Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1919-02-28
CHAPTER v-contlnued.

IN. Almost simultaneously tne outer
door opened to admit Hardin. Who
would Introduce the new general man
ager to tie dismissed one? The
thought flashed from MacLean to ST.
,ent. To the telegraph operator. Bode-
feldt doubled over the checkerboard,
pretending NOT to see them. Confu-
sion, embarrassment was on every
iacel Nobody spoke. Hardin was
coming closer. .
"Hello, Hardin"
"Hello, Richard"
It appeared friendly enough to the
surprised Office. Both men were glad
hat II was over.
Mice Offices" remarked Hardin. his
lsgs outspreadI his hands In his pock-
ITS.
"Ogilvie Is satisfied with them"
the men rather overdid the laugh.
''Finding the dust pretty tough?" in
CURED Hardin.
"I spent a month In San Francisco
Inst summer y was the rejoinder.
This is a haven, though, from the
street. Thought ia loaf for today"
Was Hardin game to do the right
hing, Introduce him us the new chief
30 his subordlnates? Nothing. it de-
veloped was further from his inten-
don. Hardin. his legs outstretched,
Kept before his face the bland, i'm
penetrRble smile Of the oriental. 1t
was clearly not Richards move. The
checker players fdgeted. Richards
silence was interrogative. Hardin
still smiled.
The outer door opened.
The newcomer, evidently favorite.
walked into noisy welcome. the
boys" embarrassment OVERRIDING it.
He was Of middle height. slender--a
Mexican with Castlllan ancestry writ
ten In his hlgh-bred features. his grace
and his straight. dark hair"
"Good morning, Estrada" said Har-
din with the same meaningless smile.
"Good morning. gentlemen" The
Mexican's greeting paused Mt Richard.
'Mr. Estrada. Mr.. Richard"
Everyone in the office saw Hardin
snub his other opportunity. He had
betrayed to everyone his deep hurt.
his raw wound When he had
stepped down, under cover Of resig-
nation, he had saved his face by tell
Ing everyone that rupture with
Maitland. one Of the directors Of the
reorganized company, had made it
N impossible for them to serve together,
and that Maitland's wealth and i'm
porsance to the company demanded his
own sacrifice. Two months before
Richards appearance Maitland had
been discovered dend in his bath In a
L0s Angeles hotel. Though no one
hai been wltless enough to speak of
their hope to Hardin. he knew that
ali his force was daily expecting his
reinstatement. Richards entrance
rms another stab to their chief.
"The son Of the genernl7" The new
manager held out his hand. General
ESTRADA. friend of Mexican liberty.
founder Of steamship companies and
fnther of the Imperial valleyT
"Thut mikes me a brother Of the
vnlley"-Estrada's smile was sensitive
and sweet.
Estrnda looked ut Hardin, hesitated,
then passed on TO the checker players
and addressed MacLean:
'T saw your father In Los Angeles
he has been chosen to fill the vacancy
made by Maitland's DEATH
MacLean's eyes wavered toward
Hardin. whose nonchalance had not
fnltered. Had he not heard. or did
be know, already?
"Td like to have a meeting. a con
ference, tomorrow morning" Rickart
WAS speaking. "Mr. Hardin, will yor
eet the hour at your conveniencer
BecaE5e IL was so kindly done. Har
din sfaywed his first resentment. III
will Eist be possible for me to be there
Tn EDing TO Los Angeles In the morn
ing, He turned and left the Office
Esi3ada following him.
~Oh. Mr.. Hardin, you mustn't take I
t.iat way" he expostulated, concern IL
nich sensitive fenture.
'Til take orders from him, but n
Enve me none." growled Hardin. att
! rot what You think. I'm not sore. Blu
] don't like him. He's a fancy dude
He's not the man for this Job"
'Then you knew him beforeT /
was surpriso.to Estrada.
SAt college. He was my-er-ir
svructor. Marshall found him in tn
classroom. A theory singer"
4 Estrnda's thoughtful glance reste
bn the angry face. Was this genuin,
rr did not Hardin know of the year
tickard had served on the roud; G
1he job In the heat-baked barraucn
OF Mexico. where Marshall had "found
Aim2 But he would not try agnin
persuade Hardin to give up his tri
tO Los Angeles. It might be bette
alter all, for the new manager to Tux
eanrge with his predecessor out
fAe way.
"MAsLean's coming down tonight
he threw out. still watching Hardin
NAce. "tylth Babcock."
IL won't be missed" Hardin
SnoSth was bitter ESTRADA, If / ha
She sense of goat I'd sell out, Sc
NY stock to AIacLean and Quit. What
tn all this for met Does anyone douI
my reason for staying? It would |
IKE leaving a sinking ship, like d
serting the passengers and crew OF
had brought on board. God I'd Ill
60 gol But how can II I've got no
of the tail of the bear and / can't
gol"
mo one doubts you" begnn Z
rradn. Hardin turned away, with ,
algly oath. The Mexican stood watc
ing hts stumbling anger. "Poor Ha
din -
In The office Rickard was speakil