The Crittenden press., 1919-12-12
CHAPTER III.
Hilary Talks Business.

Hilary Talks Business.
Hilary was smoking on the porch
the next morning. formulating his
plans, when he heard the bell on the
side Of the telephone box begin 10
ring dangerously. Then Monsieur
Tremblay came out and made it clear
to Hilary that he was wanted.
II was Lnfe Connell calling.
"Say, Mr.. Askew," he said, TIN
'phoning you from my boarding place.
They came back yesterday afternoon !;
the boat was late; maybe you didn't
know. They've been cross-Questlonlng
me and Baptiste all the morning.
Broussenu's just left, and Morris has
ordered the storekeeper's rig to drive
over to you In an hours time"
Thanks, Connell." said Hilary. "Fm
much Obliged. I'm coming over"
He reached the office just In time
to see Morris emerge toward buggy
which was drawn up before the door.
Morris looked plainly disconnected to
see him.
He was an older man than Hilary
had expected to meet. He seemed well
on the shady side of fifty. He Ind
elusive gray eyes, n prominent but
lll-defned nose, and heavy, thready
mustache. II was type Hilary knew
intimately: The crooked business go
| between.
"Mr. Morris, ] think" he said. de-
scendlng and tielng the pony to the
hltchlng post In front OF the building
Morris held out his hand, which Hi.
ary took. with no great cordiality. 81
came back last night and heard you
were here, Mr.. hskew," he said. 81
was Just coming over TO see YOU"
IL heard you were here" said Hi
AIRY. II came to see you and tall
things over"
Morris, recognizing the situation, &C
ccpted It and turning back. pulled the
key out OF his pocket and opened the
Office door. Hilary sat down at the
desk nearest the window, from which
he could SEQ the endless line Of log,
ascending the cogged chain that drew
them into the mill nume.
Morris took box OF cigars from hi,
desk drawer and offered It to Hilary
who declined. Morris chose one and
biting OF the end, III IT, Hilary coult
see that his hand trembled little.
"well. sir" he said, seating himself
"thls is the last place In the worlt
where l should have expected to So,
you. I have just heard from Mr.
Lamartine that you intended to pay I
visit to Quebec. but that letter wa
written some days ago. You didn'
see him?"
Two days before Hilary would hav,
Jumped at the bait, would have show
his resentment OF the lie, declared hos
tility. and given Morris his cue. Nov
he only smiled pleasantly.
Yes, saw him." he answered. I'll
tried TO dlssuade me from coming VI
here, but | wanted to see the proper
ty."
III you had let me know" said Nor
rls. IL could have made arrangements
You have come In the slackest montl
" the year. There Is very little 4
show you. But shall arrange TO taxi
you all over the concession. l sun
pose you'll he staying long enough 4
do some fishing, Mr.. Askew' Their
are some fine trout lakes few mile
to the north. We might make a day
trip Of It,"
; His sentences we're not continuous
There was a considerable pause afte
each. long enough TO allow Hilary &
reply. II TI!lary's silences ha,
aroused respect In the mind OF Lamar
tine. they aroused positive fear |,
that Of Morris.
Hilary came to the point. ~ hsv
come here TO assume charge. kr. Nor
ris." he said. "Please let me see tn
nap and books"
Norris wiped his forehead with
handkerchief which he took from hi
desk. ''That's-that's a sudden decl
sion. Mr.. Askew," he said. trying 4
smile.
MY decisions nre always sudden"
Norris laid one finger upon the cdg
OF tho desk. "Of course | know moth
Ing of your afralrs or circumstances
Mr.. Askew." he said. with tone o
urgrievemcnt, but II you intend (
take charge Immediately. In this I'm
pulsive way. that means that mus
step out. The concession Ia not n pay
Ing proposition, as you are prohabl
aware. but your uncle was satlsfe'
with my management"
II have not expressed dlssatisfaS
tion yet" answered Hilary. "Pless
lei me see"
NY suggestion" interrupted MOI
rts, rs merely that you hold over you
decision until We can 20 Into IN
books together. Frankly, II wer
you l should try TO sell. II was IN
advice TO your uncle, but he was a III
tie obstinate about confesalng to n
error In judgment, Mr. Askew."
Before see the books" said I'll
ary. "l have a question TO AJAX yor
Are you not associated with the st,
Marie compunyr
Morris wiped his forehead nsalr
lie hnted dlrcctncss us much as Lam
artine. II certainly am" hc sale
but"
Another question. How do 20
reconcile TINT with your duties us mar
nger Of my concesslonf