The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-11-09
CHAPTER VII

With signs of relaxation Gerard and
Armstrong, in the tweeds in which
they had come from long day in the
woods, settled into deep chairs before
the fire in the library at High Lodges
and lighted their pipes.
I'll say 1 started something when
set out to thin my woods! !" Gerard
said. II thought that all that was
necessary was to chop down a few
trees and there we were. Now it
seems that have embarked on life
work. Puffer was to report on the
labor question this afternoon. There
he is now! That's Sis voice when he
is excited. It doesn't sound good to
me. Come in, ST."
Puffer stood in the doorway. He
chuckled.
"Howdy, Jim! Don't have to ask
how you two are, Rod. Kinder beat
out, amt ye?"
Gerard pulled himself stiffly to his
feet and drew an inviting chair
nearer the fire. "All right, old-timer,
shoot"
"No use beatin' bout the bush. I've
been to every village within hum
bred miles an l can't get man to
work for We, Rod. They're afraid of
Galloway. l guess we're up against
it, all right"
"We can't be up against it, 81. That
timber must be cut. I'll find some
huskies somewhere who haven't sold
out body and soul to Len Galloway.
Do we need skilled lumbermen, Jim?"
"No. Skilled labor would save time
and money, but with you and Puffer
and me to boss a crew we could get
the wood out"
Patch, the butler, appeared at the
door.
Miss and Mr.. Schuyler"
Gerard doubted his ears. Prue
here! He heard jeans ecstatic, "Oh
goody!" as he crossed the room to well
come the girl and her brother. His
lips frightened at the hostility in her
eyes as they met his. 1t was abundant
~ evident that he was still In dis
grace for his passionate outburst Of
yesterday. With difficulty he kept his
voice steady.
"This is a clear case of thought
transference. How did you know that
we need your advice and your broth
er's at this very moment, Prue? Come
over by the fire, Dave"
Schuyler laughed. "How you all
conspire to spoil me! We are not so
neighborly as we seem. We were
driven here for shelter"
Prudence smiled radiantly at Arm
strong, and explained:
"Dave and I have been to the vii
lage to barter eggs and poultry for
groceries. Just as we reached this
drive, Success belied her name and
passed out. I didn't dare let Dave sit
in the cold cart is beginning to
snow-while probed for internal dis
turbances; he fatty refused to leave
me in the dark road-he had the es-
capped convict on his mind-so here
we are. Now that he is warm and
comfy. perhaps you will come out with
me, Jim, and help diagnose the engine
trouble"
Gerard spoke to the man who had
been laying wood on the fire.
patch, tell Judlzins to look over
Miss Schuyler's car. When he has it
In shape, let me know"
He turned to Prudence. "Your ar
rival is uncannily opportune, partner.
Jim, 81, and have struck snag."
"All is not serene on the logging
front?" Prudence asked anxiously.
Galloway again? l hope you haven't
permanently incurred that mans en-
nifty because you are helping us"
That's only little gas spilled on
the fire, Dave. Len is drunk with the
idea of his Importance in this COM
munity."
Hands clasped on her knees. Pru-
dence leaned forward. st makes me
see fiery pinwheels in frenzied revolu-
tlon when ] think of Calloway's power.
He will find that won't stand being
dictated to-"
Gerard's relief left him limp for an
instant. Yesterday she had been
strong for Len. Had she been put
ting up blur to defy the man who
had kissed her. or had Galloway