The Dolores star., 1921-02-25
some tailored .n,rtwa,.ts .h. had oh.

1
Poundstone subsidized.
| About nine o'clock. Shirley. in re-
sponse 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 queried. apropos OF moth
ing. what do you hear with reference
to the Northern California Oregon rail
road?"
"Oh, the usual amount of wind. Colo
mel. Nobody knows what to make Of
that outfit"
Pennington studied the end Of his
cigar moment.
Have they made any move TO get
franchise?" he asked bluntly. "If they
have. suppose you would be the first
man to hear about II. l don't mean to
be impertinent." he added with Il
gracious smile, but the fact Is l no.
ticed that windbag 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"
"SocIal-so far as l could observe"
Poupdstone replied truthfully, wonder
Ing just how much Pennington knew.
preliminary to the official visit,
dare say"
The Colonel pufred 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 a
serious glance.
"1 hadn't anticipated discussing this
matter with you. Poundstone. and you
must forgive me for It but the fact is
I might as well be frank with YOU
l am very greatly Interested in the
operation of this proposed railroad. II
1t is built, It will have a very distinct
effect on my finances"
I'm just what way?"
"Disastrous."
II am amazed, Colonel"
You wouldn't be If you had given the
subject very close consideration. Such
n road as the n. c. o. contemplates
will tap about one-third of the red
wood belt only. while n 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 y. C. o. parallels 1t. will
he left with two streaks OF rust on my
hands"
"Ah. perceive. SO It will. 20 1t
will!"
stone. that the y. c. o. Is not designed
TO foster the best interests OF the
community. OF course you do. I take
It, therefore. that when the n. c. O.
applies for Its franchise to run through
SeNuo'n. neither you nor your city
council will consider the proposition
at ALL"
81 cannot. Of course. speak for the
city council" PoundStone began. but
pennlngton's cold. amused smile froze
further utterance.
BE frnnk with me. Poundstone. l
am not child. What I would like to
know Ia this: will you exert every ef-
fort to block that franchise in the firm
conviction that by so doing you will
accomplish laudable public service?"
Poundstone squirmed. 'When 7
have had time to look into the matter
more thoroughly"
"Tut-tut. my dear man! Let us not
straddle the fence. Business is u
game, and so is politics. Neither
knows any sentiment. Suppose you
should favor this n. C. o. crowd In n
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 recall election
and retire you and your city council
In dlsgrace?"
81 doubt II they could defeat me,
Colonel"
81 have no such doubt" Pennington
replied pointedly.
Poundstone looked up at him from
under lowered lids. 'Is that n
threat?' he demanded TREMENDOUSLY.
"My dear fellow! Threaten my
guest" Pennington laughed patroniz-
lngly. 81 am giving you advice,
Poundstone-and rather good advice,
1t strikes me. However. while we're
on the subject. l have no hesitancy in
telling you that in the event of dis
astrous decision on your part, l
should not feel justified in supporting
you"
He 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 hin
| sharply, saw that the man was dis
tressed. He resolved on bold stroke.
Lets not beat about the bush,
Poundstone." he said with the air of
n father patiently striving to induce