United States or Italy ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"If I build that bridge you may find it more difficult to buy me out," said O'Neil, quietly. "We'll have to take our medicine," Mr. Heidlemann replied, without heat. "We cannot afford another mistake." "This is definite?" "Oh, absolutely! We're going slow for a time." A blow in the face could not have affected O'Neil more disagreeably than this statement.
By purchasing for a song the McDermott rights at Kyak he had placed himself in position to share in the benefits of the Heidlemann breakwater, and by rapidly pushing his tracks ahead he made his rivalry seem formidable. As a means of attack upon O'Neil he adopted a procedure common in railroad-building.
Soon the Cortez Home Railway became known as a mighty, patriotic effort of Alaskans to throw off the shackles of oppression. Gordon perfectly understood that something more than vague accusations were necessary to bring the public to his support in sufficient numbers to sweep him on to victory, and with this in mind he laid crafty plans to seize the Heidlemann grade.
He had had no cause to fear a clash with the Heidlemann forces, for they had shown a strict regard for his rights and seemed content to devote themselves to developing their terminus before trying to negotiate the canon. They were wise in taking this course, for their success would mean that O'Neil's project would fall of its own weight.
"We have to rely upon our experts." "Of course. But that country must have a railroad." "Must?" Heidlemann lifted his brows. "It has done very well without one so far. Our friends call us crazy for trying to build one, and our enemies call us thieves." "You can't afford to give up." "No. There's an element of pride in the matter, and I really believe the country does need transportation."
The day set for the demonstration came; the citizens of Cortez boldly marched into Beaver Canon to take possession of the old Heidlemann workings, but it appeared that they had reckoned prematurely. A handful of grim-faced Trust employees warned them back: there was a rush, some rough work on the part of the aggressors, and then the guards brought their weapons into play.
O'Neil had the faculty of sleeping well, in spite of the most tormenting worries. He arose on the morning after his interview with Mr. Heidlemann, ready to begin the struggle with all his normal energy and confidence. But the day brought him only discouragement.
He held the winning card, and he looked out upon the world through eyes which were strained and weary, but complacent. Mr. Herman Heidlemann was expecting him. "You have the most confident way of arranging appointments from the other side of the world," he began, as O'Neil entered his office. "Steamships and railroads appear to be your obedient servants." "Not always.
His first move was an attack through the press in the shape of a broadside against the Heidlemanns. It fairly took our breaths. It appeared in the Cortez Courier and all over the States, we hear a letter of defiance to Herman Heidlemann.
You don't know how resentful I feel toward Blum and his crowd. I I'm downright angry: I am that." Illis took the hand which his caller extended, with an expressionless face. "I'm glad I found you," confessed O'Neil. "I was on my last legs. Herman Heidlemann will pay our price when the last bridge-bolt is driven home, and he'll pay with a smile on his face that's the sort of man he is."
Word Of The Day