The Lehi sun. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1913-1949, 1920-09-16

iOUIuHAOuf huusihNus
About nine o'clock, Shirley. In re-
Spouse to a meaning glance from her
relative, tactfully conveyed Mrs.
PoundstOne upstairs, leaving her uncle
alone with his prey. Instantly Pen
nlngton got down TO business.
"Well," he querled, apropos of moth
ing, "what do you hear with reference
to the Northern californian rail-
roadf"
"Oh, the usual amount Of wind, Colo
mel Nobody knows what to make OF
that outfit"
Pennington studied the end Of his
cigar a moment.
Have they made any move to get
franchse?" he asked bluntly. "If they
have, suppose you would be the first
man to hear about II. don't mean to
be lmpertlnent," he added with a
gracious smile, "but the fact Is no
ticed that wlndbag Ogilvy entering
your office In the city hall the other
afternoon. and couldn't help wonder
Ing whether his visit was social or Of
fetal"
"Soclal--so far as could observe"
Poundstone replied truthfully, wonder
ing just how much Pennington knew
preliminary TO the official visit,
dare say"
The Colonel pulled thoughtfully for
whlle-fOr which the mayor was
grateful, since 1t provided time In
which to organize himself Suddenly,
however. Pennington turned toward
his guest and fixed the latter with
serious glance.
81 hadn't anticipated discussing this
matter with you, Poundstone. and you
must forgive me for II but the fact is
i might as well be frank with YOU
| am very greatly Interested In the
operation OF this proposed railroad. II
II Is built. II will have very distinct
effect on my finances"
an Just what way?"
Disastrous"
II am amazed, Colonel"
"You wouldn't be II you had given the
road as the N. c. o. contemplates
will tap about one-thlrd of the red
wood belt only. while line built from
the south will tap two-thIrds of It. The
remaining third can be tapped by an
extension Of my own logging road;
when my own timber is logged out
Will want other business for my road.
and II the N. G. o. parallels It. / will
he left with two streaks OF rust on my
hands,"
"Ah, I perceive. So II will, so II
willr
You agree with me, then, Pound
stone, that the N. @. O. Is not designed
to foster the best interests OF the
community. OF course you do. take
II, therefore. that when the N. G. O.
applies for Its franchise to run through
Sequoia, neither you nor your city
council will consider the proposition
at ALL"
II cannot, OF course, speak for the
city council" Poundstone began, but
Pennlngton's cold, amused smile froze
further utterance.
BE frank with me, POundstone. I
am not n child. What / would like TO
know is this: will you exert every ef-
fort 10 block that franchise I'm the firm
conviction that by so doing you will
accomplish A laudable public servlce?"
Poundstone squIrmed. "when I
have had time TO look into the matter
more thoroughly"
"Tuttut. my dear mani Let us not
straddle the fence. Business Is
game, and so is politics. Neither
knows any sentiment. Suppose you
should favor this N. c. o. crowd In
mistaken Idea that you were doing the
right thing. and that subsequently
numberless fellow-cltlzens developed
the Idea that you had not done your
public duty. Would some OF them not
be likely to invoke recall election
and retire you and your city council
In dIsgraeeY"
II doubt II they could defeat me,
Colonel"
II have no such doubt" Pennington
replied polntedly.
Pounilstone looked up mt him from
under lowered lids. rs that n
threatT' he demanded TREMENDOUSLY.
MY dear fellow! Threaten INV
guestl" Pennington laughed parronIz-
lngly. 81 am giving You advice.
Poundstone-and rather good advice.
II strikes me, However, while we're
on the subject, | have no hesltnncy I'm
telling you that IN the event of dis.
astrOus decision on your part,
should not feel justified in supporting
you"
lie might with equal frankness
have said; II would smash YOU To
his guest his meaning was not obscure
POundstone studied the pattern Of the
rug, and Pennington, watching him
sharply, saw that the man was dis.
tressed. He resolved on a bold stroke
Lets not beat about the bush
P0undstone," he said with the air of
a father patiently striving to induce
his child to recant a lie. tell the truth.
and save himself from the parental