The Glenwood post., 1924-06-05

nor POLITICIANS.
The FIRST night that Williams and
Wells slept in the little house in Fush-
Xxi which they used until 4 shack
could be built for them, they were
awakened many times. A score Of
men were outside-never to be seen.
for the night was dark-and finally
Williams came into the others room.
whats it they say. Bobr' he asked
nsrvouLy.
"Oni wato soto! Translated, It IL a
gentle little phrase which means Out.
devilsl"
"Tell them to get away from the
windows and let us Sleep"
wouldn't do darn bit Of good.
This is a holiday for them. All they'd
do would be to climb up ON roof and
pitch rocks at the panels. And paper
doesn't stop the sort Of granite mo-
tice around here. Go to sleep and
forget It, They'll tire before morn
Ing"
Marakito found many little ways to
hamper the sanderson job. Sacks o6
concrete disappeared, to filter away in
the water, when most needed. The
donkey engine missed, as Wells r.
marked. either leg or an ear every
night, and the wires were kept hot
with orders for more parts, until Cor
don wanted to know II the boys were
opening machine shop or building a
bridge.
Williams busted himself with the In
side work. When the laborers quit,
between two days, not even asking for
pay. Wells hired more. When they
announced that they, also, would labor
no more, he cursed them, their ances-
tors, their family gods. and thsn
brought in new coolies from Osaka.
Long hngerssof trestles crept along
the brown sand. The first bridge Of
the series already spanned the inlet
Of Fushiki. Reading the reports, Sand
erson grinned Three days ahead Of
schedule.
It WAS on the night that Wells left
for Osaka to superIntend and person
ally conduct material to Fushih that
Marakito honored Williams with cor
emonial visit.
After being welcomed, the old I'm
perialist made great show Of spread
ing ribbon-tied currency and wrapped
rolls Of gold. Then he placidly set
tied back, licking tho slender glass Of
shaved vanilla-havored Ice which VIII
liams had offered him.
williams was sick Of Fushild. Why
hadn't he heard from Albertaf WY
hada't he gone to Osaka himself, In
stead Of sending wells7 Perhaps Wells
received his letters there. What 4id
this old bird wanti He, Williams,
wanted a cold bath. And sleep. But
this money!
Marakito saw the others eyes lose
their lackluster appearance at the
sight of the gold. He broke open a
second roll. and set down the empty
glass with 4 polite hiss.
'There are three thousand dollars
upon the table," ne told the glass.
Williams had none Of Wells ORR.
entail restraint.
what for?" he asked abruptly.
Marakito closed his eyes. "A days
pay. Pay7 Reward, rather. would
be displeased If the bridges were com.
plete-too soon. Your company is
fined a thousand dollars for each days
delay. On the table is triple that
amount. Refund third to your EN-,
ployer. Keep third for yourself
The remainder for that ether" speak
ing Of Wells.
"Why?"
"A reason you would not under
stand. Your employer loses nothing
It must be secret. Tell none but the
other engineer" He kept hand on
his short knife, none knew what these
queer foreigners would do. '.rhat is
for up to twenty days. No more"
A hurried picture passed through
Williams mind. It was possible. There
had been trouble already. There might
be more. Spans lost. Pieces gone
| Quicksand. Gordon was not infalllble
Why-why not keep It ALI
The engineer moved In his chair
and the eyes of Marakito opened with
a snap. "He would not take It," vii.
Hams said briefly.
"He need not see what might
happen" Marakito understood OF
what Williams was thinking.
"He would see."
"In the old days." the Jap's eyes
slitted trihe, there would be a
knife-zzx-but now: questions would
be asked"
Williams shivered at the grim tone
Excitedly, with nervous fingers, he lit
cigarette. Before he could speak
Marakito asked softly: "If 1t is per.
mitted to ask. perhaps the other en-
gineer has does he like won
en7 He might be enticed away1 MOI
Wine, then? He does7 Yohl 1t is n
simple matter. We will entertain him
You say-do not look amazed, nave
lived In America, or how should
speak thusf-you say 'Hoi There are
influential men here. There has been
trouble. You visit them. Be friendly
l