The Coolidge examiner., 1936-04-24

own tnelr various pdrcelS out were
to give up the privilege of selec-
lively logging on their descriptions
over long period.
"But to show these prospects
what would be left after we'd done
this selective cutting necessitated
considerable of an operation with
higher costs, in the beginning, and
a reduced income. In other words,
our project was a slow starter and
we didn't have sufficient capital to
be very safe.
1--WE kept the mill running,
though, did our cutting in several
types of stands and last year were
just getting ready to show some
prospects what we had to offer.
"My father had sunk all the cash
he had in the down payment. 1t
was hard work getting the annual
payments together but he had man
aged it. Last November another
payment was due and we were 60
one November night, my father was
killed and the money he was bring
ing out to pay to Tod West was
stolen"
Murdered, you mean?"
Murdered" she said lOwly and
paused. THAT, of course, put the
undertaking in a bad way. Just
now it's very difficult to refinance
timber operation of any sort :;
also it's hard to find men with
money to spend on their expensive
toys, which is what these camps
will amount to, if and when the
plan develops. Tod West seemed
very sympathetic. though, and told
me to take my time and that he
wouldn't see me lose.
But this summer he commenced
to hint and then to ask and then to
crowd. He has other timber. He
has had to stop a big pulp opera
ton below because of the market
He needs money. | am doing my
best to interest prospects and get
the cash together to pay him but
so far l haven't had much luck. . {.
"And then today he followed me
up here and said :. said that if
1 would marry him he would for
get that"
She bit her lip and stopped.
Young drew hand slowly along
one thigh. 1t was gesture al
most of satisfaction and he nodded
slowly.
THAT checks with the guess I've
had as to the sort Of bird he
really is.
when you wouldn't agree to
that?"
The girl gave shuddering shrug.
"You saw part of it. He
realized that all along, for months,
perhaps for years, he's been d.
well, thinking things about me. y
where were you, anyhow, that
you SAW"
"Up above. At the head of the
rapid. 1 was just going to"
But you didn't carry? Why
startled-"you mean you ran Dead
Bear?"
IF that's what you call the rapid,
1 did" He laughed at the aston
ishment in her eyes.
You ran that water to help me,
a stranger?"
His laughter rose higher.
| I'D have swum it to help any
body if I'd known TOD West was
the party making trouble?"
Then you must have known him
far better than most people here
do"
Quite a figure, is he?"
She considered. "a a king,
in this country! He owns. most of
it. Most Of the people in it are de-
pendent on him, in one way or an
other. He isn't man to take
lightly"
Then l sure am glad it was the
Mad Woman I picked out this sum-
mer!"
The girl eyed him curiously.
you're just going through, then?
Your objective wasn't near here?'
II had no objective when I put
| in. Now, have. I've q uues-
tion 1 want answered. When I've
done that, then perhaps 1 can 90
| on"
IF you're going to stay on here"
she said, wed be glad to put you
up. We have accommodations for
fishermen, you know. It's part of
our job. That's why I'm here, now.
Two of our prospects are fishing
the beaver pond up the creek,''-
nodding toward a small tributary
which debouched above them. "That
is why l happened to be here"
Mice Of you. But I've my tent.
Shingles and windows bother me-" "
''The latch string will be out,
though. l Please believe that
I'm truly thankful for all you've
DONE"
CHAPTER w