The Ordway new era., 1920-09-03
HoitOorfhy Hall
cHAP1 xi-continued.

CHAP ! eH Nl-Contlnuco
-12-
81 don't deny" said Armstrong
slowly. that at first sight this is n
queer thing for me to do-to check up
your property. ! mean-when you and
l hnYe had such an intimate relation
ship as opponents. And | wouldn't for
the world have agreed TO II II II could
have had the slightest connection with
with your own private affairs.
II hasnt-lt can't have. give you
my word on That; it's been settled
without the slightest reference TO any
thing else But since II hasn't. and
since Rufus asked me ms II favor
aud promised to tell you about it
and it's absolutely commercial"
"That's enough. I'm glad you're
going to do it, billiards voice was
Grur II was tribute 10 his compan-
Ions code Of ethics. Know anything
about mlning1'
Not thing. But I'm to 20 TO law
firm in Buttc-and of course It's only
fOrmnlity, anyway. I'll probnhly find
ifs better thnn you ever claimed. But
Hufe asked me-
81 see. Well-now about this other
matter ."
Armstrong was watching the west
hound express nS It felt It's cautious
wRy through Railroad avenue to the
station.
"Ycsf"
iIlllIard was suddenly ashamed Of
himself: ne was forced to concede that
his rival had the advantage Of him in
poise and altrusm. He shook himself
free OF the savage resentment which
was stealing upon him.
Were only human-both OF us.
Ferhnps-under the circumstance
the hest thing we can say Is TO say
nothing except that | wish you
uii the luck In the world. | don't pre-
tend 1t isn't a hard thing to say-but
I'm trying to mean II. And you GER
tainly deserve It,"
And to you." said Armstrong cheer
fully. "And no bad feelings on either
side. And hope your mine makes u
million dollars for you"
Thanks" said Hillinrd. grimly. "I'ii
need 1t. But don't he afraid to send
Rufus your honest oplnion-will your"
"No-nnd I'll send II to you. too.
That's only fair. I'd better be
starting"
They shook hands again across the
wheel.
You're n good sport, Armstrong
. don't think I've got any resent
ment left except II bit that | can't
quite swallow on short notice. :"
81 know. But you don't need to
worry. old man. Your futures bright
enough-as I hope to wire Rufus about
Saturday"
Too late. Hiiiiard perceived that
they were talking at ross-purposes-
Armstrong was evidently thinking
about the mine. But there was time
only for last gesture of farewell
and Armstrong had disappeared In the
depths OF the tra'nshed. Armstrong
the victor. and the inquisitioner
was on the road TO Buttei
Work. hard work. the panacea and
the salvation of those who nre sore
distressed. even this cheapest relief
was denied Hilliard. He was left alone
Win MS pIbbltll, NIeNliIE Win "
once more In the black darkness of de
spondency. and knowing neither q
means OF simplifying It, nor a coun
sclor TO whom he could turn for aid.
He conceded that there was only one
thing for him to do. and he intended tC
do it. but he was harassed because h,
had so much time to think about It
Not since the first sickening shock o
Harnon's revelation had he doubted
his own purpose; II WAS merely tn,
machinery OF 1t which perplexed him
His confidence In himself gradual,
returned; he was nbnormally calm ant
determined; he had no more idea o
resisting his impulses thnn he woul,
have had. In Flanders. of disobeyIn,
his orders. The thing wns there 10 h,
done. and he. regardless of his own fu
ture. was there to do 1t.
Overnight, he had occupied himsel
with some elementary accounting.
with IIarmon's check, his outstand
ing balance for expenses. and whs
money he could raise by selling hi
runabout and few personal posses
slops. he had on hand matter n
ninety-six hundred dollars; Syracus
had entrusted him with sixty-two thor
sand. To compromise pro ratn wit
his creditors-this was apparently hi
only resource. and yet how InsutIlciep
. reparation 1t was! He knew that
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