The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-04-12
CHAPTER xxx

CHAPTER xxx
 Bruce sheldrake paid no atten- ton to Beatrice.
 "So Mir. Curtis Weeming finds at necessary to plant stool pigeons in my store, does hep" he shouted. "He finds 1t necessary to provoke Characterization and make me trouble. He is not satisfied with heckling, with criticizing every thing I have ever done. He is not content with stirring up hornets nests at tn bank. I've got to have them at the store, tool
 He's sabotaged every piece of real progress I've ever attempted. How many other spies has he spotted throughout this store? How many stool-pigeon reports have been going out to him every week?"
 T have not been stool pigeon, Sheldrakei" Anthony retorted. T happened to need a job, and ap- piled at this store and got the job. MT. Weeming had nothing what ever to do with 1t! In fact, he didn't want me to work here. But I was fool enough to think could build Q career - was fool enough to think Huntington's was still the honest, worthwhile organization 1t used to be-"
 Beatrice had never seen this Anthony before. If MT. Weeming happens to be Investigating any angie of your activity, MT. Shell drake, I am of the opinion that it's a damn good thing. But he has not investigated through mel"
 If he's been investigating?" shouted Bruce Sheldrake. He was a goaded bull, seeing red. You know damn well he's been investi- gatingi That dried-up old skunk has been gunning for me since the day I became general super intendent.
 T haven't made a single move in this store without bucking Weeming's paid old-timers at every turn. MT. Huntington didn't do this, MT. Huntington didn't do thatl Who's running this store now, Mike Huntington or me?
 Its not my methods old man Weeming objects to. I've shown @ profit at the end of every single year of my operation, and if he can find a better man for the job, I'd like to know where! I earn my bonus and the hell with any one who says I don't.
 Nobody, you hear me, nobody can ind a damn thing wrong with my methods. They're not the sloppy, sentimental, outdated methods that used to run the roost around here, that's all. Old man Weeming's a lawyer, he doesn't know @ thing about department store managing, yet he sits there in his office and tries to dictate to me. If I ran this store the way he wants, we'd close up in no time!"
 The angry torrent poured out 50 vehemently that Beatrice knew MT. Sheldrake had said all this before. Often.
 She stepped between the two men. "Just 8 minute" Her tone held a dangerous sweetness. ''That's all very interesting, MT Sheldrake, but I think we've had quite enough of 1t. I'd like to ask MT. Bradley question"
 MT. sheldrake gaped. "Who are your"
 T have been working in the Budget Fashions" she told him T have just resigned" She turned her back on him.
 Anthony Bradley, look at me I want you to tell me exactly how 1t happend that you knew Beat trice Davenport had given her 1iance a string of polo ponies. Her voice was very even, amos, gentle.
 T asked you once before, re- member? You evaded the ques- ton. Please don't evade now How did you know?"
 Anthony stared at her as If she had suddenly taken leave of her senses. For Gods sake, Bee, this is no time"
 Answer mel"
 Sheldrake was sputtering, Fletch- CT was sinking weakly into his chair. Anthony kept right on star ing at the small girl with the blaz- ing eyes. T heard her say shed bought him polo ponies!" he exploded. That's how I knew. ] happened to be in my guardians office while she came in, and ] got out of the way. But couldn't help hearing 1t. Look here, Bee