Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1918-05-23
CHAPTER v.
A Cry From the Wilderness.


New York seemed almost like a for
eign city to Johnnie O'Reil1y when he
stepped out into it on the morning
after his arrival. For one thing it was
bleak and cold: the north wind, hail
ing direct from Bafin's bay, had teeth,
and it bit SO cruelty that he was glad
when he found shelter in the building
which housed the offices Of the Carter
Importing company. The truth is
O'Reilly was not only cold but fright
ened.
1t was not the effect Of his report
concerning the firms Improbable Gu
ban connections which he feared
Samuel Carter could take calmly the
most disturbing financial reverse-it
was the blow to his pride at learning
that anybody could prefer another girl
to his daughter. Johnnie shook his
shoulders and stamped his feet, but
the chill in his bones refused to go.
he went to meet his employer as a
man marches to execution.
His heart sank further at the well
come he received, for the importer
gave him a veritable embrace; he pat.
ted him on the back and inquired three
times as to his health. O'Reilly was
anything but cold now he was perspir-
ing profusely, and he felt his collar
growing limp. To shatter this old mans
eager hopes would be like kicking a
child in the face. Carter had never
been so enthusiastic, so demonstra-
tive; there was something almost the
atrical in his greeting.
swell, my boy, you made a fzzle Of
it, didn't you?" The tone was almost
complimentary.
"Yes, sir, I'm a bright and shining
failure"
snow, don't yes, sir me. We're
friends, aren't we? Good! Under
stand, I don't blame you in the least
it's that idiotic revolution that spoiled
our business. You did s%plendidly, I'M
der the circumstances"
"They have reason enough to re-
volt-oppression, tyranny, corruption"
O'Reiily mumbled the familiar words
in a numb paralysis at Mr.. Carriers jo-
vial familiarity.
"All Latin countries are corrupt"
announced the importer-"always have
been and always will be. They thrive
under oppression. However, I dare say
this uprising won't last long"
Johnnie wondered why the old man
didn't get down to cases. "It's more
than an uprising, SIR" he said. "The
rebels have overrun the east end of
the island, and when I left Maceo and
Gomez were sweeping west"
"Bah! 1t takes money to run a war"
"They have money" desperately ar.
gued O'Reilly. "Marti raised more
than a million dollars, and every Gu
ban cigar maker in the United States
gives a part of his wages every week
to the cause. The best blood Of Cuba
is in the fight. Spain is about busted;
she can't stand the strain"
II predict they'll quit fighting as
soon as they get hungry. The govern
ment is starving them out. However,
they've wound up u affairs for the
time being, and" Mr.. Carter care
fully shifted the position of an inkwell,
q calendar and a paper knife-"that
brings us to a consideration Of your
and my affairs, doesn't it? Ahem!
You remember our bargain? I was to
give you a chance and you were to
make good before you-er-planned
any-er-matrimonial foolishness with
my daughter"
eyes, sir" O'Rellly felt that the
moment had come for his carefully re-
hearsed speech, but, unhappily, he
could not remember how the swan
song started. Mr.. Carter, too, vas I'M
accountably silent. Another moment
dragged past, then they chorused.
II have an unpleasant"
Each broke off at the echo Of his
own words.
whats that?" inquired the I'M
porter. .