The Dolores star., 1921-01-14

not know. then, OF the act of yandal-
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.
IL don't know what to say to
you" she faltered. 81 rang up to tell
you how splendid and heroic your ac-
tion was"
81 had my own life to save. Shirley"
you did not think OF that at the
time"
"Well-I 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
will not: so why should your
You are making 1t 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.
mean"
II think so, Mr.. Cardigan"
well, then" said Bryce. listen to
this: I am your uncle's enemy until
death do US part. Neither he nor I
expect TO ask or to give quarter. and
Tn going to smash him II I can"
"1f you do, you smash me-" she
warned him.
Likewise our friendship. I'm sorry.
but It's got to be done II can do it.
Shall-shall we say good.by. Shirley?"
"Yes-s-s" There was break In
her voice. "Good-by. Mr.. Cardigan. I
wanted to know"
"Good-by, 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. clinglng half hopefully to
the receiver at the other end OF the
wire. heard him-caught every Infec-
tion of the words, commonplace
enough. but freighted with the pathos
of Bryce's first real tragedy.
"Oh. Bryce" she cried sharply. But
he did not hear her: he had hung up
his receiver now.
The week that ensued was remarka-
BILE for the nmount Of work Bryce ac-
complished In the investigation of his
fathers affalrs-also for visit from
Donald McTavish. the woods-boss.
Hello. McTavish." Bryce saluted
the woods-boss cheerfully and extend
ed his handy 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! "Tis the wee laddie hisser."
he doomed. "I'm glad to see ye, boy"
you'd have seen me the day before
yesterday-if you had been seeable,"
Bryce reminded him with bright
smile. Mac, old man. they tell me
hell
"Pll nae deny ] take wee drappie
now an then" the woods-boss admit
ted frankly, albeit there was a har-
ried, hangdog look In his eyes.
Mac. did Moira give you my mes
sage?"
AYE"
a I a
other, Mac. Was there something
else you wanted to see me about?"
McTavish sidled up to the desk.
"Ye'll no be firm auld Mac oot o.
hand?" he pleaded hopefully. Mon.
ha ye the heart to do it-after a. these
yearsT'
Bryce nodded. "If you have the
heart-after all these years-to draw
pay you do not earn. then have the
heart to put better man in your
place. It's no good arguing, Mac.
You're of the pay roll onto the pen
sion roll-your shanty In the woods,
your meals at the camp kitchen, your
clothing and tobacco that I send out
to you. Neither more nor Iess!"
"Who will ye pit In ma placer?
Il don't know. However. It won't
he difficult task to find better man
than you"
"I'll nae let him work" McTavishs
voice deepened to a growl.
You worked that racket on my IA
ther. Try It on me. and you'll answer
% me-personally. Lay the weight of
your finger on your successor, Mac
and you'll die in the county poor farm
No threats. old man! You know the
Cardlgans; they never bluff"
McTavish's glance met the youthful
masters for several seconds then the
woods boss trembled, and his gaze
sought the office floor. Bryce knew
he had his man whipped at last, and
McTavish realized 1t. too. for quite
suddenly he burst into tears.
"Dlnna fire me. lad" he pleaded