Cleveland County herald., 1920-09-02

Soule tullored SnlrIWa1StS Sne nau OD- served in the window of local dry goods emporium that day, and Mrs. Tombstone subsided.
 About nine o'clock, Shirley, in re- sponse to meaning glance from her relative, tactfulW conveyed Mrs. Tombstone upstairs, leaving her uncle alone with his prey. Instantly Pen nington got down to business.
 Well" he queried, apropos of noth- ing, what do you hear with reference to the Northern California-Oregon rail- road?"
 "Oh the usua. amouS& of wind, Colo nel. Nobody knows what to make of that outfit"
 Pennington studied the end of his cigar moment.
 Have they made any move to get a franchise?" he asked bluntly. If they have, l suppose you would be the first man to hear about it. l don't mean to be impertinent," he added with gracious smile, "but the fact is I no- ticed that windbag Ogilyy entering your office in the city hall the other afternoon, and I couldn't help wonder- ing whether his visit was social or of ficial."
 "Social-so far as I could observe" Tombstone replied truthfully, wonder ing just how much Pennington knew.
 Preliminary to the official visit, dare say"
 The Colonel puffed thoughtfully for while-for which the mayor was grateful, since it provided time in which to organize himself. Suddenly, however, Pennington turned toward his guest and fixed the latter with a serious glance.
 T hadn't anticipated discussing this matter with you, Tombstone. and you must forgive me for it but the fact is -4 might as well be frank with you- l am very greatly interested in the operation of this proposed railroad. If if is built, 1t will have q very distinct effect on my finances"
 Tn just what wayY"
 Disastrous"
 "I am amazed, Colonel"
 You wouldn't be if you had given the subject very close consideration. Such q road as the N. c. O. contemplates will tap about one-third of the red wood belt only, while a 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, I will want other business for my road, and if the N. c. o. parallels it, I will Se left With two streaks of rust on my hands,"
 "Ah, perceive. So 1t will, so 1t will r'
 You agree with me, then, Pound l stone, that the N. c. o. Is not designed to foster the best interests of the community. Of course you do take it, therefore, that when the N. c. o. applies for it's franchise to run through Sequoia, neither you nor your city | council will consider the proposition at all."
 q cannot, of course, speak for the 1 city council" Tombstone began, but Pennington's cold, amused smile froze further utterance.
 Be frank with me, Tombstone. I am not child What I would like to know is this: will you exert every eff fort to block that franchise in the firm conviction that by so doing you will accomplish ] laudable public serviee?"
 Tombstone sQuirmed. ''When I have had time to look into the matter more thoroughly"
 '"Tuttut, my dear man! Let us not Straddle the fence. Business is a game, and so is politics. Neither knows any sentiment. Suppose you should favor this N. c. o. crowd in a mistaken idea that you were doing the right thing, and that subsequently numberless fellow-citizens developed the idea that you had not done your public duty. Would some of them not be likely to invoke a recall election and retire you and your city council in disgrace?'
 q doubt if they could defeat me- Colopel'
 "I have no such doubt" Pennington replied pointedly.
 Tombstone looked up at him from under lowered lids. 'Is that a threat?" he demanded tremulously.
 "My dear fellow! Threaten my guest! '" Pennington laughed patroniz- ingly. q am giving you advice, Poundstone-and rather good advice, it strikes me. However, while we're on the subject, I have no hesitancy in telling you that in the event of dis astrous decision on your part, I should not feel justified in supporting you"
 He might. with equal frankness, have said: 'I would smash you" To his guest his meaning was not obscure Tombstone studied the pattern of the rug and Pennington, watching him sharply, saw that the man was dis tressed. He resolved on bold stroke.
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