The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1933-06-30

traversed the shadows of lumber piles.
He had no definite plan. He had
considered telling the manager the
whole truth and asking for a Job.
That, however, might not be advis-
able; depended entirely on the type of
individual he encountered. 1t would
be tough chore to convince some
men that they should hire for re-
sponsible post the son of an arch
enemyl But whoever he found
he would at least learn more of what
his father was up to. OF that only
was he certain as he took the office
steps at Jump and opened the door.
The building was divided into halves
by a cold hallway. A single mean
descent, dusty and weak with service.
was set In the ceiling Its light was
not good. but a room to the left had
better illumination, and on the glazed
glass Of the door was painted the word
Manager.
John stamped snow from his feet on
a husk rug, but as he started for this
evidently occupied Office, the sound
of a voice arrested him.
A man was talking swiftly, quietly,
and he stopped, not wanting to intrude
at an inopportune time, but impa-
tient at the delay.
The voice went on: g. and my
offer standsl I'm helpless to help the
Richards company in any other way.
but will buy. at that price, the entire
property, timber, railroad and mill
Perhaps this offer seems small, but
look what is going to happen If you
try to keep on alonei I'm partner
with Tom Belknap, yes, but I'm power
less to shape the policy or direct the
practice of that partnership I'd give
every dollar | have, Ellen, to see you
personally at peace, but you will have
no peace until Belknap has his way
He is out to buy this company at a fig
ure even lower than l offer, and he
finishes what he starts. Now,
what do you say"
Johns heart raced as he stood there
listening. The man in that other room
was Paul Gorbel. He was making
threats in Tom Belknap's name! Bully
ing woman for old Tom!
The woman spoke then.
81 have only one thing to say, Paul!
That the Richards properties aren't
for sale at any such absurd price; that
they aren't for sale at any figure under
such pressure. They're in a tight
place, well enough; they would have
plenty to contend with in fair fight,
but you may take this word back 60
your Mr.. Belknap: that the Richards
company is going to keep on fighting,
that it's not going to whimper; that
if it finally goes down, after doing all
it can do to survive, it will be with the
flag flying and the band-saw singing
"Take that word to your renegade
partner, Paul, and don't come here
again with one hand extended in
friendship and the other carrying
club!'
Her voice, gentle In the beginning,
had mounted, and her hard-fung def
ance sent a prickling sensation to
Johns very finger-tips Some loyal
employee bookkeeper, an Office
woman; a wife or daughter or sister
of the Richards involved-had set Cor
bel down with jolt!
Behind that closed door, a low, sorry
laugh and the sound of slow footsteps.
A shadow crossed the lighted glass
and Gorbel spoke again.
ELLEN! Ellen, dear! Don't
you see that behind this is only one
thing for me? Can't you understand
that I'm risking all I've got just try
ing to help you in small ways? It's
you ! want"-voice roughening a bit
with passion. Its you who's got into
my bloodl It's the waiting that kills
me. I can't wait, I tell youl I
can't"
Get back! Get away! Don't you
dare touch mel"
He called her name again, almost
savagely. Feet scraped on the floor;
a sharp cry as with crash the light
in the Office went out.
paul! Get out of this office, l tell
you! Get away away"
Panic, now, In the tone, and for the
man waiting outside there was but one
move to make.
The faint light from the hallway,
further impaired by his own shadow
as he poised there, hand still on the
knob revealed them.
A desk lamp lay on the floor at the
mans feet and he was turning, relin-
gushing his hold on the girls wrist.
looking over his shoulder with a white,
drawn face. He posed so moment,
staring at this intruder who showed
only in silhouette.
"WellT"-in sharp demand.
Young Belknap did not move; did
not reply for a moment. Then he said
almost casually:
81 happened to overhear you being
told to get out. ! opened the door for
you"
Gorbel whirled to face him then,
feet spread, arms held with stiff
turbulence at his sides.
"And who are ?"-bright eyes
searching. striving to Identify the
Swallowed face.
1.-THE chap who opened the door,"
well. Close it, then, and tend
to your own affairsI"
John shook his head.
"No," he said. "Not until the
the lady asks me to-"
He could see her standing in the
deeper shadows where she had swiftly
retreated on his appearance. She was
backed against filing case as though
In need of support. He added. then: