The Nevada County picayune., 1923-04-05
way to fury. But something about Beld-

q want to make last effort to pro pitiate you," began Chase, in his quick. smooth voice. That was singular change to Belding-the dropping in- stantly into an easy flow of speech. "Youve had losses here, and naturally you're sore. I don't blame you. But you can't see this thing from my side of the fence. Business Is business. In business the best man wins. The law upheld those transactions of mine the honesty of which you questioned. Now I want to run that main ditch along the river, through your farm. Can't we make deal? I'm ready to be lib- eral-to meet you more than halfway. I'll give you an interest in the com pany. I think I've influence enough up at the capitol to have you reinstated as Inspector. A little reasonableness on your part will put you right again in Forlorn River, with chance of grow ing rich. There's a big future here. .. My interest, Bedding, has become personal. Radford is in love with your stepdaughter. He wants to marry her. 4NOo iNl SCI tOS1AiiNi hOt oAiS th b'oA ness, but in family way. If my sons happiness depends upon having this girl, you may rest assured I'll do all l can to get her for him. I'll absolutely make good all your losses. Now what do you say?"
 "No," replied Bedding. Your money can't buy a right of way across my ranch. And Nell doesn't want your son. That settles that"
 'Bnt you could persuade her."
 T won't, that's all"
 May I ask whyT' Chase's voice was losing it's suave quality, but it was even swifter than before.
 Sure I don't mind your asking" replied Bedding, in slow deliberation. "I wouldn't do such a low-down trick. Besides, if I would, I'd want 1t to be a man I was persuading for. I know Greasers-I know a Yaqui I'd rather give Nell to than your son."
 Radford Chase began to roar in inar- ticulate rage. Bedding paid no atten- tion to him; indeed, he never glanced at the young man. The elder Chase checked violent start.
 My sons offer of marriage is an honor-more an honor, sir, than you perhaps ara aware of"
 Bedding made no reply. lie waited coldly, sure of himself.
 Mrs. Belding's daughter has no right to the name of Burton" snapped Chase. Did you know thatT"
 T did not replied Bedding, quietly.
 Well, you know it now" added Chase, bitingly.
 Sure you can prove what you sayf" queried Bedding, in the same cool, un- emotional tone. It struck him strange ly at the moment what little knowledge this man had of the West and of west ern character
 Prove it? Why, yes, l think so, enough to make the truth plain to any reasonable man. l come from Peoria was born and raised there. l went to school with Nell Warren. That was your wife's maiden name. She was beautiful. gay girl. knew Bob Burton we'll. He was splendid fellow, but wild. Nobody ever knew for sure, but we all supposed he was engaged to marry Nell. He left Peoria, however. and soon after that the truth about Nell came out She ran away. It was at least a couple of months before Bur ton showed up in Peoria. He did not stay long. Then for years nothing was heard of either of them. When word did come Nell was in Oklahoma, Bur ton was in Denver There's a chance, of course, that Burton followed Nell and married her That would account for Nell Warren taking the name of ever heard of such a thing and wouldn't have believed 1t If we had. In a moment of amazement-when recognized your wife as an old school mate-I blurted the thing out to Rad ford You see now how little 1t mat ters to me, when ask your stepdaugh- ter's hand in marriage for my son."
 Bedding stood listening The genuine emotion in Chase's voice was as strong as the ring of truth. Bedding knew truth when he heard it.
 "So you told my wife you'd respect her secret-keep her dishonor from her husband and daughter" demanded Bedding, his dark gaze sweeping back from the lane.
 "What IT." stammered Chase.
 You made your son swear to be a man and die before he'd hint the thing to Nell?" went on Bedding, and his voice rang louder.
 Ben Chase had no answer. The red