The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-11-24
CHAPTER TX. Perfectly RemarkaF%S.

men from Havana arrived, and the task of stringing the power wires and connecting the lamps proceeded swiftly. Ox-carts to convey the in- sulator pins, insulators, transform~ CTS and similar impediments to dis points along the road were commits stoned by Armstrong;
 He then recalled all of the peons who had been engaged in erecting poles, assigned a few of them to assist the Hnemen, and parcelled off the rest into road gangs. Heavy regrad- ing between La Pintura and Guana- tara was necessary before the road could be considered in acceptable condition for his purpose. A small load dredge was rented from the Cu- ban railroad, mounted on large, inn provised truck and sent to supplement the shovel gangs.
 Meanwhile, work on the pier was progressing smoothly if not rapid Iy. All of the old blanks were re- moved, new croSs-girders and scant- ing were put in place of the old, and with the laying Of the new ash blanks the pier took on a rejuvenated and shipshape apearance. In his spare moments, Armstrong continued to advocate the desirabi1- ity of electrical miIl-drtve to the ten members of his company. Legarra
 
 the innovation His equipment, he finally admitted, was old-fashioned, and with the mounting price of raw sugar he soon realized the necessity of the most efficient equipment that money could buy.
 On Armstrong's latest visit to the Estancia del Arajo, however, Legar~ ra's attitude seemed to lack it's form. CT interest and enthusiasm. Arna~ str yUa a a fn the change Finally, Legarra burst out, with Spanish impetuosity: "Senor Armstrong. I know myself that you are not coward. But have heard many-many unpleasant reports
 Do you refer to my meeting last week with Amedor?" Legarra lowered his eyes and nod | ded.
 There has been talk. A Cuban would not have dared wait as long as you have waited. His honor would demand instant settlement. People are anxious to know why you have ! not acted. Senor, why have you done | nothing?"
 l 'I have been busy with more im- 1 portant matters" replied Armstrong. l Tn America, we do not demand i'm | mediate settlement on the field of honor. We wait for a. favorable op- pOrtun1Iy. Ina[ opportunity has not yet presented itself.'' Miss Cal1ahan-is disappointed" 'Is she?" Armstrong's voice was | expressi ionless. q am sorry.'' The next morning. Jerry Corners l thrust his red face in Armstrong's office, declaring angrily that twelve power poles had been cut down the night before at @ point near AmadOrs s plantation. Wires had already been strung this point. and IaTOnS stalled.
 Put them up again." said Arm strong, as if not deeply interested. ''If any one tries to stop you-stop him first. I don't want any more of this nonsense. You'd better take a gun with you.''
 Corners withdrew frowning, and Armstrong began pacing the floor. He had wanted to avoid trouble if it could be avoided. Yet he could not afford to have the glove thrown at his feet a third time. Should he go to Amador now, he demanded, and settle these scores-or should he con tinue to wait?
 One thing urged him to take action imm ediately. This was the persis- tence of Miss CaIIa.han's frank gaze coupled with the stinging quality which he easily attributed to her words to Senor Legarra. Partly to suppress any O1SCOInIOEL that ms con science was undergoing and partly to justify himself in her eyes, he called her the telephone and endeavor- ed to explain matters.
 Miss Callahan kept him in suspense for several anguishing oments while she framed her decision. Her reply, in a reassuring voice which som chow lacked it's usual ring, was that she. perhaps, had decided too hastily. She would await further developments with interest, she said, and hung up the receiver.
 Up and down the Guanatara Valley the preliminary activities of the sugar season were n evidence. The cane had changed from a delicate adoIes- cent green to sturdy richness and ripeness. All of the mills were un- dergoing their spring overhauling. Engine parts, greased and laid away at the end Of the last season. were cleaned and put back in their places. Droves of cane laborers arrived from unknown parts by every train. OX- carts increased in numbers and creak- ed emptily to distant fields.
 The council of ten, estimating to q day when their firrt miIIings would fall due, ordered ship to call at the new pier at Guantara- Despite their astonishment at Armstrong's conduct under Annador's affronts, they repOSed great IaILn III the success or his underta king.
 The day before the steamer was due Armstrong held a long and satisfac- tory conversation over the telephone with the dockmaster. It was late In the afternoon when he motored to the Estancia del Arajo and invited Miss Callahan to go for a spin. With occupying her thoughts, Miss Cal1a- han consented Armstrong knew every foot of the black road, driving rapidly and surely.
 All traces of roughness had been ironed out. The descent from La Pin tura, formerly a stretch that tried even the stoutness of ox-carts. was now an evenly graded, smooth flowing ribbon.
 He appeared to become nervous as