has had to overcome in order to show
the magnitude of his enterprise, bul
Drake has altered it so that the phys
ical conditions here seem to be in
superable. and he makes me say tina
the road is doomed to failure. That:
the way he changed it all through"
1T may topple the chiefs plans
over. They're very insecure. 1t plays
right into the hands of his enemies
too, and. of course, Gordon's press bu
reau will make the most Of it,
Heavens, ! want sympathy. no
abuse walled his sister Its all due
to the policy Of the Review Drake
thinks everybody up here is a thief.
dare say they are. but how can l face
Mr. O'Nen?'
Dan shook the paper in his fist
Are you going to stand for this?" be
demanded.
Hardly. l cabled the office this
morning, and here's brakes answer
She read:
STUFF colorless. Don't allow admi
ration warp judgment Can you beat
that?"
HE thinks you've surrendered tc
Murray like all the others"
IT hate him" cried Eliza. Il detest
! him.
who? O'Neil or Drake?"
| DOtu. MI. " -Neli LOE putting lie IL
! the position of a traitor and Drake fol-
presuming to rewrite my stuff Tn
going to resign. and I'm going to leave
Omar before Murray O'Neil come:
back"
Don't be a gutter, sis. II yor
throw up the job the paper will sent
somebody who viii lie about us to sui
the policy of the Office. Show 'en
where they're wrong; show EN- wha
this country needs. You have YOU
| magazine stories to write"
Eliza shook her head Bother the
| magazines and the whole business