The Washington times., 1934-12-06


and his voice was a little &c:
"Yes, the world calls me a
hard man, Dick. Perhaps I am.
I've cared more about getting
things done than what the
world thinks about me. Some
day you may learn that when
you choose your own way you
can't be too squeamish about
the human obstacles you find
in your path. I have made
many men, just as have made
Sari, and I have broken men,
just as I will break you ard
your brother if you continue
to oppose me-"
How has Bruce opposed
you?"
DiStrustful
"Sari tells me he is hindering
the new irrigation work. That
I will not tolerate"
For a moment Dicks eyes
lighted dangerously, then he
asked quietly, what do you
want me to do in the West?"
II want you first to set
Bruce straight-you always had
more influence with him than
I. Next I want you to help
handle the ranchers. They've
already giving us trouble-a
testy, truculent lot"
Dick laughed outright.
"Aren't they! Why they even
object to being robbed by dear
old Sari."
A growl of suppressed anger
rose from Solon Lowell. DO
you think I'll let a handful of
desert rats stand in the way of
my plan to bring water to the
Verde country?" His voice
strengthened, thrilled by the
immensity of his dream of en-
pire. II intend to make that
desert the most fertile, pros
porous part of all the South
west. Within three years I'll
change it into land of homes
and everlasting productiveness."
Then, in a lower tone, he added,
"Since the day when Sari laid
that plan before me we have
bought nearly million acres
of desert, and by the Lord I'll
make a great, productive do
main out of that cactus and
sand"
The cigarette dropped un-
needed from Dicks mouth. He
seemed as one utterly lacking
interest in his surroundings,
but now, beneath the half
shut lids, his eyes with curious
intensity were watching Sari
in the inner office. Lazily at
last he broke the silence.
Men say it took all Sari's
influence and yours to get that
land at your own price"
Impatiently the older man
shook his head. THAT no
longer concerns me. The land
is mine and Sari's, and by
bringing water to that coun-
try we are creating values un-
dreamed of in all that arid
land. Sari has had two sur
veys made and the plan is
feasible but costly. We have
taken care of that by issuing
stock. I don't want to be too
closely connected with it, but
I do want representative of
mine on the ground. and"
his lip curled a little, "even
you may be suitable for that.
The real work Sari can take
care Of. Heaven knows you've
made little use of your engineer
ing training, and I want you to
complete the survey of our
boundaries. They'll be con-
tested-every foot"
Regrets
Then, as if angered at his
sons lack of interest. the older
man burst out, Are you taking
in exactly what I say?"
Dick had shifted slightly in
his chair. His eyes, shaded by
one hand, were still alert. still
fixed on the inner office. He
lighted another cigarette.
Dear Dad. I'm even taking in
Q few things you're not saying"
Then. as seized with a sudden
thought, he rose abruptly. BE
fore make a decision I want to
see. those maps and surveys. Let
me see them now!"
Walking to the door of the in.
ner office. Solon Lowell threw
it open, and as Sari looked up,