The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-07-15

citation with Fleetwood Blair, and this
he played to the limit.
The mining engineec on his return
from Alaska, would. for his own peace
Of mind. have gladly avoided any en-.
counter with his old sweetheart.
This, however, Kendrick would not
allow. Blair had made more than
good on the Alaska trip and had
shown such a high order Of general
capability that Kendrick had installed
him as his personal advisor and chief
lieutenant. Seeking distraction from
his domestic troubles. the millionaire
had plunged into gigantic copper
speculation which was. in effect, an at
tempt to corner the market. and in
this he leaned heavily upon the clear
vision and valuable counsel Of the
younger man.
Reasoning then that the sight OF
Blair's success and prestige would be
gall and NORWOOD to Ruth. he had
never rested happily until he had
brought them into contact, managing
one day by ruse to have them meet
in his Office.
Both OF them withstood tho ordeal
unfiinchingly.
After that he made It 4 point to
have Blair frequently at the house.
So the situation moved on to ita
inevitable denouement. One evening
when Blair was there for dinner Ken.
drick proved so perslstently offensive
that Ruth in selfdefense finally rose
In the middle Of some remark he was
launching at her and left the room.
Kcndrick caught up with her hall
across one of the big reception rooms
on her way to the stairs, and threw
himself in front OF her to bar her
further progress.
by God you'll understand that you
can't fout me in front OF one OF my
employees" he ordered hoarsely
you go back to the dining room"
She faced him with reckless def
ance and laughing mockingly at his
commands, tainted him with his IN
ability to master her.
you bought me" she jeered, I'm
yours, slave you bid in on the auc'
ton block. And yet you can't man
age me. The thousands OF dollars !
waste for you each year are SO much
dead loss. How that must wiring your
soul!"
Cant manage you, eh?" he snarled
bis lip drawing back from his teeth
Cant? So that's what you think, ID
IT. Well. I'll show you what l can
do I'll show you'll"
His fist suddenly clenched, he saw
red, and in spasm Of blind fury, he
struck at tho lovely, haunting face up
raised to him.
She swerved, but not enough Ia
avoid the entire force OF the blow. /,
sent her reellng, staggering to the
floor.
KendrIck stared a moment at what
he had done; then with a mutterei
oath fung himself out into the hall
and catching up his hat and coat
rushed from the house.
Meanwhile Blair at the table hat
waited In vain for the return of one
or the other OF them.
] Finally he pushed back his chail
and started to take his leave.
AS he passed through the hall, how
ever. he was arrested by sound like
a stifed sob from the reception room
and glancing in through the open door
way, was startled to see his hostesl
on her hands and knees on the floor.
She tottered weakly and would have
fallen II Blair had not been in time
to catch her and ease her gently down
upon sofa.
Mrs. Kendrick! Ruth" gaspet
Blair. What on earth has happened?'
"He-he struck mel" she explained
brokenly.
Struck you" Blair sprang to hi.
feet.
Ruth caught at his hand.
You cannot do anything now" sh.
said. he has gone away"
Blair turned at her touch, food o.
old emotions pouring back upon him
and tiinging himself down upon hi
knees beside her caught her in hi.
arms.
"oh, my darling" he groaned
"Why-why did you ever marry him?'
There had never been any chance
for explanations between these tive
before; but now that the opportunity
had come and their lips unsealed, II
did not take them long to piece out
the conspiracy which had wrecked
their happiness.
As ths full import OF the willy game
which her mother and Kendrick had
played broke upon Ruth, she started
up. her face grown yengeful and 70
lentless.
"He shall not go unpunished!" she
declared passionately.
she clutched Blair's arm. "Yor
know his business secrets, do you
not?' she questioned. You know the
weak Joints In his armor, how he can
b most successfully attacked"