The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-05-02
CHAPTER xxx.
A Glimpse Of Freedom.


The siding was deserted. The Pal
nlyra had run out to Tuscon. Marshall
had gone without apprehension. They
did not expect now to have setbacks,
to have to extend the time set for the
ultimate diversion. The days were
flowing like oil. The encampment was
filling up with visitors, newspaper men
who came to report the spectacular
capture Of the river.
Richards day badly begun, piled up
with vexations. BY shutdown, he was
wet to the skin, and mad as a sick Art
IONA cat.
In this jaundlced juncture, Mac
Lean, Jr., brought down his dispatches
to the river, He read of the burning
of trainload Of railroad ties. Richard
swore.
Anything else pleasant?"
"A letter from the governor-from
dad" MacLean read that his father
begged a small favor of Richard.
Godfrey, the celebrated English
tenor, Is on my hands. His doctors
have been advising outdoor occupa-
tlon. | am sending him to you, ask
ing you to give him any job you may
have. He is willing to do anything.
Put him at something to keep him oc-
cupled."
MaCLean saw Richards face turn
red. Suffering catsl A worn-out
opera singerl What sort Of an opera
does he think we're giving down here?
Why doesn't he send me fur coat, or
a pair of girl twins2 Give the tenor
"a rolel Anything else? Pile it all
on"
ooh, and one from Godfrey himself.
He's in Los Angeles. He says he'll be
here tomorrow" He did not wait for
his chiefs reply.
AT the supper table, Richard, dry
and In restored humor. alluded to the
invasion of high notes. "Pity the parts
are all assigned The only vacancy
Is in the kitchen. wonder how he
would like to be understudy to Llng"
The next day when the incident had
been forgotten, and while Richard was
up at the Crossing on the concrete
gate, Godfrey blew into camp. He
was like boy out on a lark. His
brown eyes We're dancing over the adj
venture. He explored the camp and
came back bubbling.
tits the biggest ever saw. But say,
Junior, that's what they call you,
isn't lit I'm the only idle man here
Can't you give me something to dol
I'll do anything. I'd like the boss to
find me busy when he comes in"
MacLean softened the offer. Perhaps
until Mr.. Godfrey learned the ropes he
could be of general use. They were
short-handed the present moment-
there was another hesitatlon--in the
kitchenl Ling, the Chinese cook, was
oyererowded-so many visitors
Great" crowed Godfrey, slapping
him on the shoulder. 81 don't want to
feel in the way. / want to earn my
board. Lead me to the cook"
That evening, the dinner was helped
on It's way By the best-paid singer of
England. In an apron. borrowed OF
Ling, he was shaving the time of his
life" Ling, pretending to scold, had
been won immediately. Richard, hear
ing of the jolly advent. forgot his yex-
alton, and Immediately on his return
made his way to the mesquit inelosure
Ito greet the friend of George Mac
Lean.
After dinner, MaeLeap carried off
his prize to the Delta, where Godfrey
earned his welcome. Gerty Hardin for
got to filrt with the engineers; she
had discovered a new sensation. The
wonderful voice twisted her heart
strings; it told her that the heart that
has truly loved never forgets, and she
knew that she could never have really
loved, yet, because the youth in her
veins was whispering to her that she
could still forget. Godfrey saw a mo-
bile plaintlve face turned up to the
gibbous moon; he swept it with thrills
and fiushes. She was wonderful au.
! dienee: she was also his orchestra. the