The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1916-02-03
CHAPTER XII.
A Visit From Father.

n URING this trying month old Cy-
rus Martin, the soap king had
sat in his library in Fifth ave-
nue., or in his swivel chair at his
office. and wondered how things were
going with the boy anyway. From
such information as reached him, he
was not so encouraged as he would
have liked to be. A month was not
long enough to tell. of course. in the
normal course Of things. but that fool
advertising made another matter of it.
Those huge billboards and electric signs
and balloons and sandwich men-piffie
all of it, but Martin knew what such
things cost. and was sure that Rod
ney's company could not possibly stand
1t. He was worried. And he was an
noyed too. These abominabe sand
arrested that afternoon on the avenue.
He couldn't stand it, People might
know who were in this ridiculous IS
Soap company, and he should be well
laughed at.
Another and contradictory thing was
the rumor he had heard downtown yes
terday that the Andover Soap people
were backing Rodney's company. GO
ing to build plant for them. In fact.
putting one thing and another together,
he decided he would drop down and
give the boy call at his office. 1t
wouldn't be bad to see him again. and
Mary Grayson too. So he presented
himself at the new soap company's Of
fee, on Broadway. and was kept wait
ing for his pains. A Miss Burke took
in his name. and he guessed that it
caused some excitement. for he could
hear Rodney's voice and another chat
ting inside while he cooled his heels.
When he was ut last ushered in the
place looked like real office, on the
whole, and there at desk sat Rodney,
talking through the telephone. His ia
Pier caught something about mot con-
sidering it, and mot having any stock
for sale''-"quite out of the question"
ct cetera. ct cetera. as he took chair.
well. WELL" thought Mr.. Martin,
rather pleased and proud. whats
this?'
Rodney in a moment dropped the teie
phone and espied his father.
"Why. hello. fatherr' he greeted him
genially.
Hello. son." said Mr. Martin. He
observed with establishment that Rod
ney was very busy filing papers, open
ing and closing drawers and that every
now and then he signed a typewriter
letter viciously with rubber stamp.
"Sit down. won't your" said Rodney
presently. "l'll be with you In just a
moment"
Thanks" said his father dryly
"Have cigar?" said Rodney. hand
ing the old gentleman a box in an alb
sentminded way.
Thanks" said Mr.. Martin, biting of
the end and lighting it at the match
which Rodney held for him. Rodney
lighted one too.
Surprised to see me, supposeT
said his father presently.
Not Bit" said Rodney, fourishing
a contract and signing it Mr.. Martin
had some curiosity to see what 1t
could be. this thing which really look
ed like contract. but his son turned 1t
upside down and blotted it ostenta-
tiousSy on his desk pad.
There, that's DONE" he added.
"Now, father. what can do for your"
well, my boy" said Mr.. Martin. al
Just dropped in for social call. The
fact Is I've rather missed you"
i've missed you. too. father" said
Rodney.
Thought I'd have look In and find
out how things were going said Mr..
Martin abruptly.
~Fine-finer' said Rodney. Every
thing breezing right along OF course
I'm always glad to see you" be added.
pushing the buxzer, but right now.
father, I'm pretty busy. SO you'll ex
cuse me IT,
He got very busy indeed again with
his papers.
well, If you can spare the time I'd
like a little business talk with you,
Rodney" said Mr.. Martin, with Ger.
tain sarcasm.
Certainly, In Just q minute" said
Rodney. still preoccupied with his pa
pers. but pricking up his ears.
Ambrose Peale. coming In, stopped
suddenly when he saw who their Wis
itor was. Rodney looked up at him.