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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1939-12-14, Page 2TI1UDSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1039 THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE P Ill ■=by Eardley Beswick tt llllllllllllllllllllll CHAPTER I Prospect of a Row “There’ -s been an explosion,” he said and wondered at his own inanity Mr. Mench, recovering, seemed to sneer. “So it seems. But what on earth have you been up to?’ He was not surprised at the tone. He line whow these local directors, little princes in their own domain, must resent such outside interference as he represented. From his arrival there a week ago he had seemed to recognize'at the back of Mr. Mench’s suavity, a hostility he found natural, had even anticipated. Quite politely now he explained that he had about to test the sample. “The sample!” now shouted agitated and ferretty little “Don't tell me that’s damaged!” “Done in completely, I’m afraid. Some ass has been drenching the place in petrol and when I switched on there must have been just enough spark to fire it.” “My -God, but there’ll be a row over this! I wouldn’t like to be in your shoes.” ‘They're a bit uncomfortable,’ he admitted flippantly, his toes squelch­ ing as he wriggled them inside the waterlogged toe caps. But as the full realization swept over him he began uncomfortably to acknowledge that the man might be right in a more serious if less acute way. He was pro­ bably going to be blamed for this. And it would be awkward to explain, an incredible carelessness on the face of it. Now, instead of being able to report that the sample was actually completed and tested for In- ’ sulation, he would have to -explain that, by an accident worse than any he had been sent there to investi­ gate, the whole thing was further off completion than ever. In view of the extraordinary run of acidents on this most urgent of contracts, the delays due to which he had been sent there to eliminate, this latest smash was going to look more than a little queer. A pure accident, of course, viewed by itself, only .... could one view it by itself? And the old devil with the goat’s whiskers on the other side of the shattered window seemed positively to gloat over his distress. iFor a moment he suspect­ ed Mr. Mench but in the next his mind was busy reconstructing the affair, canvassing for the excuse that might remain for him. There had been no bang. The ex­ plosion had made an angry sort of WHO'OF! and a single scorching flame had wafted him backward in­ to the tank that was like a deep, long trough in the floor of the test room. Filled to the brim as it always was, the tank him. He had fragments that the windows had disappeared, frames and all, from the outside wall; that the door was off its hinges the control panel a mass of junk, cracked slate, tangled wiring, bent framework, and that the -evening sky was visible through a torn roof. -He had recalled the reck of petrol there had been when he came into the room, and reflected that it must have been stronger than he thought at the time. The spark when he switched on current for his test must have ig­ nited it. Then, a little sickly, he had looked round for the sample for the finish­ ing of which he had stayed late so that he was doubtless alone on the premises except for the night watch­ man, who would certainly be along in a minute of two if only to ascer­ tain the cause of the racket and of the smoke mushroom that was slow­ ly spreading in the evening air out­ side. 'The precious sample, battered and wrenched into quite obvious use­ lessness, had been lying against the outer wall . . . days more of delay and at Whitehall they were almost feverishly awaiting a report that would enable consent to be given for the starting up of the contract. Even when standihg there up to his armpits in water, Goffrey Hendring- been the man had risen and received and saved amid a rain of slate plaster to observe 1 ham, Investigation 'Officer for the War Oiffce, had began to feel un­ comfortable in his mind. In his body he had been all the time uncomfort­ able, his face and hands stinging where the flames had seared them, his muscles surprisingly wrenched as if by torture on the rack, the collar torn from his throat, his ripped clothing sodden with tank water. For a moment or two it had been sooth­ ing to stay there in the safety of the tank, its coolness grateful to his smarting skin, but action, however painful, had been demanded if only on account of a dozen little fires growing in the wreckage. Decidedly unless he did something it was going to be unhealthy to remain there. It had not been easy to scramble out, the tank so deep, its sides so sheer, his arms and legs so full of unexpected aches, his clothing so impedingly wet. But presently he had been on the floor again, water streaming from his grotesquely ra­ vaged garments. Against ’the wall had lain a crooked bucket that five minutes earlier had been shapely. Dipping water with this he had pro­ ceeded to quench the fires. He had dealt with the worst when voices had sounded and he had paus­ ed, bucket in hand, to listen to foot­ steps in the yard. Splashing the last of his bucketful on a smoldering piece of skirting, he had stepped to the window opening to face the peer­ ing, hirsute mask of Mr. Pandolfius Mench. Mr. Panfolfius M^nch Mr. Mench was still peering at him through the opening though the night watchmanhad climbed rheuma- tically through the adjacent one and was busy completing the work of drenching all smoulders. It was not his business to attend the alterca­ tions of his superiors though dout- less he had been listening avidly enough. Grumbling to himself he bent and dipped water, groaning he straightened and slopped it about where necessary, a twisted effigy of the man he must have been, too old, too weary. His painful movements reminded Hendringham of his own a little earlier. Not much use, he re­ flected, for the sort of emergency a night watchman might have to tackle in a place like this seemed to be. “Dear, dear, dear,” Mr. Mench was commenting acidly. “The whole of the test apparatus wrecked. It’s going to take at least three months to put this into working order, you know.” In spite of his doleful tone it sounded as if he were gloating over the destruction. In his revulsion from the man’t attitude a new idea struck Hendring­ ham. Why should he let himself be beaten? He’d had a spare set of parts put through. Why not get an­ other sample rushed through and take it to Town to be tested? It could be done. Meanwhile he wanted outside help. Thoughtful he picked up the battered model, too precious even now to be left lying about, and holding it under his arm returned to the window. “I think we had bet­ ter send for the police before cussing possibilities,’” he said. “The police? What good can do now? This is an engineer’s or ought to be.” ■Hendringham climbed painfully out into the yard. “I’m going to phone ’em anyway,” he asserted. “Here, wait a minute!” -cried Mr. Bench. But it was useless for him to protest. The police, in the form of a single uniformed constable, were already striding down the yard. “Been an explosion, sir?” the man asked. Hendringham almost answered, “No, only a prayer meeting,” He was young and it was the fashion of young men to be flippantly sarcastic. But Mr. Mench prevented him, splut­ tering: “Yes, of course, an explosion. Test room blown to bits. This gentle­ man was in there.” In spite of his terseness he managed to insinuate. “Thought so soon as I heard it,” said the constable wisely. “Didn’t half make a row. You could hear it all over Shalbridge. ’ The brigade’ll be here in a minute or two.” “No need of that. No need at all. Better be sent back again. There’s nothing they can do.” “They always reckon to stand by for a bit, sir, when anything like this happens. Fire might break out any time. You never know.” “'Constable,” broke in Geoffrey. “I want a message sent at once to three of the men. If you’ll come in­ to the Office I’ll give you their names.” ‘What’s that! What’s that? What do you mean to do?”, “Get them assembling another sample right away. They can work all night and by this time tomorrow we ought to be ready for another test.” The little director seemed about to dance with exasperation. “'Kidicul- ous! I forbid it! I absolutely forbid it. Ruin the firm’s reputaton, rush­ ing samples like that These things take time if they’re to be done pro- U JJ J JlJklllilJ JJl ji JII11J J JIIIIJJIJ perly. Nothing more must be done until we've had a proper inquiry in­ to this.” “I’m afraid I’ve got to insist. If you’re not satisfied you know where to send your complaints. This way a minute, please, constable,” The policeman stood irresolute. The younger man spoke as if he ex­ pected to be obeyed, but it was ob­ vious to his local knowledge that au­ thority lay with the director, a man of importance in the place, rather than with the unknown. One side of Hendringham’s jacket was torn from the shoulder down-5 wards and hung flapping about his knees. Now he bent and fished among the wet rags to find a sodden pocket book out of which he took an equally sodden card. Glancing at it to make sure it was still eligible, he held it for a moment before the con­ stable’s face. “I’ll be glad if you’ll do what I ask,” he said. The constable jerked upright as if he had just recognized the Chair­ man of the Bench. iHis eyes ques­ tioned the older man. 'Half assured he pleaded for confirmation. “I sup­ pose it’s all right, sir?” Immediately the director’s attitude changed as if he realized that he had been indiscreet. ‘“Oh, of course. We all must give Mr. Hendringham every assistance possible,” he said. “I’m doubtful of the wisdom of what he suggests, but if he insists we must help him in every way.” He turned to ‘Geoffrey. “Forgive me, Mr. Hendringham. I'm afraid the shock and disappointment have upset more than anyone realizes.” “That’s of a shock not in the yet.” He me Bit I’m up, me put some- sir,” the man be some stuff the First Aid the dis- they job, Make this your Christmas Season Slogan of the Car­ was kk ■Car” HEATERS—Hot Water, Priced from $8,00 up. DEFROSTERS—Attachments for 'Heaters and Windshield Type. FANS—Priced from $2.75 up. BATTERIES—Exide, All Sizes in Stock. ANTI-FREEZE—Prestone, General Motor, Alcohol and Vulcan. OILS—Winter Grades, Supertest, Mobiloil and Castrol GREASES—Winter Grades for all Makes of Cars. MAKE SNELL BROS. & CO. GARAGE YOUR HEADQUARTERS FOR YOUR MOTOR CAR NEEDS I Relief of and sec- In Toronto I i A Modem Hotel Convenient—Economical Rat© Single spacial Weekly and Monthly Batts Witte for Folder. Hotel aiterhg Spadlna Ave. at College St, A, M. Powell President I 1 arrival of Mr. Me'nch put an their talk. Either he had for- his anger of thought better “Feeling more like?’’ he said, mercy you weren’t killed.” all right Mr. Mench. to me, too, you know, habit of being blown turned to the policeman. “I’d be glad if you came along,” he said. The fire float ran into the yard as they reached the office block, by which time the policeman was sup­ porting Hendringham solicitously. His legs had gone weak all of sud­ den and he was glad of the sturdy arm in the crook of his shoulder. “You’d better let thing on your face, suggested. “There’ll for burns in one of boxes.” “You can do what you like to me as soon as you’ve put my messages through. Do you think they’ll know at the Station where Mr. Sutcliffe, the Wages Clerk, lives?” “83, Roseford Avenue, sir,” policeman answered, as if proud of his memory. “Good. Can. you get the Station to send a message to Mr. Sutcliffe that Hammond, Brines and Crowder are to be instructed to report for night work at once?” In the quiet office he slumped in­ to a chair while the message was put through for him. Presently he was lying back while his burns were dab­ bed with oil. “You do look a bit of a mess, sir, if you don’t mind me saying so,” the policeman remarked humorously as he ministered. "No eyebrows, no moustache to speak of and the top of your head pretty near bald.” “I’ll let you in on a secret I’ve been keeping up to now,” Geoffrey answered. “I do feel a bit of a mess actually. Now you know.” “It’s not to be wondered at, sir. When you’ve a bit recovered I’ll ask you to tell 'me just what happened. You see, it isn’t the first queer thing that’s occurred at the Gresham Works of late and, between you and me, we’ve orders to keep an eye on the place.” The end to gotten of it. “It’s a Geoffrey looked at him, ironically. “If I hadn’t been blown into the tank first go off I should probably have been a corpse by now,” he admitted. “Tt, tt, Not as bad as that, I hope. How would we have explained a thing like that to the Controller? Too dreadful altogether. Looks as if a drink might do you good. I fancy I know -Where there's a bottle of whisky.” He hurried through the Directors’ offices and the other two looked at one another understanding^. “Old boy's got the right idea this time,” Whispered the policeman. “How long’s her been in the firm?” Hendringham whispered, with a cock of his singed eyebrow that though habitual Was now Somewhat gain­ ful to perform. “A matter of six months or there­ abouts. He’s supposed to have put money in. They were in a bad way by ail accounts six months ago.” “Know where he came from?” Returning footsteps confined the man’s answer to a shake of the head Mr. Mench poured out three stiff pegs. The three of them Were drink­ ing when Sutcliffe returned, a little thin, reserved man, evidently a little excited behind his consciously sen* ious aspect, “*rhose men are on their way, Mr. Hendringham,” he an-4 Stye Exeter Ww-AitoiKutt Established 1873 and 18$7 at Exeter, Ontario published every Thursday moraine SUBSCRIPTION-—$2.0:0 per year ip advance RATES—Farm or Real Estate for sale 50c, each Insertion for first four insertions. 2gp. each subse­ quent insertion. Miscellaneous ar­ticles. To Rent, Wanted, Lost, 0J> Found, 10c. per line of six word* Reading notices 10c, per line. Card of Thanks 50c, Legal ad­ vertising 12 and 8c. pei line. la Memoriaxa, with ope verse 50c. extra verses 25e, each. Member of The Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Professional Cards GLADMAN & STANBURY nounced, then waited as if expect-1 ing to receive some unsolicited in-1 formaton. “Been an accident, sir?” t he ultmately enquired of Mr. Mench. “Explosion in the test room.” He paused and then, as if he could no longer resist an urge, added: “Mr. Hendringham was in there alone.” “I wonder if you’d mind finding a taxi, Mr. Sutcliffe. I shan’t stop af­ ter those men get here, and I don’t feel much like driving myself.” Mr. Mench interrupted. “No, no. don’t do that. My car’s waiting. I’ll take Mr. Hendringham home with pleasure.” The offer could hardly be refus­ ed, though Hendringham for some unformulated reason would rather have refused it. 'He comforted him­ self with the fact that there were two witnesses to the fast that he was being taken home in Mr. Mench’s car. That somehow, seem­ ed a needed guarantee that he would get there. Immediately he abused , himself for being so absurdly pre­ judiced, so suspicious. But out of one suspicion another was born. He asked the policeman: “I suppose there’ll be someone here all night?” (To be Continued) ATTENTION! Make money during the Fall and Winter months by selling HARDY CANADIAN NURSERY STEPHEN COUNCIL The Council of the Township of Stephen met in the Town Hall in Crediton, on Monday, December 4th, 1939, at 1 o’clock p.m. AU members were present, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted on motion of Edward Lam­ port,' seconded by Thomas Love. Moved by Roy Ratz, seconded by Edmund Shapton; That By-law No. 537 to appoint Deputy Returning Officers and poll Clerks for the different 'Polling Sub­ divisions having been read three I times be passed and signed by the ’ Reeve and Clerk and the Seal Corporation attached thereto, ried. Following correspondence read and filed. 1. From Unemployment Branch regarding Dependents Interned Enemy Aliens and Mothers’ Allowance cases. 2. Bulletin No. 15 as to proposed ■Legislation extending terms of of­ fice of members of Municipal Local Boards. Moved by Edmund Shapton, onded by Edward Lamport: That the following Pay Sheets and Orders be passed;^Wellington Baker, road 1, $101,- 76; Wellington Baker, road 1, $14.- 48; Wellington Baker, rd. 21, $25,- 20; William Rollins, road 3, $161.- ‘8'2; Lawrence Hill, road 4, $9.85; John Hirtzel, road 5, $180.90; John Hirtzel, road 5, $6.00; William Oes- tricher, road 6, $31.07; Ed. .Cham­ bers, road 7, $195.76; James Clark, road 11, $7.00; William Devine, rd. 12, $5.05; C. Baumgarten, road 14, $6.08; Harry Isaac, road 15, $3.'05; Augustus I^atta, road 16, $5.05; John Gill, road 19, $9.,23; Elgin Webb, road 20, $11.08; John Klump road 25, $184.80; Russell Skinner, gravel $13 5.74; Mrs. Julia Stebbins, gravel $2.13; Township of Stephen, tile $33.15; Geo. Eilber, supt., salary $63.55; James Willis, road 2, $12.- 62; Matthew Sweitzer, road 13, $5.- 92; Pay Sheet, road 10, $5.00; total $1216.'29. Orders—Hydro Elec, mission, hydro $5,70; sons, rebate Ptsebe & $361.84; Police Village tralia, $335,46; Crediton $8615.54, Dashwood $’351.68; Grand Bend $1,- 182.10, total $12734.718'; Treasurer, Twp. Hay, 193'9 Telephone Levy, $280 6.9’3; E. K. Fahrner, relief re Keller $8.00; Joseph Haskett, rent re Keller $10.00; Restemeyer & Miller, relief re Tyler $10.00; Treas. Twp. Hay, account re Jackson $3.- 51; J. Ryan, sheep injured by dogs $’4/0 0; W. Kleinstiver,, sheep val­ uer $1.80; Provincial Treasurer, In­ sulin account $1.16; Bank of Com­ merce, cashing road cheques $2.4'5; 'Lucelle Lochner, conveyance to san­ itarium $2.00; Municipal World supplies $2.54; Gerald Schenk, ac­ count, Victoriat St. Drain No. 2 $1,- 80; Oscar Pfaff, labor, Victoria St. Drain No. 2, 80c.; Treasurer, County of Huron, hospital account re Brock $22.05. Carried. The council adjourned to meet again in the Town Hall, 'Crediton, on er, Power Com- Sundry per- Sa'uble Deb. levied, Cen- r STOCK Exclusive Territory for Local Salesman. Handsome Free Outfit Supplied list of Fruit and Orna- Stock, Etc., grown Now is the time to for Spring planting. Largest mental Canada. der in or- Write for Particulars STONE & WELLINGTON THE OLD RELIABLE FONTHILL NURSERIES Established 1837 TORONTO 2, ONT TW inn.... ■■■■! —| IWIWI. HI—MW 11 Friday, the 15th day of Decem- 1939 at 1 o’clock p.m. Herbert K. Eilber, Twp. Clerk (F. W. Gladnian) BARRISTER, SOLICITOR, &c Money to Loan, Investmep/tB Madir Insurance Safe-deposit Vaults for use of our Clients without charge EXETER and HENSA1R CARLING & MORLEY BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, LOANS, INVESTMENTS, INSURANCE Office: Carling Block, Mfoin Street EXETER, ONT. Dr. G. F. Roulston, L.D.S.,D.D.S. DENTIST Office: Carling Block EXETER, ONT. Closed Wednesday Afternoons Dr. H. H. COWEN, L.D.S.,D.DS DENTAL SURGEON Office opposite the Post Office. Main Street, Exeter Office 36w Telephones Res. 35; Closed Wednesday Afternoons ARTHUR WEBER LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIALTY PRICES REASONABLE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Phone 57-13 Dashwood R. R. No. 1, DASHWOOD FRANK TAYLOR LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIALTY Prices Reasonable and Satisfaction Guaranteed EXETER P. O. or RING 138 ■nssMtawee FOR BETTER HEALTH CONSULT ARNOLD C. ANDERSON DRUGLESS PRACTITIONER Licensed Chiropractor and Drugless Therapist using a calbro- magnowave radionic instrument A Radionie Examination Will Reveal the Cause of Your Sickness. Hours: 9 to 12 a.m. and 1:30 to 6 p.m. Closed Wednesday Afternoons. Open Tuesday and Saturday Evenings, 7:30 to 9:30 Phone—Residence 321; Office 419-J. STRATHROY CONSULTATION FREE r L*J ►fl <*1 1 I-’-'. ... ir„ i ,,,,..1 Luscious Nut Filled Candies PER LB. 50c KICKED BY HORSE FARMER INJURED When he was kicked by a horse as he was working in his stables on Friday last, Harvey McIUwain, Mc- Killo.p township farmer, suffered a fractured pelvis and other injuries. With him in the barn at the time was Chas. Henderson, who summon­ ed aid. Mr. Mclllwain was removed to Scott Memorial Hospital, Sea­ forth, where he will be for some time 5*2? if*! Candies for Gifts . , . for the family * . . for friends. Candy, a token of your good wishes* Some crunchy nuts . . . some chewy toffee with a dash of rum . . « the curious flavour of fruit jellies . . It’s not the low cosit . . . it’s the good taste that counts when you have candies for gifts* Mixed Nuts, Oranges, Choice Selection of Candies. Fancy Boxed Chocolates. Pipes and Tobaccos, Cigars in Xmas Boxes Special Candy for School and Church Christmas Concerts Delicious " CANDY GRIEVE’S SANDWICH SHOP LUNCHES SERVED AT ALL HOURS USBORNE & HIBBERT MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY * Head Office, Exeter, Ont. President ........... JOHN Kirkton, R. R. Vice-President .... JOHN Dublin, Ont. HACKNEY 1 McGRATB DIRECTORS W.. H.. COATES .................. -Exeter ANGUS SINCLAIR ... Mitchell, R. 1 WM. HAMILTON... Cromarty, R. 1 T. BALLANTYNE ... Woodham, R. 1 AGENTS JOHN ESSERY ............... Centralia ALVIN L. HARRIS ... Mitchell R. 1 THOS. SCOTT ..... ......:.t Cromarty SECRETARY-TREASURER W. F. BEAVERS ............. ExeterB. GLADMAN & 3TANBURY Solicitors, Exeter Lumber Shingles Our Prices are the Lowest they have been for several years. If you are building it will pay you to call and get prices. Just think Matched Lumber at $35.00 per M. feet A. J. CLATWORTHY Phone 12 Granton We Deliver DEAD LIVESTOCK Phone Exeter 235, Collect DAY OR NIGHT SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Our drivers are equipped to shoot old or crippled animals DARLING and Co. of Canada, Ltd. CHATHAM, ONT.