The Arvada enterprise., 1917-03-01
CHAPTER XIV.

Merkle found his chauffeur Just clos
ing the garage door, and three minutes
later his car was sweeping westward
some flying bird. The vagueness. the
brevity Of the message that had come
to him out Of the night made 1t terribly
alarming. Jarvis Hammon's financial
interests were in no condition to with
stand a shock; for long time many
Of them had been under fire. He had
committed his associates to program
Of commercial expansion, never too se-
cure even under favorable conditions,
and one. moreover, which had pro-
Dked a tremendous assault from riva,
steel manufacturers. Now, with Ham
mon himself stricken at the crisis of
the struggle, there was no telling what
results might follow.
But Merkle's apprehensions were by
no means purely selfish. Harmon and
he had been friends for many years !;
they shared mutual respect and nf-
fection, and. although Merkle was emil
nently practical and Unconditional. he
prayed 3ew as best he could that
Harmon might not be grievously in
jured.
As the machine drew up to the Ele-
gancla. Jimmy Knight leaped to the
running board and said hurriedly:
"Send your driver away"
Aerkle did as he was directed, realiz-
Ing his worst fears. When he and Jim
stood alone on the walk he inquired
weakly. "Is he-dead?"
Jim shook his head. and Merkle saw
that he was deeply agitated. mo.
But he's got bullet In his chest"
Together the men entered the build
ing and at the first ring were admitted
to Apartment No. by LorclcI herself
She led them straight into the library.
Perhaps n quarter OF an hour had
elapsed since the shooting. but Jarvis
Hammon still sat In the big chair. He
was breathing quietly. Bob Wharton
stood beside him.
John The ironmastcr smiled pal.
| Idly as his friend came and knelt be-
side him. You got here quickly"
Are you badly hurt. Jarvis;'
"The thing IL In here somewhere -
Harmon took his hand away from his
| breast. and Merkle saw that the fingers
were bloody. Can you get me out OF
here quietly"
John Mcrkle rose to his full height
his lips wrIthcd back from his teeth
IIarshly he inquired: Where Is tina,
woman"
"Shc's back yondcr In her room, =
Bob told him. shes H."
Merklc turned. but, reading his in.
tent. Harmon checked him, crying IN
strong voice: "Nopc Of that, John.
dld II myself II was an-accident."
Il don't believe It."
lannon's eyes met those OF his ac
cuser; the two stared at each othc,
steadily FOR moment.
| The other occupants Of the room had
| listened brea ihlessly; now Lorelc
stirred and Mcrklc read more thar
mere bowildcrmcnt In her face. II,
opened hls lips, but the wounded mar
did not walt FOR him 10 speak
"You must believe met! he said. ear
ncstly. ITS the truth, and | won
have l.ilas involycd-wc'vc been I
great deal TO each other Tonight
accused her wrongfuly. It was all m!
fnult-l'm TO blame for everything.
There was a pause. Now get me on
ot here ns quietly and quickly ns 20,
can, I'm really not hurt much. Come
come! There's nobody home cSccp
Drson and some OF the kitchen help
and Orson IL all right-thc women ar,
gone. you know. He'll get doctor
It's a--bad business. OF course. but w
though, It all out. aud you must do OK
ac,ly as say"
The effort OF this long speech told o,
the su'rcrc..
Sweat beaded his face: ncv erthcicss
his jaws remained firmly set. hi
glance was purposcfui. his big hand
were srippcd tightly over the arms o
the chair. There was something 81