Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise., 1935-09-06

"I see," Helena nodded slowly, her
eyes fixed on bronze fox head which
formed the inkwell. "In other words,
Peters contract is the only thing that
stands between this James mans sue
/, cess or exposure?"
"That's about it. Tomorrow after
noon he's to submit his new bid, and
then we'll have to be careful, for Mr..
Martin James is pretty slippery GUS
toner. Personally, 1 wouldn't trust
him far"
There came rap at the door, where
at Mr.. Douglas glanced inquiringly at
Helena. "Anything more?"
"No," she replied hurriedly, "but
I'll see you about that job after the
United Meet tomorrow morning"
"Come in," called the M. F. H.
The door swung open and both
flushed, for there-his straight figure
filling the portalIstood the man OF
whom they had been speaking.
"Hello, Uncle jack" greeted Peter
'I'm sorry to butt in. Oh, hello'
Helena, didn't see you at first"
Helena manufactured an easy smile,
though her pulses bounded wildly.
"Why, hello, Peter, what brings you
out here so early?"
In his face she could read the strug-
gle to appear easy and cordial but
depressing the corners Of his mouth,
was a hard little quirk that went thru
her like knife.
"I've been trying to find you since
three o'clock. Ulysses told me you
left for here"
"Look," interrupted the M. F. H.
as he pushed back his chair. "1've got
to go down to the stables minute, II
you children want to talk you're well
come to the office"
"Do you think it's safe to leave us
alone, Uncle Jack?"
"Oh 1 reckon so isn't Peter almost
brother to you?"
81 used to be-" was the engineers
laughing reply, "but I'm getting too
DID,"
"That's not very gallant" Helena
shook her head in mock displeasure,
'but I'll overlook it."
Smiling, the young couple watched
Mr.. Douglas to the door then Peters
grin vanished with the sudednness OF
pebble tossed into muddy water.
"Leok here, Helena" he cried harsh
ly, give thought it over and simply
can't won't go on with this infam-
Gus arrangement"
Quite calm, Helena Merwin got to
her feet. "Pardon me if contradict
she informed him icily. "You will go
on. Why? Because you've given
your word and the Houghtons haven't
been known to break their word since
the family came to Maryland, and
that's almost three hundred years ago"
White and quivering with wrath,
Peter was forced to admit defeat. "Of
course if you're unfair enough to put
it that way," he said at last, 'I'm at
your mercy. But I'm going to ask for
release in"
Helena's slender hand shot up in
protesting gesture. ooh, please
don't"
Unheeding, the engineer hurried on.
81 used to think you were an awfully
decent sort, Helena; we seemed to
understand each other pretty well
when we were kids. The reason L
l liked you more than any other girl
was because-" he hesitated frac-
ton of a moment-"well because you
were fairer, more honest mentally
than the other girls. You seemed to
see things as they really were; not as
you wanted to see them."
"Thank you, Peter" The words
were barely audible, slipping as they
did through rigid scarlet lips.
81 don't know what's come over you
you've changed. I wonder if you real
ly are the cold, selfish creature most
men imagine you." He caught her lax
hands suddenly. "Look here, old dear
if 1 told you that you're running my
happiness and, far more important, the
happiness of the girl love, would you
still hold me to the bargain?"
Silently Helena's blonde head In
clined, while Peter stared incredulous
"My God! You cold little devil
Then 1 was wrong and they were right
You'd actually take advantage Of th'
, fact that 1 need the money for my
brother and Jerry and the men de
: pendent on me for a living? oh
5 Helena. I'll do anything else in th'
: world you ask me-anything! Ii
pay you back for the loan at any rat
you ask. Won't you make it LOAF
i