The Mena weekly star., 1920-09-23

| woods-boss of Penningfon's. and as a
special compliment to you, John Cardi-
gan, did an almighty fine job OF
cleaning. Even went so far as to
muss the Colonel up little"
WOW, WOW, Brycel Bully for you |!
| wanted that man Rondeau taken
apart He has terrorized our woods
men for long time He's king of the
lnad-train. you know"
Bryce was relieved. His father did
not know, then, of the act of vandal-
ism in the Valley Of the Giants. This
fact strengthened Bryce's resolve not
to tell him.
Arm in arm they walked up the gar
den path together.
Just as they entered the house, the
telephone in the hall tinkled, and
Bryce answered.
mr.. Cardigan" came Shirley Sum
ner's voice over the wire.
Bryce" he corrected her.
She ignored the correction.
II don't know what to say to
you" she faltered. 81 rang up to tell
you how splendid and heroic your ac
ton was"
II had my own life to save. Shirley"
lou did not think OF that al the
time"
we'll didn't think of your uncle's.
either" he replied without enthusiasm
I'm sure we never can hope to
catch even with you. Mr. Cardigan"
Don't try. Your revered relative
viii not; so why should your
you are making II somewhat hard
for me TOTO rehabilitate our friend
ship, Mr.. Cardigan"
BLESS your heart" he murmured.
''The very fact that you bothered to
ring me up at all makes me your
debtor. Shirley. can you stand some
plain speaking-between friends, I
mean r.
II think so, Mr.. Cardigan"
swell. then" said Bryce. slIsten to
this: 7 am your uncIe's enemy until
death do us part. Neither he nor I
expect to ask or to give quarter, and
I'm going to smash him If can"
IF you do. you smash me" she
warned him.
Likewise our friendship. I'm sorry.
hut It's got to be done II can do II.
Shall-shaIl we say good-by, Shirley?''
"Yes-s-sf r There was break in
her voice. "Good-by. Mr.. Cardigan. !
wanted TO know"
Goodbye Well. that's cutting the
mustard he murmured soto voce,
land there goes another bright day
dream" Unknown to himself he
spoke directly into the transmltter.
and Shirley. cIinging half hopefully to
the receiver at the other end of the
wire. heard him-caughf every infiec-
ton Of the words COMMONPLACE
enough. but freighted with the pathos
of Bryce's first real tragedy.
oh. Bryccp she cried sharply. But
be did not hear fer; he had hung IN
his receiver now.
The week that ensued was remarka-
bic for the amount of work Bryce &c
compIished In the investigation OF his
fathers affairs-also for visit from
Donald McTavish. the woods-boss.
Hello. McTavish,r Bryce saluted
the woods-boss cheerfully and extend
ed his hand for cordial greeting. His
wayward employee stood up. took the
proffered hand In both Of his huge and
callous ones. and held 1t rather child
Ishly.
"Weel Ills the wee laddIe hisser."
he doomed "Tm glad to see We, boy"
You'd have seen me the day before
yesterday--if you had been seeable."
Bryce reminded him with a briQhts
smile. Mac, old man. they tell me
you've gotten to be regular go-to-
he'll"
"I'u nae deny take wee draupie
now an then" the woods-boss admit
ted frankly, albeit there was a har-
rled, hangdog look In his eyes.
Mac. did Moira give you my mes
sage7'
"Aye."
well, guess we understand each
other. Mac. Was there something
else you wanted to see me aboutY'
McTavish sidled up to the desk
Yen no be firm auld Mac DOT O.
HANDY" he pleaded hopefully. AMon.
ba We the heart to do it--after a. these
years7"
Bryce nodded. IF you have the
heart-after all these years--to draw
pay you do not earn then have the
heart to pnt better man In your
place It's no good arguing, Mac
You're Off the pay roll onto the pen
sion roll-your shanty in the woods.
your meals at the camp kitchen, your
clothing and tobacco that send out
to you. Neither more nor less!"
who win We pit in ma placer
7 don't know. However Ii wont
be difficult task tc find better man
than you"
"I'll nae let him work" McTavish's
voice deepened to growl.