Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1920-04-29
CHAPTER xI-Continued.

slowly, that at first sight this is a
queer thing for me to do--to check up
your property, l mean-when you and
have had such an intimate relation
ship as opponents. And wouldn't for
the world have agreed to it if it could
have had the slightest connection with
with your own private affairs.
1t hasn't-it can't have. l give you
my word on that; it's been settled
without the slightest reference to any
thing else. But since it hasn't, and
since Rufus asked me as a favor
and 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
gruff; it was tribute to his compan-
ions code of ethics. "Know anything
about mining" 'Nrt>
Not a thing. But I'm to go to a law
firm in Butte-and of course it's only
formality, anyway. I'll probably find
it's better than you ever claimed. But
Rufe asked me-"
81 see. Well-now about this other
matter :"
Armstrong was watching the west
bound express as it felt its cautious
way through Railroad avenue to the
station.
"Yes?"
billiard was suddenly ashamed of
himself; he was forced to concede that
his rival had the advantage of him in
poise and altruism. He shook himself
i free of the savage resentment which
was stealing upon him.
Were only human-both of us.
Perhaps-under the circumstances
the best thing we can say is to say
nothing except that | wish you
all the luck in the world. i don't pre-
tend it isn't hard thing to say-but
I'm trying to mean it. And you GER
tainly deserve it,"
And to you" said Armstrong cheer
fully. "And no bad feelings on either
side. And l hope your mine makes
million dollars for you"
Thanks" said Hilliard, grimly. "Ill
need it. But don't be afraid to send
Rufus your honest opinion-will your"
"No-and I'll send 1t to you, too.
That's only fair. I'd better be
starting"
They shook hands again across the
wheel
You're a good sport, Armstrong
:. don't think I've got any resent
ment left. except bit that I can't
quite swallow on short notice. ;"
II know. But you don't need to
worry, old man. Your futures bright
enough-as hope to wire Rufus about
Saturday"
Too late, Hilliard perceived that
they were talking at cross-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 trainshed. Armstrong
the victor and the inquiSitioner
was on the road to Butte!
Work, hard work, the panacea and
the salvation of those who are sore
distressed, even this cheapest relief
was denied billiard. He was left alone
with his problem, wrestling with ii
once more in the black darkness of de-
spondency, and knowing neither q
means of simplifying it. nor a coun
selor to whom he could turn for aid.
He conceded that there was only one
thing for him to do, and he intended t.
do it, but he was harassed because he
had so much time to think about it
Not since the first sickening shock Of
Harmon's revelation had he doubted
his own purpose; it was merely the
machinery of it which perpleXed him
returned he was abnormally calm anC
determined; he had no more idea o
resisting his impulses than he woult
have had, in Flanders, of disobeyini
his orders. The thing was there to b.
done, and ne regardless Of his own flu
ture, was there to do 1t.
Overnight, he had occupied himsel
with some elementary accounting.
With Harmons check his Outstand
ing balance for expenses and wha
money he could raise by selling hi
runabout and a few personal posses
sions, he had on hand matter o
ninety-six hundred dollars; Syracus
had entrusted him with sixty-two thou
sand. To compromise pro rata wit
his credtors-this was apparently hi
only resource, and yet how insufficient
q reparation it was! He knew that
had been his duty to investigate tn
Montana property before he began {
exploit It; he knew that his self-intrt
duction to Syracuse had been blatan
iy inexcusable, and that not even tn
fact that he had been carried away b
the drama of 1t could ever be excused
His intricate fabric of deception, no
that he inspected 1t from this differer
viewpoint, was Enthusiastically. II
could be traced-if anyone cared
spend the time, and the energy,
Armstrong-or Rufus Waring-care
A., Go pla