Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 July 1936 — Page 15

4 and—-"

- By Steph

N hour had passed, and Lawton was tired of waiting in John W. Howard's office. If only that pretty. blond, diligently tapping a typewriter, would pay him some attention. + But evidently, he must break the ice. “It was about my mine, the Deep Rock on Fire Mountain, that I came,” he ventured finally. The girl turned. “Did you say the Deep Rock? Your mine?” with obvious interest. “Well, you see, old Grubstake Gus and I own it together. Mostly on his account, I want it to pay. He's got a family and needs a break.” “And you're hoping Mr. Howard will put some money into this claim? Have you anything to show it’s any good?” “I've got samples of the ore.” “Of course,” murmured the girl. “Mr. Howard, however, will rely upon his expert's report—" The office door opened and a ‘young man entered quickly. Lawton started to rise, only to sit down again abruptly. He knew this fellow —had met him prowling about the prospect claims on Fire Mountain. The man glanced at Lawton, scemed to stiffen a bit, then turned to the girl : “How about .lunch with me today, Marjorie?” “Oke, Keith,” said the girl. She looked toward Lawton. “Mr. Fordice, this is——" “Keith Fordice and I have met before,” Lawton interrupted, “So we have,” said Fordice. “Stopping in town now?" “Business,” Lawton replied curtly. Fordice thoughtfully surveyed a cigaret he had taken from his case. . “Step outside with me a moment, Lawton. I might be of some service to you.” He turned to the girl. “Be back in a minute, Marjorie.” He squeezed her hand, then dropped it. As he did so, Lawton noticed a sparkling diamond on her engagement finger, and felt strangely depressed. ” ” o

UT in the corridor, Fordice lowered his voice and spoke rapidly. “I can fix things fqr you, Lawton —or I can make Howard turn thumbs down on your proposition.” He favored Lawton with a siy wink. “I'm Howard's field man.” “What's your price?” Lawton asked quietly. ’ “Fifty per cent of all profits, °

Smack! ZLawton’s fist connected with Keith Fordice’s chin. Thump! Fordice struck the floor. The door to Howard's office. burst open. The girl rushed oui, then halied abruptly. Fordice scrambled to his feet. “I'l—I'll have you arrested—" “Get!” gritted Lawton, Doubling his fists, he drove the man to the stairs, then turned back to tace the girl, Her clear blue eyes were scornful. “So you're a bully!” she said. “Sorry you saw it, Miss Marjorie.” “But why did you? I can't imagino—" “Ask Fordice, not me, Miss Marjorie. . . . When is Mr. Howard coming?” “My father just now telephoned,” the girl said haughtily. “He won't be back till late.” ~ “Your father?” Lawton exclaimed. “John Howard's your father, and Keith Fordice is his field man! . ..

"Easy to see where I stand now. Just

the same, I'll see Mr. Howard.” “I should think you wouldn't have the nerve to ask to see him after what you've done!” The office door closed with sharp finality. ” ” on URING the day, Lawton interviewed three men who might

[DAILY SHORT STORY bd Expert's Report

en Payne -

and Grubstake Gus. None were interested. Tough news he would be carrying back to old Grubstake, when he might have carried good

at thoughts and his crookedn

ess. At 4 o'clock, he phoned Howard's office. A masculine voice answered bruskly, “John Howard speaking.” “Ed Lawton calling. Can I see you right away? It's about the Deep Rock on Fire Mountain.” “Come around at once, Lawton.” As Lawton’ entered the office, he saw Marjorie at her typewriter, seemingly unaware of his presencé. From behind another desk, a shaggy-haired man lifted his bulk. Shrewd gray eyes appraised the visitor. “You're Lawton?” “Yes, Mr. Howard. I'll take only a few minutes to state my case. My partner and I need some backing cn our claim. It's low grade ore which must be handled in quantity to ”

“I've samples from the Deep Rock mine, also an expert's report.” Howard tapped a folded paper lying on his desk. Lawton’s throat felt dry and hot. So Fordice had turned in his report since the morning clash. That meant all hope was gone. 8 un. T that moment, as if to enjoy his victory, Keith Fordice appeared. Lawton avoided looking at him, though he knew the other was grinning triumphantly. Marjorie’s typewriter eontinued to clatter. “Well, Dad,” said Fordice, “I see you got my report on the Deep Rock mine.” : Howard growled, “Young fellow, you're premature with that ‘Dad’ stuff. Now then—are you prepared to swear to every statement you have made in this report?” “Certainly.” Fordice gave Lawton a malicious glance. Lawton’s face was on fire, his temper boiling. Then—Howard was speaking again. : “The report is most favorable, Lawton. I think we can come to a satisfactory agreement. See me again tomorrow morning.” Lawton stared.. “You—you say that report is favorable?” “It certainly is!” said Howard. Then, suddenly glimpsing Fordice’s face, he exclaimed, “Why, what ails you, man?” Keith Fordice, his face white, was gaping stupidly. Abruptly, the sound of the typewriter ceased and Marjorie spoke very clearly: “Keith, the report which father has there is the one you filed here a week ago.” - Three strides and Fordice was beside the girl. “You—you helped me hunt high and low for that earlier report and you couldn’t find it! Now——" “That will do!” Marjorie said sharply. She was on her feet now. “I had read the earlier report so after what happened this morning—" her eyes flashed to Lawton’s face—“I glanced through it again. When you brought in the unfavorable report this afternoon, Keith, you showed yourself in your true colors. Here's your false report and here’s your ring! Good-by!” “You mean, ‘Get out!’” roared John Howard. He opened the door, through which Fordice made a hasty departure, then slammed it behind the fellow. He turned back into the room. “By jingo, Lawton, we owe you something for exposing that—" He blinked twice, three times, then chuckled. “Young man, how'd you get over there besides Marjorie so quick?” THE END

(Copyright, 1936, by United Feature

possibly be induced to finance him

Syndicate, Inc.)

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> @ 1936 BY NEA SERVICE, INC. T. M. REC. U. 8. PAT. OFF.

FRECKLES AND HIS FRIENDS—

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1 / T. M. REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / 4

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TARZAN AND THE LEOPARD MEN

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—By Edgar Rice Burroughs

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