The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-03-15
early by that big blast and ca.ue

could get together. l hurried ovel
fearing maybe you might think tn,
blast-you see, Belding-"
II see this, Mr.. Ben Chase" inter
rupted Belding. In curt and ringin,
voice. The blast was a mistake. the
biggest you ever made In your life"
what do you meanr demanded
Chase.
You'll have to excuse me for
while, unless you're dead set on hay-
ing 1t out right now. Mr.. Gale and his
family are leaving. and my daughter
is going with them. I'd rather you'd
walt little"
'Nell going awayT exclaimed Rad
ford Chase. He reminded Beldlng Of
an overgrown boy in disappointment
Yes. But-Miss Burton to you
young man"
,"Mr. Belding. certainly would pre-
fer conference with you right now
interposed the elder Chase, cutting
short Belongs strange speech "Tbere
are other matters-important matters
to discuss. They've got to be settled
May we step in, sirf"
mo, you may not" replied Belding,
bluntly. I'm sure particular who ]
Invite into my house. But I'll go with
you"
Bedding stepped out and closed the
door. Come away from the house Sc
the women won't hear the-the talk
The elder Chase was purple with
rage, yet seemed to be controlling It.
The younger man looked black, sullen.
Impatient. Ben Chase found his voice
about the time Bedding halted under
the trees out of earshot from the
house.
"Sir. you've insulted me-my son
How dare you? ! want you to under.
stand that you're"
Chop that kind Of talk to me. you
-!" inter
rupted Belding. He had always been
profane. and now he certainly did not
choose his language. Chase turned
livid, gasped, and seemed about to give
way to fury. But something about Beld
ing evidently exerted powerful quiet
Ing influence. "1f you talk sense III
listen," went on Belding
II want to make last effort to pro
pitiate you," began Chase, in his quick
smooth voice. That was a singular
change to Belding-the dropping In.
stantly into an easy flow of speech
you've had losses here, and naturally
you're sore. ] 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
! want to run that main ditch along
the river, through your farm. Can't
we make "a deal? I'm ready to he lib
eral-to meet you more than halfway
I'll give you an interest in the com
pany / think I've influence enough VI
ut the capitol to have you reinstateJ IL
Inspector. A little yeasonableness on
your part will put you right again in
Forlcrn River. with chance of grow
Ing rich. There's big future here
-. My interest, Belding, has become
personal. Radford is in love with your
stepdaughter. BE wants to marry her
Now let's get together not only In bust
ness, but In a family way II my sons
happiness depends upon having this
girl. you may rest assured I'll do all ]
can to get her for him. I'll absolutely
make good all your losses. Now what
do you sayr'
NO." replied Belding. "Your money
can't buy right of way across my
ranch. And Nell doesn't want your
son. That settles that"
But you could persuade her."
II won't, that's ALL"
May l ask why7" Chase's voice
was losing its suave quality, but 1t
was even swifter than before.
"Sure. l don't mind your asking"
replied Bedding. in slow deliberation.
II wouldn't do such low-down trick.
Besides. II would, I'd want 1t to be q
man 1 was persuading for. know
Greasers-I know a Yaqui I'd rather
give Nell to than your son."
Radford Chase began to roar In mar
ticulate rage. Bedding paid no atten-
tion to him; indeed, he never glanced
at the young man. The elder Chase
checked a violent start.
my sons offer Of marriage is an
honor-more an honor, sir. than you
perhaps are aware Of"
Belding made no reply. He waited
coldly, sure Of himself
Mrs. Belongs daughter has no
right to the name Of Burton" snapped
Chase. did you know that?"
II did not" replied Belding, quietly.
WELL You know 1t now" added
Chase, bitingiy.
"Sure you can prove what you say7"
.r<xl n-l
emotional tone. 1t struck him strange
ly at the moment what little knowledge
this man had Of the West and of west
ern character.
Prove 1t? Why, yes, l think SO,
enough to make the truth plain to any
reasonable man. come from Peoria