The Dolores star., 1923-01-05
The Cross-Cut
by Courtney Ryley Cooper
Bo-pAc
BY Courtney Ryley Cooper

little sigh, Bardwell closed the book
una looked out Mt the dawn, forcing its
way through the binding snow.
Yes, l guess Wen find lot Of
things In this old book" came at last
But l think right now that the best
thlng any Of US can find is a little
sleep"
hest-rest for five wearied persons,
hut the rest Of cntentment and peace.
And late in the afternoon, three of
them were gathered In the old-fashion-
ed parlor Of Mother Howard's board
Ing house, waiting for the return of
that dignitary from sudden mission
upon which Anita Richmond had sent
her, Involving u trip to the old Rich
mond mansion. Harry turned away
from his place at the window.
The district attorney 'ad long
talk with Barnham," he announced,
and 'e's figured out wye for all the
stock olders in the Silver Queen to get
what's coming to them. As it Is,
they S about Il unnerd thousand short
some'eres."
Fairchild looked up.
what's the scheme?''
TO call meeting of the stock
'olders and transfer all that money
over to a special fund to buy Blue
Poppy stock. Well ave to raise morey
anyway to work the mine like we
ought to. And it d cost something
You always ave to underwrite that
sort of thing. sort of like 1t, even
II we'd ave to sell stock little be-
low par. It'd keep Ohadi from get
ting bad name and all that"
II think so, too" Anita Richmond
laughed. at suits me fine"
Fairchlld looked down at her and
smiled
Il guess that's the answer" he said
"Of course that doesn't include the
Rodaine stock. In other words, we
give lot Of disappointed stock.
holders par value for about ninety
cents on the dollar. But Farrell can
look after all that. He's got to have
something to keep him busy as at.
torney for the company"
A step on the veranda, and Mother
Howard entered, package under her
arm, which she placed in Anita's lap
The girl looked up at the man who
stood beside her.
Il promised" she said. "that I'd
tell you about the Denver road"
He leaned close.
THAT isn't all you promlsed-jusi
before l left you this morning." came
his whispered voice, and Harry, al
the window, doubled In laughter.
"Why didn't you speak 1t all out 2
he gurgled. 81 card every word"
Anita's eyes snapped.
well. l don't guess that's any
worse than me standing behind the
folding doors listening to you ant
Mother Howard gushing like couple
of sick doves."
''That 'olds me. amt got word tt
sye"
Anita laughed.
"Persons who live in glass houses
you know. But about this explanation
I'm going to ask hypothetical ques
| tion. Suppose you and your family
were in the clutches of persons who
were always trying to get you into
position where you'd be more al
| their mercy. And suppose an ole
| friend of the family wanted to make
the family present and called W
60 tn
| down and get it-not for yourself, bu
| lust to have around in case of need
| Then suppose you went to Denver
| got the valuable present and then
| just as you We're getting up speed tt
make the first grade on Lookout. yol
heard shot behind you and looked
| around to see the sheriff coming. Ant
If he caught you, it'd mean IA lot o
worry and the worst kind of gossip
and maybe you'd have to go to jai
| for breaking laws and everything like
that? In case of that kind. what't
you do?"
run to beat bloody ELL" blurtet
out Harry.
and that's just what she did
| added Fairchild. II know because
saw her."
Anita was unwrapping the package
"And seeing that l did rum" sht
added with laugh, land got ava,
with it, who would like to share IL
what remains of one beautiful bottl,
of Manhattan cucktails?'
| rrbara was NOT one dissenting voice
| 1.-THE END1
I.1e1eteteneHsoeueasas