Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-02-14

Armstrong suddenly Strengthened;
and his voice had u curious ring 90
tia ring which electrified billiard
and awoke the most petrifyins
alarms within him.
"But does one ordinarily mention
certain kinds OF people--in a mems
club? don't know how II IL where
you come from--but here, we don't"
Hillinrd smiled vapidly; II was the
utmost perversity OF emotion, for he
knew now why Carol had been 80
explicit in her sympathy why
she had been so meticulous TO let
him realize that she wanted him as
n friend; only as n friend 9,
and here was Armstrong, conceal
ing with difficulty the triumph he
was limiting at
NO" he said hnrshly zone
doesn't, hut there isn't anything TO
keep us from mentioning anybody
we like outside the club, is there
"Why-not that L"
Then I'll take YOU down any
way" said Hilliard. And let's see
IL We can't try 10 understand each
other"
1t took a brave man 10 accept the
offer. for billiards eyes held little
70 recommend their owner as a pru-
dent driver, or as very pleasant
companion. Armstrong. however, was
already putting on his hat.
They had driven over 10 the sta
tion in silence. Hlliard. parking the
runabout carefully. turned 10 his
passenger.
We've got ten good minutes he
said. Your train isn't even in yet
go ahead and talk"
Armstrong, after momentary de-
lay. put ont concihating hand. odd
man." he said. lets play the rest
of this out lk" two sensible people
We won't get anywhere by bicker-
ing, and I suppose 1t won't do any
harm for MS To put all the cards on
the table, and know exactly where
we stand. OF course, you haven't
known me very long, and | haven't
known you but suppose. just
TO help along the understanding. we
billiard WINGED.
We'll suppose We do. Then
what"
Then You can't hold ii up against
me for stopping of at Butte on my
way out. l haven't any motive in
i'll promised to do it as a favor to
Rufe Waring. 1t isn't personal
.esue at an. 1 know exactly how ii
must appear 10 you, but I'm
not that sort Of man. billiard. |
wouldn't have dreamed of it my
self That's straight"
The masquerader regarded him
earnestly--and yielded TO his evident
sincerity.
Way down deep" he said, at
length, Il know you're not, but .
what's that for!" He referred to
Armstrong; outstretched hand. oh.
=. all right" They shook hands
solemnly. AT the same time il
would have been so perfectly natural
for you to feel like getting what
ever leverage you could"
There's no need % that-now,"
said Armstrong. smile was
proud and brilliant. and billiard
withered under it.
Well. l wasn't sure
Il don't deny" said Armstrong
slowly. that at first sight this is
queer thing for me to do--to check
up your property, | mean-when you
and ! have had such an intimate re-
latiouship as opponents. And
lr' - h., Ill
To ii if it could have had the slight
est connection with. with your own
private affairs. 1t hasnt--it can't
have. ! give you my word on that;
it's been settled without the slight
est reference to anything else. But
since it hasn't. and since Rufus asked
me as favor-and promised to tell
You about it-and it's absolutely
commercial"
That's enough I'm 2tad you're
going To do it," Hiljard's voice was
paniOn's code of ethics. Know any
thing about mining"
Not d thing. But I'm to 90 to a
law tiTm in Dutte-and Ut course it's
only formality, anyway. I'll prob
ably lind 1t : better than YOU ever
claimed. Bat Kufe asked me"
Il see. Wel.-now about this other
matter
Armstrong was watching the west
bound express as II felt it's cautious
way thru Railroad avenue to the sta
ton.
"Ies?"
Hilliard was suddenly ashamed of
himself: he was torceG TO concede
that his rival had the advantage of
him in poise and altruism. He shook
himself free Of the savage resentment
which was stealing upon him.
We're only huuan-both of U.S.
aps-under the circumstances
the best thing we can say is to say
nothing except that | wish you
all the luck in the world. | don't pre-
tend it isn't hard thing to say-but
I'm trying to mean it. And you Ger
tainiy deserve it
And to you" said Armstrong
cheerfully. And no bad feelings on
either side. And nope your mine
makes a million dollars for You"
Thanks" said H.lliard, grimiy.
I'm need it. But .Iont De afraid 70
send Rufus your honest opinion-wilI
you?"
That's only fair . I'd better be
starting"
They shook hands again across the
wheel.
you're "a good sport. Armstrong