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diff --git a/26485-h/26485-h.htm b/26485-h/26485-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..017a522 --- /dev/null +++ b/26485-h/26485-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13788 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + <title>The Making of Bobby Burnit, by George Randolph Chester</title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { + font-family: Georgia,serif; + margin-left: 15%; + margin-right: 15%; + } + + p { + text-align: justify; + margin: .6em; + text-indent:1em; + } + + h1,h2 { + text-align: center; + font-weight: normal; + margin-top:2em; + } + + img {border:none;} + .illo {text-align:center;width:100%;margin:3em auto;} + .caption {text-align:center;text-indent:0em;font-size:.9em;} + + .pagenum { + position: absolute; + left: 1%; + right: 87%; + font-size: 10px; + text-align: left; + color: gray; + background-color: inherit; + font-weight: normal; + font-style: normal; + font-variant: normal; + letter-spacing: normal; + text-indent: 0em; + } + + a[title].pagenum:after { /* Uncomment next line to see page numbers */ + /*content: attr(title);*/ + } + .disguise {display:none;} + + #front_matter {margin:8em 0em;} + #front_matter p {text-align:center;margin:2em;text-indent:0em;} + .front_page, .frontis {margin:4em 0em;} + #title_page {border:6px black double;width:80%;margin-left:10%;} + .subhead {font-size:80%;display:block;margin:2em;} + #copyright_page {font-size:90%;font-variant:small-caps;} + .internal_book_title {font-size:1.25em;text-align:center;text-indent:0em;margin:4em 0em;} + + h2.chapter_title+p { + margin-top:2em; + text-indent:0em; + } + + h2.chapter_title+p:first-letter { + font-size:2.5em; + float: left; + clear: left; + margin: -.2em 4px -.2em 0px; + line-height: 1.25em; + } + + .first_word { text-transform:uppercase; } + + .chapter_title {font-size:1em;margin:10%;} + .chapter_number {line-height:3em;font-size:1.25em;} + .envelope p {text-indent:0em;text-align:center;margin:2em 1em;font-style:italic;} + .letter {margin:2em;font-size:.9em;} + .store_sign, .headline {text-align:center;text-indent:0em;font-size:1.25em;margin:2em 0em;} + .salutation {text-indent:0em;} + .closing {text-align:right;margin-right:2em;font-variant:small-caps;} + + .post_thoughtbreak {margin-top:3em;} + .thoughtbreak {display:none;} + + #advertisements {margin:6em 0em;} + #advertisements p {text-align:center;text-indent:0em;} + #advertisements ul {list-style-type: none;margin-left:3em;} + .ad_book {font-weight:bold;} + + /* framing decoration */ + #the_beginning { border-top:thin gray solid; margin:2em 0em;} + #the_end { border-bottom:thin gray solid; margin:2em 0em;} + + /* no underlines in links */ + + a:link { text-decoration: none; } + a:visited { text-decoration: none; } + + a:hover { + color: red; + background: inherit; + } + --> + + </style> + +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Making of Bobby Burnit, by George Randolph Chester + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Making of Bobby Burnit + Being a Record of the Adventures of a Live American Young Man + +Author: George Randolph Chester + +Illustrator: James Montgomery Flagg + F. R. Gruger + +Release Date: August 30, 2008 [EBook #26485] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAKING OF BOBBY BURNIT *** + + + + +Produced by Mark C. Orton, Linda McKeown, Barbara Tozier +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + <div id="the_beginning"> </div> + + <div id="front_matter"> + <p class="internal_book_title"><a class="disguise pagenum" id="pagei" title="i"> </a>THE MAKING OF BOBBY BURNIT</p> + <!-- <a class="pagenum" id="pageii" title="ii"> </a>[Blank Page] --> + <!-- <a class="pagenum" id="pageiii" title="iii"> </a>[Blank Page] --> + + <div id="frontis" class="illo"><a class="disguise pagenum" id="pageiv" title="iv"> </a> + <a href="images/frontis.jpg"><img src="images/frontis-sm.jpg" width="469" height="456" alt="A man and woman sit on a sofa and read a letter." /></a> + <p class="caption">I’m in for some of the severest drubbings of my life</p> + </div> + + <div id="title_page" class="front_page"><a class="disguise pagenum" id="pagev" title="v"> </a> + <p id="book_title" style="font-size:2em;">THE MAKING OF<br /> + BOBBY BURNIT<br /> + + <span id="subtitle" style="font-size:.8em;display:block;width:80%;margin-left:10%;padding-top:2em;">Being a Record of the Adventures + of a Live American Young Man</span></p> + + <p id="author" style="font-size:1.2em;"><em>By GEORGE RANDOLPH CHESTER</em><br /> + <span style="font-variant:small-caps;display:block;padding:2em 0em">Author of</span><br /> + “Get Rich Quick Wallingford,” “The Cash Intrigue,” Etc.</p> + + <div id="device" class="illo"> + <img src="images/device.png" width="142" height="143" alt="Device" /> + </div> + + <p id="illustrators" style="font-variant:small-caps;"><span>With Four Illustrations</span><br /> + By JAMES MONTGOMERY FLAGG<br /> + and F. R. GRUGER</p> + + <p id="publisher" style="font-style:italic;width:80%;margin-left:10%">A. L. BURT COMPANY<br /> + Publishers New York</p> + </div> + + <div id="copyright_page" class="front_page"><a class="disguise pagenum" id="pagevi" title="vi"> </a> + <p>Copyright 1908<br /> + The Curtis Publishing Company</p> + <p>Copyright 1909<br /> + The Bobbs-Merrill Company<br /> + June</p> + </div> + <div id="dedication" class="front_page"><a class="disguise pagenum" id="pagevii" title="vii"> </a> + <h2>DEDICATION</h2> + + <p>To the Handicapped Sons of Able<br /> + Fathers, and the Handicapped<br /> + Fathers of Able Sons,<br /> + with Sympathy for<br /> + each, and a<br /> + Smile for<br /> + both</p> + </div> + <!-- <a class="pagenum" id="pageviii" title="viii"> </a>[Blank Page] --> + <!-- <p class="internal_book_title"><a class="disguise pagenum" id="pageix" title="ix"> </a>THE MAKING OF BOBBY BURNIT</p> --> + <!-- Transcriber's Note: The above line is hidden because it's just in the way. --> + <!-- <a class="pagenum" id="pagex" title="x"> </a>[Blank Page] --> + </div> + <h1 class="book_title"><a class="pagenum" id="page1" title="1"> </a>THE MAKING<br /> + OF BOBBY BURNIT</h1> + <div id="chapter_1" class="chapter"> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER I</span><br /> + BOBBY MAKES SOME IMPORTANT PREPARATIONS FOR A + COMMERCIAL LIFE</h2> + <p><span class="first_word">“I am</span> profoundly convinced that my son is a fool,” + read the will of old John Burnit. “I am, however, + also convinced that I allowed him to become + so by too much absorption in my own affairs and + too little in his, and, therefore, his being a fool is + hereditary; consequently, I feel it my duty, first, to + give him a fair trial at making his own way, and + second, to place the balance of my fortune in such + trust that he can not starve. The trusteeship is already + created and the details are nobody’s present + business. My son Robert will take over the John + Burnit Store and personally conduct it, as his only resource, + without further question as to what else I + may have left behind me. This is my last will and testament.”</p> + + <p>That is how cheerful Bobby Burnit, with no + <a class="pagenum" id="page2" title="2"> </a>thought heretofore above healthy amusements and + Agnes Elliston, suddenly became a business man, after + having been raised to become the idle heir to about + three million. Of course, having no kith nor kin in + all this wide world, he went immediately to consult + Agnes. It is quite likely that if he had been supplied + with dozens of uncles and aunts he would have gone + first to Agnes anyhow, having a mighty regard for + her keen judgment, even though her clear gaze rested + now and then all too critically upon himself. Just as + he came whirling up the avenue he saw Nick Allstyne’s + white car, several blocks ahead of him, stop at her + door, and a figure which he knew must be Nick jump + out and trip up the steps. Almost immediately the + figure came down again, much more slowly, and + climbed into the car, which whizzed away.</p> + + <p>“Not at home,” grumbled Bobby.</p> + + <p>It was like him, however, that he should continue + straight to the quaint old house of the Ellistons and + proffer his own card, for, though his aims could seldom + be called really worth while, he invariably finished + the thing he set out to do. It seemed to be a + sort of disease. He could not help it. To his surprise, + the Cerberus who guarded the Elliston door received + him with a smile and a bow, and observed:</p> + + <p>“Miss Elliston says you are to walk right on up to + the Turkish alcove, sir.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page3" title="3"> </a>While Wilkins took his hat and coat Bobby paused + for a moment figuratively to hug himself. At home + to no one else! Expecting him!</p> + + <p>“I’ll ask her again,” said Bobby to himself with + determination, and stalked on up to the second floor + hall, upon which opened a delightful cozy corner where + Aunt Constance Elliston permitted the more “family-like” + male callers to smoke and loll and be at mannish + ease.</p> + + <p>As he reached the landing the door of the library + below opened, and in it appeared Agnes and an unusually + well-set-up young man—a new one, who wore + a silky mustache and most fastidious tailoring. The + two were talking and laughing gaily as the door + opened, but as Agnes glanced up and saw Bobby she + suddenly stopped laughing, and he almost thought + that he overheard her say something in an aside to + her companion. The impression was but fleeting, however, + for she immediately nodded brightly. Bobby + bowed rather stiffly in return, and continued his ascent + of the stairs with a less sprightly footstep. Crestfallen, + and conscious that Agnes had again closed the + door of the library without either herself or the + strange visitor having emerged into the hall, he strode + into the Turkish alcove and let himself drop upon a + divan with a thump. He extracted a cigar from his + cigar-case, carefully cut off the tip and as carefully + <a class="pagenum" id="page4" title="4"> </a>restored the cigar to its place. Then he clasped his + interlocked fingers around his knee, and for the next + ten minutes strove, like a gentleman, not to listen.</p> + + <p>When Agnes came up presently she made no mention + whatever of her caller, and, of course, Bobby had + no excuse upon which to hang impertinent questions, + though the sharp barbs of them were darting + through and through him. Such fuming as he felt, + however, was instantly allayed by the warm and + thoroughly honest clasp she gave him when she shook + hands with him. It was one of the twenty-two million + things he liked about her that she did not shake hands + like two ounces of cold fish, as did some of the girls he + knew. She was dressed in a half-formal house-gown, + and the one curl of her waving brown hair that would + persistently straggle down upon her forehead was in + its accustomed place. He had always been obsessed + with a nearly irresistible impulse to put his finger + through that curl.</p> + + <p>“I have come around to consult you about a little + business matter, Agnes,” he found himself beginning + with sudden breathlessness, his perturbation forgotten + in the overwhelming charm of her. “The governor’s + will has just been read to me, and he’s plunged me + into a ripping mess. His whole fortune is in the hands + of a trusteeship, whatever that is, and I’m not even to + know the trustees. All I get is just the business, and + <a class="pagenum" id="page5" title="5"> </a>I’m to carry the John Burnit Store on from its present + blue-ribbon standing to still more dazzling heights, + I suppose. Well, I’d like to do it. The governor deserves + it. But, you see, I’m so beastly thick-headed. + Now, Agnes, you have perfectly stunning judgment + and all that, so if you would just——” and he came to + an abrupt and painful pause.</p> + + <p>“Have you brought along the contract?” she asked + demurely. “Honestly, Bobby, you’re the most original + person in the world. The first time, I was to + marry you because you were so awkward, and the next + time because your father thought so much of me, and + another time because you wanted us to tour Norway + and not have a whole bothersome crowd along; then + you were tired living in a big, lonely house with just + you and your father and the servants; now, it’s an + advantageous business arrangement. What share of + the profits am I to receive?”</p> + + <p>Bobby’s face had turned red, but he stuck manfully + to his guns.</p> + + <p>“All of them,” he blurted. “You know that none of + those is the real reason,” he as suddenly protested. + “It is only that when I come to tell you the actual + reason I rather choke up and can’t.”</p> + + <p>“You’re a mighty nice boy, Bobby,” she confessed. + “Now sit down and behave, and tell me just what you + have decided to do.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page6" title="6"> </a>“Well,” said he, accepting his defeat with great + philosophy, since he had no reason to regard it as + final, “of course, my decision is made for me. I’m to + take hold of the business. I don’t know anything + about it, but I don’t see why it shouldn’t go straight + on as it always has.”</p> + + <p>“Possibly,” she admitted thoughtfully; “but I imagine + your father expected you to have rather a difficult + time of it. Perhaps he wants you to, so that a + defeat or two will sting you into having a little more + serious purpose in life than you have at present. I’d + like, myself, to see you handle, with credit to him and + to you, the splendid establishment he built up.”</p> + + <p>“If I do,” Bobby wanted to know, “will you marry + me?”</p> + + <p>“That makes eleven times. I’m not saying, Bobby, + but you never can tell.”</p> + + <p>“That settles it. I’m going to be a business man. + Let me use your ’phone a minute.” It was one of the + many advantages of the delightfully informal Turkish + alcove that it contained a telephone, and in two + minutes Bobby had his tailors. “Make me two or + three business suits,” he ordered. “Regular business + suits, I mean, for real business wear—you know the + sort of thing—and get them done as quickly as you + can, please. There!” said he as he hung up the receiver. + “I shall begin to-morrow morning. I’ll go + <a class="pagenum" id="page7" title="7"> </a>down early and take hold of the John Burnit Store + in earnest.”</p> + + <p>“You’ve made a splendid start,” commented Agnes, + smiling. “Now tell me about the polo tournament,” + and she sat back to enjoy his enthusiasm over something + about which he was entirely posted.</p> + + <p>He was good to look at, was Bobby, with his clean-cut + figure and his clean-cut face and his clean, blue + eyes and clean complexion, and she delighted in nothing + more than just to sit and watch him when he was + at ease; he was so restful, so certain to be always + telling the truth, to be always taking a charitably + good-humored view of life, to turn on wholesome topics + and wholesome points of view; but after he had + gone she smiled and sighed and shook her head.</p> + + <p>“Poor Bobby,” she mused. “There won’t be a shred + left of his tender little fleece by the time he gets + through.”</p> + + <p>One more monitor Bobby went to see that afternoon, + and this was Biff Bates. It required no sending in + of cards to enter the presence of this celebrity. One + simply stepped out of the elevator and used one’s + latch-key. It was so much more convenient. Entering + a big, barnlike room he found Mr. Bates, clad only in + trunks and canvas shoes, wreaking dire punishment + upon a punching-bag merely by way of amusement; + and Mr. Bates, with every symptom of joy illuminating + <a class="pagenum" id="page8" title="8"> </a>his rather horizontal features—wide brows, + wide cheek-bone, wide nose, wide mouth, wide chin, + wide jaw—stopped to shake hands most enthusiastically + with his caller without removing his padded + glove.</p> + + <p>“What’s the good news, old pal?” he asked huskily.</p> + + <p>He was half a head shorter than Bobby and four + inches broader across the shoulders, and his neck + spread out over all the top of his torso; but there + was something in the clear gaze of the eyes which + made the two gentlemen look quite alike as they + shook hands, vastly different as they were.</p> + + <p>“Bad news for you, I’m afraid,” announced Bobby. + “That little partnership idea of the big gymnasium + will have to be called off for a while.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Bates took a contemplative punch or two at + the still quivering bag.</p> + + <p>“It was a fake, anyway,” he commented, putting + his arm around the top of the punching-bag and + leaning against it comfortably; “just like this place. + You went into partnership with me on this joint—that + is, you put up the coin and run in a lot of your + friends on me to be trained up—squarest lot of sports + I ever saw, too. You fill the place with business and + allow me a weekly envelope that makes me tilt my + chin till I have to wear my lid down over my eyes to + keep it from falling off the back of my head, and + <a class="pagenum" id="page9" title="9"> </a>when there’s profits to split up you shoves mine into + my mitt and puts yours into improvements. You put + in the new shower baths and new bars and traps, and + the last thing, that swimming-tank back there. I’m + glad the big game’s off. I’m so contented now I’m + getting over-weight, and you’d bilk me again. But + what’s the matter? Did the bookies get you?”</p> + + <p>“No; I’ll tell you all about it,” and Bobby carefully + explained the terms of his father’s will and what + they meant.</p> + + <p>Mr. Bates listened carefully, and when the explanation + was finished he thought for a long time.</p> + + <p>“Well, Bobby,” said he, “here’s where you get it. + They’ll shred you clean. You’re too square for that + game. Your old man was a fine old sport and <em>he</em> + played it on the level, but, say, he could see a marked + card clear across a room. They’ll double-cross you, + though, to a fare-ye-well.”</p> + + <p>The opinion seemed to be unanimous.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_2" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page10" title="10"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER II</span><br /> + PINK CARNATIONS APPEAR IN THE OFFICE OF THE + JOHN BURNIT STORE</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Bobby</span> gave his man orders to wake him up + early next morning, say not later than eight, + and prided himself very much upon his energy + when, at ten-thirty, he descended from his + machine in front of the old and honored establishment + of John Burnit, and, leaving instructions for + his chauffeur to call for him at twelve, made his way + down the long aisles of white-piled counters and into + the dusty little office where old Johnson, thin as a + rail and with a face like whittled chalk, humped over + his desk exactly as he had sat for the past thirty-five + years.</p> + + <p>“Good-morning, Johnson,” observed Bobby with an + affable nod. “I’ve come to take over the business.”</p> + + <p>He said it in the same untroubled tone he had always + used in asking for his weekly check, and Johnson + looked up with a wry smile. Applerod, on the contrary, + was beaming with hearty admiration. He was + as florid as Johnson was colorless, and the two had + <a class="pagenum" id="page11" title="11"> </a>rubbed elbows and dispositions in that same room + almost since the house of Burnit had been founded.</p> + + <p>“Very well, sir,” grudged Johnson, and immediately + laid upon the time-blackened desk which had + been old John Burnit’s, a closely typewritten statement + of some twenty pages. On top of this he placed + a plain gray envelope addressed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> +<p>To My Son Robert,<br /> + Upon the Occasion of His Taking Over the + Business</p> +</blockquote> + + <p>Upon this envelope Bobby kept his eyes in mild + speculation, while he leisurely laid aside his cane and + removed his gloves and coat and hat; next he sat + down in his father’s jerky old swivel chair and lit a + cigarette; then he opened the letter. He read:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“Every business needs a pessimist and an optimist, + with ample opportunities to quarrel. Johnson is a + jackass, but honest. He is a pessimist and has a pea-green + liver. Listen to him and the business will die + painlessly, by inches. Applerod is also a jackass, + and I presume him to be honest; but I never tested it. + He suffers from too much health, and the surplus goes + into optimism. Listen to him and the business will + die in horrible agony, quickly. But keep both of them. + Let them fight things out until they come almost to + an understanding, then take the middle course.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page12" title="12"> </a>That was all. Bobby turned squarely to survey + the frowning Johnson and the still beaming Applerod, + and with a flash of clarity he saw his father’s + wisdom. He had always admired John Burnit, aside + from the fact that the sturdy pioneer had been his + father, had admired him much as one admires the + work of a master magician—without any hope of + emulation. As he read the note he could seem to + see the old gentleman standing there with his hands + behind him, ready to stretch on tiptoe and drop to + his heels with a thump as he reached a climax, his + spectacles shoved up on his forehead, his strong, + wrinkled face stern from the cheek-bones down, but + twinkling from that line upward, the twinkle, which + had its seat about the shrewd eyes, suddenly terminating + in a sharp, whimsical, little up-pointed curl + in the very middle of his forehead. To corroborate + his warm memory Bobby opened the front of his + watch-case, where the same face looked him squarely + in the eyes. Naturally, then, he opened the other lid, + where Agnes Elliston’s face smiled up at him. Suddenly + he shut both lids with a snap and turned, with + much distaste but with a great show of energy, to + the heavy statement which had all this time confronted + him. The first page he read over laboriously, + the second one he skimmed through, the third and + fourth he leafed over; and then he skipped to the + <a class="pagenum" id="page13" title="13"> </a>last sheet, where was set down a concise statement of + the net assets and liabilities.</p> + + <p>“According to this,” observed Bobby with great + show of wisdom, “I take over the business in a very + flourishing condition.”</p> + + <p>“Well,” grudgingly admitted Mr. Johnson, “it + might be worse.”</p> + + <p>“It could hardly be better,” interposed Applerod—“that + is, without the extensions and improvements + that I think your father would have come in time + to make. Of course, at his age he was naturally a + bit conservative.”</p> + + <p>“Mr. Applerod and myself have never agreed upon + that point,” wheezed Johnson sharply. “For my + part I considered your father—well, scarcely reckless, + but, say, sufficiently daring! Daring is about + the word.”</p> + + <p>Bobby grinned cheerfully.</p> + + <p>“He let the business go rather by its own weight, + didn’t he?”</p> + + <p>Both gentlemen shook their heads, instantly and + most emphatically.</p> + + <p>“He certainly must have,” insisted Bobby. “As I + recollect it, he only worked up here, of late years, + from about eleven fifty-five to twelve every other + Thursday.”</p> + + <p>“Oftener than that,” solemnly corrected the literal + <a class="pagenum" id="page14" title="14"> </a>Mr. Johnson. “He was here from eleven until twelve-thirty + every day.”</p> + + <p>“What did he do?”</p> + + <p>It was Applerod who, with keen appreciation, + hastened to advise him upon this point.</p> + + <p>“Said ‘yes’ twice and ‘no’ twelve times. Then, at + the very last minute, when we thought that he was + through, he usually landed on a proposition that + hadn’t been put up to him at all, and put it clear + out of the business.”</p> + + <p>“Looks like good finessing to me,” said Bobby + complacently. “I think I shall play it that way.”</p> + + <p>“It wouldn’t do, sir,” Mr. Johnson replied in a + tone of keen pain. “You must understand that when + your father started this business it was originally + a little fourteen-foot-front place, one story high. + He got down here at six o’clock every morning and + swept out. As he got along a little further he found + that he could trust somebody else with that job—<em>but + he always knew how to sweep</em>. It took him a lifetime + to simmer down his business to just ‘yes’ and + ‘no.’”</p> + + <p>“I see,” mused Bobby; “and I’m expected to take + that man’s place! How would you go about it?”</p> + + <p>“I would suggest, without meaning any impertinence + whatever, sir,” insinuated Mr. Johnson, “that + if you were to start clerking——”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page15" title="15"> </a>“Or sweeping out at six o’clock in the morning?” + calmly interrupted Bobby. “I don’t like to stay up + so late. No, Johnson, about the only thing I’m + going to do to show my respect for the traditions of + the house is to leave this desk just as it is, and hang + an oil portrait of my father over it. And, by the + way, isn’t there some little side room where I can have + my office? I’m going into this thing very earnestly.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson and Mr. Applerod exchanged glances.</p> + + <p>“The door just to the right there,” said Mr. Johnson, + “leads to a room which is at present filled with + old files of the credit department. No doubt those + could be moved somewhere else.”</p> + + <p>Bobby walked into that room and gaged its possibilities. + It was a little small, to be sure, but it would + do for the present.</p> + + <p>“Just have that cleared out and a ’phone put in. + I’ll get right down to business this afternoon and + see about the fittings for it.” Then he looked at + his watch once more. “By George!” he exclaimed, “I + almost forgot that I was to see Nick Allstyne at the + Idlers’ Club about that polo match. Just have one + of your boys stand out at the curb along about twelve, + will you, and tell my chauffeur to report at the club.”</p> + + <p>Johnson eyed the closed door over his spectacles.</p> + + <p>“He’ll be having blue suits and brass buttons on + us two next,” he snorted.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page16" title="16"> </a>“He don’t mean it at all that way,” protested + Applerod. “For my part, I think he’s a fine young + fellow.”</p> + + <p>“I’ll give you to understand, sir,” retorted Johnson, + violently resenting this imputed defection, “that + he is the son of his father, and for that, if for nothing + else, would have my entire allegiance.”</p> + + <p>Bobby, meanwhile, feeling very democratic and + very much a man of affairs, took a street-car to the + Idlers’, and strode through the classic portals of that + club with gravity upon his brow. Flaxen-haired Nick + Allstyne, standing by the registry desk, turned to + dark Payne Winthrop with a nod.</p> + + <p>“You win,” he admitted. “I’ll have to charge it + up to you, Bobby. I just lost a quart of the special + to Payne that since you’d become immersed in the + cares of business you’d not be here.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was almost austere in his reception of this + slight.</p> + + <p>“Don’t you know,” he demanded, “that there is + nobody who keeps even his social engagements like a + business man?”</p> + + <p>“That’s what I gambled on,” returned Payne confidentially, + “but I wasn’t sure just how much of a + business man you’d become. Nick, don’t you already + seem to see a crease in Bobby’s brow?”</p> + + <p>“No, that’s his regular polo crease,” objected lanky + <a class="pagenum" id="page17" title="17"> </a>Stanley Rogers, joining them, and the four of them + fell upon polo as one man. Their especially anxious + part in the tournament was to be a grinding match + against Willie Ashler’s crack team, and the point of + worry was that so many of their fellows were out of + town. They badly needed one more good player.</p> + + <p>“I have it,” declared Bobby finally. It was he who + usually decided things in this easy-going, athletic + crowd. “We’ll make Jack Starlett play, but the only + way to get him is to go over to Washington after him. + Payne, you’re to go along. You always keep a full + set of regalia here at the club, I know. Here, boy!” + he called to a passing page. “Find out for us the + next two trains to Washington.”</p> + + <p>“Yes, sir,” said the boy with a grin, and was off + like a shot. They had a strict rule against tipping + in the Idlers’, but if he happened to meet Bobby outside, + say at the edge of the curb where his car was + standing, there was no rule against his receiving + something there. Besides, he liked Bobby, anyhow. + They all did. He was back in a moment.</p> + + <p>“One at two-ten and one at four-twenty, sir.”</p> + + <p>“The two-ten sounds about right,” announced + Bobby. “Now, Billy, telephone to my apartments + to have my Gladstone and my dress-suit togs brought + down to that train. Then, by the way, telephone + Leatherby and Pluscher to send up to my place of + <a class="pagenum" id="page18" title="18"> </a>business and have Mr. Johnson show their man my + new office. Have him take measurements of it and + fit it up at once, complete. They know the kind of + things I like. Really, fellows,” he continued, turning + to the others, after he had patiently repeated and + explained his instructions to the foggy but willing + Billy, “I’m in serious earnest about this thing. Up + to me, you know, to do credit to the governor, if I + can.”</p> + + <p>“Bobby, the Boy Bargain Baron,” observed Nick. + “Well, I guess you can do it. All you need to do is + to take hold, and I’ll back you at any odds.”</p> + + <p>“We’ll all put a bet on you,” encouraged Stanley + Rogers. “More, we’ll help. We’ll all get married + and send our wives around to open accounts with + you.”</p> + + <p>In spite of the serious business intentions, the + luncheon which followed was the last the city saw of + Bobby Burnit for three days. Be it said to his + credit that he had accomplished his purpose when he + returned. He had brought reluctant Jack Starlett + back with him, and together they walked into the + John Burnit Store.</p> + + <p>“New office fitted up yet, Johnson?” asked Bobby + pleasantly.</p> + + <p>“Yes, sir,” replied Johnson sourly. “Just a moment, + Mr. Burnit,” and from an index cabinet back + <a class="pagenum" id="page19" title="19"> </a>of him he procured an oblong gray envelope which he + handed to Bobby. It was inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son,<br /> + Upon the Fitting-Out of New Offices</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>With a half-embarrassed smile, Bobby regarded + that letter thoughtfully and carried it into the luxurious + new office. He opened it and read it, and, still + with that queer smile, passed it over to Starlett. This + was old John Burnit’s message:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“I have seen a business work up to success, and + afterward add velvet rugs and dainty flowers on the + desk, but I never saw a successful business start + that way.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bobby looked around him with a grin. There <em>was</em> + a velvet rug on the floor. There were no flowers upon + the mahogany desk, but there <em>was</em> a vase to receive + them. For just one moment he was nonplussed; then + he opened the door leading to the dingy apartment + occupied by Messrs. Johnson and Applerod.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Johnson,” said he, “will you kindly send out + and get two dozen pink carnations for my room?”</p> + + <p>Quiet, big Jack Starlett, having loaded and lit and + taken the first long puff, removed his pipe from his + lips.</p> + + <p>“Bully!” said he.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_3" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page20" title="20"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER III</span><br /> + OLD JOHN BURNIT’S ANCIENT ENEMY POINTS OUT THE + WAY TO GRANDEUR</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Mr. Johnson</span> had no hair in the very center + of his head, but, when he was more + than usually vexed, he ran his fingers + through what was left upon both sides of the center + and impatiently pushed it up toward a common point. + His hair was in that identical condition when he + knocked at the door of Bobby’s office and poked in + his head to announce Mr. Silas Trimmer.</p> + + <p>“Trimmer,” mused Bobby. “Oh, yes; he is the + John Burnit Store’s chief competitor; concern backs + up against ours, fronting on Market Street. Show + him in, Johnson.”</p> + + <p>Jack Starlett, who had dropped in to loaf a bit, + rose to go.</p> + + <p>“Sit down,” insisted Bobby. “I’m conducting this + thing all open and aboveboard. You know, I think I + shall like business.”</p> + + <p>“They tell me it’s the greatest game out,” commented + Starlett, and just then Mr. Trimmer entered.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page21" title="21"> </a>He was a little, wiry man as to legs and arms, but + fearfully rotund as to paunch, and he had a yellow + leather face and black eyes which, though gleaming + like beads, seemed to have a muddy cast. Bobby + rose to greet him with a cordiality in no degree + abashed by this appearance.</p> + + <p>“And what can we do for you, Mr. Trimmer?” he + asked after the usual inanities of greeting had been + exchanged.</p> + + <p>“Take lunch with me,” invited Mr. Trimmer, endeavoring + to beam, his heavy, down-drooping gray + mustache remaining immovable in front of the deeply-chiseled + smile that started far above the corners of his + nose and curved around a display of yellow teeth. “I + have just learned that you have taken over the business, + and I wish as quickly as possible to form with + the son the same cordial relations which for years + I enjoyed with the father.”</p> + + <p>Bobby looked him contemplatively in the eye, but + had no experience upon which to base a picture of + his father and Mr. Trimmer enjoying perpetually + cordial relations with a knife down each boot leg.</p> + + <p>“Very sorry, Mr. Trimmer, but I am engaged for + lunch.”</p> + + <p>“Dinner, then—at the Traders’ Club,” insisted Mr. + Trimmer, who never for any one moment had remained + entirely still, either his foot or his hand + <a class="pagenum" id="page22" title="22"> </a>moving, or some portion of his body twitching almost + incessantly.</p> + + <p>Inwardly Bobby frowned, for, so far, he had found + no points about his caller to arouse his personal enthusiasm; + and yet it suddenly occurred to him that + here was doubtless business, and that it ought to have + attention. His father, under similar circumstances, + would find out what the man was after. He cast a + hesitating glance at his friend.</p> + + <p>“Don’t mind me, Bobby,” said Starlett briskly. + “You know I shall be compelled to take dinner with + the folks to-night.”</p> + + <p>“At about what time, Mr. Trimmer?” Bobby asked.</p> + + <p>“Oh, suit yourself. Any time,” responded that + gentleman eagerly. “Say half-past six.”</p> + + <p>“The Traders’,” mused Bobby. “I think the governor + put me up there four or five years ago.”</p> + + <p>“I seconded you,” the other informed him; “and + I had the pleasure of voting for you just the other + day, on the vacancy made by your father. You’re a + full-fledged member now.”</p> + + <p>“Fine!” said Bobby. “Business suit or——”</p> + + <p>“Anything you like.” With again that circular + smile behind his immovable mustache, Mr. Trimmer + backed out of the room, and Bobby, dropping into a + chair, turned perplexed eyes upon his friend.</p> + + <p>“What do you suppose he wants?” he inquired.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page23" title="23"> </a>“Your eye-teeth,” returned Jack bluntly. “He + looks like a mucker to me.”</p> + + <p>“Oh, I don’t know,” returned Bobby, a trifle uneasily. + “You see, Jack, he isn’t exactly our sort, + and maybe we can’t get just the right angle in judging + him. He’s been nailed down to business all his + life, you know, and a fellow in that line don’t have a + chance, as I take it, to cultivate all the little—well, + say artificial graces.”</p> + + <p>“Your father wasn’t like him. He was as near a + thoroughbred as I ever saw, Bobby, and he was + nailed down, as you put it, all <em>his</em> life.”</p> + + <p>“Oh, you couldn’t expect them all to be like the + governor,” responded Bobby instantly, shocked at + the idea. “But this chap may be no end of a good + sort in his style. No doubt at all he merely came + over in a friendly way to bid me a sort of welcome + into the fraternity of business men,” and Bobby felt + quite a little thrill of pride in that novel idea. “By + George! Wait a minute,” he exclaimed as still another + brilliant thought struck him, and going into + the other room he said to Johnson: “Please give + me the letter addressed: ‘To My Son Robert, Upon + the Occasion of Mr. Trimmer’s First Call.’”</p> + + <p>For the first time in days a grin irradiated Johnson’s + face.</p> + + <p>“Nothing here, sir,” he replied.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page24" title="24"> </a>“Let me go through that file.”</p> + + <p>“Strictly against orders, sir,” said Johnson.</p> + + <p>“Indeed,” responded Bobby quizzically; “I don’t + like to press the bet, Johnson, but really I’d like to + know who has the say here.”</p> + + <p>“You have, sir, over everything except my private + affairs; and that letter file is my private property and + its contents my private trusteeship.”</p> + + <p>“I can still take my castor oil like a little man, if + I have to,” Bobby resignedly observed. “I remember + that when I was a kiddy the governor once undertook + to teach me mathematics, and he never would let me + see the answers. More than ever it looks like it was + up to Bobby,” and whistling cheerfully he walked + back into his private office.</p> + + <p>Johnson turned to Applerod with a snarl.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Applerod,” said he, “you know that I almost + never swear. I am now about to do so. Darn it! It’s + a shame that Trimmer calls here again on that old + scheme about which he deviled this house for years, + and we forbidden to give Mr. Robert a word of advice + unless he asks for it.”</p> + + <p>“Why is it a shame?” demanded Applerod. “I + always have thought that Trimmer’s plan was a great + one.”</p> + + <p>So, all unprepared, Bobby went forth that evening, + to become acquainted with the great plan.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page25" title="25"> </a>At the restless Traders’ Club, where the precise + corridors and columns and walls and ceilings of white + marble were indicative of great formality, men with + creases in their brows wore their derbies on the backs + of their heads and ceaselessly talked shop. Mr. + Trimmer, more creased of brow than any of them, was + drifting from group to group with his eyes turned + anxiously toward the door until Bobby came in. Mr. + Trimmer was most effusively glad to see the son of + his old friend once again, and lost no time in seating + him at a most secluded table, where, by the time the + oysters came on, he was deep in a catalogue of the + virtues of John Burnit; and Bobby, with a very real + and a very deep affection for his father which seldom + found expression in words, grew restive. One thing + held him, aside from his obligations as a guest. He + was convinced now that his host’s kindness was in + truth a mere graceful act of welcome, due largely to + his father’s standing, and the idea flattered him very + much. He strove to look as businesslike as possible, + and thought again and again upon his father; of + how he had sat day after day in this stately dining-hall, + honored and venerated among these men who + were striving still for the ideal that he had attained. + It was a good thought, and made for pride of the + right sort. With the entrée Mr. Trimmer ordered + his favorite vintage champagne, and, as it boiled up + <a class="pagenum" id="page26" title="26"> </a>like molten amber in the glasses, so sturdily that the + center of the surface kept constantly a full quarter + of an inch above the sides, he waited anxiously for + Bobby to sample it. Even Bobby, long since disillusioned + of such things and grown abstemious from + healthy choice, after a critical taste sipped slowly + again and again.</p> + + <p>“That’s ripping good wine,” he acknowledged.</p> + + <p>“There’s only a little over two hundred bottles of + it left in the world,” Mr. Trimmer assured him, and + then he waited for that first glass to exert its warming + glow. He was a good waiter, was Silas Trimmer, + and keenly sensitive to personal influences. He knew + that Bobby had not been in entire harmony with + him at any period of the evening, but after the roast + came on—a most careful roast, indeed, prepared + under a certain formula upon which Mr. Trimmer + had painstakingly insisted—he saw that he had really + found his way for a moment to Bobby’s heart through + the channel provided by Nature for attacks upon + masculine sympathy, and at that moment he leaned + forward with his circular smile, and observed:</p> + + <p>“By the way, Mr. Burnit, I suppose your father + often discussed with you the great plan we evolved + for the Burnit-Trimmer Arcade?”</p> + + <p>Bobby almost blushed at the confession he must + make.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page27" title="27"> </a>“I’m sorry to say that he didn’t,” he owned. “I + never took the interest in such things that I ought, + and so I missed a lot of confidences I’d like to have + had now.”</p> + + <p>“Too bad,” sympathized Mr. Trimmer, now quite + sure of his ground, since he had found that Bobby + was not posted. “It was a splendid plan we had. + You know, your building and mine are precisely the + same width and precisely in a line with each other, + back to back, with only the alley separating us, the + Trimmer establishment fronting on Market Street + and the Burnit building on Grand. The alley is + fully five feet below our two floor lines, and we could, + I am quite sure, get permission to bridge it at a + clearance of not to exceed twelve feet. By raising + the rear departments of your store and of mine a + foot or so, and then building a flight of broad, easy + steps up and down, we could almost conceal the presence + of this bridge from the inside, and make one + immense establishment running straight through from + Grand to Market Streets. The floors above the first, + of course, would bridge over absolutely level, and + the combined stores would comprise by far the largest + establishment in the city. Of course, the advantage + of it from an advertising standpoint alone would be + well worth while.”</p> + + <p>Bobby could instantly see the almost interminable + <a class="pagenum" id="page28" title="28"> </a>length of store area thus presented, and it appealed + to his sense of big things at once.</p> + + <p>“What did father say about this?” he asked.</p> + + <p>“Thought it a brilliant idea,” glibly returned Mr. + Trimmer. “In fact, I think it was he who first suggested + such a possibility, seeing very clearly the increased + trade and the increased profits that would + accrue from such an extension, which would, in fact, + be simply the doubling of our already big stores + without additional capitalization. We worked out + two or three plans for the consolidation, but in the + later years your father was very slow about making + actual extensions or alterations in his merchandising + business, preferring to expend his energies on his + successful outside enterprises. I feel sure, however, + that he would have come to it in time, for the development + is so logical, so much in keeping with the business + methods of the times.”</p> + + <p>Here again was insidious flattery, the insinuation + that Bobby must be thoroughly aware of “the business + methods of the times.”</p> + + <p>“Of course, the idea is new to me,” said Bobby, + assuming as best he could the air of business reserve + which seemed appropriate to the occasion; “but I + should say, in a general way, that I should not care + to give up the identity of the John Burnit Store.”</p> + + <p>“That is a fine and a proper spirit,” agreed Mr. + <a class="pagenum" id="page29" title="29"> </a>Trimmer, with great enthusiasm. “I like to see it in + a young man, but I’ve no doubt that we can arrange + that little matter. Of course, we would have to incorporate, + say, as the Burnit-Trimmer Mercantile + Corporation, but while having that name on the front + of both buildings, it might not be a bad idea, for + business as well as sentimental reasons, to keep the + old signs at the tops of both, just as they now are. + Those are little details to discuss later; but as the + stock of the new company, based upon the present + invoice values of our respective concerns, would be + practically all in your hands and mine, this would be + a very amicable and easily arranged matter. I tell + you, Mr. Burnit, this is a tremendous plan, attractive + to the public and immensely profitable to us, and I do + not know of anything you could do that would so + well as this show you to be a worthy successor to John + Burnit; for, of course, it would scarcely be a credit to + you to carry on your father’s business without change + or advance.”</p> + + <p>It was the best and the most crafty argument Mr. + Trimmer had used, and Bobby carried away from the + Traders’ Club a glowing impression of this point. + His father had built up this big business by his own + unaided efforts. Should Bobby leave that legacy just + where he had found it, or should he carry it on to still + greater heights? The answer was obvious.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_4" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page30" title="30"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER IV</span><br /> + AGNES EMPHATICALLY DECIDES THAT SHE DOES NOT + LIKE A CERTAIN PERSON</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">At</span> the theater that evening, Bobby, to his + vexation, found Agnes Elliston walking in + the promenade foyer with the well-set-up + stranger. He passed her with a nod and slipped + moodily into the rear of the Elliston box, where Aunt + Constance, perennially young, was entertaining Nick + Allstyne and Jack Starlett, and keeping them at a + keen wit’s edge, too. Bobby gave them the most perfunctory + of greetings, and, sitting back by himself, + sullenly moped. He grumbled to himself that he + had a headache; the play was a humdrum affair; + Trimmer was a bore; the proposed consolidation had + suddenly lost its prismatic coloring; the Traders’ + Club was crude; Starlett and Allstyne were utterly + frivolous. All this because Agnes was out in the + foyer with a very likely-looking young man.</p> + + <p>She did not return until the end of that act, and + found Bobby ready to go, pleading early morning + business.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page31" title="31"> </a>“Is it important?” she asked.</p> + + <p>“Who’s the chap with the silky mustache?” he + suddenly demanded, unable to forbear any longer. + “He’s a new one.”</p> + + <p>The eyes of Agnes gleamed mischievously.</p> + + <p>“Bobby, I’m astonished at your manners,” she + chided him. “Now tell me what you’ve been doing + with yourself.”</p> + + <p>“Trying to grow up into John Burnit’s truly son,” + he told her with some trace of pompous pride, being + ready in advance to accept his rebuke meekly, as he + always had to do, and being quite ready to cover up + his grievous error with a change of topic. “I had no + idea that business could so grip a fellow. But what + I’d like to find out just now is who is my trustee? It + must have been somebody with horse sense, or the + governor would not have appointed whoever it was. + I’m not going to ask anything I’m forbidden to know, + but I want some advice. Now, how shall I learn who + it is?”</p> + + <p>“Well,” replied Agnes thoughtfully, “about the + only plan I can suggest is that you ask your father’s + legal and business advisers.”</p> + + <p>He positively beamed down at her.</p> + + <p>“You’re the dandy girl, all right,” he said admiringly. + “Now, if you would only——”</p> + + <p>“Bobby,” she interrupted him, “do you know that + <a class="pagenum" id="page32" title="32"> </a>we are standing up here in a box, with something like + a thousand people, possibly, turned in our direction?”</p> + + <p>He suddenly realized that they were alone, the + others having filed out into the promenade, and, placing + a chair for her in the extreme rear corner of the + box, where he could fence her off, sat down beside her. + He began to describe to her the plan of Silas Trimmer, + and as he went on his enthusiasm mounted. The + thing had caught his fancy. If he could only increase + the profits of the John Burnit Store in the + very first year, it would be a big feather in his cap. + It would be precisely what his father would have desired! + Agnes listened attentively all through the + fourth act to his glowing conception of what the + reorganized John Burnit Company would be like. He + was perfectly contented now. His headache was + gone; such occasional glimpses as he caught of the + play were delightful; Mr. Trimmer was a genius; + the Traders’ Club a fascinating introduction to a + new life; Starlett and Allstyne a joyous relief to him + after the sordid cares of business. In a word, Agnes + was with him.</p> + + <p>“Do you think your father would accept this proposition?” + she asked him after he was all through.</p> + + <p>“I think he would at my age,” decided Bobby + promptly.</p> + + <p>“That is, if he had been brought up as you have,” + <a class="pagenum" id="page33" title="33"> </a>she laughed. “I think I should study a long time + over it, Bobby, before I made any such important and + sweeping change as this must necessarily be.”</p> + + <p>“Oh, yes,” he agreed with an assumption of deep + conservatism; “of course I’ll think it over well, and + I’ll take good, sound advice on it.”</p> + + <p>“I have never seen Mr. Trimmer,” mused Agnes. + “I seldom go into his store, for there always seems to + me something shoddy about the whole place; but to-morrow + I think I shall make it a point to secure a + glimpse of him.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was delighted. Agnes had always been + interested in whatever interested him, but never so + absorbedly so as now, it seemed. He almost forgot + the stranger in his pleasure. He forgot him still + more when, dismissing his chauffeur, he seated Agnes + in the front of the car beside him, with Starlett and + Allstyne and Aunt Constance in the tonneau, and + went whirling through the streets and up the avenue. + It was but a brief trip, not over a half-hour, and + they had scarcely a chance to exchange a word; but + just to be up front there alone with her meant a + whole lot to Bobby.</p> + + <p>Afterward he took the other fellows down to the + gymnasium, where Biff Bates drew him to one side.</p> + + <p>“Look here, old pal!” said Bates. “I saw you real + chummy with T. W. Tight-Wad Trimmer to-night.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page34" title="34"> </a>“Yes?” admitted Bobby interrogatively.</p> + + <p>“Well, you know I don’t go around with my hammer + out, but I want to put you wise to this mut. He’s + in with a lot of political graft, for one thing, and + he’s a sure thing guy for another. He likes to take + a flyer at the bangtails a few times a season, and last + summer he welshed on Joe Poog’s book; claimed Joe + misunderstood his fingers for two thousand in place + of two hundred.”</p> + + <p>“Well, maybe there was a mistake,” said Bobby, + loath to believe such a monstrous charge against any + one whom he knew.</p> + + <p>“Mistake nawthin’,” insisted Biff. “Joe Poog + don’t take finger bets for hundreds, and Trimmer + never did bet that way. He’s a born welsher, anyhow. + He looks the part, and I just want to tell you, Bobby, + that if you go to the mat with this crab you’ll get up + with the marks of his pinchers on your windpipe; + that’s all.”</p> + + <p>Early the next morning—that is, at about ten + o’clock—Bobby bounced energetically into the office + of Barrister and Coke, where old Mr. Barrister, who + had been his father’s lawyer for a great many years, + received him with all the unbending grace of an ebony + cane.</p> + + <p>“I have come to find out who were the trustees appointed + by my father, Mr. Barrister,” began Bobby, + <a class="pagenum" id="page35" title="35"> </a>with a cheerful air of expecting to be informed at + once, “not that I wish to inquire about the estate, but + that I need some advice on entirely different matters.”</p> + + <p>“I shall be glad to serve you with any legal advice + that you may need,” offered Mr. Barrister, patting + his finger-tips gently together.</p> + + <p>“Are you the trustee?”</p> + + <p>“No, sir”—this with a dusty smile.</p> + + <p>“Who is, then?”</p> + + <p>“The only information which I am at liberty to + give you upon that point,” said Mr. Barrister drily, + “is that contained in your father’s will. Would you + care to examine a copy of that document again?”</p> + + <p>“No, thanks,” declined Bobby politely. “It’s too + truthful for comfort.”</p> + + <p>From there he went straight to his own place of + business, where he asked the same question of Johnson. + In reply, Mr. Johnson produced, from his own + personal and private index-file, an oblong gray envelope + addressed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Robert,<br /> + Upon His Inquiring About the Trusteeship of + My Estate</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Opening this in the privacy of his own office, Bobby + read:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page36" title="36"> </a>“As stated in my will, it is none of your present + business.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“Up to Bobby again,” the son commented aloud. + “Well, Governor,” and his shoulders straightened + while his eyes snapped, “if you can stand it, I can. + Hereafter I shall take my own advice, and if I lose + I shall know how to find the chap who’s to blame.”</p> + + <p>He had an opportunity to “go it alone” that very + morning, when Johnson and Applerod came in to him + together with a problem. Was or was not that Chicago + branch to be opened? The elder Mr. Burnit had + considered it most gravely, but had left the matter + undecided. Mr. Applerod was very keenly in favor + of it, Mr. Johnson as earnestly against it, and in + his office they argued the matter with such heat that + Bobby, accepting a typed statement of the figures in + the case, virtually turned them out.</p> + + <p>“When must you have a decision?” he demanded.</p> + + <p>“To-morrow. We must wire either our acceptance + or rejection of the lease.”</p> + + <p>“Very well,” said Bobby, quite elated that he was + carrying the thing off with an air and a tone so crisp; + “just leave it to me, will you?”</p> + + <p>He waded through the statement uncomprehendingly. + Here was a problem which was covered and + still not covered by his father’s observations anent + <a class="pagenum" id="page37" title="37"> </a>Johnson and Applerod. It was a matter for wrangling, + obviously enough, but there was no difference to + split. It was a case of deciding either yes or no. + For the balance of the time until Jack Starlett called + for him at twelve-thirty, he puzzled earnestly and + soberly over the thing, and next morning the problem + still weighed upon him when he turned in at the office. + He could see as he passed through the outer room that + both Johnson and Applerod were furtively eying + him, but he walked past them whistling. When he + had closed his own door behind him he drew again that + mass of data toward him and struggled against the + chin-high tide. Suddenly he shoved the papers aside, + and, taking a half-dollar from his pocket, flipped it + on the floor. Eagerly he leaned over to look at it. + Tails! With a sigh of relief he put the coin back in + his pocket and lit a cigarette. About half an hour + later the committee of two came solemnly in to see + him.</p> + + <p>“Have you decided to open the Chicago branch, + sir?” asked Johnson.</p> + + <p>“Not this year,” said Bobby coolly, and handed + back the data. “I wish, Mr. Johnson, you would + appoint a page to be in constant attendance upon + this room.”</p> + + <p>Back at their own desks Johnson gloated in calm + triumph.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page38" title="38"> </a>“It may be quite possible that Mr. Robert may + turn out to be a duplicate of his father,” he opined.</p> + + <p>“I don’t know,” confessed Applerod, crestfallen. + “I had thought that he would be more willing to + take a sporting chance.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson snorted. Mr. Applerod, who had + never bet two dollars on any proposition in his life, + considered himself very much of a sporting disposition.</p> + + <p>Savagely in love with his new assertiveness Bobby + called on Agnes that evening.</p> + + <p>“I saw Mr. Trimmer to-day,” she told him. “I + don’t like him.”</p> + + <p>“I didn’t want you to,” he replied with a grin. + “You like too many people now.”</p> + + <p>“But I’m serious, Bobby,” she protested, unconsciously + clinging to his hand as they sat down upon + the divan. “I wouldn’t enter into any business arrangements + with him. I don’t know just what there + is about him that repels me, but—well, I don’t <em>like</em> + him!”</p> + + <p>“Can’t say I’ve fallen in love with him myself,” + he replied. “But, Agnes, if a fellow only did business + with the men his nearest women-folks liked, there + wouldn’t be much business done.”</p> + + <p>“There wouldn’t be so many losses,” she retorted.</p> + + <p>“Bound to have the last word, of course,” he answered, + <a class="pagenum" id="page39" title="39"> </a>taking refuge in that old and quite false slur + against women in general; for a man suffers from + his spleen if he can not put the quietus on every argument. + “But, honestly, I don’t fear Mr. Trimmer. + I’ve been inquiring into this stock company business. + We are each to have stock in the new company, if we + form one, in exact proportion to the invoices of our + respective establishments. Well, the Trimmer concern + can’t possibly invoice as much as we shall, and + I’ll have the majority of stock, which is the same as + holding all the trumps. I had Mr. Barrister explain + all that to me. With the majority of stock you can + have everything your own way, and the other chap + can’t even protest. Seems sort of a shame, too.”</p> + + <p>“I don’t like him,” declared Agnes.</p> + + <p>The ensuing week Bobby spent mostly on the polo + match, though he called religiously at the office every + morning, coming down a few minutes earlier each + day. It was an uneasy week, too, as well as a busy + one, for twice during its progress he saw Agnes + driving with the unknown; and the fact that in both + instances a handsome young lady was with them + did not seem to mend matters much. He was astonished + to find that losing the great polo match did not + distress him at all. A year before it would have + broken his heart, but the multiplicity of new interests + had changed him entirely. As a matter of fact, he + <a class="pagenum" id="page40" title="40"> </a>had been long ripe for the change, though he had not + known it. As he had matured, the blood of his heredity + had begun to clamor for its expression; that was + all.</p> + + <p>At the beginning of the next week Mr. Trimmer + came in to see him again, with a roll of drawings + under his arm. The drawings displayed the proposed + new bridge in elevation and in cross section. They + showed the total stretch of altered store-rooms from + street to street, and cleverly-drawn perspectives made + graphically real that splendid length. They were + accompanied by an estimate of the cost, and also by + a permit from the city to build the bridge. With + these were the preliminary papers for the organization + of the new company, and Bobby, by this time intensely + interested and convinced that his interest was + business acumen, went over each detail with contracted + brow and with kindling enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>It was ten o’clock of that morning when Silas Trimmer + had found Bobby at his desk; by eleven Mr. + Johnson and Mr. Applerod, in the outer office, were + quite unable to work; by twelve they were snarling + at each other; at twelve-thirty Johnson ventured to + poke his head in at the door, framing some trivial + excuse as he did so, but found the two merchants with + their heads bent closely over the advantages of the + great combined stores. At a quarter-past one, returning + <a class="pagenum" id="page41" title="41"> </a>from a hasty lunch, Johnson tiptoed to the door + again. He still heard an insistent, high-pitched voice + inside. Mr. Trimmer was doing all the talking. He + had explained and explained until his tongue was + dry, and Bobby, with a full sense of the importance + of his decision, was trying to clear away the fog that + had grown up in his brain. Mr. Trimmer was pressing + him for a decision. Bobby suddenly slipped his + hand in his pocket, and, unseen, secured a half-dollar, + which he shook in his hand under the table. Opening + his palm he furtively looked at the coin. Heads!</p> + + <p>“Get your papers ready, Mr. Trimmer,” he announced, + as one finally satisfied by good and sufficient + argument, “we’ll form the organization as soon as + you like.”</p> + + <p>No sooner had he come to this decision than he felt + a strange sense of elation. He had actually consummated + a big business deal! He had made a positive + step in the direction of carrying the John Burnit + Store beyond the fame it had possessed at the time + his father had turned it over to him! Since he had + stiffened his back, he did not condescend to take Johnson + and Applerod into his confidence, though those + two gentlemen were quivering to receive it, but he + did order Johnson to allow Mr. Trimmer’s representatives + to go over the John Burnit books and to verify + their latest invoice, together with the purchases and + <a class="pagenum" id="page42" title="42"> </a>sales since the date of that stock-taking. To Mr. Applerod + he assigned the task of making a like examination + of the Trimmer establishment, and each day + felt more like a really-truly business man. He + affected the Traders’ Club now, formed an entirely + new set of acquaintances, and learned to go about + the stately rooms of that magnificent business annex + with his hat on the back of his head and creases in + his brow.</p> + + <p>Even before the final papers were completed, a + huge gang of workmen, consisting of as many artisans + as could be crowded on the job without standing + on one another’s feet, began to construct the elaborate + bridge which was to connect the two stores, and Mr. + Trimmer’s publicity department was already securing + column after column of space in the local papers, + some of it paid matter and some gratis, wherein it + appeared that the son of old John Burnit had proved + himself to be a live, progressive young man—a + worthy heir of so enterprising a father.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_5" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page43" title="43"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER V</span><br /> + WHEREIN BOBBY ATTENDS A STOCK-HOLDERS’ MEETING + AND CUTS A WISDOM-TOOTH</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Within</span> a very few days was completed + the complicated legal machinery which + threw the John Burnit Store and + Trimmer and Company into the hands of “The Burnit-Trimmer + Merchandise Corporation” as a holding + and operating concern. The John Burnit Store went + into that consolidation at an invoice value of two + hundred and sixty thousand dollars, Trimmer and + Company at two hundred and forty thousand; and + Bobby was duly pleased. He had the majority of + stock! On the later suggestion of Mr. Trimmer, + however, sixty thousand dollars of additional capital + was taken into the concern.</p> + + <p>“The alterations, expansions, new departments and + publicity will compel the command of about that + much money,” Mr. Trimmer patiently explained; + “and while we could appropriate that amount from + our respective concerns, we ought not to weaken our + capital, particularly as financial affairs throughout + <a class="pagenum" id="page44" title="44"> </a>the country are so unsettled. This is not a brisk + commercial year, nor can it be.”</p> + + <p>“Yes,” admitted Bobby, “I’ve heard something of + all this hard-times talk. I know Nick Allstyne sold + his French racer, and Nick’s supposed to be worth + no end of money.”</p> + + <p>“Exactly,” agreed Mr. Trimmer dryly. “This + sixty thousand dollars’ worth of stock, Mr. Burnit, + I am quite sure that I can place with immediate purchasers, + and if you will leave the matter to me I can + have it all represented in our next meeting without + any bother at all to you.”</p> + + <p>“Very kind of you, I am sure,” agreed Bobby, + thankful that this trifling detail was not to bore him.</p> + + <p>And so it was that the Burnit-Trimmer Merchandise + Corporation was incorporated at five hundred and + sixty thousand dollars. It was considerably later + when Bobby realized the significance of the fact that + the subscribers to the additional capitalization consisted + of Mr. Trimmer’s son, his son-in-law, his head + bookkeeper, his confidential secretary and his cousin, + all of whom had also been minor stock-holders in the + concern of Trimmer and Company.</p> + + <p>It was upon the day preceding the first stock-holders’ + meeting of the reorganized company that Bobby, + quite proud of the fact that he had acted independently + of them, made the formal announcement to + <a class="pagenum" id="page45" title="45"> </a>Johnson and Applerod that the great consolidation + had been effected.</p> + + <p>“Beginning with to-morrow morning, Mr. Johnson,” + said he to that worthy, “the John Burnit Store + will be merged into the Burnit-Trimmer Merchandise + Corporation, and Mr. Trimmer will doubtless + send his secretary to confer with you about an adjustment + of the clerical work.”</p> + + <p>“Yes, sir,” said Mr. Johnson dismally, and rose + to open the filing case behind him. With his hand in + the case he paused and turned a most woebegone + countenance to the junior Burnit. “We shall be very + regretful, Mr. Applerod and myself, to lose our positions, + sir,” he stated. “We have grown up with the + business from boyhood.”</p> + + <p>“Nonsense!” exploded Applerod. “We would be + regretful if that were to occur, but there is nothing + of the sort possible. Why, Mr. Burnit, I think this + consolidation is the greatest thing that ever happened. + I’ve been in favor of it for years; and as for its losing + me my position—Pooh!” and he snapped his + fingers.</p> + + <p>“Applerod is quite right, Mr. Johnson,” said + Bobby severely. “Nothing of the sort is contemplated. + Yourself and Mr. Applerod are to remain + with me as long as fair treatment and liberal pay and + personal attachment can induce you to do so.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page46" title="46"> </a>“Thank you, sir,” said Mr. Johnson dryly, but + he shook his head, and from the file produced one of + the familiar gray envelopes.</p> + + <p>Bobby eyed it askance as it came toward him, and + winced as he saw the inscription. He was beginning + to dread these missives. They seemed to follow him + about, to menace him, to give him a constant feeling + of guilt. Nevertheless, he took this one quite calmly + and walked into his own room. It was addressed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son,<br /> + Upon the Occasion of His Completing a Consolidation + with Silas Trimmer</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>and it read:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“When a man devils you for years to enter a business + deal with him, you may rest assured that man has + more to gain by it than you have. Aside from his + wormwood business jealousy of me, Silas Trimmer + has wanted this Grand Street entrance to his store for + more than the third of a century; now he has it. + He’ll have your store next.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“Look here, Governor,” protested Bobby aloud, to + his lively remembrance of his father as he might have + stood in that very room, “I call this rather rubbing + it in. It’s a bit unsportsmanlike. It’s almost like + laying a trap for a chap who doesn’t know the game,” + <a class="pagenum" id="page47" title="47"> </a>and, rankling with a sense of injustice, he went out + to Johnson.</p> + + <p>“I say, Johnson,” he complained, “it’s rather my + fault for being too stubborn to ask about it, but if + you knew that Mr. Trimmer was trying to work a + game on me that was dangerous to the business, why + didn’t you volunteer to explain it to me; to forewarn + me and give me a chance for judgment with all the + pros and cons in front of me?”</p> + + <p>“From the bottom of my heart, Mr. Burnit,” said + Johnson with feeling, “I should like to have done it; + but it was forbidden.”</p> + + <p>He already had lying before him another of the + gray envelopes, and this he solemnly handed over. It + was addressed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son,<br /> + Upon His Complaining that Johnson Gave Him No + Warning Concerning Silas Trimmer</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The message it contained was:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“It takes hard chiseling to make a man, but if the + material is the right grain the tool-marks won’t show. + If I had wanted you merely to make money, I would + have left the business entirely in the hands of Johnson + and Applerod. But there is no use to put off + pulling a tooth. It only hurts worse in the end.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page48" title="48"> </a>When Bobby left the office he felt like walking in + the middle of the street to avoid alley corners, since + he was unable to divine from what direction the next + brick might come. He had taken the business to heart + more than he had imagined that he would, and the + very fact of his father’s having foreseen that he + would succumb to this consolidation made him give + grave heed to the implied suggestion that he would + be a heavy loser by it. He had an engagement with + Allstyne and Starlett at the Idlers’ that afternoon, + but they found him most preoccupied, and openly + voted him a bore. He called on Agnes Elliston, but + learned that she was out driving, and he savagely + assured himself that he knew who was handling the + reins. He dined at the Traders’, and, for the first + time since he had begun to frequent that place, the + creases in his brow were real.</p> + + <p>Later in the evening he dropped around to see Biff + Bates. In the very center of the gymnasium he found + that gentleman engaged in giving a preliminary boxing + lesson to a spider-like new pupil, who was none + other than Silas Trimmer. Responding to Biff’s + cheerful grin and Mr. Trimmer’s sheepish one with + what politeness he could muster, Bobby glumly went + home.</p> + + <p>On the next morning occurred the first stock-holders’ + meeting of the Burnit-Trimmer Merchandise Corporation, + <a class="pagenum" id="page49" title="49"> </a>which Bobby attended with some feeling of + importance, for, with his twenty-six hundred shares, + he was the largest individual stock-holder present. + That was what had reassured him overnight: the + magic “majority of stock!” Mr. Trimmer only had + twenty-four hundred, and Bobby could swing things + as he pleased. His father, omniscient as he was, must + certainly have failed to foresee this fact. In his simplicity + of such matters and his general unsuspiciousness, + Bobby had not calculated that if the additional + six hundred shares were to vote solidly with Mr. + Trimmer against him, his twenty-six hundred shares + would be confronted by three thousand, and so rendered + paltry.</p> + + <p>Mr. Trimmer was delighted to see young Mr. + Burnit. This was a great occasion indeed, both for + the John Burnit Store and for Trimmer and Company, + and, in the opinion of Mr. Trimmer, his circular + smile very much in evidence, John Burnit himself + would have been proud to see this day! Mr. Smythe, + Mr. Trimmer’s son-in-law, also thought it a great + day; Mr. Weldon, Mr. Trimmer’s head bookkeeper, + thought it a great day; Mr. Harvey, Mr. Trimmer’s + confidential secretary, and Mr. U. G. Trimmer, Mr. + Silas Trimmer’s cousin, shared this pleasant impression.</p> + + <p>In the beginning the organization was without form + <a class="pagenum" id="page50" title="50"> </a>or void, as all such organizations are, but Mr. Trimmer, + having an extremely clear idea of what was to + be accomplished, proposed that Mr. Burnit accept + the chair <em lang="la" xml:lang="la">pro tem.</em>—where he would be out of the way. + The unanimous support which this motion received + was quite gratifying to the feelings of Mr. Burnit, + proving at once that his fears had been not only + groundless but ungenerous, and, in accepting the + chair, he made them what he considered a very neat + little speech indeed, striving the while to escape that + circular smile with its diameter of yellow teeth and + its intersecting crescent of stiff mustache; for he disliked + meanly to imagine that smile to have a sarcastic + turn to-day. At the suggestion of Mr. Trimmer, + Mr. Weldon accepted the post of secretary <em>pro + tem.</em> Mr. Trimmer then, with a nicely bound black + book in his hand, rose to propose the adoption of + the stock constitution and by-laws which were neatly + printed in the opening pages of this minute-book, + and in the articles of which he had made some trifling + amendments. Mr. Weldon, by request, read these + most carefully and conscientiously, making quite + plain that the entire working management of the + consolidated stores was to be under the direct charge + of a general manager and an assistant general manager, + who were to be appointed and have their salaries + fixed by the board of directors, as was meet and + <a class="pagenum" id="page51" title="51"> </a>proper. Gravely the stock-holders voted upon the + adoption of the constitution and by-laws, and, with + a feeling of pride, as the secretary called his name, + Bobby cast his first vote in the following conventional + form:</p> + + <p>“Aye—twenty-six hundred shares.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Trimmer followed, voting twenty-four hundred + shares; then Mr. Smythe, three hundred; Mr. + Weldon, fifty; Mr. Harvey, fifty; Mr. U. G. Trimmer, + fifty; Mr. Thomas Trimmer, whose proxy + was held by his father, one hundred and fifty; making + in all a total of fifty-six hundred shares unanimously + cast in favor of the motion; and Bobby, after + having roundly announced the result, felt that he was + conducting himself with vast parliamentary credit + and lit a cigarette with much satisfaction.</p> + + <p>Mr. Trimmer, twirling his thumbs, displayed no + surprise, nor even gratification, when Mr. Smythe + almost immediately put him in nomination for president. + Mr. Weldon promptly seconded that nomination. + Mr. Harvey moved that the nominations for the + presidency be closed. Mr. U. G. Trimmer seconded + that motion, which was carried unanimously; and + with no ado whatever Mr. Silas Trimmer was made + president of the Burnit-Trimmer Merchandise Corporation, + Mr. Burnit having most courteously cast + twenty-six hundred votes for him; for was not Mr. + <a class="pagenum" id="page52" title="52"> </a>Trimmer entitled to this honor by right of seniority? + In similar manner Mr. Burnit, quite pleased, and not + realizing that the vice-president of a corporation has + a much less active and influential position than the + night watchman, was elected to the second highest + office, while Mr. Weldon was made secretary and Mr. + Smythe treasurer. Mr. Harvey, Mr. U. G. Trimmer + and Mr. Thomas Trimmer were, as a matter of + course, elected members of the board of directors, + the four officers already elected constituting the remaining + members of the board. There seemed but + very little business remaining for the stock-holders to + do, so they adjourned; then, the members of the board + being all present and having waived in writing all + formal notification, the directors went into immediate + session, with Mr. Trimmer in the chair and Mr. + Weldon in charge of the bright and shining new + book of minutes.</p> + + <p>The first move of that body, after opening the + meeting in due form, was made by Mr. Harvey, who + proposed that Mr. Silas Trimmer be constituted general + manager of the consolidated stores at a salary + of fifty thousand dollars per year, a motion which + was immediately seconded by Mr. U. G. Trimmer.</p> + + <p>Bobby was instantly upon his feet. Even with his + total lack of experience in such matters there was + something about this that struck him as overdrawn, + <a class="pagenum" id="page53" title="53"> </a>and he protested that fancy salaries should have no + place in the reorganized business until experience + had proved that the business would stand it. He + was very much in earnest about it, and wanted the + subject discussed thoroughly before any such rash + step was taken. The balance of the discussion consisted + in one word from Mr. Smythe, echoed by all + his fellow-members.</p> + + <p>“Question!” said that gentleman.</p> + + <p>“You have all heard the question,” said Mr. Trimmer + calmly. “Those in favor will please signify by + saying ‘Aye.’”</p> + + <p>“Aye!” voted four members of the board as with + one scarcely interested voice.</p> + + <p>“No!” cried Bobby angrily, and sprang to his feet, + his anger confused, moreover, by the shock of finding + unsuspected wolves tearing at his vitals. “Gentlemen, + I protest against this action! I——”</p> + + <p>Mr. Trimmer pounded on the table with his pencil + in lieu of a gavel.</p> + + <p>“The motion is carried. Any other business?”</p> + + <p>It seemed that there was. Mr. Harvey proposed + that Mr. Smythe be made assistant general manager + at a salary of twenty-five thousand dollars per year. + Again the farce of a ballot and the farce of a protest + was enacted. Where now was the voting power + of Bobby’s twenty-six hundred shares? In the directors’ + <a class="pagenum" id="page54" title="54"> </a>meeting they voted as individuals, and they + were six against one. Rather indifferently, as if + the thing did not amount to much, Mr. Smythe proposed + that the selection of a firm name for advertising + and publicity purposes be left to the manager, and + though Bobby voted no as to this proposition on general + principles, it seemed of minor importance, in + his then bewildered state of mind. After all, the + thing which grieved him most just then was to find + that people <em>could</em> do these things!</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_6" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page55" title="55"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER VI</span><br /> + CONSISTING ENTIRELY OF A RAPID SUCCESSION OF MOST + PAINFUL SHOCKS</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">He</span> was still dazed with what had happened, + when, the next morning, he turned into + the office and found Johnson and Applerod + packing-up their personal effects. Workmen + were removing letter-files and taking desks out of + the door.</p> + + <p>“What’s the matter?” he asked, surveying the unwonted + confusion in perplexity.</p> + + <p>“The entire office force of the now defunct John + Burnit Store has been dismissed, that’s all!” blurted + Applerod, now the aggrieved one. “You sold us out, + lock, stock and barrel!”</p> + + <p>“Impossible!” gasped Bobby.</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson glumly showed him curt letters of + dismissal from Trimmer.</p> + + <p>“Where’s mine, I wonder?” inquired Bobby, trying + to take his terrific defeat with sportsmanlike + nonchalance.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page56" title="56"> </a>“I don’t suppose there is any for you, sir, inasmuch + as you never had a recognized position to lose,” + replied Johnson, not unkindly. “Did the board of + directors elect you to any salaried office?”</p> + + <p>“Why, so they didn’t!” exclaimed Bobby, and for + the first time realized that no place had been made for + him. He had taken it as a matter of course that he + was to be a part of the consolidation, and the omission + of any definite provision for him had passed + unnoticed.</p> + + <p>The door leading to his own private office banged + open, and two men appeared, shoving through it + the big mahogany desk turned edgewise.</p> + + <p>“What are they doing?” Bobby asked sharply.</p> + + <p>“Moving out all the furniture,” snapped Applerod + with bitter relish. “All the office work, I understand, + is to be done in the other building, and this + space is to be thrown into a special cut-glass department. + I suppose the new desk is for Mr. Trimmer.”</p> + + <p>Furious, choking, Bobby left the office and strode + back through the store. The first floor passageway + was already completed between the two buildings, + and a steady stream of customers was going over the + bridge from the old Burnit store into the old Trimmer + store. There were very few coming in the other + direction. He had never been in Mr. Trimmer’s + offices, but he found his way there with no difficulty, + <a class="pagenum" id="page57" title="57"> </a>and Mr. Trimmer came out of his private room to + receive him with all the suavity possible. In fact, + he had been saving up suavity all morning for this + very encounter.</p> + + <p>“Well, what can we do for you this morning, Mr. + Burnit?” he wanted to know, and Bobby, though accustomed + to repression as he was, had a sudden impulse + to drive his fist straight through that false + circular smile.</p> + + <p>“I want to know what provision has been made + for me in this new adjustment,” he demanded.</p> + + <p>“Why, Mr. Burnit,” expostulated Mr. Trimmer in + much apparent surprise, “you have two hundred and + sixty thousand dollars’ worth of stock in what should + be the best paying mercantile venture in this city; + you are vice-president, and a member of the board of + directors!”</p> + + <p>“I have no part, then, in the active management?” + Bobby wanted to know.</p> + + <p>“It would be superfluous, Mr. Burnit. One of the + chief advantages of such a consolidation is the economy + that comes from condensing the office and managing + forces. I regretted very much indeed to dismiss + Mr. Johnson and Mr. Applerod, but they are + very valuable men and should have no difficulty in + placing themselves advantageously. In fact, I shall + be glad to aid them in securing new positions.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page58" title="58"> </a>“The thing is an outrage!” exclaimed Bobby with + passion.</p> + + <p>“My dear Mr. Burnit, it is business,” said Mr. + Trimmer coldly, and, turning, went deliberately into + his own room, leaving Bobby standing in the middle + of the floor.</p> + + <p>Bobby sprang to that door and threw it open, and + Trimmer, who had been secretly trembling all through + the interview, turned to him with a quick pallor overspreading + his face, a pallor which Bobby saw and + despised and ignored, and which turned his first mad + impulse.</p> + + <p>“I’d like to ask one favor of you, Mr. Trimmer,” + said he. “In moving the furniture out of the John + Burnit offices I should be very glad, indeed, if you + would order my father’s desk removed to my house. + It is an old desk and can not possibly be of much use. + You may charge its value to my account, please.”</p> + + <p>“Nonsense!” said Mr. Trimmer. “I’ll have it sent + out with pleasure. Is there anything else?”</p> + + <p>“Nothing whatever at present,” said Bobby, + trembling with the task of holding himself steady, + and walked out, unable to analyze the bitter emotions + that surged within him.</p> + + <p>On the sidewalk, standing beside his automobile, + he found Johnson and Applerod waiting for him, + and the moment he saw Johnson, cumbered with the + <a class="pagenum" id="page59" title="59"> </a>big index-file that he carried beneath his arm, he + knew why.</p> + + <p>“Give me the letter, Johnson,” he said with a wry + smile, and Johnson, answering it with another equally + as grim, handed him a gray envelope.</p> + + <p>Applerod, who had been the first to upbraid him, + was now the first to recover his spirits.</p> + + <p>“Never mind, Mr. Burnit,” said he; “businesses + and even fortunes have been lost before and have + been regained. There are still ways to make money.”</p> + + <p>Bobby did not answer him. He was opening the + letter, preparing to stand its contents in much the + same spirit that he had often gone to his father to + accept a reprimand which he knew he could not in + dignity evade. But there was no reprimand. He + read:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“There’s no use in telling a young man what to do + when he has been gouged. If he’s made of the right + stuff he’ll know, and if he isn’t, no amount of telling + will put the right stuff in him. I have faith in you. + Bobby, or I’d never have let you in for this goring.</p> + + <p>“In the meantime, as there will be no dividends on + your stock for ten years to come, what with ‘improvements, + expenses and salaries,’ and as you will need to + continue your education by embarking in some other + line of business before being ripe enough to accomplish + what I am sure you will want to do, you may + <a class="pagenum" id="page60" title="60"> </a>now see your trustee, the only thoroughly sensible + person I know who is sincerely devoted to your interests. + Her name is Agnes Elliston.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“What is the matter?” asked Johnson in sudden + concern, and Applerod grabbed him by the arm.</p> + + <p>“Oh, nothing much,” said Bobby; “a little groggy, + that’s all. The governor just handed me one under + the belt. By the way, boys”—and they scarcely + noted that he no longer said “gentlemen”—“if you + have nothing better in view I want you to consider + yourselves still in my employ. I’m going into business + again, at once. If you will call at my house tomorrow + forenoon I’ll talk with you about it,” and + anxious to be rid of them he told his driver “Idlers’,” + and jumped into his automobile.</p> + + <p>Agnes! That surely was giving him a solar-plexus + blow! Why, what did the governor mean? + It was putting him very much in a kindergarten + position with the girl before whom he wanted to + make a better impression than before anybody else + in all the world.</p> + + <p>It took him a long time to readjust himself to this + cataclysm.</p> + + <p>After all, though, was not his father right in this, + as he had been in everything else? Humbly Bobby + was ready to confess that Agnes had more brains + <a class="pagenum" id="page61" title="61"> </a>and good common sense than anybody, and was altogether + about the most loyal and dependable person in + all the world, with the single and sole exception of + allowing that splendid looking and unknown chap to + hang around her so. They were in the congested + down-town district now, and as they came to a dead + stop at a crossing, Bobby, though immersed in + thought, became aware of a short, thick-set man, + who, standing at the very edge of the car, was apparently + trying to stare him out of countenance.</p> + + <p>“Why, hello, Biff!” exclaimed Bobby. “Which + way?”</p> + + <p>“Just waiting for a South Side trolley,” explained + Biff. “Going over to see Kid Mills about that lightweight + go we’re planning.”</p> + + <p>“Jump in,” said Bobby, glad of any change in + his altogether indefinite program. “I’ll take you + over.”</p> + + <p>On the way he detailed to his athletic friend what + had been done to him in the way of business.</p> + + <p>“I know’d it,” said Biff excitedly. “I know’d it + from the start. That’s why I got old Trimmer to + join my class. Made him a special price of next to + nothing, and got Doc Willets to go around and tell + him he was in Dutch for want of training. Just + wait.”</p> + + <p>“For what?” asked Bobby, smiling.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page62" title="62"> </a>“Till the next time he comes up,” declared Biff + vengefully. “Say, do you know I put that shrimp’s + hour a-purpose just when there wouldn’t be a soul up + there; and the next time I get him in front of me + I’m going to let a few slip that’ll jar him from the + cellar to the attic; and the next time anybody sees + him he’ll be nothing but splints and court-plaster.”</p> + + <p>“Biff,” said Bobby severely, “you’ll do nothing of + the kind. You’ll leave one Silas Trimmer to me. + Merely bruising his body won’t get back my father’s + business. Let him alone.”</p> + + <p>“But look here, Bobby——”</p> + + <p>“No; I say let him alone,” insisted Bobby.</p> + + <p>“All right,” said Biff sullenly; “but if you think + there’s a trick you can turn to double cross this + Trimmer you’ve got another think coming. He’s + sunk his fangs in the business he’s been after all his + life, and now you couldn’t pry it away from him + with a jimmy. You know what I told you about + him.”</p> + + <p>“I know,” said Bobby wearily. “But honestly, + Biff, did you ever see me go into a game where I + was a loser in the end?”</p> + + <p>“Not till this one,” confessed Biff.</p> + + <p>“And this isn’t the end,” retorted Bobby.</p> + + <p>He knew that when he made such a confident assertion + that he had nothing upon which to base it; that + <a class="pagenum" id="page63" title="63"> </a>he was talking vaguely and at random; but he also + knew the intense desire that had arisen in him to reverse + conditions upon the man who had waited until + the father died to wrest that father’s pride from the + son; and in some way he felt coming strength. In + Biff’s present frame of conviction Bobby was pleased + enough to drop him in front of Kid Mills’ obscure + abode, and turn with a sudden hungry impulse in + the direction of Agnes. At the Ellistons’, when the + chauffeur was about to slow up, Bobby in a panic + told him to drive straight on. In the course of half + an hour he came back again, and this time pride + alone—fear of what his chauffeur might think—determined + him to stop. With much trepidation he + went up to the door. Agnes was just preparing to + go out, and she came down to him in the front + parlor.</p> + + <p>“This is only a business call,” he confessed with + as much appearance of gaiety as he could summon + under the circumstance. “I’ve come around to see my + trustee.”</p> + + <p>“So soon?” she said, with quick sympathy in her + voice. “I’m <em>so</em> sorry, Bobby! But I suppose, after + all, the sooner it happened the better. Tell me all + about it. What was the cause of it?”</p> + + <p>“You wouldn’t marry me,” charged Bobby. “If + you had this never would have happened.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page64" title="64"> </a>She shook her head and smiled, but she laid her + hand upon his arm and drew closer to him.</p> + + <p>“I’m afraid it would, Bobby. You might have + asked my advice, but I expect you wouldn’t have taken + it.”</p> + + <p>“I guess you’re right about that,” admitted + Bobby; “but if you’d only married me—— Honest, + Agnes, when are you going to?”</p> + + <p>“I shall not commit myself,” she replied, smiling + up at him rather wistfully.</p> + + <p>“There’s somebody else,” declared Bobby, instantly + assured by this evasiveness that the unknown + had something to do with the matter.</p> + + <p>“If there were, it would be my affair entirely, + wouldn’t it?” she wanted to know, still smiling.</p> + + <p>“No!” he declared emphatically. “It would be + my affair. But really I want to know. Will you, if + I get my father’s business back?”</p> + + <div id="illo-2" class="illo"> + <a href="images/illo-2.jpg"><img src="images/illo-2-sm.jpg" width="448" height="678" alt="A man and a woman talk by a door." /></a> + <p class="caption">Will you if I get my father’s business back?</p> + </div> + + <p>“I’ll not promise,” she said. “Why, Bobby, the + way you put it, you would be binding me <em>not</em> to + marry you in case you <em>didn’t</em> get it back!” and she + laughed at him. “But let’s talk business now. I + was just starting out upon your affairs, the securing + of some bonds for which the lawyer I have employed + has been negotiating, so you may take me + up there and he will arrange to get you the two + hundred and fifty thousand dollars you are to have.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page65" title="65"> </a>It’s for a new start, without restrictions except that + you are to engage in business with it. That’s all + the instructions I have.”</p> + + <p>“Thanks,” said Bobby, with a gulp. “Honestly, + Agnes, it’s a shame. It’s a low-down trick the governor + played to put me in this helplessly belittled + position with you.”</p> + + <p>“Why, how strange,” she replied quietly. “I look + upon it as a most graceful and agreeable position + for myself.”</p> + + <p>“Oh!” he exclaimed blankly, as it occurred to him + just how uncomfortable the situation must be to her, + and he reproached himself with selfishness in not + having thought of this phase of the matter before. + “That’s a fact,” he admitted. “I say, Agnes, I’ll + say no more about that end of it if you don’t; and, + after all, I’m glad, too. It gives me a legitimate + excuse to see you much oftener.”</p> + + <p>“Gracious, no!” she protested. “You fill up every + spare moment that I have now; but so long as you + are here on business this time, let’s attend to business. + You may take me up to see Mr. Chalmers. By the + way, I want you to meet him, anyhow. You have + seen him, I believe, once or twice. He was here one + day when you called, and he was walking with me in + the lobby of the theater when you came in to join us + one evening.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page66" title="66"> </a>“Y-e-s,” drawled Bobby, as if he were placing the + man with difficulty.</p> + + <p>“The Chalmers’ are charming people,” she went on. + “His wife is perfectly fascinating. We used to go to + school together. They have only been married three + months, and when they came here to go into business + I was very glad to throw such of your father’s estate + as I am to handle into his hands. Whenever they + are ready I want to engineer them into our set, but + they live very quietly now. I know you’ll like them.”</p> + + <p>“Oh, I’m sure I will,” agreed Bobby heartily, and + his face was positively radiant, as, for some unaccountable + reason, he clutched her hand. She lifted + it up beneath his arm, around which, for one ecstatic + moment, she clasped her other hand, and together + they went out into the hall, Bobby, simply driveling + in his supreme happiness, allowing her to lead him + wheresoever she listed. Still in the joy of knowing + that his one dreaded rival was removed in so pleasant + a fashion, he handed her into the automobile and + they started out to see Mr. Chalmers. Their way led + down Grand Street, past the John Burnit Store, + and with all that had happened still rankling sorely + in his mind, Bobby looked up and gave a gasp. + Workmen were taking down the plain, dignified old + sign of the John Burnit Store from the top of the + building, and in its place they were raising up a + <a class="pagenum" id="page67" title="67"> </a>glittering new one, ordered by Silas Trimmer on the + very day Bobby had agreed to go into the consolidation; + and it read:</p> + + <p class="store_sign">“TRIMMER AND COMPANY”</p> + + </div> + <div id="chapter_7" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page68" title="68"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER VII</span><br /> + PINK-CHEEKED APPLEROD RUSHES TO THE RESCUE + WITH A GOLDEN SCHEME</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Agnes</span> had been surprised into an exclamation + of dismay by that new sign, but she + checked it abruptly as she saw Bobby’s + face. She could divine, but she could not fully know, + how that had hurt him; how the pain of it had sunk + into his soul; how the humiliation of it had tingled + in every fiber of him. For an instant his breath + had stopped, his heart had swelled as if it would burst, + a great lump had come in his throat, a sob almost tore + its way through his clenched teeth. He caught his + breath sharply, his jaws set and his nostrils dilated, + then the color came slowly back to his cheeks. Agnes, + though longing to do so, had feared to lay her hand + even upon his sleeve in sympathy lest she might unman + him, but now she saw that she need not have + feared. It had not weakened him, this blow; it had + strengthened him.</p> + + <p>“That’s brutal,” he said steadily, though the + steadiness was purely a matter of will. “We must + change that sign before we do anything else.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page69" title="69"> </a>“Of course,” she answered simply.</p> + + <p>Involuntarily she stretched out her small gloved + hand, and with it touched his own. Looking back once + more for a fleeting glimpse at the ascending symbol + of his defeat, he gripped her hand so hard that she + almost cried out with the pain of it; but she did not + wince. When he suddenly remembered, with a frightened + apology, and laid her hand upon her lap and + patted it, her fingers seemed as if they had been compressed + into a numb mass, and she separated them + slowly and with difficulty. Afterward she remembered + that as a dear hurt, after all, for in it she + shared his pain.</p> + + <p>While they were still stunned and silent under Silas + Trimmer’s parting blow, the machine drew up at the + curb in front of the building in which Chalmers had + his office. Chalmers, Bobby found, was a most agreeable + fellow, to whom he took an instant liking. It + was strange what different qualities the man seemed + to possess than when Bobby had first seen him in the + company of Agnes. Their business there was very + brief. Chalmers held for Bobby, subject to Agnes’ + order as trustee, the sum of two hundred and fifty + thousand dollars in instantly convertible securities, + and when they left, Bobby had a check for that + amount comfortably tucked in his pocket.</p> + + <p>There was another brief visit to the office of old + <a class="pagenum" id="page70" title="70"> </a>Mr. Barrister, where Agnes, again as Bobby’s trustee, + exhibited the papers Chalmers had made out for her, + showing that the funds previously left in her charge + had been duly paid over to Bobby as per the provisions + of the will, and thereupon filed her order for + a similar amount. Barrister received them with an + “I told you so” air which amounted almost to satisfaction. + He was quite used to seeing the sons of rich + men hastening to become poor men, and he had so + evidently classed Bobby as one of the regular sort, + that Bobby took quite justifiable umbrage and decided + that if he had any legal business whatever he + would put it into the hands of Chalmers.</p> + + <p>He spent the rest of the day with Agnes and took + dinner at the Ellistons’, where jolly Aunt Constance + and shrewd Uncle Dan, in genuine sympathy, desisted + so palpably from their usual joking about his + “business career,” that Bobby was more ill at ease + than if they had said all the grimly humorous things + which popped into their minds. For that reason he + went home rather early, and tumbled into bed resolving + upon the new future he was to face to-morrow.</p> + + <p>At least, he consoled himself with a sigh, he was + now a man of experience. He had learned something + of the world. He was not further to be hoodwinked. + His last confused vision was of Silas Trimmer on his + knees begging for mercy, and the next thing he knew + <a class="pagenum" id="page71" title="71"> </a>was that some one was reminding him, with annoying + insistency, of the early call he had left.</p> + + <p>The world looked brighter that morning, and he + was quite hopeful when, in the dim old study, seated + at his father’s desk and with the portrait of stern + old John Burnit frowning and yet shrewdly twinkling + down upon him, he received Johnson, dry and + sour looking as if he expected ill news, and Applerod, + bright and radiant as if Fortune’s purse were just + about to open to him.</p> + + <p>“Well, boys,” said Bobby cheerily, “we’re going to + stick right together. We’re going to start into a new + business as soon as we can find one that suits us, and + your employment begins from this minute. We’re beginning + with a capital of two hundred and fifty thousand + dollars,” and rather pompously he spread the + check upon the desk. His pompousness faded in something + under fifteen seconds, for it was in about that + length of time that he caught sight of a plain gray + envelope then in the process of emerging from Johnson’s + pocket. He accepted it with something of reluctance, + but opened it nevertheless; and this was the + message of the late John Burnit:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To my Son Upon the Occasion of his Being Intrusted + With Real Money</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“In most cases the difference between spending + <a class="pagenum" id="page72" title="72"> </a>money and investing it is wholly a matter of speed. + Not one man in ten knows when and where and how + to put a dollar properly to work; so the only financial + education I expect you to get out of an attempt to go + into business is a painful lesson in subtraction.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“This letter, Johnson, is only a delicate intimation + from the governor that I’ll make another blooming + ass of myself with this,” commented Bobby, tapping + his finger on the check, and placing the letter face + downward beside it, where he eyed it askance.</p> + + <p>“A quarter of a million!” observed Applerod, rolling + out the amount with relish. “A great deal can be + done with two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, you + know.”</p> + + <p>“That’s just the point,” observed Bobby with a + frown of perplexity, directed alternately to the faithful + gentlemen who for upward of thirty years had + been his father’s right and left bowers. “What am I + to do with it? Johnson, what would you do with two + hundred and fifty thousand dollars?”</p> + + <p>“Lose it,” confessed stooped and bloodless Johnson. + “I never made a dollar out of a dollar in my + life.”</p> + + <p>“What would you do with it, Applerod?”</p> + + <p>Mr. Applerod, scarcely able to contain himself, + had been eagerly awaiting that question.</p> + + <p>“Purchase, improve and market the Westmarsh Addition,” + <a class="pagenum" id="page73" title="73"> </a>he said promptly, expanding fully two inches + across his already rotund chest.</p> + + <p>“What?” snorted Johnson, and cast upon his workmate + a look of withering scorn. “Are you still dreaming + about the possibilities of that old swamp?”</p> + + <p>“To be sure it is a swamp,” admitted Mr. Applerod + with some heat. “Do you suppose you could buy + one hundred and twenty acres of directly accessible + land, almost at the very edge of the crowded city + limits, at two hundred dollars an acre if it wasn’t + swamp land?” he demanded. “Why, Mr. Burnit, it + is the opportunity of a lifetime!”</p> + + <p>“How much capital would be needed?” asked + Bobby, gravely assuming the callous, inquisitorial + manner of the ideal business man.</p> + + <p>“Well, I’ve managed to buy up twenty acres out of + my savings, and there are still one hundred acres to + be purchased, which will take twenty thousand dollars. + But this is the small part of it. Drainage, filling + and grading is to be done, streets and sidewalks + ought to be put down, a gift club-house, which would + serve at first as an office, would be a good thing to + build, and the thing would have to be most thoroughly + advertised. I’ve figured on it for years, and it would + require, all told, about a two-hundred-thousand investment.”</p> + + <p>“And what would be the return?” asked Bobby + <a class="pagenum" id="page74" title="74"> </a>without blinking at these big figures, and proud of + his attitude, which, while conservative, was still one + of openness to conviction.</p> + + <p>“Figure it out for yourself,” Mr. Applerod invited + him with much enthusiasm. “We get ten building + lots to the acre, turning one hundred and twenty + acres into one thousand two hundred lots. Improved + sites at any point surrounding this tract can not be + bought for less than twenty-five dollars per front foot. + Corner lots and those in the best locations would bring + much more, but taking the average price at only six + hundred dollars per lot, we would have, as a total + return for the investment, seven hundred and twenty + thousand dollars!”</p> + + <p>“In how long?” Bobby inquired, not allowing himself + to become in the slightest degree excited.</p> + + <p>“One year,” announced the optimistic Mr. Applerod + with conviction.</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson, his lips glued tightly together in one + firm, thin, straight line across his face, was glaring + steadfastly at the corner of the ceiling, permitting no + expression whatever to flicker in his eyes; noting + which, Bobby turned to him with a point-blank question:</p> + + <p>“What do you think of this opportunity, Mr. Johnson?” + he asked.</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson glared quickly at Mr. Applerod.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page75" title="75"> </a>“Tell him,” defied that gentleman.</p> + + <p>“I think nothing whatever of it!” snapped Mr. + Johnson.</p> + + <p>“What is your chief ground of objection?” Bobby + wanted to know.</p> + + <p>Again Mr. Johnson glared quickly at Mr. Applerod.</p> + + <p>“Tell him,” insisted that gentleman with an outward + wave of both hands, expressive of his intense + desire to have every secret of his own soul and of + everybody’s else laid bare.</p> + + <p>“I will,” said Johnson. “Your father, a dozen + times in my own hearing, refused to have anything + to do with the scheme.”</p> + + <p>Bobby turned accusing eyes upon Applerod, who, + though red of face, was still strong of assertion.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Burnit never declined on any other grounds + than that he already had too many irons in the fire,” + he declared. “Tell him that, too, Johnson!”</p> + + <p>“It was only his polite way of putting it,” retorted + Mr. Johnson.</p> + + <p>“John Burnit was noted for his polite way of putting + his business conclusions,” snapped Applerod in + return, whereat Bobby smiled with gleeful reminiscence, + and Mr. Johnson smiled grimly, albeit reluctantly, + and Mr. Applerod smiled triumphantly.</p> + + <p>“I can see the governor doing it,” laughed Bobby, + <a class="pagenum" id="page76" title="76"> </a>and dismissed the matter. “Mr. Johnson, as a start + in business we may as well turn this study into a temporary + office. Take this check down to the Commercial + Bank, please, and open an account. You already + have power of attorney for my signature. Procure + a small set of books and open them. Make out for me + against this account at the Commercial a check for + ten thousand. Mr. Applerod, kindly reduce your + swamp proposition to paper and let me have it by to-morrow. + I’ll not promise that I will do anything with + it, but it would be only fair to examine it.”</p> + + <p>With these crisp remarks, upon the decisiveness of + which Bobby prided himself very much, he left the two + to open business for him under the supervision of the + portrait of stern but humor-given old John Burnit.</p> + + <p>“Applerod,” said Johnson indignantly, his lean + frame almost quivering, “it is a wonder to me that + you can look up at that picture and reflect that you + are trying to drag John Burnit’s son into this fool + scheme.”</p> + + <p>“Johnson,” said Mr. Applerod, puffing out his + cheeks indignantly, “you were given the first chance + to advise Mr. Robert what he should do with his + money, and you failed to do so. This is a magnificent + business opportunity, and I should consider myself + very remiss in my duty to John Burnit’s son if I + failed to urge it upon him.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page77" title="77"> </a>Mr. Johnson picked up the letter that Bobby, evidently + not caring whether they read it or not, had + left behind him. He ran through it with a grim smile + and handed it over to Applerod as his best retort.</p> + + <p>At the home of Agnes Elliston Bobby’s car stopped + almost as a matter of habit, and though the hour was + a most informal one he walked up the steps as confidently + as if he intended opening the door with a + latch-key; for since Agnes was become his trustee, + Bobby had awakened, overnight, to the fact that he + had a proprietary interest in her which could not be + denied.</p> + + <p>Agnes came down to meet him in a most ravishing + morning robe of pale green, a confection so stunning + in conjunction with her gold-brown eyes and waving + brown hair and round white throat that Bobby was + forced to audible comment upon it.</p> + + <p>“Cracking!” said he. “I suppose that if I hadn’t + had nerve enough to pop in here unexpectedly before + noon I wouldn’t have seen that gown for ages.”</p> + + <p>It was Aunt Constance, the irrepressible, who, leaning + over the stair railing, sank the iron deep into his + soul.</p> + + <p>“It was bought at Trimmer and Company’s, Grand + Street side, Bobby,” she informed him, and with this + Parthian shot she went back through the up-stairs + hall, laughing.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page78" title="78"> </a>“Ouch!” said Bobby. “That was snowballing a + cripple,” and he was really most woebegone about it.</p> + + <p>“Never mind, Bobby, you have still plenty of + chance to win,” comforted Agnes, who, though laughing, + had sympathetic inkling of that sore spot which + had been touched. He seemed so forlorn, in spite of + his big, good-natured self, that she moved closer to + him and unconsciously put her hand upon his arm. + It was too much for him in view of the way she looked, + and, suddenly emboldened, he did a thing the mere + thought of which, under premeditation, would have + scared him into a frappéd perspiration. He placed + his hands upon her shoulders, and, drawing her + toward him, bent swiftly down to kiss her. For a fleeting + instant she drew back, and then Bobby had the + surprise of his life, for her warm lips met his quite + willingly, and with a frank pressure almost equal to + his own. She sprang back from him at once with + sparkling eyes, but he had no mind to follow up his + advantage, for he was dazed. It had left him breathless, + amazed, incredulous. He stood for a full minute, + his face gone white with the overwhelming wonder of + this thing that had happened to him, and then the + blunt directness which was part of his inheritance + from his father returned to him.</p> + + <p>“Well, anyhow, we’re to be engaged at last,” he + said.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page79" title="79"> </a>“No,” she rebuked him, with a sudden flash of mischief; + “that was perfectly wicked, and you mustn’t + do it again.”</p> + + <p>“But I will,” he said, advancing with heightened + color.</p> + + <p>“You mustn’t,” she said firmly, and although she + did not recede farther from him he stopped. “You + mustn’t make it hard for us, Bobby,” she warned him. + “I’m under promise, too; and that’s all I can tell you + now.”</p> + + <p>“The governor again,” groaned Bobby. “I suppose + that I’m not to talk to you about marrying, + nor you to listen, until I have proved my right and + ability to take care of you and your fortune and + mine. Is that it?”</p> + + <p>She smiled inscrutably.</p> + + <p>“What brings you at this unearthly hour?” she + asked by way of evasion. “Some business pretext, I’ll + be bound.”</p> + + <p>“Of course it is,” he assured her. “This morning + you are strictly in the rôle of my trustee. I want you + to look at some property.”</p> + + <p>“But I have an appointment with my dressmaker.”</p> + + <p>“The dressmaker must wait.”</p> + + <p>“What a warning!” she laughed. “If you would + order a mere—a mere acquaintance around so peremptorily, + what would you do if you were married?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page80" title="80"> </a>“I’d be the boss,” announced Bobby with calm confidence.</p> + + <p>“Indeed?” she mocked, and started into the library. + “You’d ask permission first, wouldn’t you?”</p> + + <p>“Where are you going?” he queried in return, and + grinned.</p> + + <p>“To telephone my dressmaker,” she admitted, smiling, + and realizing, too, that it was not all banter.</p> + + <p>“I told you to, remember,” asserted Bobby, with a + strange new sense of masterfulness which would not + down.</p> + + <p>When she came down again, dressed for the trip, + he was still in that dazed elation, and it lasted through + their brisk ride to the far outskirts of the city, where, + at the side of a watery marsh that extended for nearly + a mile along the roadway, he halted.</p> + + <p>“This is it,” waving his hand across the dismal + waste.</p> + + <p>“It!” she repeated. “What?”</p> + + <p>“The property that it was suggested I buy.”</p> + + <p>“No wonder your father thought it necessary to + appoint a trustee,” was her first comment. “Why, + Bobby, what on earth could you do with it? It’s too + large for a frog farm and too small for a summer resort,” + and once more she turned incredulous eyes upon + the “property.”</p> + + <p>Dark, oily water covered the entire expanse, and + <a class="pagenum" id="page81" title="81"> </a>through it emerged, here and there, clumps of dank + vegetation, from the nature and dispersement of + which one could judge that the water varied from one + to three feet in depth. Higher ground surrounded it + on all sides, and the urgent needs of suburban growth + had scattered a few small, cheap cottages, here and + there, upon the hills.</p> + + <p>“It doesn’t seem very attractive until you consider + those houses,” Bobby confessed. “You must remember + that the city hasn’t room to grow, and must take + note that it is trying to spread in this direction. + Wouldn’t a fellow be doing a rather public-spirited + thing, and one in which he might take quite a bit of + satisfaction, if he drained that swamp, filled it, laid + out streets and turned the whole stretch into a cluster + of homes in place of a breeding-place for fevers?”</p> + + <p>“You talk just like a civic improvement society,” + she said, laughing.</p> + + <p>“We did have a chap lecturing on that down at the + club a few nights ago,” he admitted, “and maybe I + have picked up a bit of the talk. But wouldn’t it be a + good thing, anyhow?”</p> + + <p>“Oh, I quite approve of it, now that I see your + plan,” she agreed; “but could it be made to pay?”</p> + + <p>“Well,” he returned with a grave assumption of + that businesslike air he had recently been trying to + copy down at the Traders’ Club, “there are one hundred + <a class="pagenum" id="page82" title="82"> </a>and twenty acres in the tract. I can buy it for + two hundred dollars an acre, and sell each acre, in + building lots, for full six hundred. It seems to me + that this is enough margin to carry out the needed + improvements and make the marketing of it worth + while. What do you think of it?”</p> + + <p>They both gazed out over that desolate expanse and + tried to picture it dotted with comfortable cottages, + set down in grassy lawns that bordered on white, clean + streets, and the idea of the transformation was an attractive + one.</p> + + <p>“It looks to me like a perfectly splendid idea,” + Agnes admitted. “I wonder what your father would + have thought of it.”</p> + + <p>“Well,” confessed Bobby a trifle reluctantly, “this + very proposition was presented to him several times, I + believe, but he always declined to go into it.”</p> + + <p>“Then,” decided Agnes, so quickly and emphatically + that it startled him, “don’t touch it!”</p> + + <p>“Oh, but you see,” he reminded her, “the governor + couldn’t go into everything that was offered him, and + to this plan he never urged any objection but that he + had too many irons in the fire.”</p> + + <p>“I wouldn’t touch it,” declared Agnes, and that was + her final word in the matter, despite all his arguments. + If John Burnit had declined to go into it, no matter + for what reason, the plan was not worth considering.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_8" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page83" title="83"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER VIII</span><br /> + BOBBY SUCCEEDS IN SNAPPING A BARGAIN FROM UNDER + SILAS TRIMMER’S NOSE</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Still</span> undecided, but carrying seriously the + thought that he must overlook no opportunity + if he was to prove himself the successful man + that his father had so ardently wished him to become, + Bobby dropped into the Idlers’ Club for lunch, where + Nick Allstyne and Payne Winthrop hailed him as one + returned from the dead.</p> + + <p>“Just the chap,” declared Nick. “Stan Rogers has + written me that I’m to scrape the regular crowd together + and come up to his new Canadian lodge for a + hunt. Stag affair, you know. Real sport and no + pink-coat pretense.”</p> + + <p>“Sorry, Nick,” said Bobby, pluming himself a trifle + upon his steadfastness to duty, “but I know what + Stan’s stag affairs are like. It would mean two weeks + at least, and I could not spare that much time from + the city.”</p> + + <p>“Business again!” groaned Payne in mock dismay. + <a class="pagenum" id="page84" title="84"> </a>“This grasping greed for gain is blighting the most + promising young men of our avaricious country. + Why, it’s positively shameful, Bobby, when your father + must have left you over three million.”</p> + + <p>“Two hundred and fifty thousand, so far as I’m allowed + to inquire just now,” corrected Bobby; “and + I’m ordered to go into business with that and prove + that I’m not such a blithering idiot that I can’t be + trusted with the rest of it, whatever there is.”</p> + + <p>“But I thought you’d had your trial by fire and + pulled out of it,” interposed Nick. “I heard that you + had sold your interests or something, and when I saw + a new sign over the store I knew that it was true. + Sensible thing, I call it.”</p> + + <p>“Sensible!” winced Bobby. “You’re allowing me a + mighty pleasant way out of it, but the fact of the + matter is that I lost in such a stinging way I’m bound + to get back into the game and do nothing else until I + win,” and he explained how Silas Trimmer had performed + upon him a neat and delicate operation in commercial + surgery.</p> + + <p>They were properly sympathetic; not that they + cared much about business, but if Bobby had entered + any game whatsoever in which he had been soundly + beaten, they could quite understand his desire to stay + in that game until he could show points on the right + side.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page85" title="85"> </a>“Nevertheless,” Nick urged, “you ought to take a + little breathing spell in between.”</p> + + <p>All through lunch, and through the game of billiards + which followed, they strove to make him see the + error of his ways, but Bobby was obdurate, and at + last they gave him up as a bad job, with the grave + prediction that later he would find himself nothing + more nor less than a beast of burden. When he left + them Bobby was surprised at himself. For a time he + had feared that in his declaration of such close attention + to business he might be posing; but he found + that to miss a stag hunting party, which heretofore + had been one of his keenest delights, weighed upon + him not at all; found actually that he would far + rather stay in the city to engage in the game of + finance which was unfolding before him! He came + upon this surprising discovery while he was on his + way across to a side street, where, on the fourth floor + of a store and warehouse building, he let himself in at + a wide door with a latch-key and entered the gymnasium + of Biff Bates. That gentleman, in trunks, + sweater and sandals, was padding all alone around and + around the edge of the hall at a steady jog, which, + after twenty solid minutes, had left no effect whatever + upon his respiration.</p> + + <p>“Getting fat as a butcher again,” he announced as + he trotted steadily around to Bobby, suddenly stopping + <a class="pagenum" id="page86" title="86"> </a>short with an expansive grin across his wide face + and a handshake that it took an athlete to withstand. + “Got to cut it down or it’ll put me on the blink. + What’s the best thing you know, chum?”</p> + + <p>“How does this hit you?” asked Bobby, taking + from his pocket the check Johnson had given him that + morning.</p> + + <p>Mr. Bates looked at it with his hands behind him.</p> + + <p>“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” he said to + the slip of paper, nodding profoundly.</p> + + <p>“Oh, everybody’s friendly to these,” said Bobby, + indorsing the check. “It is for the new gymnasium,” + he explained. “Now, partner, turn loose and monopolize + the physical training business of this city.”</p> + + <p>“Partner!” scorned Mr. Bates. “Look here, old + pal, there’s only one way I’ll take this big ticket, and + that is that you’ll drag down your split of the + profits.”</p> + + <p>“But don’t I on this place?” protested Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Nit!” retorted Mr. Bates with infinite scorn. “You + put them right back into the business, but that don’t + go any more. If we start this big joint it’s got to be + partners right, see? Or else take back this wealthy + handwriting. I don’t guess I want it, anyhow. From + past performances you need all the money in the + world, and ten thousand simoleons will put a crimp in + any wad.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page87" title="87"> </a>“No,” laughed Bobby; “you’re saving it for me + when you take it. I’ve just read a very nice note, left + for me by the governor, that I’ll be a fool and lose + anyhow.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Bates grinned.</p> + + <p>“You will, all right, all right, if you’re going into + business,” he admitted, and stuffed the check in the + upturned cuff of his sweater. “After these profit-and-loss + artists get your goat on all the starts your + old man left you, maybe I’ll have to put up the eats + and sleeps for you anyhow; huh?” and Mr. Bates + laughed with keen enjoyment of this delicately expressed + idea. “How are you going to divorce yourself + from the rest of it, Bobby?”</p> + + <p>“I’m not quite sure,” said Bobby. “You know that + big stretch of swamp land, out on the Millberg + Road?”</p> + + <p>“Where Paddy Dolan fell in and died from drinkin’ + too much water? Sure I do.”</p> + + <p>“Well, it has been suggested to me that I buy it, + drain it, fill it, put in paved streets, cut it up into + building lots and sell it.”</p> + + <p>“And build it full of these pale yellow shacks that + the honest working slob buys with seventeen years of + his wages, and then loses the shack?” Biff incredulously + wanted to know.</p> + + <p>“You guessed wrong, Biff,” laughed Bobby. “Just + <a class="pagenum" id="page88" title="88"> </a>selling the lots will be enough for me. What do you + think of it?”</p> + + <p>“I don’t know,” said Mr. Bates thoughtfully. “I + know they frame up such stunts and boost ’em strong + in the papers, and if any of these real-estate sharps + is working just for their healths they’ve been stung + from all I’ve seen of ’em. But the main point is, who’s + the guy that’s tryin’ to lead you to it?”</p> + + <p>“Oh, that part’s all right,” replied Bobby with perfect + assurance. “The man who wants me to finance + this, and who has already bought some of the land, + was one of my father’s right-hand men for nearly + thirty years.”</p> + + <p>“Then that’s all right,” agreed Mr. Bates. “But + say!” he suddenly exclaimed as a new thought struck + him; “it’s a wonder this right-mitt mut of your father’s + didn’t make the old man fall for it long ago, if + it’s such a hot muffin.”</p> + + <p>“He did try it,” confessed Bobby with hesitation + for the second time that day; “but the governor always + complained that he had too many other irons in + the fire.”</p> + + <p>“He did, <em>did</em> he?” Mr. Bates wanted to know, fixing + accusing eyes on Bobby. “Then don’t be the fall + guy for any other touting. Your old man knew this + business dope from Sheepshead Bay to Oakland. You + take it from me that this tip ain’t the one best bet.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page89" title="89"> </a>Bobby left the gymnasium with a certain degree of + dissatisfaction, not only with Mr. Applerod’s scheme + but with the fact that wherever he went his father’s + business wisdom was thrown into his teeth. That evening, + drawn to the atmosphere into which events had + plunged him, he dined at the Traders’ Club. As he + passed one of the tables Silas Trimmer leered up at + him with the circular smile, which, bisected by a row + of yellow teeth and hooded with a bristle of stubby + mustache, had now come to aggravate him almost past + endurance. To-night it made him approach his dinner + with vexation, and, failing to find the man he had + sought, he finished hastily. As he went out, Silas + Trimmer, though looking straight in his direction, + did not seem to be at all aware of Bobby’s approach. + He was deep in a business discussion with his priggish + son-in-law.</p> + + <p>“It’s a great opportunity,” he was loudly insisting. + “If I can secure that land I’ll drain and improve it + and cut it up into building lots. This city is ripe for + a suburban boom.”</p> + + <p>That settled it with Bobby. No matter what arguments + there might be to the contrary, if Silas Trimmer + had his eye on that piece of property, Bobby + wanted it.</p> + + <p>Applerod, though eagerness brought him early, + had no sooner entered the study next morning than + <a class="pagenum" id="page90" title="90"> </a>Bobby, who was already dressed for business and who + had his machine standing outside the door, met him + briskly.</p> + + <p>“Keep your hat on, Applerod,” he ordered. “We’ll + go right around and buy the rest of that property at + once.”</p> + + <p>“I thought those figures I left last night would + convince you,” beamed Mr. Applerod.</p> + + <p>There is no describing the delight and pride with + which that highly-gratified gentleman followed the + energetic young Mr. Burnit to the curb, nor the dignity + with which, a few minutes later, he led the way + into the office of one Thorne, real-estate dealer.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Thorne, Mr. Robert Burnit,” said Mr. Applerod, + hastening straight to business. “Mr. Burnit + has come around to close the deal for that Westmarsh + property.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Thorne was suavity itself as he shook hands + with Mr. Burnit, but the most aching regret was in + his tone as he spoke.</p> + + <p>“I’m very sorry indeed, Mr. Burnit,” he stated; + “but that property, which, by the way, seems very + much in demand, passed out of my hands yesterday + afternoon.”</p> + + <p>“To whom?” Mr. Applerod excitedly wanted to + know. “I think you might have let us have time to + turn around, Thorne. I spoke about it to you yesterday + <a class="pagenum" id="page91" title="91"> </a>morning, you know, and said that I felt quite + hopeful Mr. Burnit would buy it.”</p> + + <p>“I know,” said Mr. Thorne, politely but coldly; + “and I told you at the time we talked about it that + I never hold anything in the face of a bona fide + offer.”</p> + + <p>“But who has it?” Bobby insisted, more eager now + to get it, since it had slipped away from him, than + ever before.</p> + + <p>“The larger portion of it, the ninety-two acres adjoining + Mr. Applerod’s twenty,” Mr. Thorne advised + him, “was taken up by Miles, Eddy and Company. + The north eight acres are owned by Mr. Silas Trimmer, + and I am quite positive, from what Mr. Trimmer + told me, not two hours later, that this parcel is + not for sale.”</p> + + <p>Bobby’s heart sank. Eight acres of that land had + already been gobbled up by Silas Trimmer, and, no + doubt, that astute and energetic business gentleman + was now after the balance.</p> + + <p>“Where is the office of Miles, Eddy and Company?” + Bobby asked, with a crispness that pleased him tremendously + as he used it.</p> + + <p>“Twenty-six Plum Street,” Mr. Thorne advised + him.</p> + + <p>“Thanks,” said Bobby, and whirled out of the door, + followed by the disconsolate Applerod.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page92" title="92"> </a>At the office of Miles, Eddy and Company better + luck awaited them.</p> + + <p>Yes, that firm had secured possession of the Westmarsh + ninety-two acres. Yes, the property was listed + for sale, having been bought strictly for speculative + purposes. And its figure? The price was now three + hundred dollars per acre.</p> + + <p>“I’ll take it,” said Bobby.</p> + + <p>There was positive triumph in his voice as he announced + this decision. He would show Silas Trimmer + that he was awake at last, that he was not to be beaten + in every deal.</p> + + <p>“Twenty-seven thousand six hundred dollars,” said + Bobby, figuring the amount on a pad he picked up + from Mr. Eddy’s desk. “Very well. Allow me to use + your telephone a moment. Mr. Chalmers,” directed + Bobby when he had his new lawyer on the wire, + “kindly get into communication with Miles, Eddy + and Company and look up the title on ninety-two + acres of Westmarsh property which they have for + sale. If the title is clear the price is to be three hundred + dollars per acre, for which amount you will have + a check, payable to your order, within half an hour.”</p> + + <p>Then to Johnson—biting his pen-handle in Bobby’s + study and wondering where his principal and Applerod + could be at this hour—he telephoned to deliver a + check in the amount of twenty-seven thousand six + <a class="pagenum" id="page93" title="93"> </a>hundred dollars to Mr. Chalmers. Never, since he had + been plunged into “business,” had Bobby been so + elated with himself as when he walked from the office + of Miles, Eddy and Company; and, to keep up the + good work, as soon as he reached the hall he turned + to Applerod with a crisp, ringing voice, which was + the product of that elation.</p> + + <p>“Now for an engineer,” he said.</p> + + <p>“Already as good as secured,” Mr. Applerod announced, + triumphant that every necessity had been + anticipated. “Jimmy Platt, son of an old neighbor of + mine. Fine, smart boy, and knows all about the Westmarsh + proposition. Bless you, I figured on this with + him every vacation during his schooling!”</p> + + <p>An hour later, Bobby, Mr. Applerod and the secretly + jubilant Jimmy Platt had sped out Westmarsh + way, and were inspecting the hundred and twelve acres + of swamp which the new firm of Burnit and Applerod + held between them.</p> + + <p>“It’s a fine job,” said the young engineer, coveting + anew the tremendous task as he bent upon it an admiring + professional eye. “This time next year you + won’t recognize the place. It’s a noble thing, Mr. + Burnit, to turn an utterly useless stretch of swamp + like this into habitable land. Have you secured the + entire tract?”</p> + + <p>“Unfortunately, no,” Bobby confessed with a + <a class="pagenum" id="page94" title="94"> </a>frown. “The extreme north eight acres are owned + by another party.”</p> + + <p>“And when you drain your property,” mused + Jimmy, smiling, “you will drain his.”</p> + + <p>“Not if I can help it,” declared Bobby emphatically.</p> + + <p>“You must come to some arrangement before you + begin,” warned the engineer with the severe professional + authority common to the quite young. Already, + however, he was trying to grow regulation engineer’s + whiskers; also he immediately planned to get married + upon the proceeds of this big job, which, after + years of chimerical dreaming, had become too real, + almost, to be believed. “Perhaps you could get the + owner to stand his proportionate share of the expense + of drainage.”</p> + + <p>Bobby smiled at the suggestion but made no other + answer. He knew Silas Trimmer, or thought that he + did, and the idea of Silas bearing a portion of a huge + expense like this, when he could not be forced to + shoulder it, struck him as distinctly humorous.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_9" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page95" title="95"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER IX</span><br /> + + AGNES DELIVERS BOBBY A NOTE FROM OLD JOHN + BURNIT—IN A GRAY ENVELOPE</h2> + + <p>That night, at the Traders’ Club, Bobby was + surprised when Mr. Trimmer walked over to + his table and dropped his pudgy trunk and + his lean limbs into a chair beside him. His yellow + countenance was creased with ingratiating wrinkles, + and the smile behind his immovable mustache became + of perfectly flawless circumference as his muddy black + eyes peered at Bobby through thick spectacles. It + seemed to Bobby that there was malice in the wrinkles + about those eyes, but the address of Mr. Trimmer was + most conciliatory.</p> + + <p>“I have a fuss to pick with you, young man,” he + said with clumsy joviality. “You beat me upon the + purchase of that Westmarsh property. Very shrewd, + indeed, Mr. Burnit; very like your father. I suppose + that now, if I wanted to buy it from you, I’d have to + pay you a pretty advance.” And he rubbed his hands + as if to invite the opening of negotiations.</p> + + <p>“It is not for sale,” said Bobby, stiffening; “but I + <a class="pagenum" id="page96" title="96"> </a>might consider a proposition to buy your eight acres.” + He offered this suggestion with reluctance, for he had + no mind to enter transactions of any sort with Silas + Trimmer. Still, he recalled to himself with a sudden + yielding to duty, business is business, and his father + would probably have waved all personal considerations + aside at such a point.</p> + + <p>“Mine <em>is</em> for sale,” offered Silas, a trifle too eagerly, + Bobby thought.</p> + + <p>“How much?” he asked.</p> + + <p>“A thousand dollars an acre.”</p> + + <p>“I won’t pay it,” declared Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Well,” replied Mr. Trimmer with a deepening of + that circular smile which Bobby now felt sure was + maliciously sarcastic, “by the time it is drained it + will be worth that to any purchaser.”</p> + + <p>“Suppose we drain it,” suggested Bobby, holding + both his temper and his business object remarkably + well in hand. “Will you stand your share of the + cost?”</p> + + <p>“It strikes me as an entirely unnecessary expense + at present,” said Silas and smiled again.</p> + + <p>“Then it won’t be drained,” snapped Bobby.</p> + + <p>Later in the evening he caught Silas laughing at + him, his shoulders heaving and every yellow fang + protruding. The next morning, keeping earlier hours + than ever before in his life, Bobby was waiting outside + <a class="pagenum" id="page97" title="97"> </a>Jimmy Platt’s door when that gentleman started + to work.</p> + + <p>“The first thing you do,” he directed, still with a + memory of that aggravating laugh, “I want you to + build a cement wall straight across the north end of + my Westmarsh property.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Platt smiled and shook his head.</p> + + <p>“Evidently you can not buy that north eight acres, + and don’t intend to drain it,” he commented, stroking + sagely the sparse beginning of those slow professional + whiskers. “It’s your affair, of course, Mr. Burnit, + but I am quite sure that spite work in engineering can + not be made to pay.”</p> + + <p>“Nevertheless,” insisted Bobby, “we’ll build that + wall.”</p> + + <p>The previous afternoon Jimmy Platt had made a + scale drawing of the property from city surveys, and + now the two went over it carefully, discussing it in + various phases for fully an hour, proving estimates + of cost and general feasibility. At the conclusion of + that time Bobby, well pleased with his own practical + manner of looking into things, telephoned to Johnson + and asked for Applerod. Mr. Applerod had not yet + arrived.</p> + + <p>“Very well,” said Bobby, “when he comes have him + step out and secure suitable offices for us,” and this + detail despatched he went out with his engineer to + <a class="pagenum" id="page98" title="98"> </a>make a circuit of the property and study its drainage + possibilities.</p> + + <p>From profiles that Platt had made they found the + swamp at its upper point to be much lower than the + level of the river, which ran beyond low hills nearly + a mile away; but the river made a detour, including a + considerable fall, coming back again to within a scant + half-mile of the southern end of the tract, where it + was much lower than the marsh. Between marsh and + river at the south was an immense hill, too steep and + rugged for any practical purpose, and this they + scaled.</p> + + <p>The west end of the city lay before them crowding + close to the river bank, and already its tentacles + had crept around and over the hills and on past + Westmarsh tract. Young Platt looked from river to + swamp, his eyes glowing over the possibilities that lay + before them.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Burnit,” he announced, after a gravity of + thought which he strove his best to make take the + place of experience, “you ought to be able to buy this + hill very cheaply. Just through here we’ll construct + our drainage channel, and with the excavation fill your + marsh. It is one of the neatest opportunities I have + ever seen, and I want to congratulate you upon your + shrewdness in having picked out such a splendid investment.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page99" title="99"> </a>This, Bobby felt, was praise from Cæsar, and he + was correspondingly elated.</p> + + <p>He did not return to the study until in the afternoon. + He found Johnson livid with abhorrence of + Applerod’s gaudy metamorphosis. That gentleman + wore a black frock-coat, a flowered gray waistcoat, + pin-striped light trousers, shining new shoes, sported + a gold-headed cane, and on the table was the glistening + new silk hat which had reposed upon his snow-white + curls. His pink face was beaming as he rose + to greet his partner.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Burnit,” said he, shaking hands with almost + trembling gravity and importance, “this day + is the apex of my life, and I’m happy to have the + son of my old and revered employer as my partner.”</p> + + <p>“I hope that it may prove fortunate for both of + us,” replied Bobby, repressing his smile at the acquisition + of the “make-up” which Applerod had for years + aspired to wear legitimately.</p> + + <p>Johnson, humped over the desk that had once been + Bobby’s father’s, snorted and looked up at the stern + portrait of old John Burnit; then he drew from the + index-file which he had already placed upon the back + of that desk a gray-tinted envelope which he handed + to Bobby with a silence that was more eloquent than + words. It was inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page100" title="100"> </a>To my Son if he is Fool Enough to Take up With + Applerod’s Swamp Scheme</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Rather impatiently Bobby tore it open, and on the + inside he found:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“When shrewd men persist in passing up an apparently + cinch proposition, don’t even try to find out + what’s the matter with it. In this six-cylinder age no + really good opportunity runs loose for twenty-four + hours.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“If the governor had only arranged to leave me + his advice beforehand instead of afterward,” Bobby + complained to Agnes Elliston that evening, “it might + have a chance at me.”</p> + + <p>“The blow has fallen,” said Agnes with mock seriousness; + “but you must remember that you brought + it on yourself. You have complained to <em>me</em> of your + father’s carefully-laid plans for your course in progressive + bankruptcy, and he left in my keeping a letter + for you covering that very point.”</p> + + <p>“<em>Not</em> in a gray envelope, I hope,” groaned Bobby.</p> + + <p>“<em>In</em> a gray envelope,” she replied firmly, going + across to her own desk in the library.</p> + + <p>“I had feared,” said Bobby dismally, “that sooner + or later I should find he had left letters for me in + your charge as well as in Johnson’s, but I had hoped, + <a class="pagenum" id="page101" title="101"> </a>if that were the case, that at least they would be in + pink envelopes.”</p> + + <p>She brought to him one of the familiar-looking missives, + and Bobby, as he took it, looked speculatively + at the big fireplace, in which, as it was early fall, comfortable-looking + real logs were crackling.</p> + + <p>“Don’t do it, Bobby,” she warned him smiling. + “Let’s have the fun together,” and she sat beside him + on the couch, snuggling close.</p> + + <p>The envelope was addressed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Upon his Complaining that His Father’s + Advice Comes too Late!</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>He opened it, and together they read:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“No boy will believe green apples hurt him until he + gets the stomach-ache. Knowing you to be truly my + son, I am sure that if I gave you advice beforehand + you would not believe it. This way you will.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bobby smiled grimly.</p> + + <p>“I remember one painful incident of about the time + I put on knickerbockers,” he mused. “Father told me + to keep away from a rat-trap that he had bought. Of + course I caught my hand in it three minutes afterward. + It hurt and I howled, but he only looked at me + coldly until at last I asked him to help. He let the + <a class="pagenum" id="page102" title="102"> </a>thing squeeze while he asked if a rat-trap hurt. I + admitted that it did. Would I believe him next time? + I acknowledged that I would, and he opened the trap. + That was all there was to it except the raw place on + my hand; but that night he came to my room after + I had gone to bed, and lay beside me and cuddled me + in his arms until I went to sleep.”</p> + + <p>“Bobby,” said Agnes seriously, “not one of these + letters but proves his aching love for you.”</p> + + <p>“I know it,” admitted Bobby with again that grim + smile. “Which only goes to prove another thing, that + I’m in for some of the severest drubbings of my life. + I wonder where the clubs are hidden.”</p> + + <p>He found one of them late that same night at + the Idlers’. Clarence Smythe, Silas Trimmer’s son-in-law, + drifted in toward the wee small hours in an unusual + condition of hilarity. He had a Vandyke, had + Mr. Smythe, and was one who cherished a mad passion + for clothes; also, as an utterly impossible + “climber,” he was as cordially hated as Bobby was + liked at the Idlers’, where he had crept in “while the + window was open,” as Nick Allstyne expressed it. + Ordinarily he was most prim and pretty of manner, + but to-night he was on vinously familiar terms with all + the world, and, crowding himself upon Bobby’s quiet + whist crowd, slapped Bobby joyously on the shoulder.</p> + + <p>“Generous lad, Bobby!” he thickly informed Allstyne + <a class="pagenum" id="page103" title="103"> </a>and Winthrop and Starlett. “If you chaps have + any property you’ve wanted to unload for half a lifetime, + here’s the free-handed plunger to buy it.”</p> + + <p>“How’s that?” Bobby wanted to know, guessing instantly + at the humiliating truth.</p> + + <p>“That Westmarsh swamp belonged to Trimmer,” + laughed Mr. Smythe, so bubbling with the hugeness + of the joke that he could not keep his secret; “and + when Thorne, after pumping your puffy man, told + my clever father-in-law you wanted it, he promptly + bought it from himself in the name of Miles, Eddy + and Company and put up the price to three hundred + an acre. Besides taking the property off his shoulders + you’ve given him nearly a ten-thousand-dollar advance + for it. Fine business!”</p> + + <p>“Great!” agreed blunt Jack Starlett. “Almost as + good a joke as refusing to pay a poker debt because + it isn’t legal.”</p> + + <p>Bobby smiled his thanks for the shot, but inside he + was sick. The game they were playing was a parting + set-to, for the three others were leaving in the morning + for Stanley’s hunt, but Bobby was glad when it + was over. In the big, lonely house he sat in the study + for an hour before he went to bed, looking abstractedly + up at the picture of old John Burnit and worrying + over this new development. It cut him to the quick, + not so much that he had been made a fool of by + <a class="pagenum" id="page104" title="104"> </a>“clever” real-estate men, had been led, imbecile-like, + to pay an extra hundred dollars per acre for that + swamp land, but that the advantage had gone to Silas + Trimmer.</p> + + <p>Moreover, why had Silas put a prohibitive valuation + upon that north eight acres? Why did he want + to keep it? It must be because Silas really expected + that his tract would be drained free of charge, and + that he would thus have the triumph of selling it for + an approximate six thousand dollars an acre in the + form of building lots. In the face of such a conclusion, + the thought of the cement wall that he had ordered + built was a great satisfaction.</p> + + <p>It was a remarkably open winter that followed, and + outdoor operations could thereby go on uninterrupted. + In the office, the pompous Applerod, in + his frock-coat and silk hat, ground Johnson’s soul to + gall dust; for he had taken to saying “<em>Mr.</em> Johnson” + most formally, and issuing directions with maddening + politeness and consideration. An arrangement had + been effected with Applerod, whereby that gentleman, + for having suggested the golden opportunity, was to + reap the entire benefit of the improvement on his own + twenty acres, Bobby financing the whole deal and + charging Applerod’s share of it against his account. + Applerod stood thereby to gain about seventy-six + thousand dollars over and above the price he had paid + <a class="pagenum" id="page105" title="105"> </a>for his twenty acres; and, moreover, <em>Bobby had decided + to call the improved tract the Applerod Addition</em>! + When that name began to appear in print, + coupled with flaming advertisements of Applerod’s + devising, there was grave danger of the rosy-cheeked + old gentleman’s losing every button from every fancy + vest in his possession.</p> + + <p>In the meantime, thoroughly in love with the vast + enterprise which he had projected, Bobby spent his + time outdoors, fascinated, unable to find any peace + elsewhere than upon his Titanic labor. His evenings + he spent in such social affairs as he could not avoid; + with Agnes Elliston; with Biff Bates; in an occasional + game of billiards at the Idlers’; but his days, + from early morning until the evening whistle, he spent + amid the clang of pick and shovel, the rattling of the + trams, the creaking of the crane. It was an absorbing + thing to see that enormous groove cut down through + the big hill, and to watch the growth of the great + mounds which grew up out of the marsh. The ditch + that should drain off all this murky water was, of + course, the first thing to be achieved, and, from the + base of the hill through which it was to be cut, the + engineer ran a tram bridge straight across the swamp + to the new retaining wall; and from this, with the aid + of a huge, long-armed crane which lifted cars bodily + from the track, the soil was dumped on either side as + <a class="pagenum" id="page106" title="106"> </a>it was removed from the cut. By the latter part of + December the ditch had been completed and connected + with the special sewer which, by permission of the + city, had been built to carry the overflow to the river, + and, the open weather still holding, the stagnant pool + which had been a blot upon the landscape for untold + ages began to flow sluggishly away, displaced by the + earth from the disappearing hill.</p> + + <p>The city papers were teeming now with the vast + energy and public-spirited enterprise of young Robert + Burnit and Oliver P. Applerod, and there were + many indications that the enterprise was to be a most + successful one. Even before they were ready to receive + them, applications were daily made for reservations + in the new district, and individual home-seekers + began to take Sunday trips out to where the big undertaking + was in progress.</p> + + <p>“You sure have got ’em going, Bobby,” confessed + the finally-convinced Biff Bates after a visit of inspection. + “Here’s where you put the hornet on one + Silas Tight-Wad Trimmer all right, all right. But + the bones don’t roll right that the side bet don’t go + for Johnson instead of Applegoat. He’s a shine, for + me. I think he’s all to the canary color inside, but + this man Johnson’s some man if he only had a shell + to put it in. Me for him!”</p> + + <p>The unexpressed friendship that had sprung up + <a class="pagenum" id="page107" title="107"> </a>between the taciturn bookkeeper and the loquacious + ex-pugilist was both a puzzle and a delight to Bobby, + and it was one of his great joys to see them together, + they not knowing why they liked such companionship, + not having a single topic of conversation in common, + but unconsciously enjoying that vague, sympathetic + man-soul they found in each other.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_10" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page108" title="108"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER X</span><br /> + AGNES AND BOBBY DISCERN DIAMOND-STUDDED SPURS + FOR THE LATTER</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">About</span> the first of February the filling and + grading were finished and the construction + of the streets began, and the middle of + March saw the final disappearance of everything, except + that dark, eight-acre spot of Silas Trimmer’s, + which might remind one of the tract once known as + the Westmarsh. In its place lay a broad, yellow + checker-board, formed by intersecting streets of asphalt + edged with cement pavements, and in the center, + at the crossing of broad Burnit and Applerod + Avenues, there arose, over a spot where once frogs + had croaked and mosquitoes clustered in crowds, a + pretty club-house, which was later to be donated to + the suburb; and a great satisfaction fell upon the + soul of Bobby Burnit like a benediction.</p> + + <p>Also one Oliver P. Applerod added two full inches + to his strut. He seldom came out to the scene of actual + operations, for there was none there except workmen + <a class="pagenum" id="page109" title="109"> </a>to see his frock-coat and silk hat; but occasionally, + from a sense of duty inextricably mingled with self-assertiveness, + he paid a visit of inspection, and upon + one of these his eyes were confronted by a huge new + board sign, visible for half a mile, that overlooked + the Applerod Addition from the hills to the north. + It bore but two words: “Trimmer’s Addition.” Applerod, + holding his broadcloth tight about him to keep + it from yellow contamination as a car rumbled by, + looked and wiped his glasses and looked again, then, + highly excited, he called Bobby to him.</p> + + <p>“Why didn’t you tell me of this?” he demanded, + pointing to the sign.</p> + + <p>Bobby, happy in sweater and high boots and liberal + decorations of clay, only laughed.</p> + + <p>“The sign went up only yesterday,” he stated.</p> + + <p>“But it is competition. Unfair competition! He is + stealing our thunder,” protested Applerod.</p> + + <p>“He has a perfect right to lay out a subdivision if + he wants,” said Bobby. “But don’t worry, Applerod. + I’ve been over there and the thing is a joke. The tract + is one-fourth the size of ours, it is uphill and downhill, + only a little grading is being done, streets are + cut through but not paved, and a few cheap board + sidewalks are being put down. He’s had to pay a lot + more for his land than we have, and can not sell his + lots any cheaper.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page110" title="110"> </a>“There’s no telling what Silas Trimmer will do,” + said Applerod, shaking his head.</p> + + <p>“Nonsense,” said Bobby; “there is no chance that + people will pass by our lots and buy one of his.”</p> + + <p>Applerod walked away unconvinced. Had it been + any one else than Silas Trimmer who had set up this + opposition he would not have minded so much, but + Applerod had come to have a mighty fear of John + Burnit’s ancient enemy, and presently he came back + to Bobby more panic-stricken than ever.</p> + + <p>“I’m going to sell my interest in the Applerod Addition + the minute I find a buyer,” he declared, “and + I’d advise you to do the same.”</p> + + <p>“Don’t be foolish,” counseled Bobby, frowning. + “You <em>can’t</em> lose.”</p> + + <p>“But man!” quavered Applerod. “I have four + thousand dollars of my own cash, all I’ve been able + to scrape together in a lifetime, tied up in this thing, + and I <em>mustn’t</em> lose!”</p> + + <p>Bobby regarded his father’s old confidential clerk + more in sorrow than in anger. He was not used to + dealing with men of any age so utterly lacking in + gameness.</p> + + <p>“Four thousand,” he repeated, then he looked across + his big checker-board. “I’ll give you ten thousand + for it right now.”</p> + + <p>“What!” objected Applerod, aghast. “Why, Burnit, + <a class="pagenum" id="page111" title="111"> </a>the work is nearly done and I have already in sight + seventy-six thousand dollars of clear profit over my + investment.”</p> + + <p>Bobby did not remind Applerod that his four thousand + dollars represented only a trifling part of the + investment required to yield this seventy-six thousand + dollars’ profit. Yet, after all, there was no flaw in + Applerod’s commercial reasoning.</p> + + <p>“I didn’t expect you to accept it,” replied Bobby. + “If you were determined to get out, however, you’ve + had an offer of six thousand profit, with no risk.”</p> + + <p>“I’d be crazy,” declared Applerod. “I can get a + better price than that.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was thoughtful for an hour after Applerod + had left him; then he hurried into the club-house and + telephoned to Chalmers. This was in the forenoon. + In the afternoon Applerod was served with an injunction + based upon an indivisibility of interest, restraining + him from disposing of his share; and in his + anger he let it slip out that he had already been trying + to open negotiations with Trimmer!</p> + + <p>“Honestly, it hurts!” said Bobby wearily, telling + of the incident to Agnes that night. “I didn’t know + there were so many unsportsmanlike people.”</p> + + <p>“I think that is precisely what your father wanted + you to find out,” she observed.</p> + + <p>“I don’t want to know it,” protested Bobby. “I’d + <a class="pagenum" id="page112" title="112"> </a>stay much happier to believe that everybody in the + world was of the right sort.”</p> + + <p>She shook her head.</p> + + <p>“No, Bobby,” she said gently; “you have to know + that there is the other kind, in order properly to appreciate + truth and honor and loyalty.”</p> + + <p>“I could almost believe I was in a Sunday-school + class,” grinned Bobby. “No wonder it’s snowing.”</p> + + <p>Agnes looked out of the window with a cry of delight. + Those floating flakes were the very first snow + of the season; but they were by no means the last. + The winter, delayed, but apparently all the more violent + for that very reason, burst suddenly upon the + city, stopping the finishing touches on both suburban + additions. Came rain and sleet and snow, and rain + and sleet and snow again, then biting cold that sank + deep into the ground and sealed it as if with a crust + of iron. March, that had come in like a lamb, went + out like a lion, and the lion raged through April and + into May. Then, as suddenly as it had come, the + belated winter passed away and the warm sun beat + down upon the snow-clad hills and swept them clean. + It penetrated into the valleys and turned them into + rivulets, thousands of which poured into the river and + swelled its banks brimming full. The streets of the + Applerod Addition were quickly washed with their + own white covering and dried, and immediately with + <a class="pagenum" id="page113" title="113"> </a>this break-up began the great advertising campaign. + The papers flamed with full-page and half-page announcements + of the wonderful home-making opportunity; + circulars were mailed to possible home-buyers + by the hundred thousand; every street-car told of the + bargain on striking cards; immense electric signs + blazoned the project by night; sixteen-sheet posters + were spread upon all the bill-boards, and every device + known to expert advertising was requisitioned. + Not one soul within the city or within a radius of fifty + miles but had kept constantly before him the duty he + owed to himself to purchase a lot in the marvelous + Applerod Addition; and now indeed Oliver P. Applerod, + reassured once more, began to reap the fruit of + his life’s ambitions as prospective buyers thronged + to look at his frock-coat and silk hat.</p> + + <p>June the first was set for the date of the “grand + opening,” and though it was not to be a month of + roses, still the earth looked bright and gay as the time + approached, and Bobby Burnit took Agnes out to + view his coming triumph. This was upon a bright day + toward the end of May, when those yellow squares + were tempered to a golden green by the tender young + grass that had been sown at the completion of the + grading. She had made frequent visits with him + through the winter, and now she gloried with him.</p> + + <p>“It looks fine, Bobby,” she confessed with glowing + <a class="pagenum" id="page114" title="114"> </a>eyes. “Fine! It really seems as if you had won your + spurs.”</p> + + <p>“Diamond-studded ones!” he exulted. “Why, + Agnes, the office is besieged with requests for allotments. + In spite of the fact that we have over eleven + hundred lots for sale at an average price of six hundred + dollars, we’re not going to have enough to go + around. The receipts will be fully seven hundred thousand + dollars, and our complete disbursements, by the + time we have sold out, will not amount to over two + hundred and twenty-five thousand. Of course, I don’t + know—I haven’t asked, and you wouldn’t tell me if I + did—just by what promises you are bound, but when + I close up this deal you’re going to marry me! That’s + flat!”</p> + + <p>“You mustn’t be too sure of anything in this world, + Bobby,” she warned him, but she turned upon him a + smile that made her words but idle breath.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_11" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page115" title="115"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XI</span><br /> + BOBBY DISCOVERS AN ENEMY GREATER THAN SILAS + TRIMMER</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">One</span> circumstance only had occurred to give + Bobby any anxiety. With the beginning of + the thaw the water in Silas Trimmer’s eight + acres had begun slowly to rise, and he saw with some + dismay that by far the larger part of the great natural + basin from which the surface water had been + supplied to this swamp sloped from the northern end. + Not having that expanse of one hundred and twenty + acres to spread over, it might overflow, and in considerable + trepidation he sought Jimmy Platt. That + happy young gentleman only smiled.</p> + + <p>“I calculated upon that,” he informed Bobby, “and + built your retaining wall two feet higher than the + normal spring level for that very reason. It will carry + all the water than can shed down from those hills.”</p> + + <p>Relieved, Bobby went ahead with the preparations + for turning the Applerod Addition into money, and + though he saw the water creeping up steadily against + <a class="pagenum" id="page116" title="116"> </a>the other side of his wall, he displayed no anxiety + until it had reached within three or four inches of the + top. Then he took Platt out with him to have a look + at it.</p> + + <p>“Don’t you think you ought to get busy?” he inquired. + “Hadn’t we better add another foot to this + wall?”</p> + + <p>“Not necessary,” said Jimmy, shaking his head + positively. “This has been an unusual spring, but the + wet weather is all over now, and you can see by the + water-mark where the level has gone down a half inch + since morning. All the moisture that has been trickling + down here during the past week has been from + the thawing out of the frozen hillsides, but those + slopes are almost dust dry now.”</p> + + <p>“Suppose it should rain again?” insisted Bobby, + still worried.</p> + + <p>“It couldn’t rain hard enough to fill up these four + inches,” declared Platt with decision. “Look here, Mr. + Burnit, I’d worry myself if there was any cause whatever. + Do you suppose I’d want anything to happen + to my biggest and best job so close to my wedding-day?”</p> + + <p>“So you’ve set the time,” said Bobby, with eager + pleasure. He had met Platt’s “best girl” and her + mother out at the Addition, and liked her, as he did + earnest young Platt.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page117" title="117"> </a>“June the first,” replied Jimmy exultantly. “The + date of your opening—in the evening.”</p> + + <p>“Don’t forget to send me an invitation.”</p> + + <p>“Will you come?” said Platt. He had wanted to ask + Bobby before, but had not been quite sure that he + ought.</p> + + <p>“Come!” replied Bobby. “Indeed I shall—unless I + happen to have a wedding of my own on that date.”</p> + + <p>Bobby went away satisfied once more, and quite + willing to give up the additional foot of wall. The + work would entail considerable cost, and expense now + was much more of an item than it had been a few + months previously. Already he had spent upon this + project over two hundred and ten thousand dollars; + ten thousand he had given to Biff Bates; ten thousand + he had used personally, so there was but an insignificant + portion left of his two hundred and fifty thousand + dollars. Their “grand opening” would eat up + another tidy little sum, for it was to be an expensive + affair. The liberal advertising that had already appeared + was augmented as the great day approached, + a brass band had been engaged, a magnificent lunch, + sufficient to feed an army, had been arranged for, and + every available ‘bus and carry-all and picnic wagon + in the city had been secured to transport all comers, + free of charge, from the end of the car line to the new + Addition. The price of vehicles was high, however, + <a class="pagenum" id="page118" title="118"> </a>for Silas Trimmer had already engaged quite a number + of them to run between the Applerod Addition + and his own. During the week preceding June first, + there had appeared, in the local papers, advertisements + of about one-fourth the size that Bobby was + using, calling attention to the opening of the Trimmer + Addition, which was to be upon the same date.</p> + + <p>On the evening of May twenty-ninth, Bobby found + Silas pacing the top of the retaining wall which held + in his swamp, and waited for the spider-like figure to + come across and join him.</p> + + <p>“Too bad you didn’t come in with me, or sell me + your property at a reasonable figure,” said Bobby + affably, willing, in spite of his recent bitter experience, + to meet his competitor upon the same friendly + grounds that he would a crack polo antagonist on the + eve of contest. “It’s a shame that this could not all + have been improved at one time.”</p> + + <p>“I’d just as lief have my part of it the way it is,” + said Silas. “It’s no good now, but it’s as good as + yours,” and he climbed into his buggy and drove + away laughing, leaving Bobby strangely dissatisfied + and doubtful over that strange remark.</p> + + <p>While he was still trying to unravel it, he noted + that the water in Silas’ pond, which but a day or so + previously had been down to fully nine inches from + the top, was now climbing rapidly upward again; and + <a class="pagenum" id="page119" title="119"> </a>there had been no rain for more than two weeks! The + thing was inexplicable. He was still puzzling over + this as he drove down the road and turned in at broad + Burnit Avenue toward the club-house. The asphalt + and the pavements were bone dry and as clean as a + ball-room floor, and it seemed to him that the young + grass was growing greener and higher here than anywhere.</p> + + <p>Suddenly he ordered his chauffeur to stop the machine. + He had just passed a lot where, amid the tufts + of green, his eye had caught the glint of water. Running + back to it he saw that the center of that lot was + covered by a small pool scarcely half an inch deep, + through which the grass was growing dankly. This, + too, was queer, for the hot sun and strong breeze of + the past few days should have dried up every vestige + of moisture. He walked along the sidewalk, studying + each of the lots in turn. Here and there he discovered + other small pools, and every lot bore the appearance + of having just been freshly and too liberally watered. + He stepped from the pavement upon the earth, and + to his surprise his foot sank into it to the depth of + an inch or more. For a while he was deeply worried, + but presently it flashed upon him that all this soil had + been dumped into the marsh, displacing the water, + and that in this process it had naturally become + soaked through and through. Of course it would take + <a class="pagenum" id="page120" title="120"> </a>a long time to dry out and it would be all the better + for its moisture. The rate at which grass was growing + was proof enough of that.</p> + + <p>On the next day, kept busy by the preparations for + the big opening, Bobby did not get out to the Applerod + Addition until evening again. As he neared it he + met Silas Trimmer coming back in his buck-board, + that false circle around his mouth very much in evidence.</p> + + <p>“You ought to have had your opening yesterday. + I’d have been tempted to buy a lot myself then,” + shouted Silas as he passed, and Bobby was sure that + the tone was a mocking one.</p> + + <p>Consumed with anxiety, he hurried on to see how + Silas’ swamp stood. Aghast, he found the level of the + water a full inch higher than any point that it had + ever before reached. Connecting this condition + vaguely with that other phenomenon that he had + noted, he whirled his runabout and ran back into + Burnit Avenue. In twenty-four hours a remarkable + change had been wrought. There were pools everywhere. + The lot where he had first noticed it was now + entirely covered with water, with barely the tips of + the grass showing through. Frightened, he drove over + the entire Addition, up one street and down another. + In many places the lots were flooded. One entire block + had become no more nor less than a pond. At other + <a class="pagenum" id="page121" title="121"> </a>points the water, carrying with it the yellow soil, was + flowing over his beautiful clean sidewalks and spreading + its stain upon his immaculate streets. The darkness + alone drove him from that inspection, and then + it occurred to him to send once more for Jimmy Platt. + At the first suburban telephone station he tried for + nearly an hour to locate his man, but in vain. Later + he tried it from his club, but could not reach him. + That night was a sleepless one, and the next morning’s + daybreak found him speeding out the roadway + to the Applerod Addition.</p> + + <p>Early as he was, however, he found young Platt + there ahead of him and in despair. He had good + cause. The whole north end of the Applerod Addition + had turned black, and over the top of Bobby’s + now grimy cement wall poured a broad, dark sheet of + the murky swamp-water which had stained it. The + pond of Silas Trimmer had overflowed in spite of all + Platt’s confident figuring that it could not, and in + spite of the fact that dry weather had prevailed for + two solid weeks. That was the inexplicable part. + Clear weather, and still the entire suburb was becoming + practically submerged! With solid, dry soil + surrounding it, wherever the eye could reach it had + become but a morass of mud! Mud was smeared upon + every path and every roadway, and Bobby’s automobile + slipped and slid in the oily, yellow liquid that lay + <a class="pagenum" id="page122" title="122"> </a>sluggishly in every gutter and blotched every rod of + his clean asphalt.</p> + + <p>Young Platt’s face blanched as he saw Bobby.</p> + + <p>“I’ve made a miserable botch of it,” he confessed, + torn with an agony of regret at his failure; “and I + can’t see yet what I overlooked. I’d no right to tackle + a man’s job like this!”</p> + + <p>“You!” replied Bobby vehemently. “It was Trimmer + who did this; somehow, someway he did it, and + he flaunts it in our faces. Look there!” and he + pointed to a huge signboard that had been erected + overnight just opposite the entrance to Burnit Avenue. + In huge, bold letters, surmounted by a giant + hand that pointed the way, it told prospective investors + to buy property in the high and dry Trimmer + Addition, the words “High and Dry” being twice + as large as any other lettering upon the board.</p> + + <p>“It is surely a lot of nerve,” admitted Platt, “but + it is rank nonsense to say that the man had anything + to do with this catastrophe. It would have been impossible. + Let’s look this thing over. Drive past the + club-house to the extreme west side.”</p> + + <p>Once more they traversed the mud of Burnit Avenue, + and upon the dry, sloping ground the young + engineer, cursing his inexperience, alighted and + walked along the edge of the property, seeking a solution + to the mystery. Still perplexed, he ascended + <a class="pagenum" id="page123" title="123"> </a>the rising ground and looked musingly across at the + yet swollen and clay-red river. Suddenly an exclamation + escaped his lips.</p> + + <p>“There’s your enemy,” he said to Bobby who had + climbed up beside him, and pointed to the river. “The + river bank, I am sure, must edge upon a tilted shale + formation which dips just below this basin. Probably + at all times some of the water from the river + seeps down between two sand-separated layers of this + formation to find its outlet in the marsh, and it is this + water which, through a geological freak, has supplied + that swamp for ages. In the spring, however, and + in extraordinary flood times, it probably finds a higher + and looser stratum, and rushes down here with all the + force of a hydraulic stream. This spring it took it + a long time to wet thoroughly all our made ground + from the bottom upward. The frost, sinking deeper + in this loose, wet soil than elsewhere, held it back, + too, for a time, but as soon as this was thoroughly + out of the ground the river overflow came up like a + geyser.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Burnit, your Applerod Addition is ruined, + and it can never be saved, unless by some extraordinary + means. Nature picked out this spot, centuries + and centuries ago, for a swamp, and she’s + going to have one here in spite of all that we can do. + In five years this basin won’t be a thing but black + <a class="pagenum" id="page124" title="124"> </a>water and weeds, with only that club-house as a decaying + monument to your enterprise.”</p> + + <p>Bobby controlled himself with an effort. His face + was drawn and white; but part of that was from the + anxiety of the past two days, and he took the blow + stiff and erect, as a good soldier stands up to be disciplined. + His eye roved over the work in which he + had taken such pride, and already he could see in + fancy the dank weeds growing up, and the croaking + frogs diving into the oily surface, and the clouds of + mosquitoes hovering over it again. Over the top of + his retaining wall still poured the foul water which + was to leaven all this, and he gazed upon it with a + sharp intake of the breath.</p> + + <p>“And to think that Silas Trimmer must have + known all this, and led me to waste a fortune just so + that he could reap the benefit of my advertising for + his own vulture advantage!”</p> + + <p>That, at first, was the part which hurt more than + the overthrow of his plans, more than the loss of his + money, more than the failure of his fight to carry out + his father’s wishes for his success: that any one could + play the game so unfairly, that there could be in all + the world people so detestable, so unprincipled, so + <em>unsportsmanlike</em>!</p> + + <p>Slowly the vanquished pair descended the hill to + where the automobile stood upon the solid, level sward, + <a class="pagenum" id="page125" title="125"> </a>but before they climbed in Bobby shook hands with his + engineer.</p> + + <p>“Don’t blame yourself too much, old man,” he + said. “It wasn’t a condition that you could foresee, + and I’m mighty sorry if it hurts your reputation.”</p> + + <p>“It ought to!” exclaimed Platt with deep self-revilement. + “I should have investigated. I should not + have taken anything for granted. I ought to have + enough money so that you could sue me for damages + and recover all you lost.”</p> + + <p>“It couldn’t be done,” said Bobby miserably. “I’ve + lost so much more than money.”</p> + + <p>He did not tell Platt of Agnes, but that was the + one thought into which all his failure had finally resolved. + Agnes! How much longer must he wait for + her? They had just passed the club-house when a + light buggy turned into Burnit Avenue, driven furiously + by a white-haired man in a white vest and a + high silk hat.</p> + + <p>“I accept your offer!” cried Applerod, as soon as + he came within talking distance, his usually ruddy + face now livid white.</p> + + <p>“My offer,” repeated Bobby wonderingly.</p> + + <p>“Yes; your offer of ten thousand dollars for my + share in the Applerod Addition.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was forced to laugh. It had needed but + this to make the bitter jest of fortune complete.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page126" title="126"> </a>“You refused that offer the day it was made, Applerod!” + put in Platt indignantly. “I heard you. Anyhow, + you dragged Mr. Burnit into this thing!”</p> + + <p>“He’s not to blame for that,” said Bobby. “But + still, I don’t think I care to buy any more of this + property.” And he smiled grimly at the absurdity + of it all.</p> + + <p>“I’ll sue you for it!” shrieked Applerod, frantic + from thwarted self-interest. “You prevented me from + selling out at a profit when I had a chance! You + bound me hand and foot when I knew that if Silas + Trimmer had anything to gain by it we would lose! + He knew all the time that this swamp was fed by + underground springs. He bragged about it to me + this morning as I passed him on the road. He told + me last night I’d better come out here this morning.”</p> + + <p>“I see,” said Bobby coldly, and he reached for his + lever.</p> + + <p>“Then you won’t hold good to your offer?” gasped + the other.</p> + + <p>Pale before, he had turned ashen now, and Bobby + looked at him with quick compunction. Applerod, + always so chubbily youthful for a man of his years, + was grown suddenly old. He seemed to have shrunk + inside his clothes, his face to have turned flabby, his + eyes to have dimmed. After all, he was an old man, + and the little that he had scraped together represented + <a class="pagenum" id="page127" title="127"> </a>all that he could hope to amass in a none too provident + lifetime. This day made him a pauper and there + was no chance for a fresh start. Bobby himself was + young and strong, and, moreover, his resources were + by no means exhausted.</p> + + <p>“I’ll tell you what I’ll do, Applerod,” said he, after + a moment of very sober thought. “Your property + cost you in the neighborhood of four thousand. Interest + since the time you first began to invest in it + would bring it up to a little more than that. I’ll give + you five thousand.”</p> + + <p>“I won’t accept it.—Yes, I will! yes, I will!” he + cried as Bobby impatiently reached again for his + lever.</p> + + <p>“Very well,” said Bobby, “wait a minute.” And + tearing a leaf from his memorandum-book he wrote a + note to Johnson to see to the transfer of the property + and deliver to Applerod a check for five thousand + dollars.</p> + + <p>“That was more than generous; it was foolish,” + protested Jimmy Platt, as they whirled away.</p> + + <p>“No doubt,” admitted Bobby dryly. “But, if I’m + forced to be a fool, I might as well have a well-finished + job of it.”</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_12" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page128" title="128"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XII</span><br /> + AGNES DECIDES THAT SHE WILL WAIT</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Applerod</span>, his poise nearly recovered, + bounded into the office where Johnson sat + stolidly working away, his sense of personal + contentedness enhanced by the presence of Biff Bates, + who sat idly upon the flat-top desk, dangling his legs + and waiting for Bobby. Mr. Applerod paid no attention + whatever to Mr. Bates, that gentleman being + quite beneath his notice, but with vast importance he + laid down in front of Mr. Johnson the note which + Bobby had given him.</p> + + <p>“<em>Mr.</em> Johnson,” he pompously directed, “you will + please attend to this little matter as soon as possible.”</p> + + <p>“Applerod,” said Johnson, glancing at the note + and looking up with sudden fire, “does this mean that + you are no longer even partially my employer?”</p> + + <p>“That’s it exactly.”</p> + + <p>“Then you, Applerod, don’t you dare call me <em>Mr.</em> + Johnson again!” And he shook a bony fist at his + old-time work-fellow.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page129" title="129"> </a>Biff Bates nearly fell off the desk, but with rare + presence of mind restrained his glee.</p> + + <p>Mr. Applerod, smiling loftily, immediately wielded + his bludgeon.</p> + + <p>“We should not quarrel over trifles,” he stated + commiseratingly. “We are once more companions in + misfortune. There is no Applerod Addition. It is a + swamp again.”</p> + + <p>“What do you mean?” asked Johnson incredulously, + but suspending his indignation for the instant.</p> + + <p>“This,” said Applerod: “that the entire addition + is a hundred-acre mud puddle this morning. You + couldn’t sell a lot in it to a blind man. Every cent + that was invested in it is lost. The whole marsh was + fed from underground springs that have come up + through it and overflowed the place.”</p> + + <p>“Trimmer again,” said Biff Bates, and slid off the + desk; then he looked at his watch with a curious speculative + smile.</p> + + <p>“But if it is all lost,” protested Johnson, looking + again at the note and pausing in the making out of + the check, “how do you come to get this?”</p> + + <p>“He owed it to me,” asserted Applerod. “I wanted + to sell out when I first found that we were competing + with Silas Trimmer, and young Burnit kept me from + it by an injunction. He offered me ten thousand + dollars for my interest once, but this morning when + <a class="pagenum" id="page130" title="130"> </a>I went to accept that offer he would only give me + this five thousand. It’s just five thousand dollars that + he’s robbed me of.”</p> + + <p>“<em>Robbed!</em>” shrilled Johnson, jumping from his + chair. “Applerod, you weigh a hundred and eighty + pounds and I weigh a hundred and thirty-seven, but + I can lick you the best day you ever lived; and by + thunder and blazes! if you let fall another remark like + that I’ll knock your infernal head off!”</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson had on no coat, but he felt the urgent + need to remove something, so he tore off one false + sleeve, wadded it up in a little ball and slammed it + on the floor with great vigor, tore off the other one, + wadded it up and slammed that down. Biff Bates, + quivering with joy, rang loudly upon a porcelain + electric-light shade with his pencil and called: + “Time!”</p> + + <p>There was no employment for a referee, however, + for Mr. Applerod, with astonishing agility, sprang + to the door and held it half open, ready for a hurried + exit in case of any other demonstration. It was shocking + to think that he might be drawn into an undignified + altercation—and with a mere clerk! Also, it + might be dangerous.</p> + + <p>“Nothing doing, chum,” said Biff Bates disgustedly + to his friend Johnson. “This bunch of mush-ripe + bananas ain’t even a quitter. He’s a never-beginner. + <a class="pagenum" id="page131" title="131"> </a>But you’ll do fine, old scout. Come along with me. + I got a treat for you.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson, breathing scorn that alternately + dented and inflated his nostrils, slowly donned his coat + and hat without removing his eyes from Applerod, + who, as the two approached the door, edged uncertainly + away from it.</p> + + <p>“I’ve got to go out, anyhow,” said Johnson, addressing + his remarks exclusively to Mr. Bates, but + his glare exclusively to Mr. Applerod. “I’m going + to put this check into the hands of Mr. Chalmers, so + Mr. Robert don’t get cheated by any yellow-livered + <em>snake in the grass</em>!” And he spit out those last violent + words with a sudden vehemence which made Mr. + Applerod drop his shiny hat.</p> + + <p>When Bobby came into the office a few minutes + later he found Applerod, his hat upon his lap, waiting + in one of the customers’ chairs with stiff solemnity.</p> + + <p>“Why aren’t you at your desk, Applerod?” asked + Bobby sharply. “You have an immense amount of + unopened mail, and some of it may contain checks + which will have to be sent back.”</p> + + <p>“Mr. Burnit,” said Mr. Applerod, rising with + great dignity and throwing back his shoulders, “I + consider myself no longer in your employ. I have + resigned.”</p> + + <p>Bobby looked at him thoughtfully and weighed + <a class="pagenum" id="page132" title="132"> </a>rapidly in his mind a great many things. He remembered + that his father had once said of the two + men: “Johnson has a pea-green liver and is a pessimist, + but he is honest. Applerod suffers from too + much health and is an optimist, and I presume him + to be honest, but I never tested it.” Yet his father + had seen fit to keep Applerod in his intimate employ + all these years, recognizing in him material of value. + Moreover, he had advised Bobby to keep both men, + and Bobby, to-day more than ever, placed great faith + in the wisdom of his father.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Applerod,” said he, “I dislike to be harsh + with you, but if you don’t put up your hat and get + at that bundle of mail I shall be compelled to consider + discharging you. Where’s Johnson?”</p> + + <p>“He went out with Mr. Bates, sir.”</p> + + <p>When Bobby left, Applerod was industriously + sorting the mail on his desk, preparing to open it.</p> + + <p>Bobby let himself into the big new gymnasium + and walked back through the deserted hall to the + small room that was used for individual training. + As he neared the door he could hear the sound of loud + voices and the shuffling of feet, and heard the commanding + voice of Biff Bates shout “Break!”</p> + + <p>The door was locked, but through the slide window + at the side a strange tableau met his eyes. Stooped + and lean Johnson, as chalk-white of face as ever, had + <a class="pagenum" id="page133" title="133"> </a>paunchy and thin-legged Silas Trimmer by the collar, + and over Biff Bates’ intervening body was trying + to rain blows into the center of the circular smile, now + flattened to an oval of distress.</p> + + <p>“Break, Johnson, break!” begged Biff. “Don’t put + him out till you feed him all he’s got coming.” Thereupon + he succeeded in extracting Mr. Trimmer from + the grasp of Mr. Johnson and forced the former + back upon a chair, where he began to fan him with + a towel in most approved fashion.</p> + + <p>“Let me out of this!” gasped Mr. Trimmer. “I’ll + have you arrested for assault and conspiracy.”</p> + + <p>“They’ll only pinch a corpse, for the cops’ll find + me tickled to death when they get here,” responded + Mr. Bates gaily. “Now you’re all right. Get up!”</p> + + <p>“Let me out of this, I say!” commanded Mr. Trimmer + frantically. “I’ll run you into the penitentiary! + I’ll break you up in business! I’ll hire thugs to break + every bone in your body!”</p> + + <p>“Is that all?” inquired Biff complacently, and + grabbed him as he started to run around the room in + a wild hunt for an outlet. “Stand up here and put + up a fight or I’ll punch you myself. I’ve been aching + to do it for a year. That’s why I got Doc Willets + to dope it out to you that you was dyin’ for training, + and why I kept shifting your hour to when there was + nobody here. Go to him, chum!”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page134" title="134"> </a>Then ensued the strangest sparring match that the + grinning and stealthily silent Bobby had ever seen. + Johnson, with a true “tiger crouch” which he could + not have avoided if he had wished, began dancing + around and around the spherical body of Mr. Trimmer, + without science and without precaution, keeping + his two arms going like windmills, and occasionally + landing a light blow upon some portion of Mr. Trimmer’s + unresisting anatomy; but finally a whirl so + vigorous that it sent Johnson spinning upon his + own heel, landed squarely beneath the jaw of Silas. + That gentleman, with a puffed eye and a bleeding lip + and two teeth gone, rose from his feet with the impact + of the blow, and landed with a grunt in a huge + basket of soiled bath-towels.</p> + + <p>“Johnson,” called the laughter-shaken voice of + Bobby through the window, “I’m ashamed of you!”</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson looked up happily from his task of + wiping away a little trickle of blood from his already + swollen nose.</p> + + <p>“Did you see me do it?” he demanded, thrilling + with pride. “Mr. Burnit, I—I never had so much fun + in my life. Never, never! By the way, sir,” and + even upon that triumphant moment his duty obtruded, + “I have a letter for you that I brought away from + the office,” and through the window he handed one of + the inevitable gray envelopes. It was inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page135" title="135"> </a>To My Son, Upon the Failure of Applerod’s Swamp + Scheme</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“In the midst of pleasure we are in pain,” murmured + Bobby, and tore open the letter. In it he + read:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p class="salutation">“My Dear Boy:</p> + + <p>“A man must not only examine a business proposition + from all sides, but must also turn it over and + look well at the bottom. I never knew what was the + matter with that swamp scheme, except Applerod, + but I didn’t want to know any more. You did.</p> + + <p>“Well, you don’t need wisdom. I’ve put one-half + your fortune where it will yield you a living income. + Try to cut at least one eye-tooth with the other half. + Your trustee is instructed to give you another start.</p> + + <p class="closing">“Your Loving Father.”</p> + </blockquote> + + + <p>His trustee! Once more he must face her with + failure; go to her beaten, and accept through her + hands the means to gain himself another buffeting. + He had not the heart to see her now, but he was not + turned altogether coward, for leaving the scene of + the late conflict abruptly, all its humor spoiled for + him, he telephoned her what had happened and that + he would be out in the evening.</p> + + <p>“No, you must come now. I want you,” she gently + <a class="pagenum" id="page136" title="136"> </a>insisted, and when he had come to her she went directly + to him and put both her hands upon his shoulders.</p> + + <p>“It wasn’t fair, Bobby; it wasn’t fair!” she cried. + “None of it is fair, and your father had no right to + bind me down with promises when you need me so. + I’m willing to break them all. Bobby, I’ll marry you + to-morrow if you say so.”</p> + + <p>He drew a long, trembling breath, and then he + put his hands gently upon both her cheeks and kissed + her on the forehead.</p> + + <p>“Let’s don’t,” he said simply. “I have my own + blood up now, and I want to take this other chance. + I want to play the game out to the end. You’ll wait, + won’t you?”</p> + + <p>She looked up at him through moist eyes. He was + so big and so strong and so good, and already + through the past year of earnest purpose there had + come firm, new lines upon his face, lines that meant + something in the ultimate building of character; and + she recognized that perhaps stern old John Burnit + had been right after all.</p> + + <p>“Indeed, I can wait,” she whispered. “Proudly, + Bobby.”</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_13" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page137" title="137"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XIII</span><br /> + IN WHICH A CHARMING GENTLEMAN OFFERS AN + INVESTMENT WITHOUT A FLAW</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">It</span> was pretty, in the succeeding days, to see + Agnes poring over advertisements and writing + down long lists of suggested enterprises for + investigation, enterprises which proved in every case + to be in the midst of an already too thickly contested + field, or to be hampered by monopoly, or subject to + some other vital drawback. There seemed to be a + strange dearth of safe and suitable commercial ventures, + a fact over which Bobby and Agnes together + puzzled almost nightly. There was to be no false + start this time; no stumbling in the middle of the + race; no third failure. The third time was to be the + charm. And yet too much time must not be wasted. + They both began to feel rather worried about this.</p> + + <p>Of course, there was a letter, in the familiar gray + envelope. It had been handed to Bobby by Johnson + upon the day the second check for two hundred and + fifty thousand had been paid over by Chalmers upon + Agnes’ order, and it read:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page138" title="138"> </a>To My Son Robert, + Upon His Third Attempt to Make Money</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“The man who has never failed has been either too + lucky or too timid to have much tried and tested + worth. The man who always fails is too useless to + talk about. As you’ve failed twice you’re neither too + lucky nor too timid. It remains to be seen if you are + too useless.</p> + + <p>“Remember that money isn’t the only audible thing + in this world; but it makes more noise than anything + else. A vast number of people call money vulgar; + but, if you’ll notice, this opinion is chiefly held by + those who haven’t been able to secure any of it.</p> + + <p>“I wouldn’t have you sacrifice any decent principle + to get it, because that is not necessary; but go get + money of your own, and see what a difference there + is between dollars. A dollar you’ve made is as different + from a dollar that’s given to you as your children + are from other people’s.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“If only the governor had pointed out some good + business for me to go into,” complained Bobby as he + read this letter over with Agnes.</p> + + <p>She shook her head soberly. She realized, more + than he possibly could, as yet, just where Bobby’s + weaknesses lay. She had worried over them not a + little, of late, and she was just as anxious as old + John Burnit had been to have him correct those defects; + and she, like Bobby’s father, was only thankful + <a class="pagenum" id="page139" title="139"> </a>that they were not defects of manliness, of courage + or of moral or mental fiber. They were only defects + of training, for which the elder Burnit, as he had + himself confessed, was responsible.</p> + + <p>“That isn’t what he wanted at all, Bobby,” she + protested. “The very fact of your two past failures + shows just how right he was in making you find out + things for yourself. The chief trouble, I am afraid, + is that you have been too ready to furnish the money + and let others spend it for you.”</p> + + <p>“I know,” said Bobby. “I have been too willing + to take everybody’s word, I guess; but I have always + been able to do that in my crowd, and it is rather a + dash to me to find that in business you can not do it. + However, I have reformed.”</p> + + <p>He said this so self-confidently that Agnes laughed.</p> + + <p>“Yes,” she admitted, “you are convinced that + Silas Trimmer is a thief and a rascal, and you would + not take his word for anything. You are convinced + that Applerod’s judgment is useless and that your + own does not amount to much, but I still believe that + the next plausible looking and plausible talking man + who comes to you can engage you in any business that + seems fair on the surface.”</p> + + <p>“I deserve what you say,” he confessed, but somewhat + piqued, nevertheless. “However, I don’t think + you are giving me credit for having learned any lesson + <a class="pagenum" id="page140" title="140"> </a>at all. Why, only to-day you ought to have heard + me turning down a proposition to finance a new and + improved washing-machine. Sounded very good and + feasible, too. The man was a good talker and thoroughly + earnest and honest, I am sure. I really did + want to help the fellow start his business, but somehow + or other I could not seem to like the idea of + washing-machines; such a sudsy sort of business.”</p> + + <p>Agnes laughed the sort of a laugh that always + made him want to catch hold of her, but if he had any + intentions in that respect they were interfered with + just now by Uncle Dan, who strolled into the parlor + in his dressing-jacket and with a cigar tilted in the + corner of his mouth.</p> + + <p>“How’s the Commercial Board of Strategy coming + on?” he inquired as he offered Bobby a cigar.</p> + + <p>“Fine!” declared Bobby; “except that it can not + think of a stratagem.”</p> + + <p>“I think you are very selfish not to help us out, + Uncle Dan,” declared Agnes. “With all your experience + you ought to be able to suggest something + for Bobby to go into that would be a nice business + and perfectly safe and make him lots of money without + requiring too much experience to start with.”</p> + + <p>“Young lady,” said Uncle Dan severely, “if I knew + a business of that kind I’d sell some of the stock of + my factory and go into it myself; but I don’t. The + <a class="pagenum" id="page141" title="141"> </a>fact is, there are no business snaps lying around + loose. You have to make one, and that takes not just + money, but work and brains.”</p> + + <p>“I’m perfectly willing to work,” declared Bobby.</p> + + <p>“And you don’t mean to say that he hasn’t brains!” + objected Agnes.</p> + + <p>“No-o-o,” admitted Uncle Dan. “I am quite sure + that Bobby has brains, but they have not been quite—a—a—well, + say solidified, yet. You’re not allowed + to smoke in this parlor, Bobby. Mrs. Elliston wants + a quiet home game of whist; sent me to bring you + up.”</p> + + <p>Secretly, old Dan Elliston was himself puzzling + a great deal over a career for Bobby, but up to the + moment had not found anything that he thought + safe to propose. Not having a good idea he was + averse to discussing any project whatsoever, and so, + each time that he was consulted upon the subject, he + was as evasive as this about it, and Bobby each morning + dragged perplexedly into the handsome offices of + the defunct Applerod Addition, where Applerod and + Johnson were still working a solid eight hours a day + to straighten out the affairs of that unfortunate + venture.</p> + + <p>Those offices were the dullest quarters Bobby knew, + for they contained nothing but the dead ashes of + bygone money; but one morning business picked up + <a class="pagenum" id="page142" title="142"> </a>with a jerk. He found a mine investment agent + awaiting him when he arrived, and before he was + through with this clever conversationalist a man was + in to get him to buy a racing stable. Affairs grew + still more brisk as the morning wore on. Within the + next two hours he had politely but firmly declined to + buy a partnership in a string of bucket shops, to refinance + a defunct irrigation company, to invest in a + Florida plantation, to take a tip on copper, and to + back an automobile factory which was to enter business + upon some designs of a new engine stolen by a + discharged workman.</p> + + <p>“How did all these people find out that I have two + hundred and fifty thousand dollars to invest?” impatiently + demanded Bobby, after he had refused the + allurements of a patent-medicine scheme, the last of + that morning’s lot.</p> + + <p>There followed a dense silence, in the midst of + which old Johnson looked up from the book in which + he was entering a long, long list of items on the wrong + side of the profit and loss account, and jerked his + lean thumb angrily in the direction of Applerod.</p> + + <p>“Ask him,” he said.</p> + + <p>Chubby-faced old Applerod, excessively meek of + spirit to-day, suffered a moment of embarrassment + under the accusing eyes of young Burnit.</p> + + <p>“The newspapers, sir,” he admitted, twisting uncomfortably + <a class="pagenum" id="page143" title="143"> </a>in his swivel chair. “The reporters were + here yesterday afternoon with the idea that since you + haven’t announced any future plans, the failure of + our real estate scheme—<em>my</em> real estate scheme,” he + corrected in response to a snort and a glare from + Johnson—“had left you penniless. Of course I + wasn’t going to let them go away with that impression, + so I told them that you had another two hundred + and fifty thousand dollars to invest, with probably + more to follow, if necessary.”</p> + + <p>“And of course,” groaned Bobby, “it is all in print, + with ingenious trimmings.”</p> + + <p>From a drawer in his desk Johnson quietly drew + copies of the morning papers, each one folded carefully + to an article in which, under wide variations of + embarrassing head-lines, the facts of Bobby’s latest + frittering of his father’s good money were once more + facetiously, even gleefully, set forth and embellished, + with added humorous speculations as to how + he would probably cremate his new fund. Bobby + was about to turn into his own room to absorb his + humiliation in secret when Applerod hesitantly + stopped him.</p> + + <p>“Another thing, sir,” he said. “Mr. Frank L. + Sharpe called up early this morning to know when + he would find you in, and I took the liberty of telling + him that you would very likely be here at ten o’clock.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page144" title="144"> </a>Bobby frowned slightly at the mention of that + name. He knew of Sharpe vaguely as a man whose + private life had been so scandalous that society had + ceased to shudder at his name—it simply refused to + hear it; a man who had even secured advancement by + obligingly divorcing his first wife so that the notorious + Sam Stone could marry her.</p> + + <p>“What did he want?” he asked none too graciously.</p> + + <p>“I don’t know, sir,” said Applerod; “but he telephoned + me again just as you were getting rid of this + last caller. I told him that you were here and he said + that he would be right over.”</p> + + <p>Bobby made no reply to this, but went thoughtfully + into his room and closed the door after him. In less + than five minutes the door opened, and Mr. Applerod, + his voice fairly oily with obsequiousness, announced + Mr. Frank L. Sharpe! Why, here is a man whose + name was in the papers every morning, noon and + night! Mr. Sharpe had taken a trip to New York + on behalf of the Gas Company; Mr. Sharpe had returned + from his trip to New York on behalf of the + Gas Company; Mr. Sharpe had entertained at the + Hotel Spender; Mr. Sharpe had made a speech; Mr. + Sharpe had been interviewed; Mr. Sharpe had been + indisposed for half a day!</p> + + <p>Quite prepossessing of appearance was Mr. + Sharpe; a tall, rather slight gentleman, whose features + <a class="pagenum" id="page145" title="145"> </a>no one ever analyzed because the eyes of the + observer stopped, fascinated, at his mustache. That + wonderful adornment was wonderfully luxuriant, + gray and curly, pretty to an extreme, and kept most + fastidiously trimmed, and it lifted when he smiled to + display a most engaging row of white, even teeth. + Centered upon this magnificent combination the gaze + never roved to the animal nose, to the lobeless ears, + to the watery blue eyes half obscured by the lower + lids. He was immaculately, though a shade too youthfully, + dressed in a gray frock suit, with pearl-gray + spats upon his shoes, and he was most charmed to see + young Mr. Burnit.</p> + + <p>“You have a very neat little suite of offices here, + Mr. Burnit,” he commented, seating himself gracefully + and depositing his gray hat, his gray cane and + his gray gloves carefully to one side of him upon + Bobby’s desk.</p> + + <p>“I’m afraid they are a little too nice for practical + purposes,” Bobby confessed. “I have found that + business isn’t a parlor game.”</p> + + <p>“Precisely what I came to see you about,” said Mr. + Sharpe. “I understand you have been a trifle unfortunate, + but that is because you did not go into the + regular channels. An established and paying corporation + is the only worth-while proposition, and if + you have not yet settled upon an investment I would + <a class="pagenum" id="page146" title="146"> </a>like to suggest that you become interested in our local + Brightlight Electric Company.”</p> + + <p>“I thought there was no gas or electric stock for + sale,” said Bobby slowly, clinging still to a vague impression + that he had gained five or six years before.</p> + + <p>“Not to the public,” replied Mr. Sharpe, smiling, + “and there would not have been privately except for + the necessity of a reorganization. The Brightlight + needs more capital for expansion, and I have too + many other interests, even aside from the Consumers’ + Electric Light and Power and the United Gas and + Fuel Companies, to spare the money myself—and the + Brightlight is too good to let the general public in + on.” He smiled again, quite meaningly this time. + “This is quite confidential, of course,” he added.</p> + + <p>Bobby bowed his acknowledgment of the confidence + which had been reposed in him, and generously began + at once to reconstruct his impressions of the impossible + Mr. Sharpe. You couldn’t believe all you heard, + you know.</p> + + <p>“The Brightlight,” went on Mr. Sharpe, “is at + present capitalized for two hundred and fifty thousand + dollars, and is a good ten-per-cent.-dividend-paying + stock at the present moment; but its business + is not growing, and I propose to take in sufficient capital + to raise the Brightlight to a half-million-dollar + corporation, clear off its indebtedness and project + <a class="pagenum" id="page147" title="147"> </a>certain extensions. I understand that you have the + necessary amount, and here is the proposition I offer + you. Brightlight stock is now quoted at a hundred + and seventy-two. We will double its present capitalization, + and you may take up the extra two hundred + and fifty thousand dollars’ worth of its stock at + par, or about three-fifths of its actual value. That + is a bargain to be snapped at, Mr. Burnit.”</p> + + <p>Did Bobby Burnit snap at this proposition? He + did not. Bobby had learned caution through his two + bitter failures, and of caution is born wisdom.</p> + + <p>“Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars’ worth of + stock in a five-hundred-thousand-dollar corporation + won’t do for me,” he declared with a firmness that was + pleasant to his own ears. “I don’t care to go into + any proposition in which I have not the controlling + interest.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Sharpe, remembering the details of Bobby’s + Trimmer and Company experiment, hastily turned + his imminent smile of amusement into a merely engaging + one.</p> + + <p>“I don’t blame you, Mr. Burnit,” said he; “but to + show you that I am more willing to trust you than + you are to trust me, if you care to go into this thing + I’ll agree to sell you from one to ten shares of my + individual stock—at its present market value, of + course.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page148" title="148"> </a>“That’s very good of you,” agreed Bobby, suddenly + ashamed of his ungenerous stand in the face + of this sportsmanlike attitude. “But really I’ve had + cause for timidity.”</p> + + <p>“Caution is not cowardice,” said Mr. Sharpe in a + tone which conveyed a world of friendly approbation. + “This matter must be taken up very soon, however, + and I can not allow you more than a week to investigate. + I’d be pleased to receive your legal and business + advisers at any time you may nominate, and to + give them any advantage you may wish.”</p> + + <p>“I’ll investigate it at least, and I thank you for + giving me the opportunity,” said Bobby, really very + contrite that he had been doing Sharpe such a mental + injustice all these years. “By the way,” he suddenly + added, “has Silas Trimmer anything whatever to do + with this proposition?”</p> + + <p>Mr. Sharpe smiled.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Trimmer does not own one share of stock in + the Brightlight Electric Company, nor will he own + it,” he answered.</p> + + <p>“In that case,” said Bobby, “I am satisfied to consider + your offer without fear of heart-disease.”</p> + + <p>The departing caller met an incoming one in the + outer office, and Agnes, sweeping into Bobby’s room, + breathlessly gasped:</p> + + <p>“That was Frank Sharpe!”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page149" title="149"> </a>“The same,” admitted Bobby, smiling down at her + and taking both her hands.</p> + + <p>“I never saw him so closely,” she declared. “Really, + he’s quite distinguished-looking.”</p> + + <p>“As long as he avoids a close shave,” supplemented + Bobby. “But what brings you into the—the busy + marts of trade so early in the morning?”</p> + + <p>“My trusteeship,” she answered him loftily, producing + some documents from her hand-bag. “And + I’m in a hurry. Sign them papers.”</p> + + <p>“Them there papers,” he kindly corrected, and + seating himself at his desk he examined the minor + transfers perfunctorily and signed them.</p> + + <p>“I’m afraid I’m a failure as a trustee,” she told + him. “I ought to have had more power. I ought to + have been authorized to keep you out of bad company. + How came Mr. Sharpe to call on you, for instance?”</p> + + <p>“To make my fortune,” he gravely assured her. + “Mr. Sharpe wants me to go into the Brightlight + Electric Company with him.”</p> + + <p>“I can imagine your courteous adroitness in putting + the man back in his place,” she laughed. “How + preposterous! Why, he’s utterly impossible!”</p> + + <p>“Ye-e-es?” questioned Bobby. “But you know, + Agnes, this isn’t a pink-tea affair. It’s business, + which is at the other end of the world.”</p> + + <p>“You’re not honestly defending him, Bobby?” she + <a class="pagenum" id="page150" title="150"> </a>protested incredulously. “Why, I do believe you are + considering the man seriously!”</p> + + <p>“Why not?” he persisted, arguing against his own + convictions as much as against hers. “We want me + to make some money, don’t we? To make a success + that will let me marry you?”</p> + + <p>“I’m not to say so, remember,” she reminded him.</p> + + <p>“Father put no lock on my tongue, though,” he + reminded her in turn; “so I’ll just lay down the dictum + that as soon as I succeed in any one business + deal I’m going to marry you, and I don’t care whether + the commodity I handle is electricity or potatoes.”</p> + + <p>“But Frank L. Sharpe!” she exclaimed, with + shocked remembrance of certain whispered stories she + had heard.</p> + + <p>“Really, I don’t see where he enters into it,” persisted + Bobby. “The Brightlight Electric Company + is a stock corporation, in which Mr. Sharpe happens + to own some shares; that is all.”</p> + + <p>She shook her head.</p> + + <p>“I can’t seem to like it,” she told him, and rose + to go.</p> + + <p>The door opened, and Johnson, with much solemnity, + though in his eyes there lurked a twinkle, + brought in a card which, with much stiff ceremony, + he handed to Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Professor Henry H. Bates,” read Bobby in some + <a class="pagenum" id="page151" title="151"> </a>perplexity, then suddenly his brow cleared and he + laughed uproariously. “Come right in, Biff,” he + called.</p> + + <p>In response to this invitation there entered upon + Agnes’ vision a short, chunky, broad-shouldered + young man in a checked green suit and red tie, who, + finding himself suddenly confronted by a dazzlingly + beautiful young lady, froze instantly into speechless + awkwardness.</p> + + <p>“This is my friend and partner, Mr. Biff—Mr. + Henry H. Bates—Miss Elliston,” introduced Bobby, + smiling.</p> + + <p>Agnes held out her hand, which suddenly seemed to + dwindle in size as it was clasped by the huge palm of + Mr. Bates.</p> + + <p>“I have heard so much of you from Mr. Burnit, and + always nice things,” she said, smiling at him so + frankly that Mr. Bates, though his face flushed red, + instantly thawed.</p> + + <p>“Bobby’s right there with the boost,” commented + Mr. Bates, and then, not being quite satisfied with + that form of speech, he huskily corrected it to: + “Burnit’s always handing out those pleasant words.” + This form of expression seeming also to be somewhat + lacking in polish, he relapsed into more redness, and + wiped the strangely moist palms of his hands upon the + sides of his coat.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page152" title="152"> </a>“He doesn’t talk about any but pleasant people,” + Agnes assured him.</p> + + <p>After she had gone Mr. Bates looked dazedly at + the door through which she had passed out, then + turned to Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Carries a full line of that conversation,” he commented, + “but I like to fall for it. And say! I’ll bet + she’s game all right; the kind that would stick to a + guy when he was broke, in jail and had the smallpox. + That’s your steady, ain’t it, Bobby?”</p> + + <p>Coming from any one else this query might have + seemed a trifle blunt, but Bobby understood precisely + how Mr. Bates meant it, and was gratified.</p> + + <p>“She’s the real girl,” he admitted.</p> + + <p>“I’m for her,” stoutly asserted Mr. Bates, as he + extracted a huge wad of crumpled bills from his + trousers pocket. “Any old time she wants anybody + strangled or stabbed and you ain’t handy, she can + call on your friend Biff. Here’s your split of last + month’s pickings at the gym. One hundred and + eighty-one large, juicy simoleons; count ’em, one + hundred and eighty-one!” And he threw the money + on the desk.</p> + + <p>“Everything paid?” asked Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Here’s the receipts,” and from inside his vest Mr. + Bates produced them. “Ground rent, light, heat, payroll, + advertising, my own little old weekly envelope + <a class="pagenum" id="page153" title="153"> </a>and everything; and I got one-eighty-one in my other + kick for my share.”</p> + + <p>“Very well,” said Bobby; “you just put this money + of mine into a fund to buy further equipments when + we need them.”</p> + + <p>“Nit and nix; also no!” declared Mr. Bates emphatically. + “This time the bet goes as she lays. You + take a real money drag-down from now on.”</p> + + <p>“Mr. Johnson,” called Bobby through the open + door, “please take charge of this one hundred and + eighty-one dollars, and open a separate account for + my investment in the Bates Athletic Hall. It might + be, Biff,” he continued, turning to Mr. Bates, “that + yours would turn out to be the only safe business venture + I ever made.”</p> + + <p>“It ain’t no millionaire stunt, but it sure does pay + a steady divvy,” Mr. Bates assured him. “I see a + man outside scraping the real-estate sign off the + door. Is he going to paint a new one?”</p> + + <p>“I don’t know,” said Bobby, frowning. “I shall, + of course, get into something very shortly, but I’ve + not settled on anything as yet. The best thing that + has turned up so far is an interest in the Brightlight + Electric Company offered me to-day by Frank L. + Sharpe.”</p> + + <p>“What!” shrieked Biff in a high falsetto, and + slapped himself smartly on the wrist. “Has he been + <a class="pagenum" id="page154" title="154"> </a>here? I thought it seemed kind of close. Give me a + cigarette till I fumigate.”</p> + + <p>“What’s the matter with the Brightlight Electric + Company?” demanded Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Nothing. It’s a cinch so far as I know. But + Sharpe! Why, say, Bobby, all the words I’d want to + use to tell you about him have been left out of the dictionary + so they could send it through the mails.”</p> + + <p>Bobby frowned. The certain method to have him + make allowances for a man was to attack that man. + When he arrived at the Idlers’ Club at noon, however, + he was given another opportunity for Christian + charity. Nick Allstyne and Payne Winthrop and + Stanley Rogers were discussing something with great + indignation when he joined them, and Nick drew him + over to the bulletin board, where was displayed the + application of Frank L. Sharpe, proposed by Clarence + Smythe, Silas Trimmer’s son-in-law, and seconded + by another undesirable who had twice been + posted for non-payment of dues.</p> + + <p>“There is only one thing about this that commends + itself to me, and that is the immaculate and colossal + nerve of the proceeding,” declared Nick indignantly. + “The next thing you know somebody will propose + Sam Stone.”</p> + + <p>At this they all laughed. The Idlers’ Club was + the one institution that stood in no awe of the notorious + <a class="pagenum" id="page155" title="155"> </a>“boss” of the city and of the state; a man who + had never held an office, but who, until the past two + years, had controlled all offices; whose methods were + openly dishonest; who held underground control of + every public utility and a score of private enterprises. + The idea of Stone as an applicant for membership + in the Idlers’ Club was a good joke, but the + actual application of Sharpe was too serious for + jesting. Nevertheless, all this turmoil over the mere + name of the man worked a strange reaction in Bobby + Burnit.</p> + + <p>“After all, business is business,” he declared to himself, + “and I don’t see where Sharpe’s personality + figures in this Brightlight Electric deal, especially + since I am to have control.”</p> + + <p>Accordingly he directed Chalmers and Johnson to + make a thorough investigation of that corporation.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_14" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page156" title="156"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XIV</span><br /> + BOBBY ENTERS A BUSINESS ALLIANCE, A SOCIAL ENTANGLEMENT + AND A QUARREL WITH AGNES</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">The</span> report of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Chalmers + upon the Brightlight Electric Company was + a complicated affair, but, upon the whole, + highly favorable. It was an old establishment, the + first electric company that had been formed in the + city, and it held, besides some minor concessions, an + ancient franchise for the exclusive supply of twelve + of the richest down-town blocks, this franchise, made + by a generous board of city fathers, still having + twenty years to run. The concern’s equipment was + old and much of it needed renewal, but its financial + affairs were in good shape, except for a mortgage of + a hundred thousand dollars held by one J. W. + Williams.</p> + + <p>“About this mortgage,” Mr. Chalmers advised Mr. + Burnit; “its time limit expires within two months, and + I have no doubt that is why Sharpe wants to put additional + capital into the concern. Moreover, Williams + <a class="pagenum" id="page157" title="157"> </a>is notoriously reputed a lieutenant of Sam Stone’s, + and it is quite probable that Stone is the real holder + of the mortgage.”</p> + + <p>“I don’t see where it makes much difference, so + long as the mortgage has to be paid, whether it is + paid to Stone or to somebody else,” said Bobby + reflectively.</p> + + <p>“I don’t see any difference myself,” agreed Chalmers, + “except that I am suspicious of that whole + crowd, since Sharpe is only a figurehead for Stone. + I find that Sharpe is credited with holding two hundred + thousand dollars’ worth of the present stock. + The majority of the Consumers Company and a good + share of the United are also in his name. Just how + all these facts have a bearing upon each other I + can not at present state, but in view of the twenty + years’ franchise, and of the fact that you will hold + undisputed control, I do not see but that you have a + splendid investment here. The contract for the city + lighting of those twelve blocks is ironclad, and the + franchise for exclusive private lighting and power + is exclusive so long as ‘reasonably satisfactory service’ + is maintained. As this has been undisputed for + thirty years I don’t think you need have much fear + upon that score,” and Chalmers smiled.</p> + + <p>In the afternoon of that same day Sharpe called + up.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page158" title="158"> </a>“What dinner engagement have you for to-night?” + he inquired.</p> + + <p>“None,” replied Bobby, after a moment of hesitation.</p> + + <p>“Then I want you to dine with me at the Spender. + Can you make it?”</p> + + <p>“I guess so,” replied Bobby reluctantly, after another + hesitant pause. “What time, say?”</p> + + <p>“About seven. Just inquire at the desk. I’ll have + a dining-room reserved.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was very thoughtful as he arrayed himself + for dinner, and he was still more thoughtful when, a + boy ushering him into the cozy little private dining-room, + he found the over-dazzling young Mrs. Sharpe + with her husband. She greeted the handsome young + Mr. Burnit most effusively, clasping his hand warmly + and rolling up her large eyes at him while Mr. Sharpe + looked on with smiling approval. Bobby experienced + that strange conflict which most men have known, a + feeling of revulsion at war with the undoubted lure + of the women. She was one of those who deliberately + make appeal through their femininity alone.</p> + + <p>“Such a pleasure to meet you,” she said in the most + silvery of voices. “I have heard so much of Mr. + Burnit and his polo skill.”</p> + + <p>“It’s the best trick I do,” confessed Bobby, laughing.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page159" title="159"> </a>“That’s because Mr. Burnit hasn’t found his proper + forte as yet,” interposed Sharpe. “He was really cut + out for the illuminating business.” And he led the + way to the table, upon which Bobby had already noted + that five places were laid.</p> + + <p>“A couple of our friends might drop in,” said the + host in explanation; “they usually do.”</p> + + <p>“If it’s Sam and Billy we’re not going to wait for + them,” said Mrs. Sharpe with a languishing glance + at Bobby. “They’re always ages and ages late, if + they come at all. Frank, where are those cocktails? + I’m running down.”</p> + + <p>She took the drink with an avidity Bobby was not + used to seeing among his own women friends, and + almost immediately it heightened her vivacity. There + could be no question that she was a fascinating woman. + Again Bobby had that strange sense of revulsion, and + again he was conscious that, in spite of her trace of + a tendency to indecorum, there was a subtle appeal + in her; one, however, that he shrank from analyzing. + Her talk was mostly of the places she had been, with + almost pathetic little mention now and then of unattainable + people. Evidently she craved social position, + in spite of the fact that she was for ever shut out + from it.</p> + + <p>While they were upon the fish the door opened and + two men came in. With a momentary frown Bobby + <a class="pagenum" id="page160" title="160"> </a>recognized both; one of them the great Sam Stone, + and the other William Garland, a rich young cigar + manufacturer, quite prominent in public affairs. The + latter he had met; the former he inspected quite curiously + as he acknowledged the introduction.</p> + + <p>Stone gave one the idea that he was extremely + heavy; not that he was so grossly stout, although he + was large, but he seemed to convey an impression + of tremendous weight. His features and his expression + were heavy, his eyes were heavy-lidded, and he + was taciturnity itself. He gave Bobby a quick scrutiny + from head to foot, and in that instant had + weighed him, measured him, catalogued and indexed + him for future reference for ever. Stone’s only spoken + word had been a hoarse acknowledgment of his introduction, + and as soon as the entrée came on he attacked + it with a voracious appetite, which, however, did not + prevent him from weighing and absorbing in silence + every word that was spoken in his hearing. Bobby + found himself wondering how this unattractive man + could have secured his tremendous following, in spite + of the fact that Stone “never broke a promise and + never went back on a friend,” qualities which would + go far toward establishing any man in the esteem of + mankind.</p> + + <p>It was not until the appearance of the salad that + any allusion was made to business, and then Garland, + <a class="pagenum" id="page161" title="161"> </a>upon an impatient signal from Stone, turned to Bobby + with the suavity of which he was thorough master.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Sharpe tells me that you consider taking a + dip into the public utilities line,” he suggested.</p> + + <p>Instantly three of them bent an attention upon + Bobby so straight that it might have been palpable + even to him, had not Stone suddenly lighted a match + to attract their attention, and glared at them.</p> + + <p>“I have already decided,” said Bobby frankly, seeing + no reason for fencing. “My legal and business + advisers tell me that it would be a good investment, + and I am ready to take hold of the Brightlight Electric + as soon as the formalities can be arranged.”</p> + + <p>Stone grunted his approval, and immediately rose, + looking at his watch.</p> + + <p>“Pleased to have met you, Mr. Burnit,” he rumbled + hoarsely, and took his coat and hat. “Sorry I can’t + stay. Promised to meet a man.”</p> + + <p>“Coming back?” asked Garland.</p> + + <p>“Might,” responded the other, and was gone.</p> + + <p>As soon as Stone had left, the trifle of strain that + had been apparent prior to Bobby’s very decided + statement that he would go into the business, was + lifted; and Mrs. Sharpe, pink of cheek and sparkling + of eye and exhilarated by the wine to her utmost of + purely physical attractiveness, moved when the coffee + was served to a chair between Bobby and Garland, + <a class="pagenum" id="page162" title="162"> </a>and, gifted with a purring charm, exerted herself to + the utmost to please the new-comer. She puzzled + Bobby. The woman was an entirely new type to him, + and he could not fathom her.</p> + + <p>With the clearing of the table more champagne + was brought, and Bobby began to have an uneasy + dread of a “near-orgie,” such as was associated in + the minds of the knowing ones with this crowd. + Sharpe, however, quickly removed this fear, for, + pushing aside his own glass with a bare sip after it + had been filled, he drew forth a pencil and produced + some papers which he spread before Bobby.</p> + + <p>“I imagined that you would have a very favorable + report on the Brightlight Electric,” he said with a + smile, “so I took the liberty of bringing along an + outline of my plan for reorganization. If Mr. Garland + and Mrs. Sharpe will excuse us for talking shop + we might glance over them together.”</p> + + <p>“You’re selfish,” pouted Mrs. Sharpe quite prettily, + but, nevertheless, she turned her exclusive attention + to Garland for the time being.</p> + + <p>With considerable interest Bobby plunged into + the business at hand. Here was a well-established + concern that had been doing business for three decades, + which had been paying ten per cent. dividends + for years, and which would doubtless continue to do + so for many years to come. An opportunity to obtain + <a class="pagenum" id="page163" title="163"> </a>control of it solved his problem of investment at + once, and he strove to approach its intricacies with + intelligence. He became vaguely aware, by and by, + that just behind him Garland and Mrs. Sharpe were + carrying on a most animated conversation in an undertone + interspersed with much laughter, and once, + with a start of annoyance, he overheard Garland telling + a slightly <em lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">risqué</em> story, at which Mrs. Sharpe + laughed softly and with evident relish. He glanced + around involuntarily. Garland had his arm across + the back of her chair, and they were leaning toward + each other in a close proximity which Bobby reflected + with sudden savageness could not possibly occur if + that were his wife; nor was he much softened by the + later reflection that, in the first place, a woman of + her type never could have been his wife, and that, in + the second place, it was not the man who was to blame, + nor the woman so much, as Sharpe himself. Indeed, + Bobby somehow gained the impression that the others + flouted and despised Sharpe and held him as a weakling.</p> + + <p>His glance was but a fleeting one, and he turned + from them with a look which Sharpe, noting, misinterpreted.</p> + + <p>“I had hoped,” he said, “to go into this thing very + thoroughly, so that we could begin the reorganization + at once, with the preliminaries completely understood; + <a class="pagenum" id="page164" title="164"> </a>but if we are detaining you from any engagement, + Mr. Burnit—”</p> + + <p>“Not at all, not at all,” the highly-interested Bobby + hastened to assure him. “I have no engagements + whatever to-night, and my time is entirely at your + disposal.”</p> + + <p>“Then let’s drop down to the theater,” suddenly + interposed Mrs. Sharpe. “You can talk your dust-dry + business there just as well as here. Billy, telephone + down to the Orpheum and see if they have a + box.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was far too unsuspecting to understand that + he had been deliberately trapped. Though not of + the ultra-exclusives, his social position was an excellent + one and he had the entrée everywhere. To be + seen publicly with young Burnit was a step upward, + as Mrs. Sharpe saw it, in that forbidding and painful + social climb.</p> + + <p>Bobby started with dismay when Garland stepped + to the telephone, but he was fairly caught, and he + realized it in time to check the involuntary protest + that rose to his lips. He had acknowledged that his + time was free and at their disposal, and he regretted + deeply that no good, handy lie came to his rescue.</p> + + <p>They arrived at the theater between acts, and with + the full blaze of the auditorium upon them. Bobby’s + comfort was not at all heightened when Stone almost + <a class="pagenum" id="page165" title="165"> </a>immediately followed them in. He had firmly made + up his mind as they entered to obtain a place in the + rear corner of the box, where he could not be seen; + but he was not prepared for the generalship of Mrs. + Sharpe, who so manœuvered it as to force him to the + very edge, between herself and Garland, and, as she + turned to him with a laughing remark which, in pantomime, + had all the confidential understanding of + most cordial and intimate acquaintanceship, Bobby + glanced apprehensively across at the other side of the + proscenium-arch. There, in the opposite box, staring + at him in shocked amazement, sat Agnes Elliston!</p> + + <p>“But Agnes,” protested Bobby at the Elliston + home next day, “I could not possibly help it.”</p> + + <p>“No?” she inquired incredulously. “I don’t imagine + that any one strongly advised you to have anything + to do with Mr. Sharpe—and it was through + him that you met <em>her</em>. Perhaps it is just as well + that it happened, however, because it has shown you + just how you were about to become involved.”</p> + + <p>Bobby swallowed quite painfully. His tongue was + a little dry.</p> + + <p>“Well, the fact of the matter is,” he admitted, reddening + and stammering, “that I have already ‘become + involved,’ if that’s the way you choose to put it; for—for—I + signed an agreement with Sharpe, and an + <a class="pagenum" id="page166" title="166"> </a>application for increase of capitalization, this morning.”</p> + + <p>“You don’t mean it!” she gasped. “How could + you?”</p> + + <p>“Why not?” he demanded. “Agnes, it seems quite + impossible for you to divorce business and social + affairs. I tell you they have absolutely nothing to + do with each other. The opportunity Sharpe offered + me is a splendid one. Chalmers and Johnson investigated + it thoroughly, and both advise me that it is + quite an unusually good chance.”</p> + + <p>“You didn’t seem to be able to divorce business and + social affairs last night,” she reminded him rather + sharply, returning to the main point at issue and + ignoring all else.</p> + + <p>There was the rub. She could not get out of her + mind the picture of Mrs. Sharpe chatting gaily with + him, smiling up at him and all but fawning upon + him, in full view of any number of people who knew + both Agnes and Bobby.</p> + + <p>“You have made a deliberate choice of your companions, + Mr. Burnit, after being warned against + them from more than one source,” she told him, aflame + with indignant jealousy, but speaking with the rigidity + common in such quarrels, “and you may abide by + your choice.”</p> + + <p>“Agnes!” he protested. “You don’t mean—”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page167" title="167"> </a>“I mean just this,” she interrupted him coldly, + “that I certainly can not afford to be seen in public, + and don’t particularly care to entertain in private, + any one who permits himself to be seen in public with, + or entertained in private by, the notorious Mrs. Frank + L. Sharpe.”</p> + + <p>They were both of them pale, both trembling, both + stiffened by hurt and rebellious pride. Bobby gazed + at her a moment in a panic, and saw no relenting in + her eyes, in her pose, in her compressed lips. She was + still thinking of the way Mrs. Sharpe had looked at + him.</p> + + <p>“Very well,” said he, quite calmly; “since our arrangements + for this evening are off, I presume I may + as well accept that invitation to dine at Sharpe’s,” + and with this petty threat he left the house.</p> + + <p>At the Idlers’ he was met by a succession of grins + that were more aggravating because for the most part + they were but scantily explained. Nick Allstyne, indeed, + did take him into a corner, with a vast show of + secrecy, requested him to have an ordinance passed, + through his new and influential friends, turning Bedlow + Park into a polo ground; while Payne Winthrop + added insult to injury by shaking hands with him and + most gravely congratulating him—but upon what he + would not say. Bobby was half grinning and yet + half angry when he left the club and went over for + <a class="pagenum" id="page168" title="168"> </a>his usual half hour at the gymnasium. Professor + Henry H. Bates was also grinning.</p> + + <p>“See you’re butting in with the swell mob,” observed + Mr. Bates cheerfully. “Getting your name in + the paper, ain’t you, along with the fake heavyweights + and the divorces?” and before Bobby’s eyes + he thrust a copy of the yellowest of the morning + papers, wherein it was set forth that Mr. and Mrs. + Frank L. Sharpe had entertained a notable box party + at the Orpheum, the night before, consisting of + Samuel Stone, William Garland and Robert Burnit, + the latter of whom, it was rumored, was soon to be + identified with the larger financial affairs of the city, + having already contracted to purchase a controlling + interest in the Brightlight Electric Company. The + paper had more to say about the significance of + Bobby’s appearance in this company, as indicating + the new political move which sought to ally the + younger business element with the progressive party + that had been so long in safe, sane and conservative + control of municipal affairs, except for the temporary + setback of the recent so-called “citizens’ movement” + hysteria. Bobby frowned more deeply as he read on, + and Mr. Bates grinned more and more cheerfully.</p> + + <p>“Here’s where it happens,” he observed. “On the + level, Bobby, did they hook you up on this electric + deal?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page169" title="169"> </a>“What’s the matter with it?” demanded Bobby. + “After thorough investigation by my own lawyer and + my own bookkeeper, the Brightlight proves to have + been a profitable enterprise for a great many years, + and is in as good condition now as it ever was. Why + shouldn’t I go into it?”</p> + + <p>Biff winked.</p> + + <p>“Because it’s no fun being the goat,” he replied. + “Say, tell me, did you ever earn a pull with this + bunch?”</p> + + <p>“No.”</p> + + <p>“Well, then, why should they hand you anything + but the buzzer? If this is a good stunt don’t you + suppose they’d keep it at home? Don’t you suppose + that Stone could go out and get half the money in + this town, if he wanted it, to put behind a deal that + was worth ten per cent. a year and pickings? I don’t + care what your lawyer or what Johnson says about it, + I know the men. This boy Garland is a good sport, + all right, but he’s for the easy-money crowd every + time—and they’re going to make the next mayor out + of him. Our local Hicks would rather be robbed by + a lot of friendly stick-up artists than have their + money wasted by a lot of wooden-heads, and after + this election the old Stone gang will have their feet + right back in the trough; yes! This is the way I + figure the dope. They’ve framed it up to dump the + <a class="pagenum" id="page170" title="170"> </a>Brightlight Electric, and you’re the fall guy. So + wear pads in your derby, because the first thing you + know the hammer’s going to drop on your coco.”</p> + + <p>“How do you find out so much, Biff?” returned + Bobby, smiling.</p> + + <p>“By sleeping seven hours a day in place of twenty-four. + If some of the marks I know would only cough + up for a good, reliable alarm clock they’d be better + off.”</p> + + <p>“Meaning me, of course,” said Bobby. “For that + I’ll have to manhandle you a little. Where’s your + gloves?”</p> + + <p>For fifteen minutes they punched away at each + other with soft gloves as determinedly and as energetically + as if they were deadly enemies, and then + Bobby went back up to his own office. He found Applerod + jubilant and Johnson glum. Already Applerod + heard himself saying to his old neighbors: “As + Frank L. Sharpe said to me this morning—,” or: + “I told Sharpe—,” or: “Say! Sam Stone stopped + at my desk yesterday—,” and already he began to + shine by this reflected glory.</p> + + <p>“I hear that you have decided to go into the Brightlight + Electric,” he observed.</p> + + <p>“Signed all the papers this morning,” admitted + Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Allow me to congratulate you, sir,” said Applerod, + <a class="pagenum" id="page171" title="171"> </a>but Johnson silently produced from an index + case a plain, gray envelope, which he handed to Bobby.</p> + + <p>It was inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Upon His Putting Good Money Into any + Public Service Corporation</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>and it read:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“When the manipulators of public service corporations + tire of skinning the dear public in bulk, they + skin individual specimens just to keep in practice. If + you have been fool enough to get into the crowd that + invokes the aid of dirty politics to help it hang people + on street-car straps, just write them out a check for + whatever money you have left, and tell your trustee + you are broke again; because you are not and never + can be of their stripe, and if you are not of their + stripe they will pick your bones. Turn a canary + loose in a colony of street sparrows and watch what + happens to it.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bobby folded up the letter grimly and went into + his private room, where he thought long and soberly. + That evening he went out to Sharpe’s to dinner. As + he was about to ring the bell, he stopped, confronted + by a most unusual spectacle. Through the long plate-glass + of the door he could see clearly back through + the hall into the library, and there stood Mrs. Sharpe + and William Garland in a tableau “that would have + <a class="pagenum" id="page172" title="172"> </a>given Plato the pip,” as Biff Bates might have expressed + it had he known about Plato. At that moment + Sharpe came silently down the stairs and turned, + unobserved, toward the library. Seeing that his wife + and Garland were so pleasantly engaged, he very considerately + turned into the drawing-room instead, <em>and + as he entered the drawing-room he lit a cigarette</em>! + Bobby, vowing angrily that there could never be room + in the Brightlight for both Sharpe and himself, did + not ring the bell. Instead, he dropped in at the first + public telephone and ’phoned his regrets.</p> + + <p>“By the way,” he added, “how soon will you need + me again?”</p> + + <p>“Not before a week, at least,” Sharpe replied.</p> + + <p>“Very well, then,” said Bobby; “I’ll be back a + week from to-day.”</p> + + <p>Immediately upon his arrival down-town he telegraphed + the joyous news to Jack Starlett, in Washington, + to prepare for an old-fashioned loafing bee.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_15" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page173" title="173"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XV</span><br /> + A STRANGE CONNECTION DEVELOPS BETWEEN ELECTRICITY + AND POLITICS</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Chalmers</span>, during Bobby’s absence, secured + all the secret information that he could concerning + the Brightlight Electric, but nothing + to its detriment transpired in that investigation, + and when he returned, Bobby, very sensibly as he + thought, completed his investment. He paid his two + hundred and fifty thousand dollars into the coffers of + the company, and, at the first stock-holders’ meeting, + voting this stock and the ten shares he had bought + from Sharpe at a hundred and seventy-two, he elected + his own board of directors, consisting of Chalmers, + Johnson, Applerod, Biff Bates and himself, giving + one share of stock to each of the other four gentlemen + so that they would be eligible. The remaining + two members whom he allowed to be elected were + Sharpe and J. W. Williams, and the board of directors + promptly elected Bobby president and treasurer, + Johnson secretary and Chalmers vice-president—a result + which gave Bobby great satisfaction. Once he + <a class="pagenum" id="page174" title="174"> </a>had been frozen out of a stock company; this time he + had absolute control, and he found great pleasure in + exercising it, though against Chalmers’ protest. With + swelling triumph he voted to himself, through his + “dummy” directors, the salary of the former president—twelve + thousand dollars a year—though he + wondered a trifle that President Eastman submitted + to his retirement with such equanimity, and after he + walked away from that meeting he considered his + business career as accomplished. He was settled for + life if he wished to remain in the business, the salary + added to the dividends on two hundred and sixty thousand + dollars worth of stock bringing his own individual + income up to a quite respectable figure. If + there were no further revenue to be derived from the + estate of John Burnit, he felt that he had a very + fair prospect in life, indeed, and could, no doubt, make + his way very nicely.</p> + + <p>He had been unfortunate enough to find Agnes + Elliston “not at home” upon the two occasions when + he had called since their disagreement upon the subject + of the Sharpes, but now he called her up by telephone + precisely as if nothing had happened, and explained + to her how good his prospects were; good + enough, in fact, he added, that he could look matrimony + very squarely in the eye.</p> + + <p>“Allow me to congratulate you,” said Agnes + <a class="pagenum" id="page175" title="175"> </a>sweetly. “I presume I’ll read presently about the + divorce that precedes your marriage,” and she hung + up the receiver; all of which, had Bobby but paused + to reflect upon it, was a very fair indication that all + he had to do was to jump in his automobile and call + on Aunt Constance Elliston, force his way upon the + attention of Agnes and browbeat that young lady + into an immediate marriage. He chose, on the contrary, + to take the matter more gloomily, and Johnson, + after worrying about him for three dismal days, consulted + Biff Bates. But Biff, when the problem was + propounded to him, only laughed.</p> + + <p>“His steady has lemoned him,” declared Biff. “Any + time a guy’s making plenty of money and got good + health and ain’t married, and goes around with an all-day + grouch, you can play it for a one to a hundred + favorite that his entry’s been scratched in the solitaire + diamond stakes.”</p> + + <p>“Uh-huh,” responded the taciturn Johnson, and + stalked back with grim purpose to the Electric Company’s + office, of which Bobby and Johnson and Applerod + had taken immediate possession.</p> + + <p>The next morning Johnson handed to Bobby one of + the familiar gray envelopes, inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Upon the Occasion of His Having a + Misunderstanding with Agnes Elliston</p> + </blockquote> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page176" title="176"> </a>He submitted the envelope with many qualms and + misgivings, though without apology, but one glance + at Bobby’s face as that young gentleman read the inscription + relieved him of all responsibility in the matter, + for if ever a face showed guilt, that face was the + face of Bobby Burnit. In the privacy of the president’s + office Bobby read the briefest note of the many + that his forethoughted father had left behind him in + Johnson’s charge:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“You’re a blithering idiot!”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>That was all. Somehow, that brief note seemed to + lighten the gloom, to lift the weight, to remove some + sort of a barrier, and he actually laughed. Immediately + he called up the Ellistons. He received the information + from the housekeeper that Agnes and Aunt + Constance had gone to New York on an extended shopping + trip, and thereby he lost his greatest and only + opportunity to prove that he had at last been successful + in business. That day, all the stock which + Frank L. Sharpe had held began to come in for transfer, + in small lots of from ten to twenty shares, and + inside a week not a certificate stood in Sharpe’s name. + All the stock held by Williams also came in for transfer. + Bobby went immediately to see Sharpe, and, + very much concerned, inquired into the meaning of + <a class="pagenum" id="page177" title="177"> </a>this. Mr. Sharpe was as pleasant as Christmas morning.</p> + + <p>“To tell you the truth, Mr. Burnit,” said he, + “there were several very good reasons. In the first + place, I needed the money; in the second place, you + were insistent upon control and abused it; in the third + place, since the increased capitalization and change + of management the quotations on Brightlight Electric + dropped from one-seventy-two to one-sixty-five, and I + got out before it could drop any lower. You will + give me credit for selling the stock privately and in + small lots where it could not break the price. However, + Mr. Burnit, I don’t see where the sale of my + stock affects you in any way. You have the Brightlight + Electric now in good condition, and all it needs + to remain a good investment is proper management.”</p> + + <p>“I’m afraid it needs more than that,” retorted + Bobby. “I’m afraid it needs to be in a position to + make more money for other people than for myself;” + through which remark it may be seen that, though + perhaps a trifle slow, Bobby was learning.</p> + + <p>Another lesson awaited him. On the following + morning every paper in the city blazed with the disquieting + information that the Consumers’ Electric + Light and Power Company and the United Illuminating + and Fuel Company were to be consolidated! + Out of the two old concerns a fifty-million-dollar corporation + <a class="pagenum" id="page178" title="178"> </a>was to be formed, and a certain portion of + the stock was to be sold in small lots, as low, even, as + one share each, so that the public should be given a + chance to participate in this unparalleled investment. + Oh, it was to be a tremendous boon to the city!</p> + + <p>Bobby, much worried, went straight to Chalmers.</p> + + <p>“So far as I can see you have all the best of the + bargain,” Chalmers reassured him. “The Consumers’, + already four times watered and quoted at about seventy, + is to be increased from two to five million before + the consolidation, so that it can be taken in at + ten million. The Union, already watered from one + to nine million in its few brief years, takes on another + hydraulic spurt and will be bought for twenty + million. Of the thirty million dollars which is to be + paid for the old corporation, nineteen million represents + new water, the most of which will be distributed + among Stone and his henchmen. The other twenty + million will go to the dear public, who will probably + be given one share of common as a bonus with each + share of preferred, and pay ten million sweaty dollars + for it. Do you think this new company expects + to pay dividends? On their plants, worth at a high + valuation, five million dollars, and their new capital + of ten million, a profit must be earned for fifty million + dollars’ worth of stock, and it can not be done. + Within a year I expect to see Consolidated Illuminating + <a class="pagenum" id="page179" title="179"> </a>and Power Company stock quoted at around + thirty. By that time, however, Stone and his crowd + will have sold theirs, and will have cleaned up millions. + Brightlight Electric was probably too small + a factor to be considered in the consolidation. Did + you pay off that mortgage? Then Stone has his + hundred thousand dollars; the back salary list of + Stone’s henchmen has been paid up with your money; + Sharpe and Williams have converted their stock and + Stone’s into cash at a fancy figure; Eastman is to be + taken care of in the new company and they are satisfied. + In my estimation you are well rid of the entire + crowd, unless they have some neat little plan for + squeezing you. But I’ll tell you what I would do. I + would go direct to Stone, and see what he has to + say.”</p> + + <p>Bobby smiled ironically at himself as he climbed + the dingy stairs up which it was said that every man + of affairs in the city must sooner or later toil to bend + the knee, but he was astonished when he walked into + the office of Stone to find it a narrow, bare little room, + with the door wide open to the hall. There was an + old, empty desk in it—for Stone never kept nor wrote + letters—and four common kitchen chairs for waiting + callers. At the desk near the one window sat Stone, + and over him bent a shabby-looking man, whispering. + Stone, grunting occasionally, looked out of the window + <a class="pagenum" id="page180" title="180"> </a>while he listened, and when the man was through + gave him a ten-dollar bill.</p> + + <p>“It’s all right,” Stone said gruffly. “I’ll be in court + myself at ten o’clock to-morrow morning, and you + may tell Billy that I’ll get him out of it.”</p> + + <p>Another man, a flashily-dressed fellow, was ahead + of Bobby, and he, too, now leaned over Stone and + whispered.</p> + + <p>“Nothing doing,” rumbled Stone.</p> + + <p>The man, from his gestures, protested earnestly.</p> + + <p>“Nix!” declared Stone loudly. “You threw me two + years ago this fall, and you can’t come back till you’re + on your uppers good and proper. I don’t want to see + you nor hear of you for another year, and you needn’t + send any one to me to fix it, because it can’t be fixed. + Now beat it. I’m busy!”</p> + + <p>The man, much crestfallen, “beat it.” Bobby was + thankful that there was no one else waiting when it + was his turn to approach the Mogul. Stone shook + hands cordially enough.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Stone,” inquired Bobby, “how does it come + that the Brightlight Electric Company was not offered + a chance to come into this new consolidation?”</p> + + <p>“How should I know?” asked Stone in reply.</p> + + <p>“It is popularly supposed,” suggested Bobby, smiling, + “that you know a great deal about it.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Stone ignored that supposition completely.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page181" title="181"> </a>“Mr. Burnit, how much political influence do you + think you could swing?”</p> + + <p>“Frankly, I never thought of it,” said Bobby surprised.</p> + + <p>“You belong to the Idlers’ Club, you belong to the + Traders’ Club, to the Fish and Game, the Brassie, + the Gourmet, and the Thespian Clubs. You are a + member of the board of governors in three of these + clubs, and are very popular in all of them. A man + like you, if he would get wise, could swing a strong + following.”</p> + + <p>“Possibly,” admitted Bobby dryly; “although I + wouldn’t enjoy it.”</p> + + <p>“One-third of the members of the Traders’ Club do + not vote, more than half of the members of the Fish + and Game and the Brassie do not vote, none of the + members of the other clubs vote at all,” went on Mr. + Stone. “They ain’t good citizens. If you’re the man + that can stir them up the right way you’d find it worth + while.”</p> + + <p>“But just now,” evaded Bobby, “whom did you say + I should see about this consolidation?”</p> + + <p>“Sharpe,” snapped Stone. “Good day, Mr. Burnit.” + And Bobby walked away rather belittled in his + own estimation.</p> + + <p>He had been offered an excellent chance to become + one of Stone’s political lieutenants, had been given + <a class="pagenum" id="page182" title="182"> </a>an opportunity to step up to the pie counter, to enjoy + the very material benefits of the Stone style of municipal + government; and in exchange for this he had + only to sell his fellows. He knew now that his visit + to Sharpe would be fruitless, that before he could arrive + at Sharpe’s office that puppet would have had a + telephone message from Stone; yet, his curiosity + aroused, he saw the thing through. Mr. Sharpe, + upon his visit, met Bobby as coldly as the January + morning when the Christmas bills come in.</p> + + <p>“We don’t really care for the Brightlight Electric + in the combination at all,” said Mr. Sharpe, “but if + you wish to come in at a valuation of five hundred + thousand I guess we can find a place for you.”</p> + + <p>“Let me understand,” said Bobby. “By a valuation + of five hundred thousand dollars you mean that + the Brightlight stock-holders can exchange each share + of their stock for one share in the Consolidated?”</p> + + <p>“That’s it, precisely,” said Mr. Sharpe without a + smile.</p> + + <p>“You’re joking,” objected Bobby. “My stock in + the Brightlight is worth to-day one hundred and fifty + dollars a share. My two hundred and sixty thousand + dollars’ worth of stock in the Consolidated would not + be worth par, even, to-day. Why do you make this + discrimination when you are giving the stock-holders + of the Consumers’ an exchange of five shares for one, + <a class="pagenum" id="page183" title="183"> </a>and the stock-holders of the United an exchange of + twenty shares for nine?”</p> + + <p>“We need both those companies,” calmly explained + Sharpe, “and we don’t need the Brightlight.”</p> + + <p>“Is that figure the best you will do?”</p> + + <p>“Under the circumstances, yes.”</p> + + <p>“Very well then,” said Bobby; “good day.”</p> + + <p>“By the way, Mr. Burnit,” Sharpe said to him with + a return of the charming smile which had been conspicuously + absent on this occasion, “we needn’t consider + the talk entirely closed as yet. It might be possible + that we would be able, between now and the first + of the next month, when the consolidation is to be + completed, to make you a much more liberal offer to + come in with us; to be one of us, in fact.”</p> + + <p>Bobby sat down again.</p> + + <p>“How soon may I see you about it?” he asked.</p> + + <p>“I’ll let you know when things are shaped up right. + By the way, Mr. Burnit, you are a very young man + yet, and just starting upon your career. Really you + ought to look about you a bit and study what advantages + you have in the way of personal influence and + following.”</p> + + <p>“I have never counted that I had a ‘following.’”</p> + + <p>“I understand that you have a very strong one,” insisted + Sharpe. “What you ought to do is to see Mr. + Stone.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page184" title="184"> </a>“I have been to see him,” replied Bobby with a + smile.</p> + + <p>“So I understand,” said Sharpe dryly. “By the + way, next Tuesday I am to be voted upon in the + Idlers’. You are on the board of governors up there, + I believe?”</p> + + <p>“Yes,” said Bobby steadily.</p> + + <p>Sharpe studied him for a moment.</p> + + <p>“Well, come around and see me about this consolidation + on Wednesday,” he suggested, “and in the + meantime have another talk with Stone. By all means, + go and see Stone.”</p> + + <hr class="thoughtbreak" /> + + <p class="post_thoughtbreak">“Johnson,” asked Bobby, later, “what would you + do if a man should ask you to sell him your personal + influence, your self-respect and your immortal soul?”</p> + + <p>“I’d ask his price,” interposed Applerod with a + grin.</p> + + <p>“You’d never get an offer,” snapped Johnson to + Applerod, “for you haven’t any to sell. Why do you + ask, Mr. Burnit?”</p> + + <p>Bobby regarded Johnson thoughtfully for a moment.</p> + + <p>“I know how to make the Brightlight Electric + Company yield me two hundred per cent. dividends + within a year or less,” he stated.</p> + + <p>“Through Stone?” inquired Johnson.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page185" title="185"> </a>“Through Stone,” admitted Bobby, smiling at + Johnson’s penetration.</p> + + <p>“I thought so. I guess your father has summed + up, better than I could put it, all there is to be said + upon that subject.” And from his index-file he produced + one of the familiar gray envelopes, inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Robert Upon the Subject of Bribery</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“When a man sells his independence and the faith of + his friends he is bankrupt. Both the taker and the + giver of a bribe, even when it is called ‘preferment,’ + are like dogs with fleas; they yelp in their sleep; only + the man gets callous after a while and the dog doesn’t. + Whoever the fellow is that’s trying to buy your self-respect, + go soak him in the eye, and pay your fine.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“For once I agree most heartily with the governor,” + said Bobby, and as a result he did not go to see Stone. + Moreover, Frank L. Sharpe was blackballed at the + Idlers’ Club with cheerful unanimity, and Bobby figuratively + squared his shoulders to receive the blow that + he was convinced must certainly fall.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_16" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page186" title="186"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XVI</span><br /> + AGNES APPEARS PUBLICLY WITH MRS. SHARPE AND + BIFF BATES HAS A ONE-ROUND SCRAP</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">That</span> night, though rather preoccupied by + the grave consequences that might ensue on + this flat-footed defiance of Stone and his + crowd, Bobby went to the theater with Jack Starlett + and Jack’s sister and mother. As they seated themselves + he bowed gravely across the auditorium to + Agnes and Aunt Constance Elliston, who, with Uncle + Dan, were entertaining a young woman relative from + Savannah. He did not know how the others accepted + his greeting; he only saw Agnes, and she smiled quite + placidly at him, which was far worse than if she had + tilted her head. Through two dreary, interminable + acts he sat looking at the stage, trying to talk small + talk with the Starletts and remaining absolutely miserable; + but shortly before the beginning of the last + act he was able to take a quite new and gleeful interest + in life, for the young woman from Savannah came + fluttering into the Elliston box, bearing in tow the + beautiful and vivacious Mrs. Frank L. Sharpe!</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page187" title="187"> </a>Bobby turned his opera-glasses at once upon that + box, and pressed Jack Starlett into service. Being + thus attracted, the ladies of the Starlett box, mystified + and unable to extract any explanation from the two + gleeful men, were compelled, by force of circumstances + and curiosity, also to opera-glass and lorgnette the + sufferers.</p> + + <p>Like the general into which he was developing, + Bobby managed to meet Agnes face to face in the + foyer after the show. Tears of mortification were in + her eyes, but still she was laughing when he strode + up to her and with masterful authority drew her arm + beneath his own.</p> + + <p>“Your carriage is too small for four,” Bobby calmly + told Mr. Elliston, and, excusing himself from the + Starletts, deliberately conducted Agnes to a hansom. + As they got well under way he observed:</p> + + <p>“You will notice that I make no question of being + seen in public with—”</p> + + <p>“Bobby!” she protested. “Violet did not know. + The Sharpes visited in Savannah. His connections + down there are quite respectable, and no doubt Mrs. + Sharpe, who is really clever, held herself very circumspectly.”</p> + + <p>“Fine!” said Bobby. “You will notice that I am + quite willing to listen to <em>you</em>. Explain some more.”</p> + + <p>“Bobby!” she protested again, and then suddenly + <a class="pagenum" id="page188" title="188"> </a>she bent forward and pressed her handkerchief to her + eyes.</p> + + <p>Bobby was astounded. She was actually crying! + In a moment he had her in his arms, was pressing her + head upon his shoulder, was saying soothing things + to her with perfectly idiotic volubility. For an infinitesimally + brief space Agnes yielded to that embrace, + and then suddenly she straightened up in dismay.</p> + + <p>“Good gracious, Bobby!” she exclaimed. “This + hansom is all glass!”</p> + + <p>He looked out upon the brilliantly lighted street + with a reflex of her own consternation, but quickly + found consolation.</p> + + <p>“Well, after all,” he reflected philosophically, “I + don’t believe anybody who saw me would blame me.”</p> + + <p>“You’re a perfectly incorrigible Bobby,” she + laughed. “The only check possible to put upon you + is to hold you rigidly to business. How are you coming + out with the Brightlight Electric Company? I + have been dying to ask you about it.”</p> + + <p>“I have a telephone in my office,” he reminded her.</p> + + <p>“I am completely ignoring that ungenerous suggestion,” + she replied.</p> + + <p>“It wasn’t sportsmanlike,” he penitently admitted. + “Well, the Brightlight Electric is still making money, + and Johnson has stopped leaks to the amount of at + <a class="pagenum" id="page189" title="189"> </a>least twenty thousand dollars a year, which will permit + us to keep up the ten per cent. dividends, even + with our increased capitalization, and even without + an increase of business.”</p> + + <p>“Glorious!” she said with sparkling eyes.</p> + + <p>“Too good to be true,” he assured her. “They’ll + take it away from me.”</p> + + <p>“How is it possible?” she asked.</p> + + <p>“It isn’t; but it will happen, nevertheless,” he declared + with conviction.</p> + + <p>He had already begun to spend his days and nights + in apprehension of this, and as the weeks went on and + nothing happened his apprehension grew rather than + diminished.</p> + + <p>In the meantime, the Consolidated Illuminating and + Power Company went pompously on. The great combine + was formed, the fifty million dollars’ worth of + stock was opened for subscription, and the company + gave a vastly expensive banquet in the convention + hall of the Hotel Spender, at which a thousand of the + city’s foremost men were entertained, and where the + cleverest after-dinner speakers to be obtained talked + in relays until long after midnight. Those who came + to eat the rich food and drink the rare wine and lend + their countenances to the stupendous local enterprise, + being shrewd business graduates who had cut their + eye-teeth in their cradles, smiled and went home without + <a class="pagenum" id="page190" title="190"> </a>any thought of investing; but the hard-working, + economical chaps of the offices and shops, men who + felt elated if, after five years of slavery, they could + show ten hundred dollars of savings, glanced in awe + over this magnificent list of names in the next day’s + papers. If the stock of the Consolidated Illuminating + and Power Company was considered a good investment + by these generals and captains and lieutenants + of finance, who, of course, attended this Arabian + Nights banquet as investors, it must certainly be a + good investment for the corporals and privates.</p> + + <p>Immediately vivid results were shown. Immense + electric signs, furnished at less than cost and some of + them as big as the buildings upon the roofs of which + they were erected, began to make constellations in the + city sky; buildings in the principal down-town squares + were studded, for little or nothing, with outside incandescent + lights as thickly as wall space could be + found for them, and the men whose only automobiles + are street-cars awoke to the fact that their city was + becoming intensely metropolitan; that it was blazing + with the blaze of Paris and London and New York; + that all this glittering advancement was due to the + great new Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, + and more applications for stock were made!</p> + + <p>Every applicant was supplied, but the treasury + stock of the company having been sold out, the scrip + <a class="pagenum" id="page191" title="191"> </a>had to come from some place else, and it came through + devious, secret ways from the holdings of such men + as Stone and Garland and Sharpe.</p> + + <p>During the grand orgie of illumination the election + came on; the price of gas and electricity went + gloriously and recklessly down, and the men who were + identified with the triumphantly successful new illuminating + company were the leading figures in the + campaign. The puerile “reform party,” the blunders + of whose incompetence had been ridiculous, was swept + out of existence; Garland was elected mayor by the + most overwhelming majority that had ever been known + in the city, and with him was elected a council of the + same political faith. Sam Stone, always in the background, + always keeping his name out of the papers + as much as possible, came once more to the throne, + and owned the city and all its inhabitants and all its + business enterprises and all its public utilities, body + and soul.</p> + + <p>One night, shortly after the new officials went into + power, there was no light in the twelve blocks over + which the Brightlight Company had exclusive control, + nor any light in the outside districts it supplied. + This was the first time in years that the company, + equipped with an emergency battery of dynamos + which now proved out of order, had ever failed for + an instant of proper service. Candles, kerosene lamps + <a class="pagenum" id="page192" title="192"> </a>and old gas fixtures, the rusty cocks of which had + not been turned in a decade, were put hastily in use, + while the streets were black with a blackness particularly + Stygian, contrasted with the brilliantly illuminated + squares supplied by the Consolidated Company. + All night long the mechanical force, attended by the + worried but painfully helpless Bobby, pounded and + tapped and worked in the grime, but it was not until + broad daylight that they were able to discover the + cause of trouble. For two nights the lights ran steadily. + On the third night, at about seven-thirty, they + turned to a dull, red glow, and slowly died out. This + time it was wire trouble, and through the long night + as large a force of men as could be mustered were + tracing it. Not until noon of the next day was the + leak found.</p> + + <p>It was a full week before that section of the city + was for the third time in darkness, but when this + occurred the business men of the district, who had + been patient enough the first night and enduring + enough the second, loosed their reins and became + frantic.</p> + + <p>At this happy juncture the Consolidated Company + threw an army of canvassers into those twelve monopolized + blocks, and the canvassers did not need to be + men who could talk, for arguments were not necessary. + The old, worn-out equipment of the Brightlight + <a class="pagenum" id="page193" title="193"> </a>Electric, and the fact that it was managed and + controlled by men who knew nothing whatever of the + business, its very president a young fellow who had + probably never seen a dynamo until he took charge, + were enough.</p> + + <p>Bobby, passing over Plum Street one morning, was + surprised to see a large gang of men putting in new + poles, and when he reached the office he asked Johnson + about it. In two minutes he had definitely ascertained + that no orders had been issued by the Brightlight + Electric Company nor any one connected with + it, and further inquiry revealed the fact that these + poles were being put up by the Consolidated. He + called up Chalmers at once.</p> + + <p>“I knew I’d hear from you,” said Chalmers, “and + I have already been at work on the thing. Of course, + you saw what was in the papers.”</p> + + <p>“No,” confessed Bobby. “Only the sporting + pages.”</p> + + <p>“You should read news, local and general, every + morning,” scolded Chalmers. “The new city council, + at their meeting last night, granted the Consolidated + a franchise to put up poles and wires in this district + for lighting.”</p> + + <p>“But how could they?” expostulated Bobby. “Our + contract with the city has several years to run yet, + and guarantees us exclusive privilege to supply light, + <a class="pagenum" id="page194" title="194"> </a>both to the city and to private individuals, in those + twelve blocks.”</p> + + <p>“That cleverly unobtrusive joker clause about + ‘reasonably satisfactory service,’” replied Chalmers + angrily. “By the way, have you investigated the + cause of those accidents very thoroughly? Whether + there was anything malicious about them?”</p> + + <p>Bobby confessed that he had not thought of the + possibility.</p> + + <p>“I think it would pay you to do so. I am delving + into this thing as deeply as I can, and with your permission + I am going to call your father’s old attorney, + Mr. Barrister, into consultation.”</p> + + <p>“Go ahead, by all means,” said Bobby, worried beyond + measure.</p> + + <p>At five o’clock that evening Con Ripley came jauntily + to the plant of the Brightlight Electric Company. + Con was the engineer, and the world was a very good + joke to him, although not such a joke that he ever + overlooked his own interests. He spruced up considerably + outside of working hours, did Con, and, + although he was nearing forty, considered himself + very much a ladies’ man, also an accomplished athlete, + and positively the last word in electrical knowledge. + He was donning his working garments in very leisurely + fashion when a short, broad-shouldered, thickset + young man came back toward him from the office.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page195" title="195"> </a>“You’re Con Ripley?” said the new-comer by way + of introduction.</p> + + <p>“Maybe,” agreed Con. “Who are you?”</p> + + <p>“I’m the Assistant Works,” observed Professor + Henry H. Bates.</p> + + <p>“Oh!” said Mr. Ripley in some wonder, looking + from the soft cap of Mr. Bates to the broad, thick + tan shoes of Mr. Bates, and then back up to the wide-set + eyes. “I hadn’t heard about it.”</p> + + <p>“No?” responded Mr. Bates. “Well, I came in to + tell you. I don’t know enough about electricity to + say whether you feed it with a spoon or from a bottle, + but I’m here, just the same, to notice that the juice + slips through the wires all right to-night, all right.”</p> + + <p>“The hell you are!” exclaimed Mr. Ripley, taking + sudden umbrage at both tone and words, and also at + the physical attitude of Mr. Bates, which had grown + somewhat threatening. “All right, Mr. Works,” and + Mr. Ripley began to step out of his overalls; “jump + right in and push juice till you get black in the face, + while I take a little vacation. I’ve been wanting a + lay-off for a long time.”</p> + + <p>“You’ll lay on, Bo,” dissented Mr. Bates. “Nix + on the vacation. That’s just the point. You’re going + to stick on the job, and I’m going to stick within + four feet of you till old Jim-jams Jones shakes along + to get his morning’s morning; and it will be a sign + <a class="pagenum" id="page196" title="196"> </a>of awful bad luck for you if the lights in this end of + town flicker a single flick any time to-night.”</p> + + <p>“Is that it?” Mr. Ripley wanted to know. “And + if they should happen to flicker some what are you + going to do about it?”</p> + + <p>“I don’t know yet,” said Biff. “I’ll knock your + block off first and think about it afterward!”</p> + + <p>Mr. Ripley hastily drew his overalls back on and + slipped the straps over his shoulders with a snap.</p> + + <p>“You’ll tell me when you’re going to do it, won’t + you?” he asked banteringly, and, a full head taller + than Mr. Bates, glared down at him a moment in contempt. + Then he laughed. “I’ll give you ten to one + the lights will flicker,” he offered to bet. “I wouldn’t + stop such a cunning chance for exercise for real + money,” and, whirling upon his heel, Mr. Ripley + started upon his usual preliminary examination of + dynamos and engines and boilers.</p> + + <p>Quite nonchalantly Mr. Bates, puffing at a particularly + villainous stogie and with his hands resting idly + in his pockets, swung after Mr. Ripley, keeping within + almost precisely four feet of him. In the boiler-room, + Ripley, finding Biff still at his heels, said to + the fireman, with a jerk of his thumb over his shoulder:</p> + + <p>“Rocksey, be sure you keep a good head of steam + on to-night if you’re a friend of mine. This is Mr. + <a class="pagenum" id="page197" title="197"> </a>Assistant Works back here, and he’s come in to knock + my block off if the lights flicker.”</p> + + <p>“Rocksey,” a lean man with gray beard-bristles like + pins and with muscles in astounding lumps upon his + grimy arms, surveyed Mr. Bates with a grin which + meant volumes.</p> + + <p>“Ring a bell when it starts, will you, Con?” he requested.</p> + + <p>To this Biff paid not the slightest attention, gazing + stolidly at the red fire where it shone through the + holes of the furnace doors; but when Mr. Ripley + moved away Biff moved also. Ripley introduced Biff + in much the same terms to a tall man who was oiling + the big, old-fashioned Corliss, and a sudden gleam + came into the tall man’s eyes as he recognized Mr. + Bates, but he turned back to his oiling without smile + or comment. Ripley eyed him sharply.</p> + + <p>“You’ll hold the sponge and water-bottle for me, + won’t you, Daly?” he asked, with an evident attempt + at jovial conciliation.</p> + + <p>Daly deliberately wiped the slender nose of his oil + can and went on oiling.</p> + + <p>“What’s the matter?” asked Ripley with a frown. + “Got a grouch again?”</p> + + <p>“Yes, I have,” admitted Daly without looking up, + and shrugged his shoulders.</p> + + <p>“Then cut it out,” said Ripley, “and look real unpeeved + <a class="pagenum" id="page198" title="198"> </a>when somebody hands you tickets to the circus.”</p> + + <p>From that moment Mr. Ripley seemed to take a + keen delight in goading Mr. Bates. He took a sudden + dash half-way down the length of the long room, + as if going to the extreme other end of the plant, + then suddenly whirled and retraced his steps to meet + Biff coming after him; made an equally sudden dart + for the mysterious switch-board, and seized a lever as + if to throw it, but suddenly changed his mind, apparently, + and went away, leaving Mr. Bates to infer that + the throwing of that particular lever would leave them + all in darkness; later, with Biff ready to spring upon + him, he threw that switch to show that it had no important + function to perform at all. To all these and + many more ingenious tricks to humiliate him, Mr. + Bates paid not the slightest attention, but, as calmly + and as impassively as Fate, kept as nearly as he could + to the four-foot distance he had promised.</p> + + <p>It was about ten o’clock when Biff, interested for + a moment in the switch-board, suddenly missed Ripley, + and looking about him hastily he saw the fireman + standing in the door of the boiler-room grinning at + him, while the other workmen—all of whom were of + the old regime—were also enjoying his discomfort; + but Daly, catching his eye, nodded significantly toward + the side-door which led upon the street. It was + <a class="pagenum" id="page199" title="199"> </a>an almost imperceptible nod, but it was enough for + Biff, and he dashed out of that door. Half a block + ahead of him he saw Ripley hurrying, and took after + him with that light, cat-like run which is the height + of effortless and noiseless speed. Ripley, looking + back hastily, hurried into a saloon, and he had + scarcely closed the door when Biff entered after him, + in time to see his man standing at the telephone, receiver + in hand. It was the work of but an instant + to grab Ripley by the arm and jerk him away from + the ’phone. Quickly recovering his balance, with a + lunge of his whole body Ripley shot a swift fist at + the man who had interfered with him, but Biff, without + shifting his position, jerked his head to one side + and the fist shot harmlessly by. Before another blow + could be struck, or parried, the bartender, a brawny + giant, had rushed between them.</p> + + <p>“Let us alone, Jeff,” panted Ripley. “I’ve got all + I can stand for from this rat.”</p> + + <p>“Outside!” said Jeff with cold finality. “You can + beat him to a pulp in the street, Con, but there’ll be + no scrimmage in this place without me having a hand + in it.”</p> + + <p>Ripley considered this ultimatum for a moment in + silence, and then, to Biff’s surprise, suddenly ran + out of the door. It was a tight race to the plant, + and there, with Biff not more than two arms’ length + <a class="pagenum" id="page200" title="200"> </a>behind him, Ripley jerked at a lever hitherto untouched, + and instantly the place was plunged into + complete darkness.</p> + + <p>“There!” screamed Ripley.</p> + + <p>A second later Biff had grappled him, and together + they went to the floor. It was only a moment that + the darkness lasted, however, for tall Tom Daly stood + by the replaced switch, looking down at them in quiet + joy. Immediately with the turning on of the light + Biff scrambled to his feet like a cat and waited for + Ripley to rise. It was Ripley who made the first + lunge, which Biff dexterously ducked, and immediately + after Biff’s right arm shot out, catching his + antagonist a glancing blow upon the side of the + cheek; a blow which drew blood. Infuriated, again + Ripley rushed, but was blocked, and for nearly a + minute there was a swift exchange of light blows + which did little damage; then Biff found his opening, + and, swinging about the axis of his own spine, threw + the entire force of his body behind his right arm, + and the fist of that arm caught Ripley below the ear + and dropped him like a beef, just as Bobby came + running back from, the office.</p> + + <p>“What are you doing here, Biff? What’s the matter?” + demanded Bobby, as Ripley, dazed, struggled + to his feet, and, though weaving, drew himself together + for another onslaught.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page201" title="201"> </a>“Matter!” snarled Biff. “I landed on a frame-up, + that’s all. This afternoon I saw Sharpe and this + Ripley together in a bum wine-room on River Street, + swapping so much of that earnest conversation that + the partitions bulged, and I dropped to the double-cross + that’s being handed out to you. I’ve been trying + to telephone you ever since, but when I couldn’t + find you I came right down to run the plant. That’s + all.”</p> + + <p>“You’re all right, Biff,” laughed Bobby, “but I + guess we’ll call this a one-round affair, and I’ll take + charge.”</p> + + <p>“Don’t stop ’em!” cried Daly savagely, turning + to Bobby. “Hand it to him, Biff. He’s a crook + and an all-round sneak. He beat me out of this job + by underhand means, and there ain’t a man in the + place that ain’t tickled to death to see him get the + beating that’s coming to him. Paste him, Biff!”</p> + + <p>“Biff!” repeated Mr. Ripley, suddenly dropping + his hands. “Biff who?”</p> + + <p>“Mr. Biff Bates, the well-known and justly celebrated + ex-champion middleweight,” announced Bobby + with a grin. “Mr. Ripley—Mr. Bates.”</p> + + <p>“Biff Bates!” repeated Con Ripley. “Why didn’t + some of you guys tell me this was Biff Bates? Mr. + Bates, I’m glad to meet you.” And with much respect + he held forth his hand.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page202" title="202"> </a>“Go chase yourself,” growled Mr. Bates, in infinite + scorn.</p> + + <p>Ripley replied with a sudden volley of abuse, + couched in the vilest of language, but to this Biff + made no reply. He dropped his hands in his coat + pockets, and, considering his work done, walked over + to the wall and leaned against it, awaiting further + developments.</p> + + <p>“Daly,” asked Bobby sharply, breaking in upon + Ripley’s tirade, “are you competent to run this + plant?”</p> + + <p>“Certainly, sir,” replied Daly. “I should have had + the job four years ago. I was promised it.”</p> + + <p>“You may consider yourself in charge, then. Mr. + Ripley, if you will walk up to the office I’ll pay + you off.”</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_17" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page203" title="203"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XVII</span><br /> + BOBBY’S MONEY IS ELECTROCUTED AND JOHN BURNIT’S + SON WAKES UP</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Bobby</span>, jubilant, went to see Chalmers next + day. The lawyer listened gravely, but + shook his head.</p> + + <p>“I’m bound to tell you, Mr. Burnit, that you have + no case. You must have more proof than this to + bring a charge of conspiracy. Ripley had a perfect + right to talk with Sharpe or to telephone to some + one, and mere hot-headedness could explain his shutting + off the lights. Your over-enthusiastic friend + Bates has ruined whatever prospect you might have + had. Your suspicions once aroused, you should have + let your man do as he liked, but should have watched + him and caught him in a trap of some sort. Now it + is too late. Moreover, I have bad news for you. + Your contract for city lighting is ironclad, and can + not be broken, but I saw to-day a paper signed by + an overwhelming majority of your private consumers + that the service is not even ‘reasonably satisfactory,’ + and that they wish the field open to competition. + <a class="pagenum" id="page204" title="204"> </a>With this paper to back them, Stone’s council granted + the right to the Consolidated Company to erect poles, + string wires and supply current. We can bring suit + if you say so, but you will lose it.”</p> + + <p>“Bring suit, then!” ordered Bobby vehemently. + “Why, Chalmers, the contract for the city lighting + alone would cost the Brightlight money every year. + The profit has all been made from private consumers.”</p> + + <p>“That’s why you’re losing it,” said Chalmers + dryly. “The whole project is very plain to me now. + The Consumers and the United Companies never + cared to enter that field, because their controlling + stock-holders were also the Brightlight controlling + stock-holders, and they could get more money through + the Brightlight than they could through the other + companies; and so they led the public to believe that + there was no breaking the monopoly the Brightlight + held upon their service. Now, however, they want to + gain another stock-jobbing advertisement by driving + you out of the field. They planned from the first to + wreck you for just that purpose—to make Consolidated + stock seem more desirable when the stock sales + began to dwindle—and they are perfectly willing to + furnish the consumers in your twelve blocks with current + at their present ridiculously low rate, because, + with them, any possible profits to be derived from the + <a class="pagenum" id="page205" title="205"> </a>business are insignificant compared to the profits to + be derived from the sale of their watered stock. The + price of illumination and power, later, will <em>soar</em>! + Watch it. They’re a very bright crowd,” and Mr. + Chalmers paused to admire them.</p> + + <p>“In other words,” said Bobby glumly. “I am + what Biff Bates told me I would be—the goat.”</p> + + <p>“Precisely,” agreed Chalmers.</p> + + <p>“Begin suit anyhow,” directed Bobby, “and we’ll + see what comes of it.”</p> + + <p>“By the way,” called Chalmers with a curious smile + as Bobby opened the door; “I’ve just learned that + one of the foremost enthusiasts in this whole manipulation + has been quiet and conservative Silas Trimmer.”</p> + + <p>Bobby did not swear. He simply slammed the + door.</p> + + <p>Two days later Bobby was surprised to see Sharpe + drop in upon him.</p> + + <p>“I understand you are bringing suit against the + Consolidated for encroachment upon your territory, + and against the city for abrogation of contract,” + began Sharpe.</p> + + <p>“Yes,” said Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Don’t you think it rather a waste of money, Mr. + Burnit? I can guarantee you positively that you will + not win either suit.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page206" title="206"> </a>“I’m willing to wait to find that out.”</p> + + <p>“No use,” said Sharpe impatiently. “I’ll tell you + what we will do, Mr. Burnit. If you care to have us + to do so, the Consolidated, a little later on, will absorb + the Brightlight.”</p> + + <p>“On what terms?” asked Bobby.</p> + + <p>“It all depends. We might discuss that later. + There’s another matter I’d like to speak with you + about. Stone wants to see you, even yet. I want to + tell you, Mr. Burnit, he can get along a great deal + better without you than you can without him, as you + are probably willing to admit by now. But he still + wants you. Go and see Stone.”</p> + + <p>“On—what—terms—will the Consolidated now absorb + the Brightlight?” demanded Bobby sternly.</p> + + <p>“Well,” drawled Sharpe, with a complete change + of manner, “the property has deteriorated considerably + within a remarkably short space of time, but + I should say that we would buy the Brightlight for + three hundred thousand dollars in stock of the Consolidated, + half preferred and half common.”</p> + + <p>“And this is your very best offer?”</p> + + <p>“The very best,” replied Sharpe, making no attempt + to conceal his exultant grin.</p> + + <p>“Not on your life,” declared Bobby. “I’m going + to hold the Brightlight intact. I’m going to fulfill + the city contract at a loss, if it takes every cent I can + <a class="pagenum" id="page207" title="207"> </a>scrape together, and then I’m going to enter politics + myself. I’m going to drive Stone and his crowd out + of this city, and we shall see if we can not make a readjustment + of the illuminating business on my basis + instead of his. Good day, Mr. Sharpe.”</p> + + <p>“Good day, sir,” said Sharpe, and this time he + laughed aloud.</p> + + <p>At the door he turned.</p> + + <p>“I’d like to call your attention, young man, to the + fact that a great many very determined gentlemen + have announced their intention of driving Mr. Stone + and his associates out of this city. You might compare + that with the fact that Mr. Stone and his friends + are all here yet, and on top,” and with that he withdrew.</p> + + <p>“If I may be so bold as to say so,” said Mr. Applerod, + worried to paleness by this foolish defiance of + so great and good a man, “you have made a very + grave error, Mr. Burnit, very grave, indeed. It is + suicidal to defy Mr. Sharpe, and through him <em>Mr. + Stone</em>!”</p> + + <p>“Will you shut up!” snarled Johnson to his ancient + work-mate. “Mr. Burnit, I have no right to take + the liberty, but I am going to congratulate you, sir. + Whatever follies inexperience may have led you to + commit, you are, at any rate, sir, a <em>man</em>, like your + father was before you!” and by way of emphasis + <a class="pagenum" id="page208" title="208"> </a>Johnson smacked his fist on his desk as he glared in + Mr. Applerod’s direction.</p> + + <p>“It’s all very well to show fight, Johnson,” said + Bobby, a little wanly, “but just the same I have to + acknowledge defeat. I am afraid I boasted too much. + Chalmers, after considering the matter, positively refuses + to bring suit. The whole game is over. I have + the Brightlight Company on my hands at a net dead + loss of every cent I have sunk into it, and it can not + pay me a penny so long as these men remain in power. + I am going to fight them with their own weapons, + but that is a matter of years. In the meantime, my + third business attempt is a hideous failure. Where’s + the gray envelope, Johnson?”</p> + + <p>“It is here,” admitted Johnson, and from his file + took the missive in question.</p> + + <p>As Bobby took the letter from Johnson Agnes came + into the office and swept toward him with outstretched + hand.</p> + + <p>“It is perfectly shameful, Bobby! I just read + about it!”</p> + + <p>“So soon?” he wanted to know.</p> + + <p>She carried a paper in her hand and spread it before + him. In the very head-line his fate was pronounced. + “Brightlight Electric Tottering to Its + Fall,” was the cheerful line which confronted him, + and beneath this was set forth the facts that every + <a class="pagenum" id="page209" title="209"> </a>profitable contract heretofore held by the Brightlight + Electric had been taken away from that unfortunate + concern, in which the equipment was said to be so inefficient + as to render decent service out of the question, + and that, having remaining to it only a money-losing + contract for city lighting, business men were freely + predicting its very sudden dissolution. The item, + wherein the head-line took up more space than the + news, wound up with the climax statement that + Brightlight stock was being freely offered at around + forty, with no takers.</p> + + <p>To her surprise, Bobby tossed the paper on Johnson’s + desk and laughed.</p> + + <p>“I have been so long prepared for this bit of + ‘news’ that it does not shock me much,” he said; + “moreover, the lower this stock goes the cheaper I can + buy it!”</p> + + <p>“Buy it!” she incredulously exclaimed.</p> + + <p>“Exactly,” he stated calmly. “I presume that, as + heretofore, I’ll be given another check, and I do not + see any better place to put the money than right + here. I am going to fight!”</p> + + <p>“Beg your pardon, sir,” said Johnson. “Your + last remark was spoken loud enough to be taken as + general, and I am compelled to give you this envelope.”</p> + + <p>Into his hands Johnson placed a mate to the missive + <a class="pagenum" id="page210" title="210"> </a>which Bobby had not yet opened, and this one + was inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Robert, Upon His Declaration that He + Will Take Two Starts at the Same Business</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bobby looked at the two letters in frowning perplexity, + and then silently walked into his own office, + where Agnes followed him; and it was she who closed + the door. He sat down at his desk and held that last + letter of his father’s before him in dread. He had so + airily built up his program; and apprehension told + him what this letter might contain! Presently he + was conscious that Agnes’ arm was slipped across his + shoulder. She was sitting upon the arm of his chair, + and had bent her cheek upon his head. So they read + the curt message:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“To throw good money after bad is like sprinkling + salt on a cut. It only intensifies the pain and doesn’t + work much of a cure. In your case it is strictly forbidden. + You must learn to cut your garment according + to your cloth, to bite off only what you can chew, + to lift no more than you can carry. Your next start + must not be encumbered.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“He’s wrong!” declared Bobby savagely.</p> + + <p>“But if he is,” protested Agnes, “what can you do + about it?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page211" title="211"> </a>“If his bequests are conditional I shall have to accept + the conditions; but, nevertheless, I am going to + fight; and I am going to keep the Brightlight Electric!”</p> + + <p>Mechanically he opened the other letter now. The + contents were to this effect:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Upon His Losing Money in a Public + Service Corporation</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“Every buzz-saw claims some fingers. Of course + you had to be a victim, but now you know how to handle + a buzz-saw. The first point about it is to treat + it with respect. When you realize thoroughly that a + buzz-saw is dangerous, half the danger is gone. So, + when your wound is healed, you might go ahead and + saw, just as a matter of accomplishment. Bobby, how + I wish I could talk with you now, for just one little + half hour.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Convulsively Bobby crumpled the letter in his hand + and the tears started to his eyes.</p> + + <p>“Bully old dad!” he said brokenly, and opened his + watch-case, where the grim but humor-loving face of + old John Burnit looked up at his beloved children.</p> + + <p>“And now what are you going to do?” Agnes + asked him presently, when they were calmer.</p> + + <p>“Fight!” he vehemently declared. “For the governor’s + sake as well as my own.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page212" title="212"> </a>“I just found another letter for you, sir,” said + Johnson, handing in the third of the missives to come + in that day’s mail from beyond the Styx. It was + inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Robert Upon the Occasion of His Declaring + Fight Against the Politicians Who + Robbed Him</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“Nothing but public laziness allows dishonest men + to control public affairs. Any time an honest man + puts up a sincere fight against a crook there’s a new + fat man in striped clothes. If you have a crawful + and want to fight against dirty politics in earnest, + jump in, and tell all my old friends to put a bet + down on you for me. I’d as soon have you spend in + that way the money I made as to buy yachts with it; + and I can see where the game might be made as interesting + as polo. Go in and win, boy.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“And now what are you going to do?” Agnes + asked him, laughing this time.</p> + + <p>“Fight!” he declared exultantly. “I’m going to + fight entirely outside of my father’s money. I’m + going to fight with my own brawn and my own brain + and my own resources and my own personal following! + Why, Agnes, that is what the governor has + been goading me to do. It is what all this is planned + for, and the governor, after all, is right!”</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_18" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page213" title="213"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XVIII</span><br /> + SOME EMINENT ARTISTS AMUSE MEESTER BURNIT WHILE + HE WAITS</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">One</span> might imagine, after Bobby’s heroic + declarations, that, like young David of + old, he would immediately proceed to stride + forth and slay his giant. There stood his Goliath, + full panoplied, sneering, waiting; but alas! Bobby + had neither sling nor stone. It was all very well + to announce in fine frenzy that he would smash the + Consolidated, destroy the political ring, drive Sam + Stone and his henchmen out of town and wrest all + his goods and gear from Silas Trimmer; but until + he could find a place to plant his foot, descry an + opening in the armor and procure an adequate + weapon, he might just as well bottle his fuming and + wait; so Bobby waited. In the meantime he stuck + very closely to the Brightlight office, finding there, + in the practice of petty economics and the struggle + with well-nigh impossible conditions, ample food for + thought. In a separate bank reposed the new fund + of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which he + <a class="pagenum" id="page214" title="214"> </a>kept religiously aside from the affairs of the Brightlight, + and this fund also waited; for Bobby was not + nearly so feverish to find instant employment for it + as he had been with the previous ones—though he + had endless chances. People with the most unheard + of schemes seemed to have a peculiar scent for unsophisticated + money, and not only local experts in + the gentle art of separation flocked after him, but + out of town specialists came to him in shoals. To + these latter he took great satisfaction in displaying + the gem of his collection of post-mortem letters from + old John Burnit:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“You don’t need to go away from home to be + skinned; moreover, it isn’t patriotic.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>That usually stopped them. He was growing quite + sophisticated, was Bobby, quite able to discern the + claws beneath the velvet paw, quite suspicious of all + the ingenious gentlemen who wanted to make a fortune + for him; and their frantic attempts to “get his + goat,” as Biff Bates expressed it, had become as good + as a play to this wise young person, as also to the + wise young person’s trustee.</p> + + <p>Agnes, who was helping Bobby wait, came occasionally + to the office of the Brightlight on business, + and nearly always Bobby had reduced to paper some + gaudy new scheme that had been proposed to him, + <a class="pagenum" id="page215" title="215"> </a>over which they both might laugh. In great hilarity + one morning they were going over the prospectus of + a plan to reclaim certain swamp lands in Florida, + when the telephone bell rang, and from Bobby’s difficulty + in understanding and his smile as he hung up + the receiver, Agnes knew that something else amusing + had turned up.</p> + + <p>“It is from Schmirdonner,” he explained as he + turned to her again. “He’s the conductor of the + orchestra at the Orpheum, you know. I gather from + what he says that there are some stranded musicians + here who probably speak worse English than myself, + and he’s sending them up to me to see about arranging + a benefit for them. You’d better wait; it might + be fun, or you might want to help arrange the + benefit.”</p> + + <p>“No,” disclaimed Agnes, laughing and drawing + her impedimenta together for departure, “I’ll leave + both the fun and the philanthropy to you. I know + you’re quite able to take care of them. I’ll just wait + long enough to hear how we’re to get rid of the water + down in Florida. I suppose we bore holes in the + ground and let it run out.”</p> + + <p>“By no means,” laughed Bobby. “It’s no where + near so absurdly simple as that,” and he turned once + more to the prospectus which lay open on the desk + before them.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page216" title="216"> </a>Before they were through with it there suddenly + erupted into the outer office, where Johnson and Applerod + glared at each other day by day over their + books, a pandemonium of gabbling. Agnes, with a + little exclamation of dismay at the time she had + wasted, rose in a hurry, and immediately after she + passed through the door there bounded into the room + a rotund little German with enormous and extremely + thick glasses upon his knob of a nose, a grizzled + mustache that poked straight up on both sides of + that knob, and an absurd toupee that flared straight + out all around on top of the bald spot to which it was + pasted. Behind him trailed a pudgy man of so exactly + the Herr Professor’s height and build that it + seemed as if they were cast in the same spherical + mold, but he was much younger and had jet black + hair and a jet black mustache of such tiny proportions + as to excite amazement and even awe. Still behind + him was as unusually large young woman, fully + a head taller than either of the two men, who had an + abundance of jet black hair, and was dressed in a + very rich robe and wrap, both of which were somewhat + soiled and worn.</p> + + <p>“Signor R-r-r-r-icardo, der grosse tenore—Mees-ter + Burnit,” introduced the rotund little German, + with a deep bow commensurate with the greatness of + the great tenor. “Signorina Car-r-r-avaggio—Mees-ter + <a class="pagenum" id="page217" title="217"> </a>Burnit. I, Mees-ter Burnit, <em lang="de" xml:lang="de">Ich bin</em> Brofessor + Frühlingsvogel.”</p> + + <p>Bobby, for the lack of any other handy greeting, + merely bowed and smiled, whereupon Signorina Caravaggio, + stepping into a breach which otherwise would + certainly have been embarrassing, seated herself comfortably + upon the edge of Bobby’s desk and swung + one large but shapely foot while she explained + matters.</p> + + <p>“It’s like this, Mr. Burnit,” she confidently began: + “when that dried-up little heathen, Matteo, who tried + to run the Neapolitan Grand Opera Company with + stage money, got us this far on a tour that is a disgrace + to the profession, he had a sudden notion that + he needed ocean air; so he took what few little dollars + were in the treasury and hopped right on into New + York.</p> + + <p>“Here we are, then, at the place we were merely + ‘to make connections,’ two hundred miles from + our next booking and without enough money among + us to buy a postage stamp. We haven’t seen a cent + of salary for six weeks, and the only thing we can + do is to seize the props and scenery and costumes, see + if they can be sold, and disband, unless somebody + gallops to the rescue in a hurry. Professor Frühlingsvogel + happened to know another Dutchman here + who conducts an orchestra at the Orpheum, and he + <a class="pagenum" id="page218" title="218"> </a>sent us to you. He said you knew all the swell set + and could start a benefit going if anybody in town + could.”</p> + + <p>“Yes,” said Bobby, smiling; “Schmirdonner telephoned + me just a few minutes ago that the Herr Professor + Frühlingsvogel would be up to see me, and + asked me to do what I could. How many of you are + there?”</p> + + <p>“Seventy-three,” promptly returned Signorina + Caravaggio, “and all hungry. Forty singers and an + orchestra of thirty—seventy—besides props and the + stage manager and Herr Frühlingsvogel, who is the + musical director.”</p> + + <p>“Where are you stopping?” asked Bobby, aghast + at the size of the contract that was offered him.</p> + + <p>“We’re not,” laughed the great Italian songstress. + “We all went up and registered at a fourth-rate place + they call the Hotel Larken, but that’s as far as we + got, for we were told before the ink was dry that + we’d have to come across before we got a single biscuit; + so there they are, scattered about the S. R. O. + parts of that little two-by-twice hotel, waiting for + little me to trot out and find an angel. Are you it?”</p> + + <div id="illo-3" class="illo"> + <a href="images/illo-3.jpg"><img src="images/illo-3-sm.jpg" width="481" height="556" alt="A standing man and woman who is sitting on a desk talk." /></a> + <p class="caption">Little me to trot out and find an angel. Are you it?</p> + </div> + + <p>“I can’t really promise what I can do,” hesitated + Bobby, who had never been able to refuse assistance + where it seemed to be needed; “but I’ll run down to + the club and see some of the boys about getting up a + <a class="pagenum" id="page219" title="219"> </a>subscription concert for you. How much help will + you need?”</p> + + <p>“Enough to land us on little old Manhattan + Island.”</p> + + <p>“And there are over seventy of you to feed and + take care of for, say, three days, and then to pay + railroad fares for,” mused Bobby, a little startled as + the magnitude of the demand began to dawn upon + him. “Then there’s the music-hall, advertising, printing + and I suppose a score of other incidentals. You + need quite a pile of money. However, I’ll go down + to the club at lunch time and see what I can do for + you.”</p> + + <p>“I knew you would the minute I looked at you,” + said the Signorina confidently, which was a compliment + or not, the way one looked at it. “But, say; + I’ve got a better scheme than that, one that will let + you make a little money instead of contributing. I + understand the Orpheum has next week dark, through + yesterday’s failure of The Married Bachelor Comedy + Company. Why don’t you get the Orpheum for us + and back our show for the week? We have twelve + operas in our repertoire. The scenery and props are + very poor, the costumes are only half-way decent and + the chorus is the rattiest-looking lot you ever saw in + your life; but they can sing. They went into the + discard on account of their faces, poor things. Suppose + <a class="pagenum" id="page220" title="220"> </a>you come over and have a look. They’d melt you + to tears.”</p> + + <p>“That won’t be necessary,” hastily objected Bobby; + “but I’ll meet a lot of the fellows at lunch, and afterward + I’ll let you know.”</p> + + <p>“After lunch!” exclaimed the Signorina with a + most expressive placing of her hands over her belt, + whereat the Herr Professor and Der Grosse Tenore + both turned most wistfully to Bobby to see what effect + this weighty plea might have upon him. + “Lunch!” she repeated. “If you would carry a fork-full + of steaming spaghetti into the Hotel Larken at + this minute you’d start a riot. Why, Mr. Burnit, if + you’re going to do anything for us you’ve got to + get into action, because we’ve been up since seven + and we still want our breakfasts.”</p> + + <p>“Breakfast!” exclaimed Bobby, looking hastily + at his watch. It was now eleven-thirty. “Come on; + we’ll go right over to the Larken, wherever that may + be,” and he exhibited as much sudden haste as if he + had seen seventy people actually starving before his + very eyes.</p> + + <p>Just as the quartette stepped out of the office, Biff + Bates, just coming in, bustled up to Bobby with:</p> + + <p>“Can I see you just a minute, Bobby? Kid Mills + is coming around to my place this afternoon.”</p> + + <p>“Haven’t time just now, Biff,” said Bobby; “but + <a class="pagenum" id="page221" title="221"> </a>jump into the machine with us and I’ll do the ‘chauffing.’ + That will make room for all of us. We can + talk on the way to the Hotel Larken. Do you know + where it is?”</p> + + <p>“Me?” scorned Biff. “If there is an inch of this + old town I can’t put my finger on in the dark, blindfolded, + I’ll have that inch dug out and thrown away.”</p> + + <p>At the curb, with keen enjoyment of the joke of + it all, Bobby gravely introduced Mr. Biff Bates, ex-champion + middle-weight, to these imported artists, + but, very much to his surprise, Signorina Caravaggio + and Professor Bates struck up an instant and animated + conversation anent Biff’s well-known and + justly-famous victory over Slammer Young, and so + interested did they become in this conversation that + instead of Biff’s sitting up in the front seat, as Bobby + had intended, the eminent instructor of athletics + manœuvered the Herr Professor into that post of + honor and climbed into the tonneau with Signor Ricardo + and the Signorina, with the latter of whom he + talked most volubly all the way over, to the evidently + vast annoyance of Der Grosse Tenore.</p> + + <p>The confusion of tongues must have been a very + tame and quiet affair as compared to the polyglot + chattering which burst upon Bobby’s ears when he + entered the small lobby of the Hotel Larken. The + male members of the Neapolitan Grand Opera Company, + <a class="pagenum" id="page222" title="222"> </a>almost to a man, were smoking cigarettes. + There were swarthy little men and swarthy big men, + there seeming to be no medium sizes among them, + while the women were the most wooden-featured lot + that Bobby had ever encountered, and the entire crowd + was swathed in gay but dingy clothing of the most + nondescript nature. Really, had Bobby not been + assured that they were grand opera singers he would + have taken them for a lot of immigrants, for they + had that same unhappy expression of worry. The + principals could be told from the chorus and the members + of the orchestra from the fact that they stood + aloof from the rest and from one another, gloomily + nursing their grievances that they, each one the most + illustrious member of the company, should thus be + put to inconvenience! It was a monstrous thing that + they, the possessors of glorious voices which the entire + world should at once fall down and worship, + should be actually hungry and out of money! It + was, oh, unbelievable, atrocious, barbarous, positively + inhuman!</p> + + <p>With the entrance of the Signorina Caravaggio, + bearing triumphantly with her the neatly-dressed + and altogether money-like Bobby Burnit, one hundred + and forty wistful eyes, mostly black and dark brown, + were immediately focused in eager interest upon the + possible savior. Behind the desk, perplexed and distracted + <a class="pagenum" id="page223" title="223"> </a>but still grimly firm, stood frowzy Widow + Larken herself, drawn and held to the post of duty + by this vast and unusual emergency. Not one room + had Madam Larken saved for all these alien warblers, + not one morsel of food had she loosed from her capacious + kitchen; and yet not one member of the company + had she permitted to stray outside her doors + while Signorina Caravaggio and Signor Ricardo and + the Herr Professor Frühlingsvogel had gone out to + secure an angel, two stout porters being kept at the + front door to turn back the restless. If provision + could be made to pay the bills of this caravan, the + Widow Larken—who was shaped like a pillow with + a string tied around it and wore a face like a huge, + underdone apple dumpling—was too good a business + woman to overlook that opportunity. Bobby took + one sweeping glance at that advancing circle of one + hundred and forty eyes and turned to Widow Larken.</p> + + <p>“I will be responsible for the hotel bills of these + people until further notice,” said he.</p> + + <p>The Widow Larken, looking intently at Bobby’s + scarf-pin, relented no whit in her uncompromising + attitude.</p> + + <p>“And who might you be?” she demanded, with a + calm brow and cold determination.</p> + + <p>“I am Robert J. Burnit,” said Bobby. “I’ll give + you a written order if you like—or a check.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page224" title="224"> </a>The Widow Larken’s uncompromising expression + instantly melted, but she did not smile—she grinned. + Bobby knew precisely the cause of that amused expression, + but if he had needed an interpreter, he had one + at his elbow in the person of Biff Bates, who looked + up at him with a reflection of the same grin.</p> + + <p>“They’re all next to you, Bobby,” he observed. + “The whole town knows that you’re the real village + goat.”</p> + + <p>The Widow Larken did not answer Bobby directly. + She called back to a blue-overall-clad porter at the end + of the lobby:</p> + + <p>“Open the dining-room doors, Michael.”</p> + + <p>Signorina Caravaggio immediately said a few guttural + words in German to Professor Frühlingsvogel, + a few limpid words in Italian to Signor Ricardo a + few crisp words in French to Madame Villenauve, a + nervous but rather attractive little woman with piercing + black eyes. The singers of other languages did + not wait to be informed; they joined the general + stampede toward the ravishing paradise of midday + breakfast, and as the last of them vacated the lobby, + the principals no whit behind the humble members of + the chorus in crowding and jamming through that + doorway, Bobby breathed a sigh of relief. Only the + Signorina was left to him, and Bobby hesitated just + a moment as it occurred to him that, perhaps, a more + <a class="pagenum" id="page225" title="225"> </a>personal entertainment was expected by this eminent + songstress. Biff Bates, however, relieved him of his + dilemma.</p> + + <p>“While you’re gone down to see the boys at the + Idlers’ Club,” said Biff, “I’m going to take Miss + Carry—Miss—Miss—”</p> + + <p>“Caravaggio,” interrupted the Signorina with a + repetition of a laugh which had convinced Bobby that, + after all, she might be a singer, though her speaking + voice gave no trace of it.</p> + + <p>“Carrie for mine,” insisted Biff with a confident + grin. “I’m going to take Miss Carrie out to lunch + some place where they don’t serve prunes. I guess + the Hotel Spender will do for us.”</p> + + <p>Bobby surveyed Biff with an indulgent smile.</p> + + <p>“Thanks,” said he. “That will give me time to + see what I can do.”</p> + + <p>“You take my advice, Mr. Burnit,” earnestly interposed + the Signorina. “Don’t bother with your + friends. Go and see the manager of the Orpheum + and ask him about that open date. Ask him if he + thinks it wouldn’t be a good investment for you to + back us.”</p> + + <p>Biff, the conservative; Biff, whose vote was invariably + for the negative on any proposition involving an + investment of Bobby’s funds, unexpectedly added his + weight for the affirmative.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page226" title="226"> </a>“It’s a good stunt, Bobby. Go to it,” he counseled, + and the Caravaggio smiled down at him.</p> + + <p>Again Bobby laughed.</p> + + <p>“All right, Biff,” said he. “I’ll hunt up the manager + of the Orpheum right away.”</p> + + <p>In his machine he conveyed Biff and the prima + donna to the Hotel Spender, and then drove to the + Orpheum.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_19" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page227" title="227"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XIX</span><br /> + WITH THE RELUCTANT CONSENT OF AGNES, BOBBY BECOMES + A PATRON OF MUSIC</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">The</span> manager of the Orpheum was a strange + evolution. He was a man who had spent a + lifetime in the show business, running first + a concert hall that “broke into the papers” every + Sunday morning with an account of from two to seven + fights the night before, then an equally disreputable + “burlesque” house, the broad attractions of which + appealed to men and boys only. To this, as he made + money, he added the cheapest and most blood-curdling + melodrama theater in town, then a “regular” house + of the second grade. In his career he had endured + two divorce cases of the most unattractive sort, and, + among quiet and conventional citizens, was supposed + to have horns and a barbed tail that snapped sparks + where it struck on the pavement. When he first purchased + the Orpheum Theater, the most exclusive playhouse + of the city, he began to appear in its lobby + every night in a dinner-coat or a dress-suit, silk topper + <a class="pagenum" id="page228" title="228"> </a>and all, with an almost modest diamond stud in + his white shirt-front; and ladies, as they came in, + asked in awed whispers of their husbands: “Is <em>that</em> + Dan Spratt?” Some few who had occasion to meet + him went away gasping: “Why, the man seems + really nice!” Others of “the profession,” about whom + the public never knew, spoke his name with tears of + gratitude.</p> + + <p>Mr. Spratt, immersed in troubles of his own, + scarcely looked up as Bobby entered, and only grunted + in greeting.</p> + + <p>“Spratt,” began Bobby, who knew the man quite + well through “sporting” events engineered by Biff + Bates, “the Neapolitan Grand Opera Company is + stranded here, and—”</p> + + <p>“Where are they?” interrupted Spratt eagerly, all + his abstraction gone.</p> + + <p>“At the Hotel Larken,” began Bobby again. + “I—”</p> + + <p>“Have they got their props and scenery?”</p> + + <p>“Everything, I understand,” said Bobby. “I came + around to see you—”</p> + + <p>“Who’s running the show?” demanded Spratt.</p> + + <p>“Their manager decamped with the money—with + what little there was,” explained Bobby, “and they + came to me by accident. I understand you have an + open date next week.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page229" title="229"> </a>“It’s not open now,” declared Spratt. “The date + is filled with the Neapolitan Grand Opera Company.”</p> + + <p>“There doesn’t seem to be much use of my talking, + then,” said Bobby, smiling.</p> + + <p>“Not much,” said Spratt. “They’re a good company, + but I’ve noticed from the reports that they’ve + been badly managed. The Dago that brought them + over didn’t know the show business in this country + and tried to run the circus himself; and, of course, + they’ve gone on the rocks. It’s great luck that they + landed here. I just heard a bit ago that they were in + town. I suppose they’re flat broke.”</p> + + <p>“Why, yes,” said Bobby. “I just went up to the + Hotel Larken and said I’d be responsible for their + hotel bill.”</p> + + <p>“Oh,” said Spratt. “Then you’re backing them + for their week here.”</p> + + <p>“Well, I’m not quite sure about that,” hesitated + Bobby.</p> + + <p>“If you don’t, I will,” offered Spratt. “There’s + a long line of full-dress Willies here that’ll draw their + week’s wages in advance to attend grand opera in + cabs. At two and a half for the first sixteen rows + they’ll pack the house for the week, and every diamond + in the hock-shops will get an airing for the occasion. + But you saw it first, Burnit, and I won’t + interfere.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page230" title="230"> </a>“Well, I don’t know,” Bobby again hesitated. “I + haven’t fully—”</p> + + <p>“Go ahead,” urged Spratt heartily. “It’s your + pick-up and I’ll get mine. Hey, Spencer!”</p> + + <p>A thin young man, with hair so light that he seemed + to have no hair at all and no eyebrows, came in.</p> + + <p>“We’ve booked the Neapolitan Grand Opera Company + for next week. Have they got Caravaggio and + Ricardo with them?” he asked, turning abruptly + to Bobby.</p> + + <p>Bobby, with a smile, nodded his head.</p> + + <p>“All right, Spence; get busy on some press stuff + for the afternoon papers. You can fake notices + about them from what you know. Use two-inch + streamers clear across the pages, then you can get + some fresh stuff and the repertoire to-night for the + morning papers. Play it up strong, Spence. Use + plenty of space; and, say, tell Billy to get ready for a + three o’clock rehearsal. Now, Burnit, let’s go up to + the Larken and make arrangements.”</p> + + <p>“We might just as well wait an hour,” counseled + Bobby. “The only one I found in the crowd who + could speak English was Signorina Caravaggio.”</p> + + <p>“I know her,” said Spratt. “Her other name’s + Nora McGinnis. Smart woman, too, and straight + as a string; and sing! Why, that big ox can sing a + bird off a tree.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page231" title="231"> </a>“She’s just gone over to lunch with Biff Bates at + the Spender,” observed Bobby, “and we’d better wait + for her. She seems to be the leading spirit.”</p> + + <p>“Of course she is. Let’s go right over to the + Spender.”</p> + + <p>Biff Bates did not seem overly pleased when his + tête-à-tête luncheon was interrupted by Bobby and + Mr. Spratt, but the Signorina Nora very quickly + made it apparent that business was business. Arrangements + were promptly made to attach the carload + of effects for back salaries due the company, and + to lease these to Bobby for the week for a nominal + sum. Bobby was to pay the regular schedule of salaries + for that week and make what profit he could. A + rehearsal of <cite>Carmen</cite> was to be called that afternoon + at three, and a repertoire was arranged.</p> + + <p>Feeling very much exhilarated after all this, Bobby + drove out in his automobile after lunch to see Agnes + Elliston. He found that young lady and Aunt Constance + about to start for a drive, their carriage being + already at the door, but without any ceremony he + bundled them into his machine instead.</p> + + <p>“Purely as my trustee,” he explained, “Agnes must + inspect my new business venture.”</p> + + <p>Aunt Constance smiled.</p> + + <p>“The trusteeship of Agnes hasn’t done you very + much good so far,” she observed. “As a matter of + <a class="pagenum" id="page232" title="232"> </a>fact, if she wanted to build up a reputation as an + expert trustee, I don’t think she could accomplish + much by printing in her circulars the details of her + past stewardship.”</p> + + <p>“I don’t want her to work up a reputation as a + trustee,” retorted Bobby. “She suits me just as she + is, and I’m inclined to thank the governor for having + loaded her down with the job.”</p> + + <p>“I’m becoming reconciled to it myself,” admitted + Agnes, smiling up at him. “Really, I have great + faith that one day you will learn how to take care of + money—if the money holds out that long. What is + the new venture, Bobby?”</p> + + <p>He grinned quite cheerfully.</p> + + <p>“I am about to become an angel,” he said quite + solemnly.</p> + + <p>Aunt Constance shook her head.</p> + + <p>“No, Bobby,” she said kindly; “there <em>are</em> spots, + you know, where angels fear to tread.”</p> + + <p>But Agnes took the declaration with no levity + whatever.</p> + + <p>“You don’t mean in a theatrical sense?” she + inquired.</p> + + <p>“<em>In</em> a theatrical sense,” he insisted. “I am about + to back the Neapolitan Grand Opera Company.”</p> + + <p>“Why, Bobby!” objected Agnes, aghast. “You + surely don’t mean it! I never thought you would + <a class="pagenum" id="page233" title="233"> </a>contemplate anything so preposterous as that. I + thought it was to be only a benefit!”</p> + + <p>“It’s only a temporary arrangement,” he reassured + her, laughing that he had been taken so seriously. + “I’m arranging so that they can earn their way out + of town; that’s all. I am taking you down now to see + their first rehearsal.”</p> + + <p>“I don’t care to go,” she declared, in a tone so + piqued that Bobby turned to her in mute astonishment.</p> + + <p>Aunt Constance laughed at his look of utter perplexity.</p> + + <p>“How little you understand, Bobby,” she said. + “Don’t you see that Agnes is merely jealous?”</p> + + <p>“Indeed not!” Agnes indignantly denied. “That + is an idea more absurd than the fact that Bobby + should go into such an enterprise at all. However, + since I lay myself open to such a suspicion I shall + offer no further objection to going.”</p> + + <p>Bobby looked at her curiously and then he carefully + refrained from chuckling, for Aunt Constance, + though joking, had told the truth. Instant visions + of dazzling sopranos, of mezzos and contraltos, of + angelic voices and of vast beauty and exquisite gowning, + had flashed in appalling procession before her + mental vision. The idea, in the face of the appalling + actuality, was so rich that Bobby pursued it no + <a class="pagenum" id="page234" title="234"> </a>further lest he spoil it, and talked about the weather + and equally inane topics the rest of the way.</p> + + <p>It was not until they had turned into the narrow + alley at the side of the Orpheum, and from that to the + still more narrow alley at its rear, that the zest of + adventure began to make amends to Agnes for certain + disagreeable moments of the ride. At the stage + door a particularly bewildered-looking man with a + rolling eye and a weak jaw, rendered limp and helpless + by the polyglot aliens who had flocked upon him, + strickenly let them in, to grope their way, amid what + seemed an inextricable confusion, but was in reality + the perfection of orderliness, upon the dim stage, + beyond which stretched, in vast emptiness, the big, + black auditorium. Upon the stage, chattering in + shrill voices, were the forty members of the company, + still in their queer clothing, while down in front, + where shaded lights—seeming dull and discouraged + amid all the surrounding darkness—streamed upon + the music, were the members of the orchestra, chattering + just as volubly. The general note was quite + different in pitch from the one Bobby had heard that + morning, for since he had seen them the members + of the organization had been fed, and life looked + cheerful.</p> + + <p>Wandering at a loss among these people, and trying + in the dim twilight to find some face that he knew, + <a class="pagenum" id="page235" title="235"> </a>the ears of Bobby and his party were suddenly assailed + by an extremely harsh and penetrating voice + which shouted:</p> + + <p>“Clear!”</p> + + <p>This was accompanied by a sharp clap from a pair + of very broad hands. The chattering suddenly took + on a rapid crescendo, ascending a full third in the + scale and then dying abruptly in a little high falsetto + shriek; and Bobby, with a lady upon either arm, + found his little trio immediately alone in the center + of the stage, a row of dim footlights cutting off + effectually any view into the vast emptiness of the + auditorium.</p> + + <p>“Hey, you; <em>clear</em>!” came the harsh voice again, + accompanied by another sharp clap of the hands, and + a bundle of intense fighting energy bounced out from + the right tormentor wing, in the shape of a gaunt, + fiercely-mustached and entirely bald man of about + forty-five, who appeared perpetually to be in the last + stages of distraction.</p> + + <p>“Who do you weesh to see?” demanded the gaunt + man, in a very decided foreign accent. He had made + a very evident attempt to be quite polite indeed, and + forgiving of people who did not know enough to + spring for the wings at the sound of that magic + word, “Clear!”</p> + + <p>Any explanations that Bobby might have tried to + <a class="pagenum" id="page236" title="236"> </a>make were happily prevented by a voice from the + yawning blackness—a quiet voice, a voice of authority, + the voice of Mr. Spratt.</p> + + <p>“Come right down in front here, Burnit. Jimmy, + show the gentleman how to get down.”</p> + + <p>“Thees way,” snapped the gaunt man, with evident + relief but no abatement whatever of his briskness, + and he very hastily walked over to the right wings, + where Jimmy, the house electrician, piloted the trio + with equal relief through the clustered mass of singers + to the door behind the boxes. As they emerged + into the auditorium the raucous voice of the gaunt + man was heard to shout: “All ready now. <cite>Carmen</cite> + all ze way through.” An apparent repetition of + which statement he immediately made with equal + raucousness in two or three languages. There was a + call to Caravaggio in English, to Ricardo and the + Signers Fivizzano and Rivaroli in Italian, to Messrs. + Philippi and Schaerbeeken in Spanish and Dutch, to + Madam Villenauve in French, to Madam Kadanoff in + Russian, and to Mademoiselle Török in Hungarian, + to know if they were ready; then, in rough but + effective German, he informed the Herr Professor + down in the orchestra that all was prepared, clapped + his hands, cried “Overture,” and immediately plunged + to the right upper entrance, marked by two chairs, + where, with shrill objurgations, he began instructing + <a class="pagenum" id="page237" title="237"> </a>and drilling the Soldiers’ Chorus out of certain remembered + awkwardnesses, as Herr Frühlingsvogel’s + baton fell for the overture.</p> + + <p>Shorn of all the glamor that scenic environment, + light effects and costume could give them, it was a + distinct shock to Agnes to gaze in wondering horror + from each one of those amazing faces to the other, + and when the cigarette girls trooped out, amazement + gave way to downright consternation. Nevertheless, + she cheered up considerably, and the apex of her + cheerfulness was reached when the oversized Signorina + Caravaggio sang, very musically, however, + the rôle of the petite and piquant Carmen. It was + then that, sitting by Bobby in the darkness, Agnes + observed with a sigh of content:</p> + + <p>“Your trustee quite approves, Bobby. I don’t + mind being absolutely truthful for once in my life. + I <em>was</em> a little jealous. But how could I be? Really, + their voices are fine.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Spratt, too, was of that opinion, and he + came back to Bobby to say so most emphatically.</p> + + <p>“They’ll do,” said he. “After the first night + they’ll have this town crazy. If the seat sale don’t go + right for Monday we’ll pack the house with paper, + and the rest of the week will go big. Just hear that + Ricardo! The little bit of a sawed-off toad sings like + a canary. If you don’t look at ’em, they’re great.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page238" title="238"> </a>They <em>were</em> superb. From the throats of that ill-favored + chorus there came divine harmony, smooth, + evenly-balanced, exhilarating, almost flawless, and as + the great musical poem of passion unfolded and the + magnificent aria of Don José was finished in the second + act, the little group of listeners down in front + burst into involuntary applause, to which there was + but one dissenting voice. This voice, suddenly evolving + out of the darkness at Bobby’s side, ejaculated + with supreme disgust:</p> + + <p>“Well, what do you think of that! Why, that fat + little fishworm of a Dago is actually gone bug-house + over Miss McGinnis,” a fact which had been obvious + to all of them the minute small Ricardo began to + sing his wonderful love song to large Caravaggio.</p> + + <p>The rest of them had found only amusement in the + fact, but to Biff Bates there was nothing funny about + this. He sat in speechless disapproval throughout + the balance of that much-interrupted performance, + wherein Professor Frühlingsvogel, now and then, + stopped his music with a crash to shriek an excited + direction that it was all wrong, that it was execrable, + that it was a misdemeanor, a crime, a murder to sing + it in that way! The passage must be all sung over; + or, at other times, the gaunt stage director, whose + name was Monsieur Noire, would rush with a hoarse + howl down to Herr Professor, order him to stop the + <a class="pagenum" id="page239" title="239"> </a>music, and, turning, berate some unfortunate performer + who had defied the conventions of grand opera + by acting quite naturally. On the whole, however, it + was a very creditable performance, and Bobby’s advisers + gave the project their unqualified approval.</p> + + <p>“It is really a commendable thing,” Aunt Constance + complacently announced, “to encourage music + of this order, and to furnish such a degree of cultivation + for the masses.”</p> + + <p>It was a worthy project indeed. As for the company + itself there could be no question that it was a + good one. No one expected acting in grand opera, + no one expected that the performers would be physically + adaptable to their parts. The voice! The + voice was all. Even Agnes admitted that it was a + splendid thing to be a patron of the fine arts; but + Bobby, in his profound new wisdom and his thorough + conversion to strictly commercial standards, said with + vast iconoclasm:</p> + + <p>“You are overlooking the main point. I am not so + anxious to become a patron of the fine arts as I am + to make money,” with which terrible heresy he left + them at home, with a thorough understanding that he + was quite justified in his new venture; though next + morning, when he confided the fact to Johnson, that + worthy, with a sigh, presented him with an appropriate + missive from among those in the gray envelopes + <a class="pagenum" id="page240" title="240"> </a>left in his care by the late John Burnit. It was inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Robert, Upon His Deciding to Back a + Theatrical Venture</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“Sooner or later, every man thinks it would be a + fine thing to run a show, and the earlier in life it happens + the sooner a man will have it out of his system. + I tried it once myself, and I know. So good luck to + you, my boy, and here’s hoping that you don’t get + stung too badly.”</p> + </blockquote> + </div> + <div id="chapter_20" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page241" title="241"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XX</span><br /> + STILL WITH THE RELUCTANT CONSENT OF AGNES, + BOBBY INVESTS IN THE FINE ARTS</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">That</span> week’s “season of grand opera” was an + unqualified success, following closely the + lines laid down by the experienced Mr. + Spratt. Caravaggio and Ricardo and Philippi and + Villenauve became household words, after the Monday + night performance of <cite>Carmen</cite>, and for the balance + of the week shining carriages rolled up to the entrance + of the Orpheum, disgorging load after load of high-hatted + gentlemen and long-plumed ladies. Before the + end of the engagement it was definitely known that + Bobby’s investment would yield a profit, even deducting + for the days of idleness during which he had been + compelled to support the rehearsing company. The + powers of darkness thereupon set vigorously to work + upon him to carry the company on through the rest + of its season.</p> + + <p>It was then that the storm broke. Against his + going further with the company Agnes Elliston interposed + an objection so decided and so unflattering + <a class="pagenum" id="page242" title="242"> </a>that the <em lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">entente cordiale</em> at the Elliston home was + strained dangerously near to the breaking point, and + in this she was aided and abetted by Aunt Constance, + who ridiculed him, and by Uncle Dan Elliston, who + took him confidentially for a grave and hardheaded + remonstrance. Chalmers, Johnson, and even Applerod + wrestled with him in spirit; his friends at the + Idlers’ Club “guyed” him unmercifully, and even Biff + Bates, though his support was earnestly sought by + the Signorina Caravaggio, also counseled him roughly + against it, and through it all Bobby was made to feel + that he was a small boy who had proposed to eat a + peck of green apples and then go in swimming in dog-days. + Another note from his father, handed to him + by the faithful and worried Johnson, was the deciding + straw:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Robert, About That Theatrical Venture</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“When a man who knows nothing of the business + backs a show, there’s usually a woman at the bottom of + it—and that kind of woman is mostly rank poison to + a normal man, even if she is a good woman. No butterfly + ever goes back into its chrysalis and becomes a + grub again. Let birds of a feather flock together, + Bobby.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>That unfortunate missive, for once shooting so wide + the mark, pushed Bobby over the edge. There was + <a class="pagenum" id="page243" title="243"> </a>a streak of stubbornness in him which, well developed + and turned into proper channels, was likely to be very + valuable, but until he learned to use that stubbornness + in the right way it bade fair to plunge him into + more difficulties than he could extricate himself from + with profit. Even Agnes, reading that note, indignantly + agreed with Bobby that he was being unjustly + misread.</p> + + <p>“It is absurd,” he explained to her. “This is the + first dividend-paying investment I have been able to + make so far, and I’m going to keep it up just as long + as I can make money out of it. I’d be very foolish if + I didn’t. Besides, this is just a little in-between flyer, + while I’m conservatively waiting for a good, legitimate + opening. It can take, at most, but a very small + part of my two hundred and fifty thousand.”</p> + + <p>Agnes, though defending him against his father, + was still reluctant about the trip, but suddenly, with + a curious smile, she withdrew all objections and even + urged him to go ahead.</p> + + <p>“Bobby,” said she, still with that curious smile and + strangely shining eyes, and putting both her hands + upon his shoulders, “I see that you must go ahead + with this. I—I guess it will be good for you. Somehow, + I think that this is to be your last folly, that + you are really learning that the world is not all polo + and honor-bets. So go ahead—and I’ll wait here.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page244" title="244"> </a>He could not know how much that hurt her. He + only knew, after she had talked more lightly of his + trip, that he had her full and free consent, and, + highly elated with his first successful business venture, + he took up the contracts of the Neapolitan + Grand Opera Company where Signor Matteo, the decamped + manager and producer, had dropped them. + The members of the company having attached the + scenery and effects for back salaries, sold them to + Bobby for ten thousand dollars, and he immediately + found himself confronted by demands for settlements, + with the alternative of damage suits, from the two + cities in which the company had been booked for the + two past weeks.</p> + + <p>Had Bobby not bound himself irrevocably to contracts + which made him liable for the salaries of + every member of this company for the next twenty + weeks, he would have withdrawn instantly at the + first hint of these suits; but, now that he was in for + it, he promptly compromised them at a rate which + made Spratt furious.</p> + + <p>“If I’d thought,” said Spratt angrily in the privacy + of the Orpheum office, “that you were sucker + enough to get roped in for the full season, I’d have + tossed you out of the running for this week. This + game is a bigger gamble than the Stock Exchange. + The smartest producers in the business never know + <a class="pagenum" id="page245" title="245"> </a>when they have a winner or a loser. More than + that, while all actors are hard to handle, of all the + combinations on earth, a grand opera company is + the worst. I’ll bet a couple of cold bottles that + before you’re a week on the road you’ll have leaks + in your dirigible over some crazy dramatic stunts + that are not in the book of any opera of the Neapolitan + repertoire.”</p> + + <p>The prediction was so true that it was proved + that very night, which was Friday, during the repetition + of <cite>Carmen</cite>. It seemed that Biff Bates, by + means of the supreme dominance of the Caravaggio, + had been made free of the stage, a rare privilege, + and one that enabled Biff to spend his time, under + unusual and romantic circumstances, very much in + the company of the Celtic Signorina; all of which + was very much to the annoyance, distress and fury + of Signor Ricardo, especially on <cite>Carmen</cite> night. At + all other times the great Ricardo thought very well + indeed of the Signorina Nora, only being in any + degree near to unfaithfulness when, on <cite>Aïda</cite> nights, + he sang to vivacious little Madam Villenauve; but on + <cite>Carmen</cite> nights he was devotedly, passionately, + madly in love with the divine Car-r-r-r-avaggio! + Else how could he sing the magnificent second act + aria? Life without her on those nights would be a + hollow mockery, the glance of any possible rival in + <a class="pagenum" id="page246" title="246"> </a>her direction a desecration. Why, he even had to + restrain himself to keep from doing actual damage + to Philippi, who, though on the shady side of forty-five, + still sang a most dashing Escamillo; nor was + his jealousy less poignant because Philippi and Caravaggio + were sworn enemies.</p> + + <p>Thus it may be understood—by any one, at least, + who has ever loved ecstatically and fervidly and even + hectically, like the great Ricardo—how on Monday + and Wednesday nights and the Thursday matinée, + all of which were Caravaggio performances, he resented + Biff’s presence. From dark corners he more + darkly watched them chatting in frank enjoyment + of each other’s company; he made unexpected darts + in front of their very eyes to greet them with the + most alarming scowls; and because he insolently + brushed the shoulder of the peaceably inclined and + self-sure Biff upon divers occasions, and Biff made + no sign of resentment, he imagined that Biff trembled + in his boots whenever he noted the approach + of the redoubtable Ricardo with his infinitesimal but + ferocious mustachios. Great, then, was his wonder, + to say nothing of his rage, when Biff, after all the + scowls and shoulderings that he had received on + Thursday, actually came around for Friday night’s + <cite>Carmen</cite> performance!</p> + + <p>Even before the fierce Ricardo had gone into his + <a class="pagenum" id="page247" title="247"> </a>dressing-room he was already taking upon himself + the deadly character of Don José, and his face + surged red with fury when he saw Biff Bates, gaily + laughing as if no doom impended, come in at the + stage door with the equally gay and care-free Caravaggio. + But after Signor Ricardo had donned the + costume and the desperateness of the brigadier Don + José—it was then that the fury sank into his soul! + And that fury boiled and seethed as, during the first + and second acts, he found in the wings Signorina + Car-r-r-r-r-r-avaggio absorbed in pleasant but very + significant chat with his deadly enemy, the crude, unmusical, + inartistic, soulless Biffo de Bates-s-s-s! But, + ah! There was another act to come, the third act, + at the beginning of which the property man handed + him the long, sharp, wicked-looking, bloodthirsty + knife with which he was to fight Escamillo, and with + which in the fourth act he was to kill Carmen. The + mere possession of that knife wrought the great + tenor’s soul to gory tragedy; so much so that immediately + after the third act curtain calls he rushed + directly to the spot where he knew the contemptible + Signor Biffo de Bates-s-s-s to be standing, and with + shrill Latin imprecations flourished that keen, glistening + blade before the eyes of the very much astounded + Biff.</p> + + <p>For a moment, thoroughly incredulous, Biff refused + <a class="pagenum" id="page248" title="248"> </a>to believe it, until a second demonstration compelled + him to acknowledge that the great Ricardo + actually meant threatening things toward himself. + When this conviction forced its way upon him, Biff + calmly reached out, and, with a grip very much like + a bear-trap, seized Signor Ricardo by the forearm + of the hand which held the knife. With his unengaged + hand Biff then smacked the Signor Ricardo + right severely on the wrist.</p> + + <p>“You don’t mean it, you know, Sig-nor Garlic,” + he calmly observed. “If I thought you did I’d + smack you on both wrists. Why, you little red + balloon, I ain’t afraid of any mutt on earth that + carries a knife like that, as long as I got my back + to the wall.”</p> + + <p>Still holding the putty-like Signor by the forearm, + he delicately abstracted from his clasp the huge knife, + and, folding it up gravely, handed it back to him; + then deliberately he turned his back on the Signor + and pushed his way through the delightedly horror-stricken + emotionalists who had gathered at the fray, + and strolled over to where Signorina Caravaggio had + stood an interested and mirth-shaken observer.</p> + + <p>“You mustn’t think all Italians are like that, Biff,” + she said, her first impulse, as always, to see justice + done; “but singers are a different breed. I don’t + think he’s bluffing, altogether. If he got a real good + <a class="pagenum" id="page249" title="249"> </a>chance some place in the dark, and was sure that he + wouldn’t be caught, he might use a stiletto on you.”</p> + + <p>“If he ever does I’ll slap his forehead,” said Biff. + “But say, he uses that cleaver again in the show?”</p> + + <p>The Signorina Nora shrugged her shoulders.</p> + + <p>“He’s supposed to stab me with it in this next + act.”</p> + + <p>“He is!” exclaimed Biff. “Well, just so he don’t + make any mistake I’m going over and paste him + one.”</p> + + <p>It was not necessary, for Signor Ricardo, after + studying the matter over and seeing no other way + out of it, proceeded to have a fit. No one, not even + the illustrious Signor, could tell just how much of + that fit was deliberate and artificial, and just how + much was due to an overwrought sensitive organization, + but certain it was that the Signor Ricardo was + quite unable to go on with the performance, and + Monsieur Noire himself, as agitated as a moment + before the great Ricardo had been, frantically rushed + up to Biff and grabbed him roughly by the shoulders.</p> + + <p>“Too long,” shrieked he, “we have let you be annoying + the artists, by reason of the Caravaggio. + But now you shall do the skidooing.”</p> + + <p>With a laugh Biff looked back over his shoulder + at the Caravaggio, and permitted Monsieur Noire + <a class="pagenum" id="page250" title="250"> </a>to eject him bodily from the stage door upon the + alley.</p> + + <p>The next morning, owing to the prompt action + and foresightedness of Spratt, all the papers contained + the very pretty story that the great Ricardo + had succumbed to his own intensity of emotions after + the third act of <cite>Carmen</cite>, and had been unable to go + on, giving way to the scarcely less great Signor + Dulceo. That same morning Bobby was confronted + by the first of a long series of similar dilemmas. + The Signorina Caravaggio must leave the company + or Signor Ricardo would do so. No stage was big + enough to hold the two; moreover, Ricardo meant to + have the heart’s blood of Signor Biffo de Bates-s-s-s!</p> + + <p>With a sigh, Bobby, out of his ignorance and independence, + took the only possible course to preserve + peace, and emphatically told Signor Ricardo to pack + up and go as quickly as possible, which he went + away vowing to do. Naturally the great tenor + thought better of it after that, and though he had + already been dropped from the cast of <cite lang="it" xml:lang="it">Il Trovatore</cite> + on Saturday afternoon, he reported just the same. + And he went on with the company.</p> + + <p>It was not until they went upon the road, however, + that Bobby fully realized what a lot of irresponsible, + fretful, peevish children he had upon his + hands. With the exception of serene Nora McGinnis, + <a class="pagenum" id="page251" title="251"> </a>every one of the principals was at daggers + drawn with all the others, sulking over the least advantage + obtained by any one else, and accepting advantage + of their own as only a partial payment of + their supreme rank. The one most at war with her + own world was Madam Villenauve, whose especial <em>bête + noire</em> was the MeeGeenees, whom, by no possibility, + could she ever under any circumstance be induced to + call Caravaggio.</p> + + <p>On the second day of their next engagement, as + Bobby strode through the corridor of the hotel, + shortly after luncheon, he was stopped by Madam + Villenauve, who had been waiting for him in the door + of her room. She was herself apparently just dressing + to go out, for her coiffure was made and she had + on a short underskirt, a kimono-like dressing-jacket + and her street shoes.</p> + + <p>“I wish to speak wiz you on some beezness, Meester + Burnit,” she told him abruptly, and with an + imperatively beckoning hand stepped back with a bow + for him to enter.</p> + + <p>With just a moment of surprised hesitation he + stepped into the room, whereupon the Villenauve + promptly closed the door. A week before Bobby + would have been a trifle astonished by this proceeding, + but in that week he had seen so many examples + of unconscious unconventionalities in and about the + <a class="pagenum" id="page252" title="252"> </a>dressing-rooms and at the hotel, that he had readjusted + his point of view to meet the peculiar way of + life of these people, and, as usual with readjustments, + had readjusted himself too far. He found the room + in a litter, with garments of all sorts cast about in + reckless disorder.</p> + + <p>“I have been seeing you last night,” began Madam + Villenauve, shaking her finger at him archly + as she swept some skirts off a chair for him to sit + down, and then took her place before her dressing-table, + where she added the last deft touch to her + coiffure. “I have been seeing you smiling at ze + reedeec’lous Carmen. Oh, la, la! Carmen!” she + shrilled. “It is I, monsieur, I zat am ze Carmen. + It was zis Matteo, the scoundrel who run away wiz + our money, zat allow le Ricardo to say whom he like + to sing to for Carmen. Ricardo ees in loaf wiz la + MeeGeenees. Le Ricardo is a fool, so zis Ricardo + sing Carmen ever tam to ze great, grosse monstair + MeeGeenees; an’ ever’body zey laugh. Ze chorus + laugh, ze principals laugh, le Monsieur Noire he + laugh, even zat Frühlingsvogel zat have no humair, + he laugh, an’ ze audience laugh, an’ las’ night I am + seeing you laugh. Ees eet not so? <em lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Mais!</em> It is + absurd! It is reedeec’lous. Le Ricardo make fool + over la MeeGeenees. <em>I</em> sing ze Carmen! I <em>am</em> ze + Carmen! You hear me sing Aïda? Eet ees zat way. + <a class="pagenum" id="page253" title="253"> </a>I sing Carmen. Now I s’all sing Carmen again! + Ees eet not?”</p> + + <p>As Madam Villenauve talked, punctuating her remarks + with quick, impatient little gestures, she jerked + off her dressing-jacket and threw it on the floor, and + Bobby saved himself from panic by reminding himself + that her frank anatomical display was, in the + peculiar ethics of these people, no more to be noticed + than if she were in an evening gown, which was very + reasonable, after all, once you understood the code. + Still voicing her indignation at having been displaced + in the role of Carmen by the utterly impossible + and preposterous Caravaggio, she caught up + her waist and was about to slip it on, while Bobby, + with an amused smile, reflected that presently he + would no doubt be nonchalantly requested to hook + it in the back, when some one tried the door-knob. + A knock followed and Madam Villenauve went to + the door.</p> + + <p>“Who ees it?” she asked with her hand on the + knob.</p> + + <p>“It is I; Monsieur Noire,” was the reply.</p> + + <p>“Oh, la, come in, zen,” she invited, and threw open + the door.</p> + + <p>Monsieur Noire entered, but, finding Bobby in + the chair by the dresser, stopped uncertainly in the + doorway.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page254" title="254"> </a>“Oh, come on een,” she gaily invited; “we are all + ze good friends; <em lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">oui</em>?”</p> + + <p>It appeared that Monsieur Noire came in all politeness, + yet with rigid intention, to inquire about + a missing piece of music from the score of <em>Les + Huguenots</em>, and Madam Villenauve, in all politeness + and yet with much indignation, assured him that + she did not have it; whereupon Monsieur Noire, with + all politeness but cold insistence, demanded that she + look for it; whereupon Madam Villenauve, though + once more protesting that she had it not, in all politeness + and yet with considerable asperity, declared + that she would not search for it; whereupon Monsieur + Noire, observing the piece of music in question + peeping out from beneath a conglomerate pile of + newspapers, clothing and toilet articles, laid hands + upon it and departed. Madam Villenauve, entirely + unruffled now that it was all over, but still chattering + away with great volubility about the crime of + Carmen, finished her dressing and bade Bobby hook + the back of her waist, and by sheer calmness and + certainty of intention forced him to accompany her + over to rehearsal.</p> + + <p>Whatever annoyance he might have felt over this + was lost in his amusement when he reached the theater + in finding Biff Bates upon the stage waiting + for him; and Biff, while waiting, was quite excusably + <a class="pagenum" id="page255" title="255"> </a>whiling the time away with the adorable Miss McGinnis.</p> + + <p>“You see, Young Fitz lives here,” Biff brazenly + explained, “and I run up to see him about that exhibition + night I’m going to have at the gym. I’m + going to have him go on with Kid Jeffreys.”</p> + + <p>“Biff,” said Bobby warmly, “I want to congratulate + you on your business enterprise. Have you seen + Young Fitz yet?”</p> + + <p>“Well, no,” confessed Biff. “I just got here about + an hour ago. I didn’t know your hotel, but it was + a cinch from the bills to tell where the show was, + so I came right around to the theater to see you first.”</p> + + <p>“Exactly,” admitted Bobby. “Do you <em>expect</em> to + see Young Fitz?”</p> + + <p>“Well, maybe, if I get time,” said Biff with a + sheepish grin. “Just now I’m going out for a drive + with Miss McGinnis.”</p> + + <p>“Caravaggio,” corrected that young lady with a + laugh.</p> + + <p>“McGinnis for mine,” declared Biff. “By the way, + Bobby, I saw a certain party before I left town and + she gave me this letter for you. Certain party is as + cheerful as a chunk of lead about your trip, Bobby, + but she makes the swellest bluff I ever saw that she’s + tickled to death with it.”</p> + + <p>With this vengeful shot in retaliation for his excuse + <a class="pagenum" id="page256" title="256"> </a>about Young Fitz having been doubted he sailed + away with the Caravaggio, who, though required + to report at every rehearsal, was not in the cast for + that night and was readily excused from further attendance. + Since Bobby had received a very pleasant + letter from Agnes when he got up that morning he + opened this missive with a touch of curiosity added + to the thrill with which he always took in his hands + any missive, no matter how trivial, from her. It was + but a brief note calling attention to the enclosed + newspaper clipping, and wishing him success in his + new venture. The clipping was a flamboyant article + describing the decision of the city council to install + a magnificent new ten-million-dollar waterworks system, + and the personally interesting item in it, ringed + around with a pencil mark, was that Silas Trimmer + had been appointed by Mayor Garland as president + of the waterworks commission.</p> + + <p>It was not news that could alter his fortunes in + any way so far as he could see, but it did remind + him, with a strange whipping of his conscience, that, + after all, his place was back home, and that his proper + employment should be the looking after his home + interests. For the first time he began to have a dim + realization that a man’s place was among his enemies, + where he could watch them.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_21" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page257" title="257"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXI</span><br /> + WHEREIN THE FINE ARTS PRESENT BOBBY WITH A + MOST EMBARRASSING DILEMMA</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">It</span> had become by no means strange to Bobby, + even before the company “took the road,” that + some one of the principals should attach themselves + to him in all his possible goings and comings, + for each and every one of them had some complaint + to make about all the others. They wanted readjustments + of cast, better parts to sing, better dressing-rooms, + better hotel quarters, better everything + than the others had, and with the unhappy and excited + Monsieur Noire he shared this unending strife. + At first he saw it all in a humorous light, but, by + and by, he came to a period of ennui and tried to + rebel. This period gave him more trouble than the + other, so within a short time he lapsed into an apathetic + complaint-receptacle and dreamed no more of + walking or riding to and from the hotel without one + of these impulsive children of art, who seethed perpetually + in self-prodded artificial emotions, attached + to him. If it seemed strange at times that Madam + <a class="pagenum" id="page258" title="258"> </a>Villenauve was more frequently with him than any of + the others he only reflected that the vivacious little + Frenchwoman was much more persistent; nor did he + note that, presently, the others came rather to give + way before her and to let her monopolize him more + and more.</p> + + <p>It was during the third week that Professor Frühlingsvogel + was to endure another birthday, and + Bobby, full of generous impulses as always, announced + at rehearsal that in honor of the Professor’s + unwelcome milestone he intended to give a little supper + that night at the hotel. Madam Villenauve, + standing beside him, suddenly threw her arms around + his neck and kissed him smack upon the lips, with + a quite enthusiastic declaration, in very charmingly + warped English, that he was “a dear old sing.” + Bobby, reverting quickly in mind to the fact of the + extreme unconventionally of these people, took the + occurrence quite as a matter of course, though it + embarrassed him somewhat. He rather counted himself + a prig that he could not sooner get over this + habit of embarrassment, and every time Madam Villenauve + insisted on calling him into her dressing-room + when she was in much more of dishabille than + he would have thought permissible in ordinary people, + he felt that same painful lack of sophistication.</p> + + <p>At the supper that night, Madam Villenauve, with + <a class="pagenum" id="page259" title="259"> </a>a great show of playful indignation, routed Madam + Kadanoff from her accidental seat next to Bobby, + and, in giving up the seat, which she did quite gracefully + enough, Madam Kadanoff dropped some remark + in choice Russian, which, of course, Bobby did + not understand, but which Madam Villenauve did, + for she laughed a little shrilly and, with an engaging + upward smile at Bobby, observed:</p> + + <p>“I theenk I shall say it zat zees so chairming + Monsieur Burnit is soon to marry wiz me; ees eet + not, monsieur?”</p> + + <p>Whereupon Bobby, with his customary courtesy, + replied:</p> + + <p>“No gentleman would care to deny such a charming + and attractive possibility, Madam Villenauve.”</p> + + <p>But the gracious speech was of the lips alone, and + spoken with a warning glare against “kidding” at + the grinning Biff Bates, who had found business of + urgent importance for that night in the city where + the company was booked. Bobby, in fact, had begun + to tire very much of the whole business. To + begin with, he found the organization a much more + expensive one to keep up than he had imagined. The + route, badly laid out, was one of tremendous long + jumps; of his singers, like other rare and expensive + creatures, extravagant care must be taken, and not + every place that they stopped was so eager for grand + <a class="pagenum" id="page260" title="260"> </a>opera as it might have been. At the end of three + weeks he was able to compute that he had lost about + a thousand dollars a week, and in the fourth week + they struck an engagement so fruitless that even the + cheerful Caravaggio became dismal.</p> + + <p>“It’s a sure enough frost,” she confided to Bobby; + “but cheer up, for the worst is yet to come. Your + route sheet for the next two months looks like a + morgue to me, and unless you interpolate a few coon + songs in <cite lang="de" xml:lang="de">Tannhäuser</cite> and some song and dance specialties + between the acts of <cite lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Les Huguenots</cite> you’re + gone. You know I used to sing this route in musical + comedy, and, on the level, I’ve got a fine part waiting + for me right now in <cite>The Giddy Queen</cite>. I like + this highbrow music all right, but the people that + come to hear it make me so sad. You’re a good sport, + though, and as long as you need me I’ll stick.”</p> + + <p>“Thanks,” said Bobby sincerely. “It’s a pleasure + to speak to a real human being once in a while, even + if you don’t offer any encouragement. However, + we’ll not be buried till we’re dead, notwithstanding + that we now enter upon the graveyard route.”</p> + + <p>Doleful experience, however, confirmed the Caravaggio’s + gloomy prophecy. They embarked now + upon a season of one and two and three night stands + that gave Bobby more of the real discomforts of life + than he had ever before dreamed possible. To close + <a class="pagenum" id="page261" title="261"> </a>a performance at eleven, to pack and hurry for a + twelve-thirty train, to ride until five o’clock in the + morning—a distance too short for sleep and too long + to stay awake—to tumble into a hotel at six and sleep + until noon, this was one program; to close a performance + at eleven, to wait up for a four-o’clock + train, to ride until eight and get into a hotel at nine, + with a vitally necessary rehearsal between that and + the evening performance, was another program, + either one of which wore on health and temper and + purse alike. The losses now exceeded two thousand + dollars a week. Moreover, the frequent visits of Biff + Bates and his constant baiting of Signor Ricardo + had driven that great tenor to such a point of distraction + that one night, being near New York, he + drew his pay and departed without notice. There + was no use, in spite of Monsieur Noire’s frantic + insistence, in trying to make the public believe that + the lank Dulceo was the fat Ricardo; moreover, immediately + upon his arrival in New York, Signor + Ricardo let it be known that he had left the Neapolitan + Company, so the prestige of the company fell + off at once, for the “country” press pays sharp + attention to these things.</p> + + <p>A letter from Johnson at just this time also had + its influence upon Bobby, who now was in an + humble, not an antagonistic mood, and quite ripe for + <a class="pagenum" id="page262" title="262"> </a>advice. Mr. Johnson had just conferred with Mr. + Bates upon his return from a visit to the Neapolitan + Company, and Mr. Bates had detailed to Mr. Johnson + much that he had seen with his own eyes, and + much that the Caravaggio had told him. Mr. Johnson, + thereupon, begging pardon for the presumption, + deemed this a fitting time, from what he had + heard, to forward Bobby the inclosed letter, which, + in its gray envelope, had been left behind by Bobby’s + father:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son in the Midst of a Losing Fight</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“Determination is a magnificent quality, but bullheadedness + is not. The most foolish kind of pride + on earth is that which makes a man refuse to acknowledge + himself beaten when he is beaten. It takes + a pretty brave man, and one with good stuff in him, + to let all his friends know that he’s been licked. Figure + this out.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bobby wrestled with that letter all night. In the + morning he received one from Agnes which served + to increase and intensify the feeling of homesickness + that had been overwhelming him. She, too, had seen + Biff Bates. She had asked him out to the house expressly + to talk with him, but she had written a pleasant, + cheerful letter wherein she hoped that the end + <a class="pagenum" id="page263" title="263"> </a>of the season would repay the losses she understood + that he was enduring; but she admitted that she was + very lonesome without him. She gave him quite a + budget of gay gossip concerning all the young people + of his set, and after he had read that letter he + was quite prepared to swallow his grit and make the + announcement that for a week had been almost upon + his tongue.</p> + + <p>Through Monsieur Noire, at rehearsal that afternoon, + he declared his intention of closing the season, + and offered them each two weeks’ advance pay and + their fare to New York. It was Signorina Caravaggio + who broke the hush that followed this announcement.</p> + + <p>“You’re a good sort, Bobby Burnit,” she said, + with kindly intent to lead the others, “and I’ll take + your offer and thank you.”</p> + + <p>It appeared that the majority of them had dreaded + some such dénouement as this; some had been prepared + for even less advantageous terms, and several, + upon direct inquiry, announced their willingness + to accept this proposal. A few declared their intention + to hold him for the full contract. These were + the ones who had made sure of his entire solvency, + and these afterward swayed the balance of the company + to a stand which won a better compromise. + When Monsieur Noire, with a curious smile, asked + <a class="pagenum" id="page264" title="264"> </a>Madam Villenauve, however, she laughed very pleasantly.</p> + + <p>“Oh, non,” said she; “it does not apply, zis offair, + to me. I do not need it, for Monsieur Burnit ees + to marry wiz me zis Christmastam.”</p> + + <p>“I am afraid, Madam Villenauve, that we will have + to quit joking about that,” said Bobby coldly.</p> + + <p>“Joking!” screamed the shrill voice of madam. + “Eet ees not any joke. You can not fool wiz me, + Monsieur Burnit. You mean to tell all zese people + zat you are not to marry wiz me?”</p> + + <p>“I certainly have no intention of the kind,” said + Bobby impatiently, “nor have I ever expressed such + an intention.”</p> + + <p>“We s’all see about zat,” declared the madam with + righteous indignation. “We s’all see how you can + amuse yourself. You refuse to keep your word zat + you marry me? All right zen, you do! I bring suit + to-day for brich promise, and I have here one, two, + three, a dozen weetness. I make what you call subpœna + on zem all. We s’all see.”</p> + + <p>“Monsieur Noire,” said Bobby, more sick and sore + than panic-stricken, “you will please settle matters + with all these people and come to me at the hotel for + whatever checks you need,” and, hurt beyond measure + at this one more instance that there were, really, rapacious + schemers in the world, who sought loathsome + <a class="pagenum" id="page265" title="265"> </a>advantage at the expense of decent folk, Bobby crept + away, to hide himself and try to understand.</p> + + <p>They were here for the latter half of the week, and, + since business seemed to be fairly good, Bobby had + decided to fill this engagement, canceling all others. + In the morning it seemed that Madam Villenauve had + been in earnest in her absurd intentions, for, in his + room, at eleven o’clock, he was served with papers + in the breach-of-promise suit of Villenauve <em lang="la" xml:lang="la">versus</em> + Burnit, and the amount of damages claimed was the + tremendous sum of one hundred and fifty thousand + dollars, an amount, of course, only commensurate with + Madam Villenauve’s standing in the profession and + her earning capacity as an artist, her pride and shattered + feelings and the dashing to earth of her love’s + young dream being of corresponding value. Moreover, + he learned that an injunction had been issued + completely tying up his bank account. That was the + parting blow. Settling up with the performers upon + a blood-letting basis, he most ignominiously fled. Before + he went away, however, Signorina Nora McGinnis + Caravaggio called him to one side and confided a + most delicate message to him.</p> + + <p>“Your friend, Mr. Bates,” she began with an + embarrassed hesitation quite unusual in the direct + Irish girl; “he’s a nice boy, from the ground up, + and give him an easy word from me. But, Mr. + <a class="pagenum" id="page266" title="266"> </a>Burnit, give him a hint not to do any more traveling + on my account; for I’ve got a husband back in New + York that ain’t worth the rat poison to put him out of + his misery, but I’m not getting any divorces. One + mistake is enough. But don’t be too hard on me + when you tell Biff. Honest, up to just the last, I + thought he’d come only to see you; but I enjoyed his + visits.” And in the eyes of the Caravaggio there + stood real tears.</p> + + <p>A newsboy met Bobby on the train with the morning + papers from home, and in them he read delightfully + flavored and spiced accounts of the great Villenauve + breach-of-promise case, embellished with many + details that were entirely new to him. He had not + counted on this phase of the matter, and it struck him + almost as with an ague. The notoriety, the askance + looks he would receive from his more conservative + acquaintances, the “ragging” he would get at his + clubs, all these he could stand. But Agnes! How + could he ever face her? How would she receive him? + From the train he took a cab directly home and buried + himself there to think it all over. He spent a morning + of intense dejection and an afternoon of the utmost + misery. In the evening, not caring to dine in + solitary gloom at home nor to appear yet among his + fellows, he went out to an obscure restaurant in the + neighborhood and ate his dinner, then came back + <a class="pagenum" id="page267" title="267"> </a>again to his lonely room, seeing nothing ahead of + him but an evening of melancholy alone. His butler, + however, met him in the hall on his return.</p> + + <p>“Miss Elliston called up on the ’phone while you + were out, sir.”</p> + + <p>“Did you tell her I was at home?” asked Bobby + with quick apprehension.</p> + + <p>“Yes, sir; you hadn’t told me not to do so, sir; + and she left word that you were to come straight out + to the house as soon as you came in.”</p> + + <p>“Very well,” said Bobby, and went into the library.</p> + + <p>He sat down before the telephone and rested his + hand upon the receiver for perhaps as much as five + long minutes of hesitation, then abruptly he turned + away from that unsatisfactory means of communication + and had his car ordered; then hurriedly changed + to the evening clothes he had not intended to don that + night.</p> + + <p>In most uncertain anticipation, but quite sure of + the most vigorous “blowing up” of his career, he + whirled out to the home of the Ellistons and ascended + the steps. The ring at the bell brought the ever imperturbable + Wilkins, who nodded gravely upon seeing + that it was Bobby and, relieving him of his coat + and hat, told him:</p> + + <p>“Right up to the Turkish room, sir.”</p> + + <p>There seemed a strange quietness about the house, + <a class="pagenum" id="page268" title="268"> </a>and he felt more and more as if he might be approaching + a sentence as he climbed the silent stairs. + At the door of the Turkish room, however, Agnes + met him with outstretched hands and a smile of welcome + which bore traces of quite too much amusement + for his entire comfort. When she had drawn + him within the big alcove she laughed aloud, a light + laugh in which there was no possible trace of resentment, + and it lifted from his mind the load that had + been oppressing it all day long.</p> + + <p>“I’m afraid you haven’t heard,” he began awkwardly.</p> + + <p>“Heard!” she repeated, and laughed again. “Why, + Bobby, I read all the morning papers and all the + evening papers, and I presume there will be excellent + reading in every one of them for days and days to + come.”</p> + + <p>“And you’re not angry?” he said, astounded.</p> + + <p>“Angry!” she laughed. “Why, you poor Bobby. + I remember this Madam Villenauve perfectly, besides + seeing her ten-years-ago pictures in the papers, and + you don’t suppose for a minute that I could be jealous + of her, do you? Moreover, I can prove by Aunt + Constance and Uncle Dan that I predicted just this + very thing when you first insisted upon going on + the road.”</p> + + <p>He looked around, dreading the keen satire of + <a class="pagenum" id="page269" title="269"> </a>Uncle Dan and the incisive ridicule of Aunt Constance, + but she relieved his mind of that fear.</p> + + <p>“We were all invited out to dinner to-night, but + I refused to go, for really I wanted to soften the + blow for you. There is nobody in the house but + myself and the servants. Now, do behave, Bobby! + Wait a minute, sir! I’ve something else to crush + you with. Have you seen the evening papers?”</p> + + <p>No; the morning papers had been enough for him.</p> + + <p>“Well, I’ll tell you what they are doing. The + Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company has + secured an order from the city council compelling + the Brightlight Electric Company to remove their + poles from Market Street.”</p> + + <p>Bobby caught his breath sharply. Stone and + Sharpe and Garland, the political manipulators of + the city, and its owners, lock, stock and barrel were + responsible for this. They had taken advantage of + his absence.</p> + + <p>“What a fool I have been,” he bitterly confessed, + “to have taken up with this entirely irregular and + idiotic enterprise, a venture of which I knew nothing + whatever, and let go the serious fight I had intended + to make on Stone and his crowd.”</p> + + <p>“Never mind, Bobby,” said Agnes. “I have a + suspicion that you have cut a wisdom-tooth. I rather + imagined that you needed this one last folly as a sort + <a class="pagenum" id="page270" title="270"> </a>of relapse before complete convalescence, to settle you + down and bring you back to me for a more serious + effort. I see that the most of your money is tied up + in this embarrassing suit, and when I read that you + were on your way home I went to Mr. Chalmers and + got him to arrange for the release of some bonds. + Following the provisions of your father’s will your + next two hundred and fifty thousand is waiting for + you. Moreover, Bobby, this time I want you to listen + to your trustee. I have found a new business for + you, one about which you know nothing whatever, + but one that you must learn; I want to put a weapon + into your hands with which to fight for everything + you have lost.”</p> + + <p>He looked at her in wonder.</p> + + <p>“I always told you I needed you,” he declared. + “When <em>are</em> you going to marry me?”</p> + + <p>“When you have won your fight, Bobby, or when + you have proved entirely hopeless,” she replied with + a smile in which there was a certain amount of wistfulness.</p> + + <p>“You’re a good sort, Agnes,” he said a little huskily, + and he pondered for some little time in awe over + the existence of women like this. “I guess the governor + was mighty right in making you my trustee, + after all. But what is this business?”</p> + + <p>“The <cite>Evening Bulletin</cite> is for sale, I have learned. + <a class="pagenum" id="page271" title="271"> </a>Just now it is an independent paper, but it seems + to me you could not have a better weapon, with your + following, for fighting your political and business + enemies.”</p> + + <p>“I’ll think that over very seriously,” he said with + much soberness. “I have refused everybody’s advice so + far, and have taken only my own. I have begun to + believe that I am not the wisest person in the world; + also I have come to believe that there are more ways + to lose money than there are to make money; also + I’ve found out that men are not the only gold-brick + salesmen. Agnes, I’m what Biff Bates calls a + ‘Hick’!”</p> + + <p>“Look what your father has to say about this last + escapade of yours,” she said, smiling, and from her + desk brought him one of the familiar gray envelopes. + This was the letter:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Daughter Agnes, Upon Bobby’s Entanglement + with a Blackmailing Woman</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“No man can guard against being roped in by a + scheming woman the first time; but if it happens + twice he deserves it, and he should be turned out to + stay an idiot, for the signs are so plain. A man + swindler takes a man’s money and makes a fool of + him; but a woman swindler takes a man’s money and + leaves a smirch on him. Only a man’s nearest and + <a class="pagenum" id="page272" title="272"> </a>dearest can help him live down such a smirch; so, + Agnes, if my son has been this particular variety of + everlasting blank fool, don’t turn against him. He + needs you. Moreover, you’ll find him improved by + it. He’ll be so much more humble.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“I didn’t really need that letter,” Agnes shyly + confessed; “but maybe it helped some.”</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_22" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page273" title="273"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXII</span><br /> + AGNES FINDS BOBBY A SLING AND BOBBY PUTS A STONE + IN IT</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">The</span> wonderful change in a girl who, through + her love, has become all woman, that was + the marvel to Bobby; the breadth of her + knowledge, the depth of her sympathy, the boundlessness + of her compassionate forgiveness, her quality + of motherliness; and this last was perhaps the greatest + marvel of all. Yet even his marveling did not encompass + all the wonder. In his last exploit, more full + of folly than anything into which he had yet blundered, + and the one which, of all others, might most + have turned her from him, Agnes had had the harder + part; to sit at home and wait, to dread she knew + not what. The certainty which finally evolved had + less of distress in it than not to know while day by + day passed by. One thing had made it easier: never + for one moment had she lost faith in Bobby, in any + way. She was certain, however, that financially his + trip would be a losing one, and from the time he left + she kept her mind almost constantly upon the thought + <a class="pagenum" id="page274" title="274"> </a>of his future. She had become almost desperately + anxious for him to fulfill the hopes of his father, + and day by day she studied the commercial field as + she had never thought it possible that she could do. + There was no line of industry upon which she did + not ponder, and there was scarcely any morning that + she did not at the breakfast table ask Dan Elliston + the ins and outs of some business. If he was not + able to tell her all she wanted to know, she usually + commissioned him to find out. He took these requests + in good part, and if she accomplished nothing else + by all her inquiries she acquired such a commercial + education as falls to the lot of but few home-kept + young women.</p> + + <p>One morning her uncle came down a trifle late + for breakfast and was in a hurry.</p> + + <p>“The Elliston School of Commercial Instruction + will have a recess for this session,” he observed as he + popped into his chair. “I have an important engagement + at the factory this morning and have about + seven minutes for breakfast. During that seven + minutes I prefer to eat rather than to talk. However, + I do not object to listening. This being my + last word except to request you to gather things + closely about my plate, you may now start.”</p> + + <p>“Very well,” said she, dimpling as she usually did + at any evidence of briskness on the part of her + <a class="pagenum" id="page275" title="275"> </a>Uncle Dan, for from long experience she knew the + harmlessness of his bark. “Nick Allstyne happened + to remark to me last night that the <cite>Bulletin</cite> is for + sale. What do you think of the newspaper business + for Bobby?”</p> + + <p>“The time necessary to answer that question takes + my orange from me,” objected Uncle Dan as he + hastily sipped another bite of the fruit and pushed it + away. “The newspaper business for Bobby!” He + drew the muffins toward him and took one upon his + plate, then he stopped and pondered a moment. “Do + you know,” said he, “that’s about the best suggestion + you’ve made. I believe he could make a hummer + out of a newspaper. I’ve noticed this about the boy’s + failures; they have all of them been due to lack of + experience; none of them has been due to any absence + of backbone. Nobody has ever bluffed him.”</p> + + <p>Agnes softly clapped her hands.</p> + + <p>“Exactly!” she cried. “Well, Uncle Dan, this is + the last word <em>I’m</em> going to say. For the balance of + your seven minutes I’m going to help stuff you with + enough food to keep you until luncheon time; but + sometime to-day, if you find time, I want you to go + over and see the proprietor of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> and find + out how much he wants for his property, and investigate + it as a business proposition just the same + as if you were going into it yourself.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page276" title="276"> </a>Uncle Dan, dipping voraciously into his soft boiled + eggs, grinned and said: “Huh!” Then he looked + at his watch. When he came home to dinner, however, + he hunted up Agnes at once.</p> + + <p>“Your <cite>Bulletin</cite> proposition looks pretty good,” he + told her. “I saw Greenleaf. He’s a physical wreck + and has been for two years. He has to get away or + die. Moreover, his physical condition has reacted + upon his paper. His circulation has run down, but + he has a magnificent plant and a good office organization. + He wants two hundred thousand dollars for + his plant, good will and franchises. I’m going to + investigate this a little further. Do you suppose + Bobby will have two hundred thousand left when he + gets through with grand opera?”</p> + + <p>“I hope so,” replied Agnes; “but if he hasn’t I’ll + have him waste the balance of this two hundred and + fifty thousand so that he can draw the next one.”</p> + + <p>Uncle Dan laughed in huge enjoyment of this + solution.</p> + + <p>“You surely were cut out for high finance,” he + told her.</p> + + <p>She smiled, and was silent a while, hesitating.</p> + + <p>“You seem to think pretty well of the business + as a business proposition,” she ventured anxiously, + by and by; “but you haven’t told me what you think + of it as applicable to Bobby.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page277" title="277"> </a>“If he’ll take you in the office with him, he’ll do + all right,” he answered her banteringly; but when + he went up-stairs and found his wife he said: “Constance, + if that girl don’t pull Bobby Burnit through + his puppyhood in good shape there is something + wrong with the scheme of creation. There is something + about you women of the Elliston family that + every once in a while makes me pause and reverence + the Almighty,” whereupon Aunt Constance flushed + prettily, as became her.</p> + + <p>With the same earnestness of purpose Agnes handled + the question of Bobby’s breach-of-promise suit + in so far as it affected his social reception. The + Ellistons went to the theater and sat in a box to + exhibit him on the second night after his return, and + Agnes took careful count of all the people she knew + who attended the theater that night. The next day + she went to see all of them, among others Mrs. Horace + Wickersham, whose social word was social law.</p> + + <p>“My dear,” said the redoubtable Mrs. Wickersham, + “it does Bobby Burnit great credit that he did + not marry the creature. Of course I shall invite him + to our affair next Friday night.”</p> + + <p>After that there could be no further question of + Bobby’s standing, though without the firm support + of Agnes he might possibly have been ostracised, + for a time at least.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page278" title="278"> </a>It was with much less certainty that she spread + before Bobby the facts and figures which Uncle Dan + had secured about the condition and prospects of the + <cite>Bulletin</cite>. She did not urge the project upon him. + Instead, though in considerable anxiety, she left + the proposition open to his own judgment. He pondered + the question more soberly and seriously than + he had yet considered anything. There were but two + chances left to redeem himself now, and he felt much + like a gambler who has been reduced to his last + desperate stake. He grew almost haggard over the + proposition, and he spent two solid weeks in investigation. + He went to Washington to see Jack Starlett, + who knew three or four newspaper proprietors in + Philadelphia and elsewhere. He obtained introductions + to these people and consulted with them, inspected + their plants and listened to all they would + say; as they liked him, they said much. Ripened + considerably by what he had found out he came back + home and bought the <cite>Bulletin</cite>. Moreover, he had + very definitely made up his mind precisely what to + do with it.</p> + + <p>On the first morning that he walked into the office + of that paper as its sole owner and proprietor, he + called the managing editor to him and asked:</p> + + <p>“What, heretofore, has been the politics of this + paper?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page279" title="279"> </a>“Pale yellow jelly,” snapped Ben Jolter wrathfully.</p> + + <p>“Supposed to be anti-Stone, hasn’t it been?” + Bobby smilingly inquired.</p> + + <p>“But always perfectly ladylike in what it said + about him.”</p> + + <p>“And what are the politics of the employees?”</p> + + <p>At this Mr. Jolter snorted.</p> + + <p>“They are good newspaper men, Mr. Burnit,” he + stated in quick defense; “and a good newspaper man + has no politics.”</p> + + <p>Bobby eyed Mr. Jolter with contemplative favor. + He was a stout, stockily-built man, with a square + head and sparse gray hair that would persist in + tangling and curling at the ends; and he perpetually + kept his sleeves rolled up over his big arms.</p> + + <p>“I don’t know anything about this business,” confessed + Bobby, “but I hope to. First of all, I’d like + to find out why the <cite>Bulletin</cite> has no circulation.”</p> + + <p>“The lack of a spinal column,” asserted Jolter. + “It has had no policy, stood pat on no proposition, + and made no aggressive fight on anything.”</p> + + <p>“If I understand what you mean by the word,” + said Bobby slowly, “the <cite>Bulletin</cite> is going to have a + policy.”</p> + + <p>It was now Mr. Jolter’s turn to gaze contemplatively + at Bobby.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page280" title="280"> </a>“If you were ten years older I would feel more + hopeful about it,” he decided bluntly.</p> + + <p>The young man flushed uncomfortably. He was + keenly aware that he had made an ass of himself in + business four successive times, and that Jolter knew + it. By way of facing the music, however, he showed + to his managing editor a letter, left behind with old + Johnson for Bobby by the late John Burnit:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>The mere fact that a man has been foolish four + times is no absolute proof that he is a fool; but it’s a + mighty significant hint. However, Bobby, I’m still + betting on you, for by this time you ought to have + your fighting blood at the right temperature; and + I’ve seen you play great polo in spite of a cracked + rib.</p> + + <p>“P. S. If any one else intimates that you are a fool, + trounce him one for me.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>“If there’s anything in heredity you’re a lucky + young man,” said Jolter seriously, as he handed back + the letter.</p> + + <p>“I think the governor was worried about it himself,” + admitted Bobby with a smile; “and if he was + doubtful I can’t blame you for being so. Nevertheless, + Mr. Jolter, I must insist that we are going to have a + policy,” and he quietly outlined it.</p> + + <p>Mr. Jolter had been so long a directing voice in the + newspaper business that he could not be startled by + <a class="pagenum" id="page281" title="281"> </a>anything short of a presidential assassination, and + that at press time. Nevertheless, at Bobby’s announcement + he immediately sought for his pipe and was + compelled to go into his own office after it. He came + back lighting it and felt better.</p> + + <p>“It’s suicide!” he declared.</p> + + <p>“Then we’ll commit suicide,” said Bobby pleasantly.</p> + + <p>Mr. Jolter, after long, grinning thought, solemnly + shook hands with him.</p> + + <p>“I’m for it,” said he. “Here’s hoping that we survive + long enough to write our own obituary!”</p> + + <p>Mr. Jolter, to whom fighting was as the breath of + new-mown hay, and who had long been curbed in that + delightful occupation, went back into his own office + with a more cheerful air than he had worn for many + a day, and issued a few forceful orders, winding up + with a direction to the press foreman to prepare for + ten thousand extra copies that evening.</p> + + <p>When the three o’clock edition of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> came + on the street, the entire first page was taken up by a + life-size half-tone portrait of Sam Stone, and underneath + it was the simple legend:</p> + + <p class="headline">THIS MAN MUST LEAVE TOWN</p> + + <p>The first citizens to awake to the fact that the + <cite>Bulletin</cite> was born anew were the newsboys. Those live + <a class="pagenum" id="page282" title="282"> </a>and enterprising merchants, with a very keen judgment + of comparative values, had long since ceased to + call the <cite>Bulletin</cite> at all; half of them had even ceased + to carry it. Within two minutes after this edition was + out they were clamoring for additional copies, and for + the first time in years the alley door of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> + was besieged by a seething mob of ragged, diminutive, + howling masculinity. Out on the street, however, they + were not even now calling the name of the paper. + They were holding forth that black first page and + screaming just the name of Sam Stone.</p> + + <p>Sam Stone! It was a magic name, for Stone had + been the boss of the town since years without number; + a man who had never held office, but who dictated + the filling of all offices; a man who was not ostensibly + in any business, but who swayed the fortune of + every public enterprise; a self-confessed grafter whom + crusade after crusade had failed to dislodge from absolute + power. The crowds upon the street snapped + eagerly at that huge portrait and searched as eagerly + through the paper for more about the Boss. They + did not find it, except upon the editorial page, where, + in the space usually devoted to drivel about “How + Kind We Should Be to Dumb Animals,” and “Why + Fathers Should Confide More in Their Sons,” appeared + in black type a paraphrase of the legend on + the outside: “<em>Sam Stone Must Leave Town.</em>” Beneath + <a class="pagenum" id="page283" title="283"> </a>was the additional information: “Further issues + of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> will tell why.” Above and below + this was nothing but startlingly white blank paper, + two solid columns of it up and down the page.</p> + + <p>Down in the deep basement of the <cite>Bulletin</cite>, the big + three-deck presses, two of which had been standing + idle since the last presidential election, were pounding + out copies by the thousand, while grimy pressmen, + blackened with ink, perspired most happily.</p> + + <p>By five o’clock, men and even girls, pouring from + their offices, and laborers coming from work, had all + heard of it, and on the street the bold defiance created + first a gasp and then a smile. Another attempt to + dislodge Sam Stone was, in the light of previous efforts, + a laughable thing to contemplate; and yet it + was interesting.</p> + + <p>In the office of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> it was a gleeful occasion. + Nonchalant reporters sat down with that amazing + front page spread out before them, studied the brutal + face of Stone and chuckled cynically. Lean Doc Miller, + “assistant city editor,” or rather head copy reader, + lit one cigarette from the stub of another and observed, + to nobody in particular but to everybody in general:</p> + + <p>“I can see where we all contribute for a beautiful + Gates Ajar floral piece for one Robert Burnit;” + whereupon fat “Bugs” Roach, “handling copy” across + the table from him, inquired:</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page284" title="284"> </a>“Do you suppose the new boss really has this much + nerve, or is he just a damned fool?”</p> + + <p>“Stone won’t do a thing to <em>him</em>!” ingratiatingly + observed a “cub” reporter, laying down twelve pages + of “copy” about a man who had almost been burglarized.</p> + + <p>“Look here, you Greenleaf Whittier Squiggs,” said + Doc Miller most savagely, not because he had any particular + grudge against the unfortunately named G. + W., but because of discipline and the custom with + “cubs,” “the next time you’re sent out on a twenty-minute + assignment like this, remember the number of + the <cite>Bulletin</cite>, 427 Grand Street. The telephone is Central + 2051, and don’t forget to report the same day. + Did you get the man’s name? Uh-huh. His address? + Uh-huh. Well, we don’t want the item.”</p> + + <p>Slow and phlegmatic Jim Brown, who had been city + editor on the <cite>Bulletin</cite> almost since it was the <cite>Bulletin</cite> + under half a dozen changes of ownership and nearly + a score of managing editors, sauntered over into Jolter’s + room with a copy of the paper in his hand, and + a long black stogie held by some miracle in the corner + of his mouth, where it would be quite out of the road + of conversation.</p> + + <p>“Pretty good stuff,” he drawled, indicating the remarkable + first page.</p> + + <p>“The greatest circus act that was ever pulled off + <a class="pagenum" id="page285" title="285"> </a>in the newspaper business,” asserted Jolter. “It will + quadruple the present circulation of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> in + a week.”</p> + + <p>“Make or break,” assented the city editor, “with + the odds in favor of the break.”</p> + + <p>A slenderly-built young man, whose red face needed + a shave and whose clothes, though wrinkled and unbrushed, + shrieked of quality, came stumbling up the + stairs in such hot haste as was possible in his condition, + and without ceremony or announcement burst + into the room where Bobby Burnit, with that day’s + issue of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> spread out before him, was trying + earnestly to get a professional idea of the proper + contents of a newspaper.</p> + + <p>“Great goods, old man!” said the stranger. “I want + to congratulate you on your lovely nerve,” and seizing + Bobby’s hand he shook it violently.</p> + + <p>“Thanks,” said Bobby, not quite sure whether to + be amused or resentful. “Who are you?”</p> + + <p>“I’m Dillingham,” announced the red-faced young + man with a cheerful smile.</p> + + <p>Bobby was about to insist upon further information, + when Mr. Jolter came in to introduce Brown, + who had not yet met Mr. Burnit.</p> + + <p>“Dill,” drawled Brown, with a twinkle in his eye, + “how much money have you?”</p> + + <p>“Money to burn; money in every pocket,” asserted + <a class="pagenum" id="page286" title="286"> </a>Mr. Dillingham; “money to last for ever,” and he + jammed both hands in his trousers’ pockets.</p> + + <p>It was an astonishing surprise to Mr. Dillingham, + after groping in those pockets, to find that he brought + up only a dollar bill in his left hand and forty-five + cents in silver in his right. He was still contemplating + in awed silence this perplexing fact when + Brown handed him a five-dollar bill.</p> + + <p>“Now, you run right out and get stewed to the eyebrows + again,” directed Brown. “Get properly pickled + and have it over with, then show up here in the morning + with a headache and get to work. We want you to + take charge of the Sam Stone exposé, and in to-morrow’s + <cite>Bulletin</cite> we want the star introduction of your + life.”</p> + + <p>“Do you mean to say you’re going to trust the + whole field conduct of this campaign to that chap?” + asked Bobby, frowning, when Dillingham had gone.</p> + + <p>“This is his third day, so Dill’s safe for to-morrow + morning,” Brown hastened to assure him. “He’ll be + up here early, so penitent that he’ll be incased in a + blue fog—and he’ll certainly deliver the goods.”</p> + + <p>Bobby sighed and gave it up. This was a new + world.</p> + + <p>Over in his dingy little office, up his dingy flight + of stairs, Sam Stone sat at his bare and empty old + desk, looking contemplatively out of the window, when + <a class="pagenum" id="page287" title="287"> </a>Frank Sharpe—his luxuriant gray mustache in an + extraordinary and most violent state of straggling + curliness—came nervously bustling in with a copy of + the <cite>Bulletin</cite> in his hand.</p> + + <p>“Have you seen this?” he shrilled.</p> + + <p>“Heard about it,” grunted Stone.</p> + + <p>“But what do you think of it?” demanded Sharpe + indignantly, and spread the paper out on the desk + before the Boss, thumping it violently with his + knuckles.</p> + + <p>Stone studied it well, without the slightest change + of expression upon his heavy features.</p> + + <p>“It’s a swell likeness,” he quietly conceded, by and + by.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_23" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page288" title="288"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXIII</span><br /> + BOBBY BEGINS TO GIVE TESTIMONY THAT HE IS OLD + JOHN BURNIT’S SON</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">Closeted</span> with Jolter and Brown, and mapping + out with them the dangerous campaign + into which they had plunged, Bobby did not + leave the office of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> until six o’clock. At + the curb, just as he was about to step into his waiting + machine, Biff Bates hailed him with vast enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>“Go to it, Bobby!” said he. “I’m backing you + across the board, win, place and show; but let me give + you a hot tip right from the stables. You want to be + afraid to go home in the dark, or Stone’s lobbygows + will lean on you with a section of plumbing.”</p> + + <p>“I’ve thought of that, Biff,” laughed Bobby; “and + I think I’ll organize a band of murderers of my own.”</p> + + <p>Johnson, whom Bobby had quite forgotten in the + stress of the day, joined them at this moment. Thirty + years as head bookkeeper and confidential adviser in + old John Burnit’s merchandise establishment had not + fitted lean Johnson for the less dignified and more + <a class="pagenum" id="page289" title="289"> </a>flurried work of a newspaper office, even in the business + department, and he was looking very much + fagged.</p> + + <p>“Well, Johnson, what do you think of my first issue + of the <cite>Bulletin</cite>?” asked Bobby pleasantly.</p> + + <p>Johnson looked genuinely distressed.</p> + + <p>“To tell you the truth, Mr. Burnit,” said he, “I + have not seen it. I never in all my life saw a place + where there were so many interruptions to work. If + we could only be back in your father’s store, sir.”</p> + + <p>“We’ll be back there before we quit,” said Bobby + confidently; “or I’ll be in the incurable ward.”</p> + + <p>“I hope so, sir,” said Johnson dismally, and strode + across the street to catch his car; but he came back + hastily to add: “I meant about the store; not about + the asylum.”</p> + + <p>Biff Bates laughed as he clambered into the tonneau + with Bobby.</p> + + <p>“If you’d make a billion dollars, Bobby, but didn’t + get back your father’s business that Silas Trimmer + snaked away from you, Johnson would think you’d + overlooked the one best bet.”</p> + + <p>“So would I,” said Bobby soberly, and he had but + very little more to say until the chauffeur stopped at + Bobby’s own door, where puffy old Applerod, who had + been next to Johnson in his usefulness to old John + Burnit, stood nervously awaiting him on the steps.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page290" title="290"> </a>“Terrible, sir! Terrible!” spluttered Applerod the + moment he caught sight of Bobby. “This open defiance + of Mr. Stone will put entirely out of existence + what little there is left of the Brightlight Electric + Company.”</p> + + <p>“Cheer up, Applerod, for death must come to us + all,” encouraged Bobby. “Such shreds and fragments + of the Brightlight as there are left would have been + wiped out anyhow; and frankly, if you must have it, + I put you in there as general manager, when I shifted + Johnson to the <cite>Bulletin</cite> this morning, because there + was nothing to manage.”</p> + + <p>Applerod threw up his hands in dismay.</p> + + <p>“And there will be less. Oh, Mr. Burnit, if your + father were only here!”</p> + + <p>Bobby, whose suavity Applerod had never before + seen ruffled, turned upon him angrily.</p> + + <p>“I’m tired hearing about my father, Applerod,” + he declared. “I revere the governor’s memory too + much to want to be made angry by the mention of his + name. Hereafter, kindly catch the idea, if you can, + that I am my own man and must work out my own + salvation; and I propose to do it! Biff, you don’t + mind if I put off seeing you until to-morrow? I have + a dinner engagement this evening and very little time + to dress.”</p> + + <p>“His own man,” said Applerod sorrowfully when + <a class="pagenum" id="page291" title="291"> </a>Bobby had left them. “John Burnit would be half + crazy if he could know what a botch his son is making + of things. I don’t see how a man could let himself be + cheated four times in business.”</p> + + <p>“I can tell you,” retorted Biff. “All his old man + ever did for him was to stuff his pockets with kale, + and let him grow up into the sort of clubs where one + sport says: ‘I’m going to walk down to the corner.’ + Says the other sport: ‘I’ll bet you see more red-headed + girls on the way down than you do on the way back.’ + Says the first sport: ‘You’re on for a hundred.’ He + goes down to the corner and he comes back. ‘How + about the red-headed girls?’ asks the second sport. ‘I + lose,’ says the first sport; ‘here’s your hundred.’ Now, + when Bobby is left real money, he starts in to play + the same open-face game, and when one of these business + wolves tells him anything Bobby don’t stop to + figure whether the mut means what he says, or means + something else that sounds like the same thing. Now, + if Bobby was a simp they’d sting him in so many + places that he’d be swelled all over, like an exhibition + cream puff; but he ain’t a simp. It took him four + times to learn that he can’t take a man’s word in business. + That’s all he needed. Bobby’s awake now, and + more than that he’s mad, and if I hear you make another + crack that he ain’t about all the candy I’ll sick + old Johnson on you,” and with this dire threat Biff + <a class="pagenum" id="page292" title="292"> </a>wheeled, leaving Mr. Applerod speechless with red-faced + indignation.</p> + + <p>It was just a quiet family dinner that Bobby attended + that night at the Ellistons’, with Uncle Dan + and Aunt Constance Elliston at the head and foot of + the table, and across from him the smiling face of + Agnes. He was so good to look at that Agnes was + content just to watch him, but Aunt Constance noted + his abstraction and chided him upon it.</p> + + <p>“Really, Bobby,” said she, “since you have gone + into business you’re ruined socially.”</p> + + <p>“Frankly, I don’t mind,” he replied, smiling. “I’d + rather be ruined socially than financially. In spite of + certain disagreeable features of it, I have a feeling + upon me to-night that I’m going to like the struggle.”</p> + + <p>“You’re starting a stiff one now,” observed Uncle + Dan dryly. “Beginning an open fight against Sam + Stone is a good deal like being suspended over Hades + by a single hair—amidst a shower of Roman candles.”</p> + + <p>“That’s putting it about right, I guess,” admitted + Bobby; “but I’m relying on the fact that the public + at heart is decent.”</p> + + <p>“Do you remember, Bobby, what Commodore Vanderbilt + said about the public?” retorted Uncle Dan. + “They’re decent, all right, but they won’t stick together + in any aggressive movement short of gunpowder. + In the meantime, Stone has more entrenchments + <a class="pagenum" id="page293" title="293"> </a>than even you can dream. For instance, I should + not wonder but that within a very short time I shall + be forced to try my influence with you in his behalf.”</p> + + <p>“How?” asked Bobby incredulously.</p> + + <p>“Well, I am trying to get a spur track from the + X. Y. Z. Railroad to my factory on Spindle Street. + The X. Y. Z. is perfectly willing to put in the track, + and I’m trying to have the city council grant us a + permit. Now, who is the city council?”</p> + + <p>“Stone,” Bobby was compelled to admit.</p> + + <p>“Of course. I have already arranged to pay quite a + sum of money to the capable and honest city councilman + of that ward. The capable and honest councilman + will go to Stone and give up about three-fourths of + what I pay him. Then Stone will pass the word out + to the other councilmen that he’s for Alderman Holdup’s + spur track permit, and I get it. Very simple arrangement, + and satisfactory, but, if they do not shove + that measure through at their meeting to-morrow + night, before Stone finds out any possible connection + between you and me, the price of it will not be money. + I’ll be sent to you.”</p> + + <p>“I see,” said Bobby in dismay. “In other words, it + will be put flatly up to me; I’ll either have to quit my + attacks on Stone, or be directly responsible for your + losing your valuable spur track.”</p> + + <p>“Exactly,” said Uncle Dan.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page294" title="294"> </a>Bobby drew a long breath.</p> + + <p>“I’m very much afraid, Mr. Elliston, that you will + have to do without your spur.”</p> + + <p>Uncle Dan’s eyes twinkled.</p> + + <p>“I’m willing,” said he. “I have a good offer to sell + that branch of my plant anyhow, and I think I’ll dispose + of it. I have been very frank with you about this, + so that you will know exactly what to expect when + other people come at you. You will be beset as you + never were before.”</p> + + <p>“I have been looking for an injunction, myself.”</p> + + <p>“You will have no injunction, for Stone scarcely + dares go publicly into his own courts,” said Uncle + Dan, with a pretty thorough knowledge, gained + through experience, of the methods of the “Stone + gang”; “though he might even use that as a last resort. + That will be after intimidation fails, for it is + quite seriously probable that they will hire somebody + to beat you into insensibility. If that don’t teach you + the proper lesson, they will probably kill you.”</p> + + <p>Agnes looked up apprehensively, but catching Bobby’s + smile took this latter phase of the matter as a + joke. Bobby himself was not deeply impressed with + it, but before he went away that night Uncle Dan took + him aside and urged upon him the seriousness of the + matter.</p> + + <p>“I’ll fight them with their own weapons, then,” declared + <a class="pagenum" id="page295" title="295"> </a>Bobby. “I’ll organize a counter band of thugs, + and I’ll block every move they make with one of the + same sort. Somehow or other I think I am going to + win.”</p> + + <p>“Of course you will win,” said Agnes confidently, + overhearing this last phrase; and with that most + prized of all encouragement, the faith in his prowess + of <em>the</em> one woman, Bobby, for that night at least, felt + quite contemptuous of the grilling fight to come.</p> + + <p>His second issue of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> contained on the + front page a three-column picture of Sam Stone, + with the same caption, together with a full-page article, + written by Dillingham from data secured by himself + and the others who were put upon the “story.” + This set forth the main iniquities of Sam Stone and + his crew of municipal grafters. In the third day’s + issue the picture was reduced to two columns, occupying + the left-hand upper corner of the front page, + where Bobby ordered it to remain permanently as the + slogan of the <cite>Bulletin</cite>; and now Dillingham began his + long series of articles, taking up point by point the + ramifications of Stone’s machine, and coming closer + and closer daily to people who would much rather have + been left entirely out of the picture.</p> + + <p>It was upon this third day that Bobby, becoming + apprehensive merely because nothing had happened, + received a visit from Frank Sharpe. Mr. Sharpe was + <a class="pagenum" id="page296" title="296"> </a>as nattily dressed as ever, and presented himself as + pleasantly as a summer breeze across fields of clover.</p> + + <p>“I came in to see you about merging the Brightlight + Electric Company with the Consolidated, Mr. + Burnit,” said Mr. Sharpe in a chatty tone, laying his + hat, cane and gloves upon Bobby’s desk and seating + himself comfortably.</p> + + <p>From his face there was no doubt in Mr. Sharpe’s + mind that this was a mere matter of an interview with + a satisfactory termination, for Mr. Sharpe had done + business with Bobby before; but something had happened + to Bobby in the meantime.</p> + + <p>“When I get ready for a merger of the Brightlight + with the Consolidated I’ll tell you about it; and also + I’ll tell you the terms,” Bobby advised him with a + snap, and for the first time Mr. Sharpe noted what a + good jaw Bobby had.</p> + + <p>“I should think,” hesitated Sharpe, “that in the + present condition of the Brightlight almost any terms + would be attractive to you. You have no private consumers + now, and your contract for city lighting, + which you can not evade except by bankruptcy, is + losing you money.”</p> + + <p>“If that were news to me it would be quite startling,” + responded Bobby, “but you see, Mr. Sharpe, + I am quite well acquainted with the facts myself. + Also, I have a strong suspicion that you tampered + <a class="pagenum" id="page297" title="297"> </a>with my plant; that your hired agents cut my wires, + ruined my dynamos and destroyed the efficiency of + my service generally.”</p> + + <p>“You will find it very difficult to prove that, Mr. + Burnit,” said Sharpe, with a sternness which could + not quite conceal a lurking smile.</p> + + <p>“I’m beginning to like difficulty,” retorted Bobby. + “I do not mind telling you that I was never angry + before in my life, and I’m surprised to find myself + enjoying the sensation.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was still more astonished to find himself laying + his fist tensely upon his desk. The lurking smile + was now gone entirely from Mr. Sharpe’s face.</p> + + <p>“I must admit, Mr. Burnit, that your affairs have + turned out rather unfortunately,” he said, “but I + think that they might be remedied for you a bit, perhaps. + Suppose you go and see Stone.”</p> + + <p>“I do not care to see Mr. Stone,” said Bobby.</p> + + <p>“But he wants to see you,” persisted Sharpe. “In + fact, he told me so this morning. I’m quite sure you + would find it to your advantage to drop over there.”</p> + + <p>“I shall never enter Mr. Stone’s office until he has + vacated it for good,” said Bobby; “then I might be + induced to come over and break up the furniture. If + Stone wants to see me I’m keeping fairly regular office + hours here.”</p> + + <p>“It is not Mr. Stone’s habit to go to other people,” + <a class="pagenum" id="page298" title="298"> </a>bluffed Sharpe, growing somewhat nervous; for it was + one of Stone’s traits not to forgive the failure of a + mission. He had no use for extenuating circumstances, + He never looked at anything in this world but results.</p> + + <p>Bobby took down the receiver of his house telephone.</p> + + <p>“I’d like to speak to Mr. Jolter, please,” said he.</p> + + <p>Sharpe rose to go.</p> + + <p>“Just wait a moment, Mr. Sharpe,” said Bobby + peremptorily, and Sharpe stopped. “Jolter,” he directed + crisply, turning again to the ’phone, “kindly + step into my office, will you?”</p> + + <p>A moment later, while Sharpe stood wondering, + Jolter came in, and grinned as he noted Bobby’s visitor.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Jolter,” asked Bobby, “have we a good portrait + of Mr. Sharpe?”</p> + + <p>Jolter, still grinning, stated that they had.</p> + + <p>“Have a three-column half-tone made of it for this + evening’s <cite>Bulletin</cite>.”</p> + + <p>Sharpe fairly spluttered.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Burnit, if you print my picture in the <cite>Bulletin</cite> + connected with anything derogatory, I’ll—I’ll—”</p> + + <p>Bobby waited politely for a moment.</p> + + <p>“Go ahead, Mr. Sharpe,” said he. “I’m interested + to know just what you will do, because we’re going to + <a class="pagenum" id="page299" title="299"> </a>print the picture, connected with something quite derogatory. + Now finish your threat.”</p> + + <p>Sharpe gazed at him a moment, speechless with + rage, and then stamped from the office.</p> + + <p>Jolter, quietly chuckling, turned to Bobby.</p> + + <p>“I guess you’ll do,” he commented. “If you last + long enough you’ll win.”</p> + + <p>“Thanks,” said Bobby dryly, and then he smiled. + “Say, Jolter,” he added, “it’s bully fun being angry. + I’m just beginning to realize what I have been missing + all these years. Go ahead with Sharpe’s picture + and print anything you please about him. I guess + you can secure enough material without going out of + the office, and if you can’t I’ll supply you with some.”</p> + + <p>Jolter looked at his watch and hurried for the door. + Minutes were precious if he wanted to get that Sharpe + cut made in time for the afternoon edition. At the + door, however, he turned a bit anxiously.</p> + + <p>“I suppose you carry a gun, don’t you?”</p> + + <p>“By no means,” said Bobby. “Never owned one.”</p> + + <p>“I’d advise you to get a good one at once,” and + Jolter hurried away.</p> + + <p>That evening’s edition of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> contained a + beautiful half-tone of Mr. Sharpe. Above it was + printed: “The <cite>Bulletin’s</cite> Rogues’ Gallery,” and beneath + was the caption: “Hadn’t this man better go, + too?”</p> + + </div> + <div id="chapter_24" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page300" title="300"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXIV</span><br /> + EDITOR BURNIT DISCOVERS THAT HE IS FIGHTING AN + ENTIRE CITY INSTEAD OF ONE MAN</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">At</span> four o’clock of that same day Mr. Brown + came in, and Mr. Brown was grinning. In + the last three days a grin had become the + trade-mark of the office, for the staff of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> + was enjoying itself as never before in all its history.</p> + + <p>“Stone’s in my office,” said Brown. “Wants to see + you.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was interestedly leafing over the pages of + the <cite>Bulletin</cite>. He looked leisurely at his watch and + yawned.</p> + + <p>“Tell Mr. Stone that I am busy, but that I will + receive him in fifteen minutes,” he directed, whereupon + Mr. Brown, appreciating the joke, grinned still + more expansively and withdrew.</p> + + <p>Bobby, as calmly as he could, went on with his + perusal of the <cite>Bulletin</cite>. To deny that he was somewhat + tense over the coming interview would be foolish. + Never had a quarter of an hour dragged so slowly, + <a class="pagenum" id="page301" title="301"> </a>but he waited it out, with five minutes more on top of + it, and then he telephoned to Brown to know if Stone + was still there. He was relieved to find that he was.</p> + + <p>“Tell him to come in,” he ordered.</p> + + <p>If Stone was inwardly fuming when he entered the + room he gave no indication of it. His heavy face bore + only his habitually sullen expression, his heavy-lidded + eyes bore only their usual somberness, his heavy brow + had in it no crease other than those that time had + graven there. With the deliberateness peculiar to him + he planted his heavy body in a big arm-chair opposite + to Bobby, without removing his hat.</p> + + <p>“I don’t believe in beating around the bush, Mr. + Burnit,” said he, with a glance over his shoulder to + make sure that the door was closed. “Of course you’re + after something. What do you want?”</p> + + <p>Bobby looked at him in wonder. He had heard much + of Stone’s bluntness, and now he was fascinated by it. + Nevertheless, he did not forget his own viewpoint.</p> + + <p>“Oh, I don’t want much,” he observed pleasantly, + “only just your scalp; yours and the scalps of a few + others who gave me my education, from Silas Trimmer + up and down. I think one of the things that aggravated + me most was the recent elevation of Trimmer to + the chairmanship of your waterworks commission. + Trivial as it was, this probably had as much to do + with my sudden determination to wipe you out, as + <a class="pagenum" id="page302" title="302"> </a>your having the Brightlight’s poles removed from + Market Street.”</p> + + <p>Stone laid a heavy hand easily upon Bobby’s desk. + It was a strong hand, a big hand, brown and hairy, + and from the third pudgy finger glowed a huge diamond.</p> + + <p>“As far as Trimmer is concerned,” said he, quite + undisturbed, “you can have his head any minute. He’s + a mutt.”</p> + + <p>“You don’t need to give me Mr. Trimmer’s head,” + replied Bobby, quite as calmly. “I intend to get that + myself.”</p> + + <p>“And as for the Brightlight,” continued Stone as + if he had not been interrupted, “I sent Sharpe over + to see you about that this morning. I think we can + fix it so that you can get back your two hundred and + fifty thousand. The deal’s been worth a lot more than + that to the Consolidated.”</p> + + <p>“No doubt,” agreed Bobby. “However, I’m not + looking, at the present moment, for a sop to the + Brightlight Company. It will be time enough for that + when I have forced the Consolidated into the hands of + a receiver.”</p> + + <p>Stone looked at Bobby thoughtfully between narrowed + eyelids.</p> + + <p>“Look here, young fellow,” said he presently. + “Now, you take it from me, and I have been through + <a class="pagenum" id="page303" title="303"> </a>the mill, that there ain’t any use holding a grouch. + The mere doing damage don’t get you anything unless + it’s to whip somebody else into line with a warning. + I take it that this ain’t what you’re trying to do. + You think you’re simply playing a grouch game, + table stakes; but if you’ll simmer down you’ll find + you’ve got a price. Now, I’d rather have you with + me than against me. If you’ll just say what you want + I’ll get it for you if it’s in reach. But don’t froth. + I’ve cleaned up as much money as your daddy did, + just by keeping my temper.”</p> + + <p>“I’m going to keep mine, too,” Bobby informed him + quite cheerfully. “I have just found that I have one, + and I like it.”</p> + + <p>Stone brushed this triviality aside with a wave of + his heavy hand.</p> + + <p>“Quit kidding,” he said, “and come out with it. I + see you’re no piker, anyhow. You’re playing for big + game. What is it you want?”</p> + + <p>“As I said before, not very much,” declared Bobby. + “I only want to grind your machine into powder. I + want to dig up the rotten municipal control of this + city, root and branch. I want to ferret out every bit + of crookedness in which you have been concerned, and + every bit that you have caused. I want to uncover + every man, high or low, for just what he is, and I + don’t care how well protected he is nor how shining + <a class="pagenum" id="page304" title="304"> </a>his reputation, if he’s concerned in a crooked deal I’m + going after him—”</p> + + <p>“There won’t be many of us left,” Stone interrupted + with a smile.</p> + + <p>“—I want to get back some of the money you have + stolen from this city,” continued Bobby; “and I want, + last of all, to drive you out of this town for good.”</p> + + <p>Stone rose with a sigh.</p> + + <p>“This is the only chance I’ll give you to climb in + with the music,” he rumbled. “I’ve kept off three + days, figuring out where you were leading to and what + you were after. Now, last of all, what will you take + to call it off?”</p> + + <p>“I have told you the price,” said Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Then you’re looking for trouble and you must + have it, eh?”</p> + + <p>“I suppose I must.”</p> + + <p>“Then you’ll get it,” and without the sign of a + frown upon his brow Mr. Stone left the office.</p> + + <p>The next morning things began to happen. The + First National Bank called up the business office of + the <cite>Bulletin</cite> and ordered its advertisement discontinued. + Not content alone with that, President De Graff + called up Bobby personally, and in a very cold and + dignified voice told him that the First National was + compelled to withdraw its patronage on account of the + undignified personal attacks in which the <cite>Bulletin</cite> was + <a class="pagenum" id="page305" title="305"> </a>indulging. Bobby whistled softly. He knew De Graff + quite well; they were, in fact, upon most intimate + terms, socially.</p> + + <p>“I should think, De Graff,” Bobby remonstrated, + “that of all people the banks should be glad to have + all this crookedness rooted out of the city. As a matter + of fact, I intended shortly to ask your coöperation + in the formation of a citizens’ committee to insure honest + politics.”</p> + + <p>“I really could not take any active part in such a + movement, Mr. Burnit,” returned De Graff, still more + coldly. “The conservatism necessary to my position + forbids my connection with any sensational publicity + whatsoever.”</p> + + <p>An hour later, Crone, the advertising manager, + came up to Bobby very much worried, to report that + not only the First National but the Second Market + Bank had stopped their advertising, as had Trimmer + and Company, and another of the leading dry-goods + firms.</p> + + <p>“Of course,” said Crone, “your editorial policy is + your own, but I’m afraid that it is going to be ruinous + to your advertising.”</p> + + <p>“I shouldn’t wonder,” admitted Bobby dryly, and + that was all the satisfaction he gave Crone; but inwardly + he was somewhat disturbed.</p> + + <p>He had not thought of the potency of this line of + <a class="pagenum" id="page306" title="306"> </a>attack. While he knew nothing of the newspaper business, + he had already made sure that the profit was in + the advertising. He sent for Jolter.</p> + + <p>“Ben,” he asked, “what is the connection between + the First National and the Second Market Banks and + Sam Stone?”</p> + + <p>“Money,” said the managing editor promptly. + “Both banks are depositories of city funds.”</p> + + <p>“I see,” said Bobby slowly. “Do any other banks + enjoy this patronage?”</p> + + <p>“The Merchants’ and the Planters’ and Traders’ + hold the county funds, which are equally at Stone’s + disposal.”</p> + + <p>Bobby heard this news in silence, and Jolter, after + looking at him narrowly for a moment, added:</p> + + <p>“I’ll tell you something else. Not one of the four + banks pays to the city or the county one penny of + interest on these deposits. This is well known to the + newspapers, but none of them has dared use it.”</p> + + <p>“Go after them,” said Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Moreover, it is strongly suspected that the banks + pay interest privately to Stone, through a small and + select ring in the court-house and in the city hall.”</p> + + <p>“Go after them.”</p> + + <p>“I suppose you know the men who will be involved + in this,” said Jolter.</p> + + <p>“Some of my best friends, I expect,” said Bobby.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page307" title="307"> </a>“And some of the most influential citizens in this + town,” retorted Jolter. “They can ruin the <cite>Bulletin</cite>. + They could ruin any business.”</p> + + <p>“The thing’s crooked, isn’t it?” demanded Bobby.</p> + + <p>“As a dog’s hind leg.”</p> + + <p>“Go after them, Jolter!” Bobby reiterated. Then + he laughed aloud. “De Graff just telephoned me that + ‘the conservatism of his position forbids him to take + part in any sensational publicity whatsoever.’”</p> + + <p>Comment other than a chuckle was superfluous from + either one of them, and Jolter departed to the city + editor’s room, to bring joy to the heart of the staff.</p> + + <p>It was “Bugs” Roach who scented the far-reaching + odor of this move with the greatest joy.</p> + + <p>“You know what this means, don’t you?” he delightedly + commented. “A grand jury investigation. + Oh, listen to the band!”</p> + + <p>Before noon the Merchants’ and the Planters’ and + Traders’ Banks had withdrawn their advertisements.</p> + + <p>At about the same hour a particularly atrocious + murder was committed in one of the suburbs. Up in + the reporters’ room of the police station, Thomas, of + the <cite>Bulletin</cite>, and Graham, of the <cite>Chronicle</cite>, were indulging + in a quiet game of whist with two of the morning + newspaper boys, when a roundsman stepped to the + door and called Graham out. Graham came back a + moment later after his coat, with such studied nonchalance + <a class="pagenum" id="page308" title="308"> </a>that the other boys, eternally suspicious as + police reporters grow to be, looked at him narrowly, + and Thomas asked him, also with studied nonchalance:</p> + + <p>“The candy-store girl, or the one in the laundry + office?”</p> + + <p>“Business, young fellow, business,” returned Graham + loftily. “I guess the <cite>Chronicle</cite> knows when it has + a good man. I’m called into the office to save the paper. + They’re sending a cub down to cover the afternoon. + Don’t scoop him, old man.”</p> + + <p>“Not unless I get a chance,” promised Thomas, but + after Graham had gone he went down to the desk and, + still unsatisfied, asked:</p> + + <p>“Anything doing, Lieut.?”</p> + + <p>“Dead as a door-nail,” replied the lieutenant, and + Thomas, still with an instinct that something was + wrong, still sensitive to a certain suppressed tingling + excitement about the very atmosphere of the place, + went slowly back to the reporters’ room, where he + spent a worried half-hour.</p> + + <p>The noonday edition of the <cite>Chronicle</cite> carried, in + the identical columns devoted in the <cite>Bulletin</cite> to a further + attack on Stone, a lurid account of the big murder; + and the <cite>Bulletin</cite> had not a line of it! A sharp + call from Brown to Thomas, at central police, apprised + the latter that he had been “scooped,” and + brought out the facts in the case. Thomas hurried + <a class="pagenum" id="page309" title="309"> </a>down-stairs and bitterly upbraided Lieutenant Casper.</p> + + <p>“Look here, you Thomas,” snapped Casper; “you + <cite>Bulletin</cite> guys have been too fresh around here for a + long time.”</p> + + <p>In Casper’s eyes—Casper with whom he had always + been on cordial joking terms—he saw cruel implacability, + and, furious, he knew himself to be “in” + for that most wearing of all newspaper jobs—“doing + police” for a paper that was “in bad” with the administration. + He needed no one to tell him the cause. + At three-thirty, Thomas, and Camden, who was doing + the city hall, and Greenleaf Whittier Squiggs, who + was subbing for the day on the courts, appeared before + Jim Brown in an agonized body. Thomas had been + scooped on the big murder, Camden and G. W. + Squiggs had been scooped, at the city hall and the + county building, on the only items worth while, and + they were all at white heat; though it was a great consolation + to Squiggs, after all, to find himself in such + distinguished company.</p> + + <p>Brown heard them in silence, and with great solemnity + conducted them across the hall to Jolter, who + also heard them in silence and conducted them into + the adjoining room to Bobby. Here Jolter stood + back and eyed young Mr. Burnit with great interest + as his two experienced veterans and his ambitious + <a class="pagenum" id="page310" title="310"> </a>youngster poured forth their several tales of woe. + Bobby, as it became him to be, was much disturbed.</p> + + <p>“How’s the circulation of the <cite>Bulletin</cite>?” he asked + of Jolter.</p> + + <p>“Five times what it ever was in its history,” responded + Jolter.</p> + + <p>“Do you suppose we can hold it?”</p> + + <p>“Possibly.”</p> + + <p>“How much does a scoop amount to?”</p> + + <p>“Well,” confessed Jolter, with his eyes twinkling, + “I hate to tell you before the boys, but my own opinion + is that we know it and the <cite>Chronicle</cite> knows it and + Stone knows it, but day after to-morrow the public + couldn’t tell you on its sacred oath whether it read the + first account of the murder in the <cite>Bulletin</cite> or in the + <cite>Chronicle</cite>.”</p> + + <p>Bobby heaved a sigh of relief.</p> + + <p>“I always had the impression that a ‘beat’ meant + the death, cortège and cremation of the newspaper + that fell behind in the race,” he smiled. “Boys, I’m + afraid you’ll have to stand it for a while. Do the + best you can and get beaten as little as possible. By + the way, Jolter, I want to see you a minute,” and the + mournful delegation of three, no whit less mournful + because they had been assured that they would not + be held accountable for being scooped, filed out.</p> + + <p>“What’s the connection,” demanded Bobby, the + <a class="pagenum" id="page311" title="311"> </a>minute they were alone, “between the police department + and Sam Stone?”</p> + + <p>“Money!” replied Jolter. “Chief of Police Cooley + is in reality chief collector. The police graft is one + of the richest Stone has. The rake-off from saloons + that are supposed to close at one and from crooked + gambling joints and illegal resorts of various kinds, + amounts, I suppose, to not less than ten to fifteen + thousand dollars a week. Of course, the patrolmen + get some, but the bulk of it goes to Cooley, who was + appointed by Stone, and the biggest slice of all goes + to the Boss.”</p> + + <p>“Go after Cooley,” said Bobby. Then suddenly he + struck his fist upon the desk. “Great Heavens, man!” + he exclaimed. “At the end of every avenue and street + and alley that I turn down with the <cite>Bulletin</cite> I find an + open sewer.”</p> + + <p>“The town is pretty well supplied,” admitted + Jolter. “How do you feel now about your policy?”</p> + + <p>“Pretty well staggered,” confessed Bobby; “but + we’re going through with the thing just the same.”</p> + + <p>“It’s a man’s-size job,” declared Jolter; “but if + you get away with it the <cite>Bulletin</cite> will be the best-paying + piece of newspaper property west of New + York.”</p> + + <p>“Not the way the advertising’s going,” said Bobby, + shaking his head and consulting a list on his desk. + <a class="pagenum" id="page312" title="312"> </a>“Where has Stone a hold on the dry-goods firm of + Rolands and Crawford?”</p> + + <p>“They built out circular show-windows, all around + their big block, and these extend illegally upon two + feet of the sidewalk.”</p> + + <p>“And how about the Ebony Jewel Coal Company?”</p> + + <p>“They have been practically allowed to close up + Second Street, from Water to Canal, for a dump.”</p> + + <p>Bobby sighed hopelessly.</p> + + <p>“We can’t fight everybody in town,” he complained.</p> + + <p>“Yes, but we can!” exclaimed Jolter with a sudden + fire that surprised Bobby, since it was the first the + managing editor displayed. “Don’t weaken, Burnit! + I’m with you in this thing, heart and soul! If we + can hold out until next election we will sweep everything + before us.”</p> + + <p>“We will hold out!” declared Bobby.</p> + + <p>“I am so sure of it that I’ll stand treat,” assented + Mr. Jolter with vast enthusiasm, and over an old oak + table, in a quiet place, Mr. Jolter and Mr. Burnit, + having found the sand in each other’s craws, cemented + a pretty strong liking.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_25" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page313" title="313"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXV</span><br /> + AN EXCITING GAME OF TIT FOR TAT WITH HIRED THUGS</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">The</span> <cite>Bulletin</cite>, continuing its warfare upon + Stone and every one who supported him, hit + upon names that had never before been mentioned + but in terms of the highest respect, and divers + and sundry complacent gentlemen who attended + church quite regularly began to look for a cyclone + cellar. They were compromised with Stone and they + could not placate Bobby. The four banks that had + withdrawn their advertisements, after a hasty conference + with Stone put them back again the first day + their names were mentioned. The business department + of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> cheerfully accepted those advertisements + at the increased rate justified by the + <cite>Bulletin’s</cite> increased circulation; but the editorial department + just as cheerfully kept castigating the + erring conservators of the public money, and the advertisements + disappeared again.</p> + + <p>Bobby’s days now were beset from a hundred quarters + with agonized appeals to change his policy. + <a class="pagenum" id="page314" title="314"> </a>This man and that man and the other man high in + commercial and social and political circles came to + him with all sorts of pressure, and even Payne Winthrop + and Nick Allstyne, two of his particular cronies + of the Idlers’, not being able to catch him at the + club any more, came up to his office.</p> + + <p>“This won’t do, old man,” protested Payne; “we’re + missing you at billiards and bridge whist, but your + refusal to take part in the coming polo tourney was + the last straw. You’re getting to be a regular plebe.”</p> + + <p>“I am a plebe,” admitted Bobby. “What’s the + use to deny it? My father was a plebe. He came + off the farm with no earthly possessions more valuable + than the patches on his trousers. I am one generation + from the soil, and since I have turned over a + furrow or two, just plain earth smells good to me.”</p> + + <p>Both of Bobby’s friends laughed. They liked him + too well to take him seriously in this.</p> + + <p>“But really,” said Nick, returning to the attack, + “the boys at the club were talking over the thing and + think this rather bad form, this sort of a fight you’re + making. You’re bound to become involved in a nasty + controversy.”</p> + + <p>“Yes?” inquired Bobby pleasantly. “Watch me + become worse involved. More than that, I think I + shall come down to the Idlers’, when I get things + straightened out here, organize a club league and + <a class="pagenum" id="page315" title="315"> </a>make you fellows march with banners and torch-lights.”</p> + + <p>This being a more hilarious joke than the other + the boys laughed quite politely, though Payne Winthrop + grew immediately serious again.</p> + + <p>“But we can’t lose you, Bobby,” he insisted. “We + want you to quit this sort of business and come back + again to the old crowd. There are so few of us left, + you know, that we’re getting lonesome. Stan Rogers + is getting up a glorious hunt and he wants us all to + come up to his lodge for a month at least. You should + be tired of this by now, anyhow.”</p> + + <p>“Not a bit of it,” declared Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Oh, of course, you have your money involved,” + admitted Payne, “and you must play it through on + that account; but I’ll tell you: if you do want to + sell I know where I could find a buyer for you at a + profit.”</p> + + <p>Bobby turned on him like a flash.</p> + + <p>“Look here, Payne,” said he. “Where is your interest + in this?”</p> + + <p>“My interest?” repeated Payne blankly.</p> + + <p>“Yes, your interest. What have you to gain by + having me sell out?”</p> + + <p>“Why, really, Bobby—” began Payne, thinking to + temporize.</p> + + <p>“You’re here for that purpose, and must tell me + <a class="pagenum" id="page316" title="316"> </a>why,” insisted Bobby sternly, tapping his finger on + the desk.</p> + + <p>“Well, if you must know,” stammered Payne, taken + out of himself by sheer force of Bobby’s manner, + “my respected and revered—”</p> + + <p>“I see,” said Bobby.</p> + + <p>“The—the pater is thinking of entering politics + next year, and he rather wants an organ.”</p> + + <p>“And Nick, where’s yours?”</p> + + <p>“Well,” confessed Nick, with no more force of + reservation than had Payne when mastery was used + upon him, “mother’s city property and mine, you + know, contains some rather tumbledown buildings that + are really good for a number of years yet, but which + adverse municipal government might—might depreciate + in value.”</p> + + <p>“Just a minute,” said Bobby, and he sent for + Jolter.</p> + + <p>“Ben,” he asked, “do you know anything about Mr. + Adam Winthrop’s political aspirations?”</p> + + <p>“I understand he’s being groomed for governor,” + said Jolter.</p> + + <p>“Meet his son, Mr. Jolter—Mr. Payne Winthrop. + Also Mr. Nick Allstyne. I suppose Mr. Winthrop + is to run on Stone’s ticket?” continued Bobby, breaking + in upon the formalities as quickly as possible.</p> + + <p>“Certainly.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page317" title="317"> </a>“Payne,” said Bobby, “if your father wants to + talk with me about the <cite>Bulletin</cite> he must come himself. + Jolter, do you know where the Allstyne properties + are?”</p> + + <p>Jolter looked at Nick and Nick colored.</p> + + <p>“That’s rather a blunt question, under the circumstances, + Mr. Burnit,” said Jolter, “but I don’t see + why it shouldn’t be answered as bluntly. It’s a row + of two blocks on the most notorious street of the town, + frame shacks that are likely to be the start of a + holocaust, any windy night, which will sweep the + entire down-town district. They should have been + condemned years ago.”</p> + + <p>“Nick,” said Bobby, “I’ll give you one month to + dispose of that property, because after that length + of time I’m going after it.”</p> + + <p>This was but a sample. Bobby had at last become + suspicious, and as old John Burnit had shrewdly + observed in one of his letters: “It hurts to acquire + suspiciousness, but it is quite necessary; only don’t + overdo it.”</p> + + <p>Bobby, however, was in a field where suspiciousness + could scarcely be overdone. When any man came + to protest or to use influence on Bobby in his fight, + Bobby took the bull by the horns, called for Jolter, + who was a mine of information upon local affairs, and + promptly found out the reason for that man’s interest; + <a class="pagenum" id="page318" title="318"> </a>whereupon he either warned him off or attacked + him, and made an average of ten good, healthy enemies + a day. He scared Adam Winthrop out of the + political race entirely, he made the Allstynes tear + down their fire-traps and erect better-paying and consequently + more desirable tenements, and he had De + Graff and the other involved bankers “staggering in + circles and hoarsely barking,” as “Bugs” Roach + put it.</p> + + <p>So far, Bobby had been subjected to no personal + annoyances, but on the day after his first attack on + the chief of police he began to be arrested for breaking + the speed laws, and fined the limit, even though he + drove his car but eight miles an hour, while his news + carriers and his employees were “pinched” upon the + most trivial pretexts. Libel suits were brought wherever + a merchant or an official had a record clear + enough to risk such procedure, and three of these + suits were decided against him; whereupon Bobby, + finding the money chain which bound certain of the + judges to Sam Stone, promptly attacked these members + of the judiciary and appealed his cases.</p> + + <p>His very name became a red rag to every member + of Stone’s crowd; but up to this point no violence had + been offered him. One night, however, as he was driving + his own car homeward, men on the watch for him + stepped out of an alley mouth two blocks above the + <a class="pagenum" id="page319" title="319"> </a>Burnit residence and strewed the street thickly with + sharp-pointed coil springs. One of these caught a + tire, and Bobby, always on the alert for the first sign + of such accidents, brought his car to a sudden stop, + reached down for his tire-wrench and jumped out. + Just as he stooped over to examine the tire, some instinct + warned him, and he turned quickly to find three + men coming upon him from the alley, the nearest one + with an uplifted slung-shot. It was with just a + glance from the corner of his eye as he turned that + Bobby caught the import of the figure towering above + him, and then his fine athletic training came in good + stead. With a sidewise spring he was out of the + sphere of that descending blow, and, swinging with + his heavy wrench, caught the fellow a smash upon the + temple which laid him unconscious. Before the two + other men had time to think, he was upon them and + gave one a broken shoulder-blade. The other escaped. + There had been no word from any of the + three men which might lead to an explanation of this + attack, but Bobby needed no explanation; he divined + at once the source from which it came, and in the + morning he sent for Biff Bates.</p> + + <p>“Biff,” said he, “I spoke once about securing some + thugs to act as a counter-irritant against Stone, but + I have neglected it. How long will it take to get hold + of some?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page320" title="320"> </a>“Ten minutes, if I wait till dark,” replied Biff. “I + can go down to the Blue Star, and for ten iron men + apiece can get you as fine a bunch of yeggs as ever + beat out a cripple’s brains with his own wooden leg.”</p> + + <p>Bobby smiled.</p> + + <p>“I don’t want them to go quite that far,” he objected. + “Are they men you can depend upon not to + sell out to Stone?”</p> + + <p>“Just one way,” replied Biff. “The choice line of + murderers that hang out down around the levee are + half of them sore on Stone, anyhow; but they’re + afraid of him, and the only way you can use them + is to give ’em enough to get ’em out of town. For + ten a throw you can buy them body and soul.”</p> + + <p>“I’ll take about four, to start on duty to-night, and + stay on duty till they accomplish what I want done,” + and Bobby detailed his plan to Biff.</p> + + <p>Stone had one peculiarity. Knowing that he had + enemies, and those among the most reckless class in + the world, he seldom allowed himself to be caught + alone; but every night he held counsel with some of + his followers at a certain respectable beer-garden + where, in the summer-time, a long table in a quiet, + half-screened corner was reserved for him and his followers, + and in the winter a back room was given up + for the same purpose. Here Stone transacted all + the real business of his local organization, drinking + <a class="pagenum" id="page321" title="321"> </a>beer, reviving strange-looking callers, and confining + his own remarks to a grunted yes or no, or a brief + direction. Every night at about nine-thirty he rose, + yawned, and, unattended, walked back through the + beer-garden to the alley, where he stood for some five + minutes. This was his retreat for uninterrupted + thought, and when he came back from it he had the + day’s developments summed up and the necessary + course of action resolved upon.</p> + + <p>On the second night after the attempted assault + upon Bobby he had no sooner closed the alley door + behind him than a man sprang upon him from either + side, a heavy hand was placed over his mouth, and he + was dragged to the ground, where a third brawny + thug straddled his chest and showed him a long + knife.</p> + + <p>“See it?” demanded the man as he passed the blade + before Stone’s eyes. “It’s hungry. You let ’em clip + my brother in stir for a three-stretch when you could + have saved him with a grunt, and if I wasn’t workin’ + under orders, in half an hour they’d have you on slab + six with ice packed around you and a sheet over you. + But we’re under orders. We’re part of the reform + committee, we are,” and all three of them laughed + silently, “and there’s a string of us longer than the + Christmas bread-line, all crazy for a piece of this getaway + coin. And here’s the little message I got to + <a class="pagenum" id="page322" title="322"> </a>give you. This time you’re to go free. Next time + you’re to have your head beat off. This thuggin’ of + peaceable citizens has got to be stopped; see?”</p> + + <p>A low whistle from a man stationed at the mouth of + the alley interrupted the speech which the man with + the knife was enjoying so much, and he sprang from + the chest of Stone, who had been struggling vainly + all this time. As the man sprang up and started to + run, he suddenly whirled and gave Stone a vicious + kick upon the hip, and as Stone rose, another man + kicked him in the ribs. All three of them ran, and + Stone, scrambling to his feet with difficulty, whipped + his revolver from his pocket and snapped it. Long + disused, however, the trigger stuck, but he took after + them on foot in spite of the pain of the two fearful + kicks that he had received. Instead of darting + straight out of the alley, the men turned in at a small + gate at the side of a narrow building on the corner, + and slammed the gate behind them. He could hear + the drop of the wooden bolt. He knew perfectly that + entrance. It was to the littered back yard of a cheap + saloon, at the side of which ran a narrow passageway + to the street beyond, where street-cars passed every + half-minute.</p> + + <p>Just as he came furiously up to the gate a policeman + darted in at the alley mouth, and, catching the + glint of Stone’s revolver, whipped his own. He + <a class="pagenum" id="page323" title="323"> </a>ran quite fearlessly to Stone, and with a dextrous + blow upon the wrist sent the revolver spinning.</p> + + <p>“You’re under arrest,” said he.</p> + + <p>For just one second he covered his man, then his + arm dropped and his jaw opened in astonishment.</p> + + <p>“Why, it’s Stone!” he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>“Yes, damn you, it’s Stone!” screamed the Boss, + livid with fury, and overcome with anger he dealt the + policeman a staggering blow in the face. “You + damned flat-foot, I’ll teach you to notice who you put + your hands on! Give me that badge!”</p> + + <p>White-faced and with trembling fingers, and with a + trickle of blood starting slowly from a cut upon his + cheek, the man unfastened his badge.</p> + + <p>“Now, go back to Cooley and tell him I broke you,” + Stone ordered, and turned on his heel.</p> + + <p>By the time he reached the back door of the beer-garden + he was limping most painfully, but when he + rejoined his crowd he said nothing of the incident. + In the brief time that it had taken him to go from + the alley mouth to that table he had divined the significance + of the whole thing. For the first time in + his career he knew himself to be a systematically + marked man, as he had systematically marked others; + and he was not beyond reason. Thereafter, Bobby + Burnit was in no more jeopardy from hired thugs, + and for a solid year he kept up his fight, with plenty + <a class="pagenum" id="page324" title="324"> </a>of material to last him for still another twelvemonth. + It was a year which improved him in many ways, but + Aunt Constance Elliston objected to the improvement.</p> + + <p>“Bobby, they <em>are</em> spoiling you,” she complained. + “They’re taking your suavity away from you, and + you’re acquiring grim, hard lines around your + mouth.”</p> + + <p>“They’re making him,” declared Agnes, looking + fondly across at the firm face and into the clear, unwavering + eyes.</p> + + <p>Bobby answered the look of Agnes with one that + needed no words to interpret, and laughed at Aunt + Constance.</p> + + <p>“I suppose they are spoiling me,” he confessed, + “and I’m glad of it. I’m glad, above all, that I’m + losing the sort of suavity which led me to smile and + tell a man politely to take it, when he reached his + hand into my pocket for my money.”</p> + + <p>“You’ll do,” agreed Uncle Dan. “When you took + hold of the <cite>Bulletin</cite>, your best friends only gave you + two months, But are you making any money?”</p> + + <p>Bobby’s face clouded.</p> + + <p>“Spending it like water. We have practically no + advertising, and a larger circulation than I want. + We lose money on every copy of the paper that we + sell.”</p> + + <p>Uncle Dan shook his head.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page325" title="325"> </a>“Is there a chance that you will ever get it back?” + he asked.</p> + + <p>“Bobby’s so used to failure that he doesn’t mind,” + interjected Aunt Constance.</p> + + <p>“Mind!” exclaimed Bobby. “I never minded it + so much in my life as I do now. The <cite>Bulletin</cite> must + win. I’m bound that it shall win! If we come out + ahead in our fight against Stone I’ll get all my advertising + back, and I’ll keep my circulation, which + makes advertising rates.”</p> + + <p>The telephone bell rang in the study adjoining + the dining-room, and Bobby, who had been more or + less distrait all evening, half rose from his chair. + In a moment more the maid informed them that the + call was for Mr. Burnit. In the study they could hear + his voice, excited and exultant. He returned as delighted + as a school-boy.</p> + + <p>“Now I can tell you something,” he announced. + “Within five minutes the <cite>Bulletin</cite> will have exclusive + extras on the street, announcing that the legislature + has just appointed a committee to investigate municipal + affairs throughout the state. That means this + town. I have spent ten thousand dollars in lobbying + that measure through, and charged it all to improvements’ + on the <cite>Bulletin</cite>. Sounds like I had joined the + ranks of the ‘boodlers,’ don’t it? Well, I don’t give a + cooky for ethics so long as I know I’m right. I’d + <a class="pagenum" id="page326" title="326"> </a>have been a simp, as Biff Bates calls it, to go among + that crowd of hungry law jugglers with kind words + and the ten commandments. I’m not using crossbows + against cannon, and as a result I’m winning. + I got my measure through, and now I think we’ll put + Stone and his crew of freebooters on the grill, with + some extra-hot coals for my friend De Graff and the + other saintly sinners who have been playing into + Stone’s hands. I have been working a year for this, + and the entire politics of this town, with wide-reaching + results in the state, is disrupted.”</p> + + <p>“You selfish boy,” chided Aunt Constance. “You + have been here with us for more than an hour, expecting + this all the time, and have not breathed one + word of it to us. Don’t you trust anybody any + more?”</p> + + <p>“Oh, yes,” replied Bobby easily; “but only when + it is necessary.”</p> + + <p>Agnes smiled across at him in calm content. She + had but very little to say now. She was in that blissful + happiness that comes to any woman when the man + most in her mind is reaping his meed of success from + a long and hard-fought battle.</p> + + <p>“Spoken like your father, Bobby,” laughed Uncle + Dan. “You’re coming to look more and more like him + every day. You talk like him and act like him. You + have the same snap of your jaws. Your father, however, + <a class="pagenum" id="page327" title="327"> </a>never dabbled in politics. He always despised + it, and I see you’re bound to be knee-deep in it.”</p> + + <p>“My father would have succeeded in politics,” said + Bobby confidently, “as he succeeded in everything + else, after he once got started. I have his confession + in writing, however, that he made a few fool mistakes + himself along at first. As for politics, I <em>am</em> in it + knee-deep, and I’m going to elect my own slate next + fall.”</p> + + <p>“Another reform party, of course,” suggested + Uncle Dan with a smile.</p> + + <p>“Not for Bobby,” replied that decided young gentleman. + “I am forming an affiliation with Cal Lewis.”</p> + + <p>“Cal Lewis!” exclaimed Uncle Dan aghast. Then + he closed his eyes and laughed softly. “As notorious + in his way as Sam Stone himself. Why, Bobby, that’s + fighting fire with gasolene.”</p> + + <p>“It’s setting a thief to catch a thief. You must + remember that for fifteen years Cal hasn’t had any + of the pie except in a minor way, and all this time + he’s been fighting Stone tooth and toe-nail. The late + reform movement, which failed so lamentably to carry + out its gaudy promises after it had won, left him entirely + out of its calculations, and Lewis actually + joined with Stone in overturning it. I propose to use + Lewis’ knowledge of political machinery, but in my + own way. As a matter of fact, I have already engaged + <a class="pagenum" id="page328" title="328"> </a>him and put him on salary; a good, stiff one, + too. His business is to organize my political machine. + I’m going to have a slate of clean men, who will not + only conduct the business of this county and city with + probity but with discretion, and I do not mind telling + you that my candidate for mayor is Chalmers.”</p> + + <p>Agnes gave a little cry of delight, and even Aunt + Constance clapped her hands lightly, for Chalmers, a + young lawyer of excellent social connections, was a + prime favorite with the Ellistons, and in the business + he had transacted for the Burnit estate Bobby had + found in him sterling qualities.</p> + + <p>“Chalmers is a good man,” agreed Uncle Dan, + “though he is young, and practically without political + influence; but, if you can make him mayor, I predict + a brilliant political future for him.”</p> + + <p>“He will have it,” said Bobby confidently, “for I + intend to make him the attorney for the investigating + committee, and through his work I expect to have + not less than a hundred thousand dollars of stolen + money turned back into the city and county + treasuries.”</p> + + <p>As Bobby announced this he rose mechanically, + and, still absorbed in the details of his big fight, + walked out into the hall. It was not until he had his + coat on and his hat in his hand that he came to himself; + and with the deepest confusion found that he had + <a class="pagenum" id="page329" title="329"> </a>been about to walk out without making any adieus + whatever.</p> + + <p>“Why, where are you going?” inquired Agnes, as + he came back into the drawing-room.</p> + + <p>He laughed sheepishly.</p> + + <p>“Why,” he explained, “ever since I received that + telephone message I have been seeing before me the + <cite>Bulletin</cite> extra that they are throwing on the street + right now, and I forgot everything else. I’ll simply + have to go down and hold a copy of it in my hands.”</p> + + <p>“You’re just a big boy,” laughed Aunt Constance. + “Will you ever grow up?”</p> + + <p>“I hope not,” declared Agnes, and taking his arm + she strolled with him to the door in perfect peace and + confidence.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_26" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page330" title="330"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXVI</span><br /> + + MR. STONE LEAVES BOBBY A PARTING COMMISSION AND + A LEFT-HANDED BLESSING</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">It</span> looked good to Bobby, that late extra of the + <cite>Bulletin</cite>, and the force that he had kept on duty + to get it out greeted him, as he walked through + the office, with a running fire of comment and congratulation + that was almost like applause. He had + bought a copy on the street as he came in, and as he + spread it out there came upon him a thrill of realization + that this ought to be the beginning of the end.</p> + + <p>It was. The fact that Bobby, through the <cite>Bulletin</cite>, + had forced this action, made him a power to be + reckoned with; and straws, whole bales of them, began + to show which way the wind was blowing.</p> + + <p>One morning a delegation headed by the Reverend + Doctor Larynx waited upon him. The Reverend + Doctor was a minister of great ingenuity and force, + who sought the salvation of souls through such vital + topics as Shall Men Go Coatless in Summer? The + Justice of Three-Cent Car Fares, and The Billboards + <a class="pagenum" id="page331" title="331"> </a>Must Go. All public questions, civic, state or national, + were thoroughly thrashed out in the pulpit + of the Reverend Larynx, and turned adrift with the + seal of his condemnation or approval duly fixed upon + them; and he managed to get his name and picture in + the papers almost as often as the man who took + eighty-seven bottles of Elixo and still survived. With + him were four thoroughly respectable men of business, + two of whom wore side-whiskers and the other + two of whom wore white bow-ties.</p> + + <p>“Fine business, Mr. Burnit,” said the Reverend + Doctor Larynx in a loud, hearty voice, advancing + with three strides and clasping Bobby’s hand in a + vise-like grip; for he was a red-blooded minister, was + the Reverend Doctor Larynx, and he believed in + getting down among the “pee-pul.” “The <cite>Bulletin</cite> + has proved itself a mighty fine engine of reform, and + the reputable citizens of this municipality now see a + ray of hope before them.”</p> + + <p>“I’m afraid that the reputable citizens,” ventured + Bobby, “have no one but themselves to blame for their + past hopeless condition. They’re too selfish to vote.”</p> + + <p>“You have hit the nail on the head,” declaimed the + Reverend Larynx with a loud, hearty laugh, “but + the <cite>Bulletin</cite> will rouse them to a sense of duty. Last + night, Mr. Burnit, the Utopian Club was formed with + an initial membership of over seventy, and it selected + <a class="pagenum" id="page332" title="332"> </a>a candidate for mayor of whom the <cite>Bulletin</cite> is bound + to approve. Shake hands with Mr. Freedom, the + Utopian Club’s candidate for mayor, Mr. Burnit.”</p> + + <p>Bobby shook hands with Mr. Freedom quite nicely, + and studied him curiously.</p> + + <p>He was one of the two who wore side-whiskers and + a habitual Prince Albert, and he displayed a phenomenal + length from lower lip to chin, which, by + reason of his extremely high and narrow forehead, + gave his features the appearance of being grouped in + tiny spots somewhere near the center of a long, yellow + cylinder. Mr. Freedom, he afterward ascertained, + was a respectable singing-teacher.</p> + + <p>“Professor Freedom,” went on the Reverend Doctor + Larynx, still loudly and heartily, “has the time to + devote to this office, as well as the ideal qualifications. + He has no vices whatever. He does not even smoke + nor use tobacco in any form, and under his régime + the saloons of this town would be turned into vacant + store-rooms, if there are laws to make possible such + action.”</p> + + <p>“I do not want the saloons put out of business,” + declared Bobby. “I merely want them vacated at + twelve every night, without exception.”</p> + + <p>When Doctor Larynx and his delegation went away + in wrath the leader was already preparing his sermon + upon The Iniquity of the Sons of Rich Fathers.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page333" title="333"> </a>On the following day a delegation from the business + men’s club waited upon him. The business men’s + club wanted a business administration. This crowd + Bobby handled differently. Upon his desk, tabulated + in advance against just such an emergency, he had + statistics concerning all the business men’s administrations + that had been tried in various cities, and he + submitted this statement without argument. It + needed none.</p> + + <p>“Politics is in itself a distinct business,” he explained. + “You would not one of you take up the + duties of a surveyor without previous training. The + only trouble is that there are no restrictions placed + upon politicians. I propose to use them, but to regulate + them.”</p> + + <p>He did not convert the delegation by this one interview, + but he did by cultivating these men and others + of their kind separately. He ate luncheons and dinners + with them at the Traders’ Club, played billiards + with them, smoked and talked with them; and the burden + of his talk was Chalmers. When he finally got + ready for his campaign the business men were with + him unanimously, at least outwardly. Inwardly, there + were reservations, for the matter of special privileges + was one to be very gravely considered; and special + privileges, at a price not entirely prohibitive, was the + bulwark of Stone’s régime.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page334" title="334"> </a>“But the Stone régime,” Bobby advised them, + coming brutally to the point and telling them what he + knew of their own affairs and Stone’s, “is about to + come to an end. The handwriting is on the wall, and + you might just as well climb into the band wagon, + for at last I have the public on my side.”</p> + + <p>At last he had. For a solid year he had been trying + to understand the peculiar apathy of the public, + and he did not understand it yet. They seemed to + like Stone and to look upon his wholesale corruption + as a joke; but by constant hammering, by showing + the unredeemable cussedness of Stone and his crowd, + he had produced some impression—an impression that, + alas! was of the surface only—until the investigating + committee began its sessions. When it became understood, + however, that certain of the thieves might actually + be sent to the penitentiary, then who so loud in + their denunciation as the public? Why, Stone had + robbed them right and left; why, Stone was an enemy + to mankind; why, Stone and all his friends were monsters + whom it were a good and a holy thing to skewer + and flay and cast into everlasting brimstone!</p> + + <p>Facts were uncovered that set the entire city in turmoil. + More than fifty men who had never been born + had been carried upon the city and county pay-rolls, + and half of their salaries went directly into Stone’s + pocket, the other half going to the men who conducted + <a class="pagenum" id="page335" title="335"> </a>this paying enterprise. Contracts for city paving + and other improvements were let to favored bidders + at an enormous figure, and Stone personally had one-fourth + of the huge profits on “scamped” work, another + fourth going to those who arranged the details + and did the collecting. Innumerable instances of + this sort were brought out; but the biggest scandal + of all, in that it involved men who should have been + unassailable, was that of the banks. The relentless + probe brought out the fact that all city and county + funds had been distributed among four banks, the + deposits yielding no revenue whatever to either commonwealth. + These funds, however, had paid privately + two per cent. interest, and this interest was + paid in cash, in sealed envelopes, to the city and + county auditors and treasurers, who took the envelopes + unbroken to Stone for distribution. The amounts + thus diverted from the proper channels totaled to an + enormous figure, and, as this money was the most direct + and approachable, Chalmers, who had the interesting + rôle of inquisitor, set out to get it. The officials + who had been longest at the crib, grown incautious + were now men of property, and by the use of + red-hot pincers Chalmers was able to restore nearly + sixty thousand dollars of stolen money, with the possibility + of more in sight.</p> + + <p>It was upon the heels of this that Chalmers’ candidacy + <a class="pagenum" id="page336" title="336"> </a>for mayor was announced, and the manner in + which the Stone machine dropped to pieces was laughable. + Chalmers, and the entire slate so carefully + prepared by Bobby in conjunction with the shrewd + old fox, Cal Lewis, won by a majority so overwhelming + as to be almost unanimous. Immediately upon + Chalmers’ election heads began to drop, and the first + to go was Cooley, chief of police, in whom, four years + later, Bobby recognized the driver of his ice wagon. + Coincident with the election came well-founded rumors + of grand jury indictments. Two of Stone’s closest + and busiest lieutenants, who were most in danger of + being presented with nice new suits of striped clothing, + quietly converted their entire property into + cash and then just as quietly slipped away to Honduras.</p> + + <p>Late one afternoon, as Bobby sat alone in his room + in the almost deserted <cite>Bulletin</cite> building, so worried + over his business affairs that he had no time for elation + over his political and personal triumphs, the door + opened and Stone stood before him. The pouches + under Stone’s eyes were heavier and darker, his cheeks + drooped flabbily and he seemed to have fallen away + inside his clothes, but upon his face there sat the same + stern impassiveness. Bobby instantly rose, having + good cause to want to be well planted upon his feet + with this man near him. Stone carefully closed the + <a class="pagenum" id="page337" title="337"> </a>door behind him and advanced to the other side of + Bobby’s desk.</p> + + <p>“Well, you win,” he said huskily.</p> + + <p>Bobby drew a long breath.</p> + + <p>“It has cost me a lot of money, Mr. Stone. It has + left me almost flat broke—but I got you.”</p> + + <p>“I give you credit,” admitted Stone. “I didn’t + think anybody could do it, least of all a kid; but you + got me and you got me good. It’s been a hard fight + for all of us, I guess. I’m a little run down,” and he + hesitated curiously; “my doctor says I got to take an + ocean trip.” He suddenly blazed out: “Damn it, + you might as well be told! I’m running away!”</p> + + <p>Bobby found himself silent. For two years he had + planned and hoped for this moment of victory. Now + that the exultant moment had come he found himself + feeling strangely sorry for this big man, in spite + of his unutterable rascality.</p> + + <p>“I ain’t coming back,” Stone went on after a pause, + “and there’s something I want to ask you to do for + me.”</p> + + <p>“I should be glad to do it, Mr. Stone, if it is anything + I can allow myself to do.”</p> + + <p>“Aw, cut it!” growled Stone. “Look here. I got + a list of some poor mutts I been looking out for, and + I’ve just set aside a wad to keep it going. I want you + to look after ’em and see that the money gets spread + <a class="pagenum" id="page338" title="338"> </a>around right. I know you’re square. I don’t know + anybody else to give it to.”</p> + + <p>To Bobby he handed a list of some fifty names and + addresses, with monthly amounts set down opposite + them. They were widows and orphans and helpless + creatures of all sorts and conditions, blind and deaf + and crippled, whom Stone, in the great passion that + every man has for some one to love and revere him, + and in the secret tenderness inseparable from all big + natures, had made his pensioners.</p> + + <p>“There ain’t a soul on earth knows about these but + me, and every one of ’em is wise to it that if they ever + blat a word about it the pap’s cut off. I don’t want a + thing, not even a hint, printed about this—see? I + ain’t afraid that you’ll use it in the paper after me + asking you not to, so I don’t ask you for any + promise.”</p> + + <p>“I’ll do it with pleasure,” offered Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Well, I guess that’s about all,” said Stone, and + turned to go.</p> + + <p>Bobby came from behind his desk.</p> + + <p>“After all, Stone,” he said, with some hesitation, + “I’m sorry to lose an enemy so worth while. I wish + you good luck wherever you are going,” and he held + out his hand.</p> + + <p>Stone looked at the proffered hand and shook his + head.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page339" title="339"> </a>“I’d rather smash your face,” he growled, and + passed out of the door.</p> + + <p>It was the last that Bobby ever saw of him, and all + that the <cite>Bulletin</cite> carried about his flight was the + “fact,” not at all too prominently displayed for the + man’s importance as a public figure, that Stone’s + health was in jeopardy and that he was about to take + an ocean voyage upon the advice of his physician; + and on that day Stone’s picture disappeared from the + place it had occupied upon the front page of the + <cite>Bulletin</cite>.</p> + + <p>It was a victory complete and final, but it was not + without its sting, for on that same day Bobby faced + an empty exchequer. It was Johnson who brought + him the sad but not at all unexpected tidings, at a + moment when Chalmers and Agnes happened to be in + the office. Seeing them, Johnson hesitated at the + door.</p> + + <p>“What is it, Johnson?” asked Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Oh, nothing much,” said Mr. Johnson with a + pained expression. “I’ll come back again.”</p> + + <p>He had a sheet of paper with him and Bobby held + out his hand for it. Still hesitating, old Johnson + brought it forward and laid it down on Bobby’s desk.</p> + + <p>“You know you told me, sir, to bring this to you.”</p> + + <p>Had the others not been present he would have + added the reminder that he had been instructed to + <a class="pagenum" id="page340" title="340"> </a>bring this statement a week in advance of the time + when Bobby should no longer be able to meet his payroll. + Bobby looked up from the statement without + any thought of reserve before these three.</p> + + <p>“Well, it’s come. I’m broke.”</p> + + <p>“Not so much a calamity in this instance as it has + been in others,” said Agnes sagely. “Fortunately, + your trustee is right here, and your trustee’s lawyer, + who has two hundred and fifty thousand dollars still + to your account.”</p> + + <p>Bobby listened in frowning silence, and old Johnson, + who had prepared himself before he came upstairs + for such a contingency, quietly laid upon + Bobby’s desk one of the familiar gray envelopes and + withdrew. It was inscribed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Robert, Upon the Turning Over to Him + of His Sixth and Last Experimental Fund</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“If a man fails six times he’d better be pensioned + and left to live a life of pleasant ease; for everybody + has a right to be happy, and not all can gain happiness + through their own efforts. So, if you fail this + last time, don’t worry, my boy, but take measures to + cut your garment according to the income from a + million and a half dollars, invested so safely that it + can yield you but two per cent. If the fault of your + ill success lies with anybody it lies with me, and I + <a class="pagenum" id="page341" title="341"> </a>blame myself bitterly for it many times as I write + this letter.</p> + + <p>“Remember, first, last and always, that I want you + to be happy.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bobby passed the letter to Agnes and the envelope + to Chalmers.</p> + + <p>“This is a little premature,” he said, smiling at + both of them, “for I’m not applying for the sixth + portion.”</p> + + <p>Agnes looked up at him in surprise.</p> + + <p>“Not applying for it?”</p> + + <p>“No,” he declared, “I don’t want it. I understand + there is a provision that I can not use two of these + portions in the same business.”</p> + + <p>Both Chalmers and Agnes nodded.</p> + + <p>“I don’t want money for any other business than + the <cite>Bulletin</cite>,” declared Bobby, “and if my father has + it fixed so that he won’t help me as I want to be helped, + I don’t want it at all.”</p> + + <p>“There is another provision about which you perhaps + don’t know,” Chalmers informed him; “if you + refuse this money it reverts to the main fund.”</p> + + <p>Bobby studied this over thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>“Let it revert,” said he. “I’ll sink or swim right + here.”</p> + + <p>The next day he went to his bank and tried to + <a class="pagenum" id="page342" title="342"> </a>borrow money. They liked Bobby very much indeed + over at the bank. He was a vigorous young man, a + young man of affairs, a young man who had won a + great public victory, a young man whom it was generally + admitted had done the city an incalculable + amount of good; but they could not accept Bobby nor + the <cite>Bulletin</cite> as a business proposition. Had they + not seen the original fund dwindle and dwindle for + two years until now there was nothing left? Wouldn’t + another fund dwindle likewise? It is no part of a + bank’s desire to foreclose upon securities. They are + quite well satisfied with just the plain interest. Moreover, + the <cite>Bulletin</cite> wasn’t such heavy security, anyhow.</p> + + <p>Bobby tried another bank with like results, and + also some of his firm business friends at the Traders’ + Club. In the midst of his dilemma President De Graff + of the First National came to him.</p> + + <p>“I understand you have been trying to borrow some + money, Burnit?”</p> + + <p>It sounded to Bobby as if De Graff had come to + gloat over him, since he had been instrumental in + dragging De Graff and the First National through + the mire.</p> + + <p>“Yes, sir, I have,” he nevertheless answered + steadily.</p> + + <p>“Why didn’t you come to us?” demanded De Graff.</p> + + <p>“To you?” said Bobby, amazed. “I never thought + <a class="pagenum" id="page343" title="343"> </a>of you in that connection at all, De Graff, after all + that has happened.”</p> + + <p>De Graff shrugged his shoulders.</p> + + <p>“That was like pulling a tooth. It hurt and one + dreaded it, but it was so much better when it was out. + Until you jumped into the fight Stone had me under + his thumb. The minute the exposure came he had no + further hold on me. It is the only questionable thing + I ever did in my life, and I’m glad it was exposed. I + admire you for it, even though it will hurt me in a + business way for a long time to come. But about + this money now. How much do you need at the present + time?”</p> + + <p>“I’d like an account of about twenty-five thousand.”</p> + + <p>“I can let you have it at once,” said De Graff, “and + as much more as you need, up to a certain reasonable + point that I think will be amply sufficient.”</p> + + <p>“Is this Stone’s money?” asked Bobby with sudden + suspicion.</p> + + <p>De Graff smiled.</p> + + <p>“No,” said he, “it is my own. I have faith in you, + Burnit, and faith in the <cite>Bulletin</cite>. Suppose you step + over to the First National with me right away.”</p> + + </div> + <div id="chapter_27" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page344" title="344"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXVII</span><br /> + AUNT CONSTANCE ELLISTON LOSES ALL HER PATIENCE + WITH A CERTAIN PROSAIC COURTSHIP</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">That</span> night, with a grave new responsibility + upon him and a grave new elation, sturdier + and stronger than he had ever been in his + life, and more his own master, Bobby went out to see + Agnes.</p> + + <p>“Agnes, when my father made you my trustee,” + he said, “he laid upon you the obligation that you + were not to marry me until I had proved myself either + a success or a failure, didn’t he?”</p> + + <p>“He did,” assented Agnes demurely.</p> + + <p>“But you are no longer my trustee. The last + money over which you had nominal control has reverted + to the main fund, which is in the hands of Mr. + Barrister; so that releases you.”</p> + + <p>Agnes laughed softly and shook her head.</p> + + <p>“The obligation wasn’t part of the trusteeship,” + she reminded him.</p> + + <p>“But if I choose to construe it that way,” he persisted, + “and declare the obligation null and void, how + <a class="pagenum" id="page345" title="345"> </a>soon could you get ready to be married to the political + boss of this town and one of its leading business men? + Agnes,” he went on, suddenly quite serious, “I can + not do without you any longer. I have waited long + enough. I need you and you must come to me.”</p> + + <p>“I’ll come if you insist,” she said simply, and laid + both her hands in his. “But, Bobby, let’s think about + this a minute. Let’s think what it means. I have + been thinking of it many, many days, and really and + truly I don’t like to give up, because of its bearing + upon our future strength. Yesterday I drove down + Grand Street and looked up at that Trimmer and + Company sign, and so long as that is there, Bobby, + I could not feel right about our deserting the colors, + as it were; that is, unless you have definitely given up + the fight.”</p> + + <p>“Given up!” repeated Bobby quickly. “Why, I + have just begun. I’ve been to school all this time, + Agnes, and to a hard school, but now I’m sure I have + learned my lesson. I have won a fight or two; I have + had the taste of blood; I’m going after more; I’m + going to win.”</p> + + <p>“I’m sure that you will,” she repeated. “Think + how much better satisfied we will be after you have + done so.”</p> + + <p>“Yes, but think, too, of the time it will take,” he + protested. “First of all I must earn money; that is, + <a class="pagenum" id="page346" title="346"> </a>I must make the <cite>Bulletin</cite> pay. I can do that. It is + on the edge of earning its way right now, but I owe + twenty-five thousand dollars. It is going to take a + long, long time for me to win this battle, and in it + I need you.”</p> + + <p>“I am always right here, Bobby,” she reminded him. + “I have never failed you when you needed me, have I? + But maybe it won’t take so long. You say you are + going to make the <cite>Bulletin</cite> pay. If you do that + counts for a business success, enough to release you + on that side. But really, Bobby, how difficult a task + would it be to get back control of your father’s + store?”</p> + + <p>“Hopeless, just now,” said he.</p> + + <p>“How much money would it take?”</p> + + <p>“Well, not so very much in comparison with the + business itself,” he told her. “I own two hundred and + sixty thousand dollars’ worth of stock, Trimmer owns + two hundred and forty thousand, while sixty thousand + more are scattered among his relatives and dependents. + That stock is not for sale, that is the + trouble; but if I could buy twenty-one thousand dollars + of it I could do what I liked with the entire + concern.”</p> + + <p>“Then Bobby, let’s not think of anything else but + how to get that stock. Let’s insist on having that for + our wedding present.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page347" title="347"> </a>Bobby regarded her gravely for a long time.</p> + + <p>“Agnes, you’re a brick!” he finally concluded. + “You’re right, as you have always been. We’ll wait. + But you don’t know, oh, you don’t know how hard + that is for me!”</p> + + <p>“It is not the easiest thing in the world for me,” + she gently reminded him.</p> + + <p>From the time that she had laid her hands in his + he had held them, and now he had gathered them to + him, pressing them upon his breast. Suddenly, overcome + by his great longing for her, he clasped her in + his arms and held her, and pressed his lips to hers. + For a moment she yielded to that embrace and closed + her eyes, and then she gently drew away from him.</p> + + <p>“We mustn’t indulge in that sort of thing very + much,” she reminded him, “or we’re likely to lose all + our good resolutions.”</p> + + <p>“Good resolutions,” declared Bobby, “are a + nuisance.”</p> + + <p>She smiled and shook her head.</p> + + <p>“Look at the people who haven’t any,” she reminded + him.</p> + + <p>It was perhaps half an hour later when an idea + which brought with it a smile came to her.</p> + + <p>“We’ve definitely resolved now to wait until you + have either accomplished what you set out to do, or + completely failed, haven’t we?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page348" title="348"> </a>“Yes,” he assented soberly.</p> + + <p>“Then I’m going to open one of the letters your + father left for us. I have been dying with curiosity + to know what is in it,” and hurrying up to her secretary + she brought down one of the inevitable gray + envelopes, addressed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Children Upon the Occasion of Their Deciding + to Marry Before the Limit of My + Prohibition</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“What I can not for the life of me understand is + why the devil you didn’t do it long ago!”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Bobby was so thoroughly awake to the underlying + principle of Agnes’ contention that even this letter + did nothing to change his viewpoint.</p> + + <p>“For it isn’t him, it is us, or rather it is me, who is + to be considered,” he declared. “But it does seem to + me, Agnes, as if for once we had got the better + of the governor.”</p> + + <p>They were still laughing over the unexpectedness + of the letter when Aunt Constance came in, and they + showed it to her.</p> + + <p>“Good!” she exclaimed, dwelling longer upon the + inscription than upon the letter itself. “I think + you’re quite sensible, and I’ll arrange the finest wedding + for Agnes that has ever occurred in the Elliston + <a class="pagenum" id="page349" title="349"> </a>family. You must give me at least a couple of + months, though. When is it to come off? Soon, + I suppose?”</p> + + <p>Carefully and patiently they explained the stand + they had taken. At first she thought they were + joking, and it took considerable reiteration on their + part for her to understand that they were not.</p> + + <p>“I declare I have no patience with you!” she + avowed. “Of all the humdrum, prosaic people I ever + saw, you are the very worst! There is no romance + in you. You’re as cool about it as if marriage were + a commercial partnership. Oh, Dan!” and she called + her husband from the library. “Now what do you + think of this?” she demanded, and explained the + ridiculous attitude of the young people.</p> + + <p>“Great!” decided Uncle Dan. “Allow me to congratulate + you,” and he shook hands heartily with + both Agnes and Bobby, whereat Aunt Constance denounced + him as being a sordid soul of their own + stripe and went to bed in a huff. She got up again, + however, when she heard Agnes retire to her own + room for the night, and came in to wrestle with that + young lady in spirit. She found Agnes, however, + obdurate in her content, and ended by becoming an + enthusiastic supporter of the idea. “Although I did + have my heart so set on a fine wedding,” she plaintively + concluded. “I have been planning it for ages.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page350" title="350"> </a>“Just keep on planning, auntie,” replied Agnes. + “No doubt you will acquire some brilliant new ideas + before the time comes.”</p> + + <p>So this utterly placid courtship went on in its old + tranquil way, with Bobby a constant two and three + nights a week visitor to the Elliston home, and with + the two young people discussing business more frequently + than anything else; for Bobby had learned + to come to Agnes for counsel in everything. Just + now his chief burden of conversation was the letting + of the new waterworks contract, which, with public + sentiment back of him, he had fought off until after + the Stone administration had ended. Hamilton Ferris, + an old polo antagonist of his, represented one of + the competing firms as its president, and Bobby had + been most anxious that he should be the successful + bidder, as was Agnes; for Bobby had brought Ferris + to dinner at the Ellistons and to call a couple of + times during his stay in the city, and all of the Ellistons + liked him tremendously. Bobby was quite crestfallen + when the opening of the bids proved Ferris + to be the second lowest man.</p> + + <p>“I’ve tried hard enough for it,” declared Ferris + during a final dinner at the Ellistons that night. + “There isn’t much doing this year, and I figured + closer than anybody in my employ would dared to + have done. In view of my estimate I can not for the + <a class="pagenum" id="page351" title="351"> </a>life of me see how your local company overbid us + all by over a million dollars.”</p> + + <p>“It is curious,” admitted Bobby, still much puzzled.</p> + + <p>“It’s rather unsportsmanlike in me to whine,” resumed + Ferris, “but I am bound to believe that there + is a colored gentleman in the woodpile somewhere.”</p> + + <p>“That would be no novelty,” returned Bobby. + “Ever since I bought the <cite>Bulletin</cite> I have been gunning + for Ethiopians amid the fuel and always found + them. The Middle West Construction Company, + however, is a new load of kindling to me. I never + heard of it until it was announced this morning as + the lowest bidder.”</p> + + <p>“Nobody ever heard of it,” asserted Ferris. “It + was no doubt organized for the sole purpose of bidding + on this job. Probably when you delve into the + matter you will discover the fine Italian hand of your + political boss.”</p> + + <p>“Hardly,” chuckled Uncle Dan, indulging in his + recent propensity to brag on Bobby. “Our local + boss was Sam Stone, and Bobby has just succeeded + in running him and two of his expert wire workers + out of the country.”</p> + + <p>“If anybody here is the political boss it is + Bobby,” observed Agnes, laughing.</p> + + <p>“I’m sorry to have to suspect him,” laughed Ferris. + <a class="pagenum" id="page352" title="352"> </a>“Well, there is no use crying over spilled milk; + but I had hoped to bring Mrs. Ferris out for a good + long visit.”</p> + + <p>“Give your wife my regards, Mr. Ferris, and tell + her she must come anyhow,” insisted Mrs. Elliston. + “Since I have heard that you married the daughter + of my old schoolmate, I have been wanting the Keystone + Construction Company to have a big contract + here more than you have, I think.”</p> + + <p>“Sounds very nice, Constance,” said her husband + dryly, “but I doubt if any woman ever wanted to + see the daughter of her old schoolmate as badly as + any man ever wanted to make a million dollars. + Bobby, I’ll make you a small bet. I’ll bet your new + construction company is composed of the shattered + fragments of the old Stone crowd. I’ll even bet that + Silas Trimmer is in it.”</p> + + <p>“If he is,” suddenly declared Agnes, “I’m going + to go into the detective business,” whereat Uncle Dan + enjoyed himself hugely. Her vindictiveness whenever + the name of Silas Trimmer was mentioned had + become highly amusing to him, in spite of the fact + that he admired her for it.</p> + + <p>“Go right ahead,” said Bobby approvingly. “If + you find anything that will enable me to give that + gentleman a financial backset I’ll see that you get a + handsome reward. In the meantime I’m going to find + <a class="pagenum" id="page353" title="353"> </a>out something about the Middle West Construction + Company myself.”</p> + + <p>Accordingly he asked his managing editor about + that concern the first thing in the morning.</p> + + <p>Ben Jolter lit his old pipe, folded his bare arms + and patted them alternately in speculative enjoyment.</p> + + <p>“I have something like two pages of information + about them, if we could use it,” he announced. “I + have been getting reports from the entire scouting + brigade ever since the contract was let yesterday, + and you may now prepare for a shock. The largest + stock-holders of the concern are Silas Trimmer and + Frank Sharpe, and the minor stock-holders, almost to + a man, consist of those who had their little crack at + the public crib under your old, time-tried and true + friend, Sam Stone.”</p> + + <p>“I admit that I am properly shocked,” responded + Bobby.</p> + + <p>“It hinges together beautifully,” Jolter went on. + “The whole waterworks project was a Stone scheme, + and Stone people—even though Stone himself is + wiped out—secure the contract. The last expiring + act of the Stone administration was to employ Ed + Scales as chief engineer until the completion of the + waterworks, which may occupy eight or ten years, + and the contract with Scales is binding on the city + <a class="pagenum" id="page354" title="354"> </a>unless he can be impeached for cause. Scales was + city engineer under the previous reform spasm, but + Stone probably found him good material and kept + him on. The waterworks plans were prepared under + his supervision and he got them ready for bidding. + Now what’s the answer?”</p> + + <p>“Easy,” returned Bobby. “The city loses.”</p> + + <p>“Right,” agreed Jolter; “but how? I don’t see + that we can do anything. Scales, having prepared + the plans, is the logical man to see that they are carried + out, and he is perfectly competent. His record + is clean, so that he owns no property, nor does any of + his family—although that may be because he never + had a chance. The Middle West Construction Company, + though just incorporated, is financially sound, + thoroughly bonded, and, moreover, has put into the + hands of the city ample guarantee for its twenty per + cent. forfeit as required by the terms of the contract. + There isn’t a thing that the <cite>Bulletin</cite> can do except to + boost local enterprise with a bit of reservation, then + lay low and wait for developments.”</p> + + <p>“I dislike to do it,” objected Bobby. “It hurts me + to think of mentioning Stone or Trimmer in any + complimentary way whatsoever.”</p> + + <p>Jolter laughed. “You’re a fine and consistent + enemy,” he said.</p> + + <p>“I guess I came by it honestly,” smiled Bobby, and + <a class="pagenum" id="page355" title="355"> </a>from a drawer in his desk took one of the gray John + Burnit letters.</p> + + <p>“‘Always forgive your enemies,’” read Jolter + aloud; “‘that is, after you are good and even with + them.’”</p> + + <p>“Here goes for them, then,” said Jolter, passing + back the letter with an approving chuckle. “We’ll + let them go right ahead, and in the meantime the + <cite>Bulletin</cite> will do a lot of real nifty old sleuthing.”</p> + + <p>But the <cite>Bulletin’s</cite> sleuthing brought nothing + wrong to light, and work upon the big waterworks + contract was begun with a rush.</p> + + <p>In the meantime Agnes, true to her threat, was + doing some investigating on her own account. She + renewed her girlhood acquaintance with Trimmer’s + daughter, who was now Mrs. Clarence Smythe, and + with others of the Trimmer connection, and she saw + these women folk frequently for the sole purpose of + gathering up any scraps of information that might + drop. The best she could gather, however, was that + Clarence Smythe and Silas Trimmer were no longer + upon very friendly terms; that Mrs. Smythe had + quarreled with her father about Clarence; also that + Clarence’s Trimmer and Company stock was in Mrs. + Smythe’s name. These scraps of information, slight + as they were, she religiously brought to Bobby. + When the new waterworks began Agnes saved all the + <a class="pagenum" id="page356" title="356"> </a>newspaper clippings relating to that tremendous undertaking, + and she frequently drove out there of + evenings after the workmen had all gone home; with + just what purpose she could not say, but she felt + impelled, as she half-sheepishly confessed to her Uncle + Dan, to “keep an eye on the job.” She kept up her + absurd surveillance in spite of all Uncle Dan’s ridicule, + and one evening she came home in a state of + quivering excitement. She called up Bobby at once.</p> + + <p>“Bobby,” she wanted to know, “has the city decided + to cut down expenses on the waterworks, or + have the plans been changed for any reason?”</p> + + <p>“Not that the public knows about,” replied Bobby. + “Why?”</p> + + <p>“The pumping station is not so big as the newspapers + said it was to be. It is over thirty feet + shorter and over twenty feet narrower.”</p> + + <p>“How do you know?” demanded Bobby.</p> + + <p>“I took Wilkins out there with me to-night and + had him measure it for me with a yard-stick while the + watchman had gone for his supper,” replied Agnes + triumphantly.</p> + + <p>Bobby stopped to laugh.</p> + + <p>“Impossible,” said he. “You have measured it + wrong or misunderstood it in some way or other.”</p> + + <p>“You go out and measure it for yourself,” insisted + Agnes.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page357" title="357"> </a>Partly to humor her and partly because his interest + had been aroused, Bobby went out the next night and + measured the pumping station, the excavation for + which was already completed, and to his astonishment + found that Agnes’ measurements were correct. He + immediately wrote to Ferris about it, told him the + present dimensions and asked him upon what basis he + had figured. In place of replying Ferris came on. + Arriving in the city on Saturday, on Sunday he and + Bobby went out to the site, and Ferris examined the + new waterworks with a deliberation which well-nigh + got him into serious trouble with the watchman.</p> + + <p>“Well, young man, your fair city is stung,” declared + Ferris. “The trenches are not so deep as specified + by two feet, and from their width I can tell that + the foundation walls are to be at least six inches + thinner. I bid on the best grade of Portland cement + for that job. It was spelled with a <em>B</em>, however, in my + copy of the specification, and I asked your man + Scales about it. ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘that’s a misprint in the + typewriting,’ and he changed the <em>B</em> to <em>P</em> with a lead + pencil. Under that shed are about a thousand barrels + of <em>Bortland</em> cement. I never heard of that brand, but + I can tell cement when I see it, and this stuff will + have no more adhesive power than plain mud. Bedford + stone was specified. They have several car-loads + of stone dumped down here which is not Bedford + <a class="pagenum" id="page358" title="358"> </a>stone at all. I could tell a piece of Bedford in the + dark. This is an inferior rock which will discolor in + six months and will disintegrate in five years.”</p> + + <p>Bobby thought the thing over quietly for some + minutes.</p> + + <p>“About the dimensions of the building, Ferris, you + might possibly be mistaken, might you not?” asked + Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Impossible,” returned Ferris. “I have not figured + on many jobs for years, but our chief estimator had + been sent down to Cuba when this thing came up and + I did the work myself, so I have a very vivid memory + of it and can not possibly have it confused with any + other bid. Moreover, we have all those things on + record in our office and I looked it up before I came + away. The dimensions of the power house and pumping + station were to be one hundred and ninety by + one hundred and sixty feet. The present dimensions + are one hundred and fifty-eight by one hundred and + thirty-three.”</p> + + <p>Bobby was thoughtfully silent for a while.</p> + + <p>“Do you remember who else bid on the contract?” + he inquired presently.</p> + + <p>“Every one of them,” smiled Ferris. “I can give + you their addresses and the names of the people to + wire to if that is what you want. We meet them on + every big job.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page359" title="359"> </a>“Do you mind wiring yourself?” asked Bobby. + “They would be more apt to give you confidential + information.”</p> + + <p>“With pleasure,” agreed Ferris, and wrote the + telegrams.</p> + + <p>On the following morning Bobby received answers + at his office to all but one of his telegrams, and the + information was unanimous that the original plans + had called for a building one hundred and ninety by + one hundred and sixty feet.</p> + + <p>“Now I begin to understand,” said Ferris. “This + was the first set of important plans I ever saw in + which the dimensions were not marked, but they were + most accurately drawn to scale, one-fourth inch to the + foot. They are probably using the same drawings + with an altered scale, although it would be an absurdly + clumsy trick. If that is the case it is easy to + see how the Middle West Construction Company + could under-bid us by more than a million dollars + and still make more money than we figured on.”</p> + + <p>Bobby reached for the telephone.</p> + + <p>“Get me the mayor’s office,” he called to the girl + at his private telephone exchange. “Will you ‘stick + around’ to see the fuss?” he inquired with grim + pleasure, as he hung up the receiver.</p> + + <p>Ferris grinned as he noted the light of battle + dawning in Bobby’s eyes.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page360" title="360"> </a>“I don’t know,” he replied. “It depends on the + size and duration of the fuss.”</p> + + <p>“If you don’t stay I’ll have you subpœnaed. I + may have to, anyhow. As for the size of the fuss, + I can promise you a bully one if what you surmise + is correct.”</p> + + <p>His telephone bell rang and Bobby turned to it + quickly.</p> + + <p>“Hello, Chalmers!” he began, then laughed. “Beg + pardon, Agnes; I thought it was the mayor’s office;” + he apologized, then listened intently. There were a + few eager queries, and when Bobby hung up the telephone + receiver it was with great satisfaction. “I + haven’t seen as much fun in sight since I began my + fight on Stone,” he declared. “Miss Elliston, who + has developed a marvelous new capacity for finding + out other men’s business secrets through their women + folk, has just telephoned me the results of her last + night’s detective work. It seems that Silas Trimmer, + one of the heavy backers of the Middle West Construction + Company, has just negotiated a loan upon + his stock in the mercantile establishment of Trimmer + and Company, my share of which was known as the + John Burnit Store until Trimmer beat me out of + control. I understand that Trimmer has mortgaged + everything to the hilt to go into this waterworks deal.”</p> + + <p>The bell rang again. This time it was Chalmers.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page361" title="361"> </a>“Say, Chalmers,” said Bobby, “I want you to get + me some sort of a legal document that will allow me + to take possession of and examine all the books, + papers and drawings of the city engineer’s department, + including the waterworks engineer’s office…. + Yes, you can, Chalmers,” he insisted, against + an obvious protest. “There is some legal machinery + you can put in motion to get it, and I want it right + away. Moreover, I want you to secure me somebody + to serve the writ and to keep it quiet.”</p> + + <p>Then he explained briefly what had been partly + discovered and partly surmised. Next Bobby sent + for Jolter and laid the facts before him, to the great + joy of that aggressive gentleman. Then he called + up Biff Bates, and made an appointment with him to + meet him at Jimmy Platt’s office in half an hour. He + would have telephoned Platt, but the engineer had + no telephone.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_28" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page362" title="362"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXVIII</span><br /> + BIFF RENEWS A PLEASANT ACQUAINTANCE AND BOBBY INAUGURATES A TRAGEDY</h2> + + + <p><span class="first_word">“Is Mr. Platt</span> in?”</p> + + <p>Biff stood hesitantly in the door when he + found the place occupied only by a brown-haired + girl, who was engaged in the quiet, unprofessional + occupation of embroidering a shirtwaist + pattern.</p> + + <p>The girl looked up with a smile at the young + man’s awkwardness, and felt impelled to put him at + his ease.</p> + + <p>“He’s not in just now, but I expect him within + ten or fifteen minutes at the outside. Won’t you sit + down, Mr. Bates?”</p> + + <p>He looked at her much mystified at this calling of + his name, but he mumbled his thanks for the chair + which she put forward for him, and, sitting with his + hat upon his knees, contemplated her furtively.</p> + + <p>“I guess you don’t remember me,” she said in frank + enjoyment of his mystification, “but I remember you + perfectly. I used to see you quite often out at Westmarsh + <a class="pagenum" id="page363" title="363"> </a>when Mr. Burnit was trying to redeem that + persistent swamp. I am Mr. Platt’s sister.”</p> + + <p>“No!” exclaimed Biff in amazement. “You can’t + be the kid that used to ride on the excavating cars, + and go home with yellow clay on your dresses every + day.”</p> + + <p>“I’m the kid,” said she with a musical laugh; “and + I’m afraid I haven’t quite outgrown my hoydenish + tendencies even yet.”</p> + + <p>Biff had no comment to make. He was lost in + wonder over that eternal mystery—the transformation + which occurs when a girl passes from fourteen to + eighteen.</p> + + <p>“Don’t you remember?” she gaily went on. “You + gave me a boxing lesson out there one afternoon and + promised to give me more of them, but you never + did.”</p> + + <p>Biff cleared a sudden huskiness from his throat.</p> + + <p>“I’d be tickled black in the face to make good any + day,” he urged earnestly, and then hastily corrected + the offer to: “That is, I mean I’ll be very glad to—to + finish the job.”</p> + + <div class="illo" id="illo-4"> + <a href="images/illo-4.jpg"><img src="images/illo-4-sm.jpg" width="662" height="430" alt="A seated man and woman chat." /></a> + <p class="caption">I’d be tickled black in the face to make good any day</p> + </div> + + <p>Immediately he turned violently red.</p> + + <p>“I don’t seem to care as much for the accomplishment + as I did then,” observed the girl with a smile, + “but I do wish I could learn to swing my nice Indian + clubs without cracking the back of my head.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page364" title="364"> </a>“I got a medal for club swinging,” said Biff diffidently. + “I’ll teach you any time you like. It’s easy. + Come right over to the gym on Tuesday and Friday + forenoons. Those are ladies’ mornings, and I’ve got + nothing but real classy people at that.”</p> + + <p>The entrance of Mr. Platt interrupted Biff just + as he was beginning to feel at ease, and threw that + young gentleman, who always appropriated and absorbed + other people’s troubles, into much concern; + for Mr. Platt was hollow-eyed and sunken-cheeked + from worry. His coat was very shiny, and his hat + was shabby. The dusty and neglected drawing on + his crude drawing-table told the story all too well. + The engineering business, so far as Mr. Platt was + concerned, seemed to be a total failure. Nevertheless, + he greeted Mr. Bates warmly, and inquired after + Mr. Burnit.</p> + + <p>“He’s always fine,” said Biff. “He had me come + up here to meet him.”</p> + + <p>“I should scarcely think he would care to come + here after the unfortunate outcome of the work I did + for him,” said Mr. Platt.</p> + + <p>“You mean on old Applerod’s Subtraction?”</p> + + <p>“You couldn’t hardly call it the Applerod Addition, + could you?” responded Jimmy with a smile. “That + was a most unlucky transaction for me as well as + for Mr. Burnit.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page365" title="365"> </a>Biff looked about the room comprehendingly.</p> + + <p>“I guess it put you on the hummer, all right,” + said he. “It don’t look as if you done anything + since.”</p> + + <p>“But very little,” confessed Mr. Platt. “My failure + on that job hurt my reputation almost fatally.”</p> + + <p>Biff gravely sought within himself for words of + consolation, one of his fleeting ideas being to engage + Mr. Platt on the spot to survey the site of Bates’ + Athletic Hall, although there was not the slightest + possible need for such a survey. In the midst of his + sympathetic gloom came in Mr. Ferris and Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Jimmy, how would you like to be chief construction + engineer of the new waterworks?” asked Bobby, + with scant waste of time, after he had introduced + Ferris.</p> + + <p>Mr. Platt gasped and paled.</p> + + <p>“I think I could be urged, from a sense of public + duty, to give up my highly lucrative private practice,” + he said with a pitiful attempt at levity, though + his voice was husky, and his tightly clenched hand, + where the white knuckles rested upon his drawing-table, + trembled.</p> + + <p>“Don’t build up too much hope on it, Jimmy; + but if what we surmise is correct you will have a + chance at it,” and he briefly explained. “We’re going + right out there,” concluded Bobby, “and I want you + <a class="pagenum" id="page366" title="366"> </a>to go along to help investigate. We have to find some + incriminating evidence, and you’d be more likely to + know how and where to look for it than any of us.”</p> + + <p>It is needless to say that Jimmy Platt took his hat + with alacrity. Before he went out, with new hope + in his heart, he turned and shook hands ecstatically + with his sister. Still holding Jimmy’s hand she + turned to Bobby impulsively:</p> + + <p>“I do hope, Mr. Burnit, that this turns out right + for Jimmy.”</p> + + <p>Bobby turned to her abruptly and with a trace of a + frown. It was a rather poorly trained office employee, + he thought, who would intrude herself into + conversation that it was her duty to forget, but Biff + Bates caught that look and stepped into the breach.</p> + + <p>“This is Nellie, Bobby—that is, it used to be Nellie,” + he stated with a quick correction, and blushed violently.</p> + + <p>“It is Nellie still,” laughed that young lady to + Bobby, and the puzzled look upon his face was swiftly + driven away by a smile, as he suddenly recognized in + her traces of the long-legged girl who had been always + present at the Applerod Addition, who had ridden in + his automobile, and had confided to him most volubly, + upon innumerable occasions, that her brother Jimmy + was about the smartest man who ever sighted through + a transit.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page367" title="367"> </a>In the hastily constructed frame office out at the + waterworks site, Ed Scales, pale and emaciated and + with black rings under his eyes, looked up nervously + as Bobby’s little army, reënforced from four to six by + the addition of a “plain clothes man” and Dillingham, + the <cite>Bulletin’s</cite> star reporter, invaded the place. Before + a word was spoken, Feeney, the plain clothes man, + presented Scales with a writ, which the latter attempted + to read with unseeing eyes, his fingers trembling.</p> + + <p>“What does this mean?”</p> + + <p>“That I have come to take possession,” said Bobby, + “with power to make an examination of every scrap of + paper in the place. Frankly, Scales, we expect to find + something crooked about the waterworks contract. If + we do you know the result. If we do not, the interruption + will be only temporary, and you will have + very pretty grounds for action; for I am taking a + long shot, and if I don’t find what I am after I have + put myself and the mayor into a bad scrape.”</p> + + <p>Scales thrice opened his mouth to speak, and thrice + there came no sound from his lips. Then he laid a + bunch of keys upon his desk, shoving them toward + Feeney, and rose. He half-staggered into the large + coat room behind him. He had scarcely more than + disappeared when there was the startling roar of a + shot, and the body of Scales, with a round hole in the + <a class="pagenum" id="page368" title="368"> </a>temple, toppled, face downward, out of the door. It + was Scales’ tragic confession of guilt. They sprang + instantly to him, but nothing could be done for him. + He was dead when they reached him.</p> + + <p>“Poor devil,” said Ferris brokenly. “It is probably + the first crooked thing he ever did in his life, + and he hadn’t nerve enough to go through with it. + I feel like a murderer for my share in the matter.”</p> + + <p>Bobby, too, had turned sick; his senses swam and + he felt numb and cold. He was aroused by a calm, + dispassionate voice at the telephone. It was Dillingham, + sending to the <cite>Bulletin</cite> a carefully lurid account + of the tragedy, and of the probable causes leading + up to it.</p> + + <p>“We’ll have an extra on the street in five minutes,” + he told Bobby with satisfaction as he rose. “That + means that the <cite>Chronicle</cite> men will come out in a + swarm, but it will take them a half-hour to get here. + We have that much time, then, to dig up the evidence + we are after, and if we hustle we can have a second + extra out before the <cite>Chronicle</cite> can get a line. It’s + the biggest beat in years. Come on, boys, let’s get + busy,” and he took up the keys that Scales had left + on the desk.</p> + + <p>Dillingham had no sooner left the telephone than + Feeney took up the receiver and called for a number. + The reporter turned upon him like a flash, + <a class="pagenum" id="page369" title="369"> </a>recognizing that call as the number of the coroner’s + office. Dillingham suddenly caught himself before + he had spoken, and looked hastily about the room. + In the corner near the floor was a little box with the + familiar bells upon it, and binding screws that held + the wires. Quickly Dillingham slipped over to that + corner just as Feeney was saying:</p> + + <p>“Hello! Coroner’s office, this is Feeney. Is that + you, Jack?… Well——”</p> + + <p>At that instant Dillingham loosened a binding + screw and slipped off the loop of the wire.</p> + + <p>“Hello, coroner!” repeated Feeney. “I say, Jack! + Hello! Hello! Hello, there! <em>Hello! Hello!</em>” Then + Feeney pounded the mouthpiece, jerked the receiver + hook up and down, yelled at exchange, and worked + himself into a vast fever.</p> + + <p>“What’s the matter with this thing, anyhow, Dill?” + he finally demanded.</p> + + <p>“Exchange probably went to sleep on you,” said + Dillingham.</p> + + <p>Easily he was now opening one by one the immense + flat drawers of a drawing-case, and with much + interest delving into the huge drawings that it contained.</p> + + <p>“Come here, Mr. Platt,” Dillingham went on. + “You cast your eagle eye over these drawings while + I do a little job of interviewing,” and he walked over + <a class="pagenum" id="page370" title="370"> </a>to the employees of the office, who, since they had + been roughly warned by Feeney not to go near “that + body,” had huddled, scared and limp, in the far corner + of the room.</p> + + <p>Perspiring and angry, Feeney tried for five solid + minutes to obtain some response from the dead telephone, + then he gave it up.</p> + + <p>“I’ve got to go out and hunt up another ’phone,” + he declared. “Biff, I’ll appoint you my deputy. + Don’t let anybody touch the corpse till the coroner + comes.”</p> + + <p>“I’ll go with you,” said Bobby hastily, very glad + to leave the room, and both he and Mr. Ferris accompanied + Feeney. No sooner was Feeney out of the + place than Dillingham reconnected the telephone and + went back to his investigations. He was thoroughly + satisfied, after a few questions, that the present employees + knew nothing whatever, and Platt reported + to him that every general drawing he could find was + marked three-tenths inch to the foot, none being + marked one-fourth.</p> + + <p>“That doesn’t matter so much,” mused Dillingham. + “It will be easy enough to prove that these are the + same drawings that were provided the contestants, + and six firms will swear that they were marked one-fourth + of an inch to the foot. What we have to do + is to prove that the drawings the Middle West Company + <a class="pagenum" id="page371" title="371"> </a>used as the basis of their bid were marked one-fourth + inch to the foot.”</p> + + <p>The telephone bell rang violently while Dillingham + was puzzling over this matter, and one of the employees + started to answer it.</p> + + <p>“No, you don’t!” shouted Dillingham. “You fellows + are dispossessed.”</p> + + <p>He took down the receiver.</p> + + <p>“Waterworks engineer’s office?” came a brisk voice + through the telephone.</p> + + <p>“Yes,” said Dillingham.</p> + + <p>“This is the <cite>Chronicle</cite>. The <cite>Bulletin</cite> has an extra——”</p> + + <p>Dillingham waited to hear no more. He hung up + the receiver with a grin, and it was music in his ears + to hear those bells impatiently jangling for the next + ten minutes. It seemed to quicken his intelligence, for + presently he slapped his hand upon his leg and + jumped toward the group of employees in the corner.</p> + + <p>“Say!” he demanded. “Who figured on this job + for the Middle West Company?”</p> + + <p>“Dan Rubble, I suppose,” answered a lanky draftsman, + who, still wearing his apron, had slipped his + coat on over his oversleeves and retained his eye-shade + under his straw hat. “At least, he seemed to + know all about the plans. He’s the boss contractor. + There he is now.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page372" title="372"> </a>Looking out of the window Dillingham saw a + brawny, red-haired giant running from the tool-house, + carrying a cylindrical tin case about five feet + long. He pulled off the cap of this as he came and + began to drag from the inside of the case a thick + roll of blue-prints. He was hurrying toward a big + asphalt caldron underneath which blazed a hot wood + fire.</p> + + <p>“Come on, Biff,” yelled Dillingham, and hurried + out of the door, closely followed by Bates.</p> + + <p>They both ran with all their might toward the + caldron, but before they could reach the spot Rubble + had shoved the entire roll into the fire. Biff wasted + no precious moments, but, glaring Mr. Rubble in the + eye as he ran, doubled his fist with the evident intention + of damaging that large gentleman’s countenance + with it. He suddenly ducked his round head as he + approached, however, and plunged it into the middle + of Mr. Rubble’s appetite; whereupon Mr. Rubble + grunted heavily, and sat down quite uncomfortably + near to the caldron. Biff, though it scorched his + hands, dragged the blazing roll of blue-prints from + the flames and, seizing a near-by pail of water, started + for the drawings, just as big Dan regained his feet + and made a rush for him.</p> + + <p>Dillingham, slight and no fighter but full of sand, + jumped crosswise into that mêlée, and with a flying + <a class="pagenum" id="page373" title="373"> </a>leap literally hung himself about Rubble’s neck. Big + Dan, roaring like a bull at this unexpected and most + unprofessional mode of warfare, placed his two hands + upon Dillingham’s hips and tried to force him away; + failing in this, he ran straight forward with all this + living clog hanging to him, and planted a terrific kick + upon Biff’s ribs, just as Biff had dashed the pail of + water from end to end of the blazing roll of drawings. + He poised for another kick, but Biff had dropped the + pail by this time, and as the foot swung forward he + grabbed it. Rubble, losing his balance, pitched forward, + landing squarely upon the top of the unhappy + Dillingham, who signified his retirement from the + game with an astonishingly large “Woof!” to come + from so small a body; moreover, he released his arms; + but Rubble, freed from the weight on his chest, found + another one on his back. Biff felt quite competent + to manage him, but by this time half a dozen men + came running from different directions, and as there + were a hundred or more of them on the job, all beholden + for their daily bread and butter to Mr. Rubble, + things looked bad for Biff and Dillingham.</p> + + <p>“Back up there, you mutts, or I’ll make peek-a-boo + patterns out of the lot of you!” howled a penetrating + voice, and Mr. Feeney, heading the relief + party, which consisted only of Bobby and Mr. Ferris, + whipped from each hip pocket a huge blue-steel revolver, + <a class="pagenum" id="page374" title="374"> </a>at the same time brushing back his coat to + display his badge.</p> + + <p>Those men might have fought Mr. Feeney’s guns, + but they had no mind to fight that badge, and they + held back while Bobby and Mr. Ferris helped to calm + Mr. Rubble by the simple expedient of sitting on + him.</p> + + <p>Three days later Bobby induced Messrs. Sharpe, + Trimmer and all of their associates, without any difficulty + whatever, to meet with him in the office of the + mayor.</p> + + <p>“Gentlemen of the Middle West Construction Company,” + said Bobby; “I am sorry to say that you are + not telling the truth when you claim that you figured + <em>in good faith</em> on this absurd and almost unknown + three-tenths-inch scale, when all the others figured + on the same drawings at one-fourth inch. The rescue + of these prints, covered with Rubble’s marginal figures, + does not leave you a leg to stand on,” and Bobby + tapped his knuckles upon the charred-edged blueprints + that lay unrolled on the desk before him. + Fortunately the three inside prints were left fairly + intact, and these were plainly marked one-fourth inch + to the foot. “Moreover, rolled up inside the blueprints + was even better evidence,” went on Bobby; + “evidence that Mr. Trimmer has perhaps forgotten. + Nothing has been said about it until now, and nothing + <a class="pagenum" id="page375" title="375"> </a>has been published since we saved them from the + fire.”</p> + + <p>From the drawer of his desk he drew several sheets + of white paper. They were letter-heads of Trimmer + and Company and were covered with Rubble’s figures.</p> + + <p>“Here’s a note from Mr. Trimmer to Mr. Rubble, + requesting him to prepare a statement showing the + difference in cost ‘<em>between three-tenths and one-fourth</em>.’ + He does not say three-tenths or one-fourth + what, but that is quite enough, taken in conjunction + with these summaries on another sheet of paper. + They are set down in two columns, one headed three-tenths + and the other one-fourth. I have had Mr. + Platt go over these figures, and he finds that the first + number in one column exactly corresponds to the + number of yards of excavating in this job when + figured on the scale of three-tenths inch to the foot. + The first number in the next column exactly corresponds + to the excavating when figured at the one-fourth-inch + scale. Every item will compare in the + same manner: concrete, masonry, face-brick, and all. + Now, if you chaps want to take this clumsy and almost + laughable attempt at a steal into the courts I’m + perfectly willing; but I should advise you not to do + so.”</p> + + <p>Mr. Sharpe cleared his throat. He, the first one + to declare that the Middle West would “go into court + <a class="pagenum" id="page376" title="376"> </a>and stand upon its rights,” was now the first one to + recant.</p> + + <p>“I don’t suppose it’s worth while to contest the + matter,” he admitted. “We have no show with your + administration, I see. We lose the contract and will + step down and out quite peaceably; although there + ought to be some arrangement by which we might + get credit for the amount of work already done.”</p> + + <p>“No,” declared Chalmers, with quite a reproving + smile, “you may just keep on using the available + part of it; for the point is that <em>you don’t lose the + contract</em>! You keep the contract, and you will build + the power-house upon the original scale of one-fourth + inch to the foot. Also you will carry out the rest of + the work on the same basis as figured by other contractors. + I want to remind you that you are well + bonded, well financed, and that the city holds a guarantee + of twenty per cent. of the contract price as a + forfeit for the due and proper completion of this job.”</p> + + <p>“Why, it means bankruptcy!” shrieked Silas + Trimmer, the deeply-graven circle about his mouth + now being but the pallid and piteous caricature of + his old-time sinister smile.</p> + + <p>“That is precisely what I intend,” retorted Bobby + with a snap of his jaws. “I have long, long scores + to settle with both of you gentlemen.”</p> + + <p>“But you haven’t against the other members of + <a class="pagenum" id="page377" title="377"> </a>this company,” protested Sharpe. “Our other stockholders + are entirely innocent parties.”</p> + + <p>“They have my sincere sympathy for being caught + in such dubious company,” replied Bobby with a + contemptuous smile. “I happen to have a roster of + your stock-holders, and every man of them has been + mixed up in crooked deals in combination with Stone + or Stone enterprises; so whatever they lose on this + contract will be merely by way of restitution to the + city.”</p> + + <p>“Look here, Mr. Burnit,” said Sharpe, dropping + his tone of remonstrance for one intended to be + wheedling; “I know there are a number of financial + matters between us that might have a tendency to + make you vindictive. Now why can’t we just get + together nicely on all of these things and compromise?”</p> + + <p>Chalmers rapped his knuckles sharply upon his + desk.</p> + + <p>“Kindly remember where you are,” he warned.</p> + + <p>“When I get around to settling day there will be + no such thing as a compromise,” declared Bobby + with repressed anger. “I’ll settle all those other matters + in my own way and at my own time.”</p> + + <p>“One thing more, gentlemen,” said Chalmers, as + the chopfallen committee of the Middle West Construction + Company rose to depart; “I wish to remind + <a class="pagenum" id="page378" title="378"> </a>you that there is a forfeit clause in your contract + for delay, so I should advise you to resume + operations at once. Mr. Platt succeeds the unfortunate + Mr. Scales as constructing engineer, and he + will see that the plans and specifications of the entire + contract are carried out to the letter.”</p> + + <p>Platt, who had said nothing, walked away with + Bobby.</p> + + <p>“You were speaking about following the plans + exactly, Mr. Burnit,” he said when they were alone + upon the street. “I find on an examination of the + subsoil that there will be a few minor changes required. + The runway, for instance, which goes down + to the river northward from the power-house for the + purpose of unloading coal barges, would be much + better placed on the south side, away from the intake. + There is practically no difference in expense, except + that in running to the southward the riprap work + will need to be carried about three feet deeper and + with concreted walls, in place of being thrown loosely + in the trenches as originally planned.”</p> + + <p>“All those things are up to you, Jimmy,” said + Bobby indifferently. “You must use your own judgment. + Any changes of the sort that you deem necessary + just bring before the city council, and I am + quite sure that you can secure permission to make + them.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page379" title="379"> </a>“Very well,” said Platt, and he left Bobby at the + corner with a curious smile.</p> + + <p>He was a different looking Jimmy Platt from the + one Bobby had found in his office a week before. He + was clean-shaven now, and his clothing was quite + prosperous looking. Bobby, surmising the condition + of affairs, had delicately insisted on making Platt + a loan, to be repaid from his salary at a conveniently + distant period, and the world looked very bright indeed + to him.</p> + + <p>The next day work on the new waterworks was + resumed. In bitter consultation the Middle West + Construction Company had discovered that they + would lose less by fulfilling their contract than by + forfeiting their twenty per cent., and they dispiritedly + turned in again, kept constantly whipped up to the + mark by Platt and by the knowledge that every day’s + non-completion of the work meant a heavy additional + forfeit, which they had counted on being able to + evade so long as the complaisant Mr. Scales was in + charge.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_29" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page380" title="380"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXIX</span><br /> + JIMMY PLATT ENJOYS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">The</span> straightening out of the waterworks + matter left Bobby free to turn his attention + to the local gas and electric situation. The + <cite>Bulletin</cite>, since Bobby had defeated his political enemies, + had been put upon a paying basis and was + rapidly earning its way out of the debt that he had + been compelled to incur for it; but the Brightlight + Electric Company was a thorn in his side. Its only + business now was the street illumination of twelve + blocks, under a municipal contract which lost him + money every month, and it had been a terrific task to + keep it going.</p> + + <p>The Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, + however, Bobby discovered by careful inquiry, + was in even worse financial straits than the Brightlight. + To its thirty millions of stock, mostly water, + twenty more millions of water had been added, making + a total organization of fifty million dollars; and + the twenty million dollars’ stock had been sold to the + <a class="pagenum" id="page381" title="381"> </a>public for ten million dollars, each purchaser of one + share of preferred being given one share of common. + As the preferred was to draw five per cent., this meant + that two and one-half million dollars a year must be + paid out in dividends. The salary roll of the company + was enormous, and the number of non-working + officers who drew extravagant stipends would have + swamped any company. Comparing the two concerns, + Bobby felt that in the Brightlight he had + vastly the better property of the two, in that there + was no water in it at its present, half-million-dollar + capitalization.</p> + + <p>It was while pondering these matters that Bobby, + dropping in at the Idlers’ Club one dull night, found + no one there but Silas Trimmer’s son-in-law, the + vapid and dissolute Clarence Smythe, which was a + trifle worse than finding the place entirely deserted. + To-night Clarence was in possession of what was + known at the Idlers’ as “one of Smythe’s soggy buns,” + and despite countless snubs in the past he seized upon + Bobby as a receptacle for his woes.</p> + + <p>“I’m going to leave this town for good, Burnit!” + he declared without any preliminaries, having waited + so long to convey this startling and important information + that salutations were entirely forgotten.</p> + + <p>“For good! For whose good?” inquired Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Mine,” responded Clarence. “This town’s gone + <a class="pagenum" id="page382" title="382"> </a>to the bow-wows. It’s in the hands of a lot of pikers. + There’s no chance to make big money any more.”</p> + + <p>“Yes, I know,” said Bobby dryly; “I had something + to do with that, myself.”</p> + + <p>“It was a fine lot of muck-raking you did,” charged + Clarence. “Well, I’ll give you another item for your + paper. I have resigned from the Consolidated.”</p> + + <p>“It was cruel of you.”</p> + + <p>“It was time,” said Clarence, ignoring the flippancy. + “Something’s going to drop over there.”</p> + + <p>Bobby smiled.</p> + + <p>“It’s always dropping,” he agreed.</p> + + <p>“This is the big drop,” the other went on, with a + wine-laden man’s pride in the fact of possessing valuable + secrets. “They’re going to make a million-dollar + bond issue.”</p> + + <p>“What for?” inquired Bobby.</p> + + <p>“They need the money,” chuckled Mr. Smythe. + “Those city bonds, you know.”</p> + + <p>“What bonds?” demanded Bobby eagerly, but trying + to speak nonchalantly.</p> + + <p>Mr. Smythe suddenly realized the solemn gravity + of his folly. Once more he was talking too much. + Once more! It was a thing to weep over. “I’m a + fool,” he confessed in awe-stricken tones; “a rotten + fool, Burnit. I’m ashamed to look anybody in the + face. I’m ashamed——”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page383" title="383"> </a>“It’s highly commendable of you, I’m sure,” + Bobby agreed, and took his hasty leave before Clarence + should begin to sob.</p> + + <p>Immediately he called up Chalmers at his home.</p> + + <p>“Chalmers,” he demanded, “why must the Consolidated + Illuminating and Power Company purchase + city bonds?”</p> + + <p>Chalmers laughed.</p> + + <p>“Originally so Sam Stone could lend money to + the Consumers’ Electric. It is a part of their franchise, + which is renewable at their option in ten-year + periods, and which became a part of the Consolidated’s + property when the combine was effected. To + insure ‘faithful performance of contract,’ for which + clause every crooked municipality has a particular + affection, they were to purchase a million dollars’ + worth of city bonds. Each year one hundred thousand + dollars’ worth were retired. In the tenth year, + in renewing their franchise for the next ten years, + they were compelled to renew also their million dollars + of city bonds. These bonds they then used as collateral. + Stone carried all that he could, at enormous + usury, I understand, and let some of his banker + friends in on the rest; and I suppose the banks paid + him a rake-off. The ten-year period is up this fall, + and their bonds are naturally retired; but, of course, + they will renew.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page384" title="384"> </a>“I’m not so sure about that,” said Bobby. “Look + up everything connected with it in the morning, and + I’ll see you at noon.”</p> + + <p>When they met the next day at noon, however, before + Bobby could talk about the business in hand, + Chalmers, with a suppressed smile, handed him a + folded slip of paper.</p> + + <p>Bobby examined that legal document—a dissolution + of the injunction which had tied up a hundred + and fifty thousand dollars in his bank for more than + two years—with a sigh of relief.</p> + + <p>“It seems,” said Chalmers dryly, “that at the time + you laid yourself liable to Madam Villenauve’s + breach-of-promise suit she had an undivorced husband + living, Monsieur Villenauve complacently hiding + himself in France and waiting for his share of the + money. Let this be a lesson to you, young man.”</p> + + <p>Bobby hotly resented that grin.</p> + + <p>“I’ll swear to you, Chalmers,” he asserted, “I never + so much as thought of the woman except as a nuisance.”</p> + + <p>“I apologize, old man,” said Chalmers. “But at + least this will teach you not to back any more grand + opera companies.”</p> + + <p>“I prefer to talk about the electric situation,” said + Bobby severely. “What have you found out about + it?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page385" title="385"> </a>“That the Ebony Jewel Coal Company, a former + Stone enterprise, has threatened suit against the Consolidated + for their bill. The Consolidated is in a + pinch and must raise money, not only to buy that + allotment of the new waterworks bonds, but to meet + the Ebony’s and other pressing accounts. It must + also float this bond issue, for it is likely to fall behind + even on its salary list.”</p> + + <p>“Fine!” said Bobby. “I can see a lot of good + citizens in this town holding stock in a bankrupt + illuminating concern. Just watch this thing, will + you, Chalmers? About this nice, lucky hundred and + fifty thousand, we may count it as spent.”</p> + + <p>“What in?” asked Chalmers, smiling. “Do you + think you can trust yourself with all that money?”</p> + + <p>“Hush,” said Bobby. “Don’t breathe it aloud. + I’m going to buy up all the Brightlight Electric + stock I can find. It’s too bad, Chalmers,” he added + with a grin, “that as mayor of the city you could not, + with propriety, hold stock in this company,” and although + Chalmers tried to call him back Bobby did + not wait. He was too busy, he said.</p> + + <p>His business was to meet Agnes and Mrs. Elliston + for luncheon down-town, and during the meal he happened + to remark that Clarence Smythe had determined + to shake the dust of the city from his feet.</p> + + <p>“I thought so,” declared Agnes. “Aunt Constance, + <a class="pagenum" id="page386" title="386"> </a>I’m afraid you’ll have to finish your shopping + without me. I must call upon Mrs. Smythe.”</p> + + <p>Mrs. Elliston frowned her disapproval, but she + knew better than to protest. Before Agnes called + upon Mrs. Smythe, however, she dropped in at the + manufacturing concern of D. A. Elliston and Company.</p> + + <p>“Uncle Dan, how much money of mine have you + in charge just now?” she demanded to know.</p> + + <p>“Cash? About five or six thousand.”</p> + + <p>“And how much more could you raise on my property?”</p> + + <p>“Right away? About fifteen, on bonds and such + securities. This is no time to sacrifice real estate.”</p> + + <p>“It isn’t enough,” said Agnes, frowning, and was + silent for a time. “You’ll just have to loan me about + ten thousand more.”</p> + + <p>“Oh, will I?” he retorted. “What for?”</p> + + <p>“I want to make an investment.”</p> + + <p>“So I judged,” he dryly responded. “Well, + young lady, as your steward I reckon I’ll have to + know something more about this investment before + I turn over any money.”</p> + + <p>With sparkling eyes and blushes that would come + in spite of her, she told him what she intended to + do. When she had concluded, Dan Elliston slapped + his knees in huge joy.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page387" title="387"> </a>“You shall have all the money you want,” he declared.</p> + + <p>Upon that same afternoon Bobby started to buy up, + here and there, nearly the entire stock of the Brightlight, + purchasing it at an absurdly low price. Then + he went to De Graff, to Dan Elliston, and to others + to whose discretion he could trust. His own plans + were well under way when the Consolidated Illuminating + and Power Company announced, with a great + flourish of trumpets, its new bond issue. The <cite>Bulletin</cite> + made no comment upon this. It merely published the + news fact briefly and concisely—an unexpected attitude, + which brought surprise, then wonder, then suspicion + to the office of the <cite>Chronicle</cite>. The <cite>Chronicle</cite> + had been a Stone organ during the heydey of Stone’s + prosperity; the <cite>Bulletin</cite> had fought the Consolidated + tooth and toe-nail; the already criminally overcapitalized + Consolidated was about to float a new bond issue; + the <cite>Bulletin</cite> did not fight this issue; <em lang="la" xml:lang="la">ergo</em>, the <cite>Bulletin</cite> + must have something to gain by the issue.</p> + + <p>The <cite>Chronicle</cite> waited three days, then began to + fight the bond issue itself, which was precisely the effect + for which Bobby had planned. Grown astute, + Bobby realized that if the bond issue failed the Consolidated + would go bankrupt at once instead of a year + or so later. The newspaper, however, which would + force that bankruptcy would, by that act, be the apparent + <a class="pagenum" id="page388" title="388"> </a>means of losing a vast amount of money to + the poor investors of the town, and Bobby left that + ungrateful task to the <cite>Chronicle</cite>. He even went so far + as to defend the Consolidated in a mild sort of manner, + a proceeding which fanned the <cite>Chronicle</cite> into fresh + fury.</p> + + <p>For three months desperate attempts were made by + the Consolidated to make the new bonds attractive to + the public, but less than one hundred thousand dollars + was subscribed. Bobby was tabulating the known results + of this subscription with much satisfaction one + morning when Ferris walked into his office.</p> + + <p>“I hope you didn’t come into town to dig up another + scandal, old man,” said Bobby, greeting his + contractor-friend with keen pleasure.</p> + + <p>“No,” said Ferris; “came in to give you a bit of + news. The Great Eastern and Western Railroad + wants to locate its shop here, and is building by private + bid. I have secured the contract, subject to certain + alterations of price for distance of hauling and + difficulty of excavation; but the thing is liable to fall + through for lack of a location. They can’t get the + piece of property they are after, and there is only + one other one large enough and near enough to the + city. The chief engineer and I are going out to look + at it again to-day. Come with us. If we decide that + the property will do, and if we can secure it, you may + <a class="pagenum" id="page389" title="389"> </a>have an exclusive news-item that would be very pretty, + I should judge.” And Ferris smiled at some secret + joke.</p> + + <p>“I’ll go with pleasure,” said Bobby, “and not by + any means just for the news. When do you want to + go?”</p> + + <p>“Oh, right away, I guess. I’ll telephone to Shepherd + and have him order a rig.”</p> + + <p>“What’s the use?” demanded Bobby, much interested. + “My car’s right within call. I’ll have it brought + up.”</p> + + <p>Shepherd, the chief engineer of the G. E. and W., + when they picked him up at the hotel, proved to be + an entire human being with red whiskers and not a + care in the world. Bobby was enjoying a lot of preliminary + persiflage when Shepherd incidentally mentioned + their destination.</p> + + <p>“It is known as Westmarsh,” he observed. “I suppose + you know where it is.”</p> + + <p>Bobby, who had already started the machine and + had placed his hand on the steering wheel, gave a jerk + so violent that he almost sent the machine diagonally + across the street, and Ferris laughed aloud. His little + joke was no longer a secret.</p> + + <p>“Westmarsh!” Bobby repeated. “Why, I own that + undrainable swamp.”</p> + + <p>“Swamp?” exclaimed Shepherd. “It’s as dry as a + <a class="pagenum" id="page390" title="390"> </a>bone. I looked it over last night and am going out + to-day to study the possible approaches to it.”</p> + + <p>“But you say it is dry!” protested Bobby, unable + to believe it.</p> + + <p>“Dry as powder,” asserted Shepherd. “There has + been an immense amount of water out there, but it + has been well taken care of by the splendid drainage + system that has been put in.”</p> + + <p>“It cost a lot of money to put in that drainage system,” + commented Bobby; “but we found it impracticable + to drain an entire river.”</p> + + <p>It was Shepherd’s turn to be puzzled, a process in + which he stopped to laugh.</p> + + <p>“This is the first time I ever heard an owner belittle + his own property,” he declared. “I suppose that + next you’ll only accept half the price we offer.”</p> + + <p>Bobby kept up his part of the conversation but + feebly as they whirled out to the site of the old Applerod + Addition. He was lost in speculation upon what + could possibly have happened to that unfortunate + swamp area. When they arrived, however, he was surprised + to find that Shepherd had been correct. The + ground, though sunken in places and black with the + residue of one-time stagnant water, was firm enough + to walk upon, and after many tests he even ran the + machine across and across it. Moreover, grass and + weeds, forcing their way here and there, were already + <a class="pagenum" id="page391" title="391"> </a>beginning to hide and redeem the ugly earthen surface.</p> + + <p>Bobby surveyed the miracle in amazement. It was + the first time he had seen the place in a year. Even in + his trips to the waterworks site, which was just north, + beyond the hill, he had chosen the longer and less solid + river road rather than to come past this spot of + humiliating memories.</p> + + <p>“I can’t understand it,” he said again and again to + the two men. “Why, Mr. Shepherd, I spent thousands + of dollars in filling this swamp and draining it, with + the idea of making a city subdivision here. Silas + Trimmer, the man from whom I bought the place, + imagined it to be fed by underground springs, but he + let me spend a fortune to attract people out to see my + new building lots so that he could, without cost, sell + his own. That is his addition up there on the hills, + and I’m glad to say he has recently mortgaged it for + all that it will carry.”</p> + + <p>“How about the springs?” asked Shepherd with a + frown. “Did you find them? You must have stopped + them. Are they liable to break out again?”</p> + + <p>“That’s the worst of it,” replied Bobby, still groping. + “It wasn’t springs at all. It was a peculiar geological + formation, some disarranged strata leading + beneath the hill from the river and emptying into the + bottom of this pond. All through the year it seeped + <a class="pagenum" id="page392" title="392"> </a>in faster than our extensive drainings could carry it + away, and in the spring and fall, when the river was + high, it poured in. I don’t see what could have happened. + Suppose we run over and see the engineer who + worked on this with me. He is now in charge of the + new waterworks.”</p> + + <p>In five minutes they were over there. Jimmy Platt, + out in his shirt-sleeves under a broad-brimmed straw + hat, greeted them most cordially, but when Bobby + explained to him the miracle that had happened to the + old Applerod Addition, Platt laughed until the tears + came into his eyes; and even after he stopped laughing + there were traces of them there.</p> + + <p>“Come down here and I’ll show you,” said he.</p> + + <p>Leading south from the pumping station, diagonally + down the steep bank to the river, had been built + a splendid road, flanked on both sides by very solid, + substantial-looking retaining walls.</p> + + <p>“You see this wall?” asked Jimmy, pointing to the + inside one. “It runs twenty feet below low-water level, + and is solidly cemented. You remember when I got + permission to move this road from the north side to + the south side of the pumping station? I did that + after an examination of the subsoil. This wall cuts + off the natural siphon that fed the water to your Applerod + Addition. I have been going past there in huge + joy twice a day, watching that swamp dry up.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page393" title="393"> </a>“In other words,” said Bobby, “you have been doing + a little private grafting on my account. How + many additional dollars did that extra-deep wall + cost?”</p> + + <p>“I’m not going to tell you,” asserted Jimmy + stoutly. “It isn’t very much, but whatever it is the + city good and plenty owes you for saving it over a + million on this job. But if I’d had to pay for it myself + I would have done it to correct the mistake I + made when I started to drain that swamp for you. I + guess this is about the most satisfactory minute of + my life,” and he looked it.</p> + + <p>“A fine piece of work,” agreed Shepherd, casting + a swift eye over the immense and busy waterworks site, + and then glancing at the hill across which lay Bobby’s + property. “You’re lucky to have had this chance, + Mr. Platt,” and he shook hands cordially with Jimmy. + “I’m perfectly satisfied, Mr. Burnit. Do you want to + sell that property?”</p> + + <p>“If I can get out at a profit,” replied Bobby. + “Otherwise I’ll regrade the thing and split it up into + building lots as I originally intended.”</p> + + <p>“Let’s go back down to the hotel and talk ‘turkey,’” + offered Shepherd briskly. “What do you think of the + place, Ferris? Will it do?”</p> + + <p>“Fine!” said Ferris. “The property lies so low + that we won’t have to cart away a single load of our + <a class="pagenum" id="page394" title="394"> </a>excavation. If we can only get a right-of-way through + that natural approach to the northeast—”</p> + + <p>“I think I can guarantee a right-of-way,” interrupted + Bobby, smiling, with his mind upon the city + council which had been created by his own efforts.</p> + + <p>“All right,” said Shepherd. “We’ll talk price until + I have browbeaten you as low as you will go. Then I’ll + prepare a plat of the place and send it on to headquarters. + You’ll have an answer from them in three + days.”</p> + + <p>As they whirred away Bobby’s eyes happened to + rest upon a young man and a young woman rowing + idly down-stream in a skiff, and he smiled as he recognized + Biff Bates and Nellie Platt.</p> + + <p>On the day Bobby got the money for his Westmarsh + property old Applerod came up from the office + of the Brightlight Electric Company, where he held + a lazy, sleepy afternoon job as “manager,” and with + an ingratiating smile handed Bobby a check for five + thousand dollars.</p> + + <p>“What’s this for?” asked Bobby, puzzled.</p> + + <p>“I have decided to give you back the money and + take up again my approximate one-fifth share in the + Applerod Addition,” announced that gentleman complacently.</p> + + <p>Bobby was entirely too much surprised at this to be + amused.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page395" title="395"> </a>“You’re just a trifle too late, Mr. Applerod,” said + he. “Had you come to me two weeks ago, when I + thought the land was worthless, out of common decency + I would not have let you buy in again. Since + then, however, I have sold the tract at a profit of forty + thousand dollars.”</p> + + <p>“You have?” exclaimed Applerod. “I heard you + were going to do something of the kind. I’m entitled + to one-fifth of that profit, Mr. Burnit—eight thousand + dollars.”</p> + + <p>“You’re entitled to a good, swift poke in the neck!” + exclaimed the voice of wizened old Johnson, who stood + in the doorway, and who, since his friendship with Biff + Bates, had absorbed some of that gentleman’s vigorous + vernacular. “Applerod, I’ll give you just one minute + to get out of this office. If you don’t I’ll throw you + downstairs!”</p> + + <p>“Mr. Johnson,” said Applerod with great dignity, + “this office does not belong to you. I have as much + right here—”</p> + + <p>Mr. Johnson, taking a trot around Bobby’s desk so + as to get Mr. Applerod between him and the door, + made a threatening demonstration toward the rear, + and Applerod, suddenly deserting his dignity, rushed + out. Bobby straightened his face as Johnson, still + blazing, came in from watching Applerod’s ignominious + retreat.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page396" title="396"> </a>“Well, Johnson,” said he, ignoring the incident as + closed, “what can I do for you to-day?”</p> + + <p>“Nothing!” snapped Johnson. “I have forgotten + what I came for!” and going out he slammed the door + behind him.</p> + + <p>In the course of an hour Bobby was through with + his morning allotment of mail and his daily consultation + with Jolter, and then he called Johnson to his + office.</p> + + <p>“Johnson,” said he, “I want you to do me a favor. + There is one block of Brightlight stock that I have + not yet bought up. It is in the hands of J. W. Williams, + one of the old Stone crowd, who ought to be + wanting money by this time. He holds one hundred + shares, which you should be able to buy by now at + fifty dollars a share. I want you to buy this stock in + your own name, and I want to loan you five thousand + dollars to do it with. I merely want voting power; so + after you get it you may hold it if you like and still + owe me the five thousand dollars, or I’ll take it off + your hands at any time you are tired of the obligation. + You’d better go to Barrister and have him buy the + stock for you.”</p> + + <p>“Yes, sir,” said Johnson.</p> + + <p>Bobby immediately went to De Graff.</p> + + <p>“I came to subscribe for two hundred and fifty + thousand dollars’ worth of additional stock in the + <a class="pagenum" id="page397" title="397"> </a>New Brightlight. I have just deposited two hundred + and eighty-five thousand dollars in your bank.”</p> + + <p>“You’re becoming an expert,” said De Graff with + a quizzical smile. “With the million dollars’ valuation + at which we are to buy in the present Brightlight, + the two hundred and fifty thousand subscribed for + by Dan Elliston, and the ten thousand held by Miss + Elliston, this new subscription about gives you control + of the New Brightlight, don’t it?”</p> + + <p>“That’s what I want,” Bobby exulted. “You don’t + object, do you?”</p> + + <p>“Not on my own account,” De Graff assured him; + “but you’d better have Barrister buy this in for you + until we are organized. Then you can take it over.”</p> + + <p>“I guess you’re right,” agreed Bobby. “I’ll send + Barrister right over, and I think I shall make him + take up the remaining ten thousand on his own account. + A week from to-night is the council meeting at + which the Consolidated must make good to renew their + franchise, and we don’t want any hitch in getting our + final incorporation papers by that time. The members + of the Consolidated are singing swan songs in seven + simultaneous keys at this very moment.”</p> + + <p>Bobby’s description of the condition of the Consolidated + was scarcely exaggerated. It was a trying + and a hopeless period for them. The bond issue had + failed miserably. It had not needed the <cite>Chronicle</cite> to + <a class="pagenum" id="page398" title="398"> </a>remind the public of what a shaky proposition the + Consolidated was, for Bobby had thoroughly exposed + the corporation during the <cite>Bulletin’s</cite> campaign + against Sam Stone. Bond-floating companies from + other cities were brought in, and after an examination + of the books threw up their hands in horror at + the crudest muddle they had ever found in any investigation + of municipal affairs.</p> + + <p>On the night of the council meeting, Sharpe and + Trimmer and Williams, representing the Consolidated, + were compelled to come before the council and + confess their inability to take up the bonds required + to renew their franchise; but they begged that this + clause, since it was an entirely unnecessary one and + was not enjoined upon gas or electric companies in + other cities, be not enforced. Council, however, was + obdurate, and the committee thereupon begged for a + further extension of time in which to raise the necessary + amount of money. Council still was obdurate, + and by that obduracy the franchise of the Consumers’ + Electric Company, said franchise being controlled by + the Consolidated Illuminating and Power Company, + became null and void.</p> + + <p>Thereupon Bobby Burnit, President De Graff and + Dan Elliston, representing the New Brightlight Electric + Company, recently organized for three million + dollars, came forward and prayed for a franchise for + <a class="pagenum" id="page399" title="399"> </a>the electric lighting of the entire city, agreeing to + take over the poles and wiring of the Consolidated at + a fair valuation; and council was not at all obdurate, + which was scarcely strange when one reflected that + every member of that municipal body had been selected + and put in place through the direct instrumentality + of Bobby Burnit. It was practical politics, true + enough, but Bobby had no qualms whatever about it.</p> + + <p>“It may be quite true that I have not been actuated + by any highly noble motives in this,” he confessed to + a hot charge by Williams, “but so long as in municipal + affairs I am not actuated by any ignoble motives I am + doing pretty fairly in this town.”</p> + + <p>There was just the bare trace of brutality in Bobby + as he said this, and he suddenly recognized it in himself + with dismay. What pity Bobby might have felt + for these bankrupt men, however, was swept away in + a gust of renewed aggressiveness when Trimmer, + arousing himself from the ashen age which seemed all + at once to be creeping over him, said, with a return + of that old circular smile which had so often before + aggravated Bobby:</p> + + <p>“I am afraid I’ll have to draw out of my other ventures + and retire on my salary as president and manager + of Trimmer and Company.”</p> + + <p>Vengefulness was in Bobby’s eyes as he followed + Trimmer’s sprawling figure, so much like a bloated + <a class="pagenum" id="page400" title="400"> </a>spider’s in its bigness of circumference and its attenuation + of limbs, that suddenly he shuddered and + turned away as when one finds oneself about to step + upon a toad.</p> + </div> + <div id="chapter_30" class="chapter"><a class="pagenum" id="page401" title="401"> </a> + <h2 class="chapter_title"><span class="chapter_number">CHAPTER XXX</span><br /> + IN WHICH, BEING THE LAST CHAPTER, EVERYTHING + TURNS OUT RIGHT, AND EVERYBODY GETS + MARRIED</h2> + + <p><span class="first_word">At</span> the offices of the New Brightlight Electric + Company there was universal rejoicing. + Johnson was removed from the <cite>Bulletin</cite> to + take charge of the new organization until it should be + completed, and Bobby himself, for a few days, was + compelled to spend most of his time there. During the + first week after the granting of the franchise Bobby + called Johnson to him.</p> + + <p>“Mr. Johnson,” said he quite severely, “you have + been so careful and so faithful in all other things that + I dislike to remind you of an overlooked duty.”</p> + + <p>“I am sorry, sir,” said Johnson. “What is it?”</p> + + <p>“You have neglected to make out a note for that + five-thousand-dollar loan. Kindly draw it up now, + payable in ten years, with interest at four per cent. + <em>after</em> the date of maturity.”</p> + + <p>“But, sir,” stammered Johnson, “the stock is worth + par now.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page402" title="402"> </a>“Would you like to keep it?”</p> + + <p>“I’d be a fool to say I wouldn’t, sir. But the stock + is not only worth par,—it was worth that in the old + Brightlight; and I received an exchange of two for + one in the New Brightlight, which is also worth par + this morning; so I hold twenty thousand dollars’ + worth of stock.”</p> + + <p>“It cost me five thousand,” insisted Bobby, “and + we’ll settle at that figure.”</p> + + <p>“I don’t know how to thank you, sir,” trembled + Johnson, but he stiffened immediately as Applerod intruded + himself into the room with a bundle of papers + which he laid upon the desk.</p> + + <p>“I beg your pardon, Mr. Burnit,” began Applerod, + “but I have five thousand dollars I’d like to invest in + the New Brightlight Company if you could manage + it for me.”</p> + + <p>“I’m sorry, Applerod,” said Bobby, “but there isn’t + a share for sale. It was subscribed to the full capitalization + before the incorporation papers were issued.”</p> + + <p>Applerod was about to leave the room in deep dejection + when Johnson, with a sudden happy inspiration, + called him back.</p> + + <p>“I think I know where you can buy five thousand,” + said Johnson; “but you will have to hurry to get it.”</p> + + <p>“Where?” asked Applerod eagerly, while Bobby + went to the window to conceal his broad smiles.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page403" title="403"> </a>“Just put on your hat and go right over to Barrister,” + directed Johnson; “and take a blank check + with you. I’ll telephone him, to save time for you. + The stock is worth par, and that lonesome fifty shares + will be snapped up before you know it.”</p> + + <p>“You will excuse me till I go up-town, Mr. Burnit?” + inquired Applerod, and bustled out eagerly.</p> + + <p>He had no sooner left the building than Johnson + grabbed Bobby’s telephone and called up Barrister.</p> + + <p>“This is Johnson,” he said to the old attorney. “I + have just sent Applerod over to you to buy fifty shares + of New Brightlight at par. Take his check and hold it + for delivery of the stock. I’ll have it over to you + within an hour, or as soon as I can have the transfer + made. It is my stock, but I don’t want him to know + it.”</p> + + <p>Hanging up the receiver old Johnson sat in the + chair by Bobby’s desk and his thin shoulders heaved + with laughter.</p> + + <p>“Applerod will be plumb crazy when he finds that + out,” he said. “To think that I have fifteen thousand + dollars’ worth of this good stock that didn’t cost me + a cent, all paid for with Applerod’s own five thousand + dollars!”</p> + + <p>Johnson laughed so hard that finally he was compelled + to lay his head on the desk in front of him, + with his lean old fingers over his eyes.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page404" title="404"> </a>“Thanks to you, Robert; thanks to you,” he added + after a little silence.</p> + + <p>Bobby, turning from the window, saw the thin + shoulders still heaving. There was a glint of moisture + on the lean hands that had toiled for so many years in + the Burnit service, and as Bobby passed he placed his + hand on old Johnson’s bowed head for just an instant, + then went out, leaving Johnson alone.</p> + + <p>It was Applerod who, returning triumphantly with + Barrister’s promise of the precious block of New + Brightlight for delivery in the afternoon, brought + Bobby a copy of his own paper containing so much + startling news that the front page consisted only of a + hysteria of head-lines. Sudden proceedings in bankruptcy + had been filed against the Consolidated Illuminating + and Power Company. These proceedings had + revealed the fact that Frank L. Sharpe, supposed to + have left the city on business for the company, had in + reality disappeared with the entire cash balance of the + Consolidated. This disappearance had immediately + thrust the Middle West Construction Company into + bankruptcy. By Stone’s own acts the Stone enterprises + had crumpled and fallen, and all his adherents + were ruined.</p> + + <p>Out of the chaos that the startling facts he was + able to glean created in Bobby’s mind there came a + thought of Ferris, and he immediately telephoned him, + <a class="pagenum" id="page405" title="405"> </a>out at the site of the new G. E. and W. shops, where + ground was already being broken, that he would be + out that way.</p> + + <p>Half an hour later he took Ferris into his machine + and they whirled over to the waterworks site, where + the work had stopped as abruptly as if that scene of + animation had suddenly been stricken of a plague and + died. On the way Bobby explained to Ferris what had + happened.</p> + + <p>“You were the lowest legitimate bidder on the job, + I believe,” he concluded.</p> + + <p>“Yes, outside of the local company.”</p> + + <p>“If I were you I’d get busy with Jimmy Platt on + an estimate of the work already done,” suggested + Bobby. “I think it very likely that the city council + will offer the Keystone Construction Company the contract + at its former figure, with the proper deductions + for present progress. We will make up the difference + between their bid and yours, and whatever loss there + is in taking up the work will come out of the forfeit + put up by the Middle West Company.”</p> + + <p>Jimmy Platt ran out to meet them like a lost soul. + The waterworks project had become his pet. He lived + with it and dreamed of it, and that there was a prospect + of resuming work, and under such skilful supervision + as that of Ferris, delighted him. While Jimmy + and Mr. Ferris went into the office to prepare a basis + <a class="pagenum" id="page406" title="406"> </a>of estimating, Bobby stayed behind to examine the + carbureter of his machine, which had been acting suspiciously + on the way out, and while he was engaged + in this task a voice that he knew quite well saluted + him with:</p> + + <p>“Fine work, old pal! I guess you put all your + lemons into the squeezer and got the juice, eh?”</p> + + <p>Biff had a copy of the <cite>Bulletin</cite> in his hand, which + was sufficient explanation of his congratulations.</p> + + <p>“Things do seem to be turning out pretty lucky + for me, Biff,” Bobby confessed, and then, looking at + Mr. Bates, he immediately apologized. “I beg pardon + for calling you Biff,” said he. “I should have said + Mr. Bates.”</p> + + <p>“Cut it!” growled Biff, looking himself over with + some complacency nevertheless.</p> + + <p>From his nice new derby, which replaced the slouch + cap he had always preferred, to his neat and uncomfortably-pointed + gun-metal leathers which had supplanted + the broad-toed tans, Mr. Bates was an epitome + of neatly-pressed grooming. White cuffs edged + the sleeves of his gray business suit, and—wonder of + wonders!—he wore a white shirt with a white collar, + in which there was tied a neat bow of—last wonder + of all—modest gray!</p> + + <p>“I suppose that costume is due to distinctly feminine + influence, eh, Biff?”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page407" title="407"> </a>“Guilty as Cassie Chadwick!” replied Biff with a + sheepish grin. “She’s tryin’ to civilize me.”</p> + + <p>“Who is?” demanded Bobby.</p> + + <p>“Oh, <em>she</em> is. You know who I mean. Why, she’s + even taught me to cut out slang. Say, Bobby, I didn’t + know how much like a rough-neck I used to talk. I + never opened my yawp but what I spilled a line of + fricasseed gab so twisted and frazzled and shredded + you could use it to stuff sofa-cushions; but now I’ve + handed that string of talk the screw number. No more + slang for your Uncle Biff.”</p> + + <p>“I’m glad you have quit it,” approved Bobby soberly. + “I suppose the next thing I’ll hear will be the + wedding bells.”</p> + + <p>“No!” Biff denied in a tone so pained and shocked + that Bobby looked up in surprise to see his face gone + pale. “Don’t talk about that, Bobby. Why, I wouldn’t + dare even think of it myself. I—I never think about + it. Me? with a mitt like a picnic ham? Did you ever + see her hand, Bobby? And her eyes and her hair and + all? Why, Bobby, if I’d ever catch myself daring to + think about marrying that girl I’d take myself by + the Adam’s apple and give myself the damnedest + choking that ever turned a mutt’s map purple.”</p> + + <p>“I’m sorry, after all, that you are through with + slang, Biff,” said Bobby, “because if you were still + using it you might have expressed that idea so much + <a class="pagenum" id="page408" title="408"> </a>more picturesquely;” but Biff did not hear him, for + from the office came Nellie Platt with a sun-hat in her + hand.</p> + + <p>“Right on time,” she said gaily to Biff, and, with + a pleasant word for Bobby, went down with Mr. Bates + to the river bank, where lay the neat little skiff that + Jimmy had bought for her.</p> + + <p>Bobby and Ferris and Platt, standing up near the + filters, later on, were startled by a scream from the + river, and, turning, they saw the skiff, in mid-stream, + struck by a passing steamer and splintered as if it + were made of pasteboard. Nellie had been rowing. + Biff had called her attention to the approaching + steamer, across the path of which they were passing. + There had been plenty of time to row out of the way of + it, but Nellie in grasping her oar for a quick turn had + lost it. Fortunately the engines had been stopped immediately + when the pilot had seen that they must + strike, so that there was no appreciable underdrag. + Biff’s head had been grazed slightly, enough to daze + him for an instant, but he held himself up mechanically. + Nellie, clogged by her skirts, could not swim, + and as Biff got his bearings he saw her close by him + going down for the second time. Two men sprang + from the lower deck of the steamer, but Biff reached + her first, and, his senses instantly clearing as he + caught her, he struck out for the shore.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page409" title="409"> </a>The three men on shore immediately ran down the + bank, and sprang into the water to help Biff out with + his burden. He was pale, but strangely cool and collected.</p> + + <p>“Don’t go at it that way!” he called to them savagely, + knowing neither friend nor foe in this emergency. + “Get her loosened up someway, can’t you?”</p> + + <p>Without waiting on them, Biff ripped a knife from + his pocket, opened it and slit through waist and skirt-band + and whatever else intervened, to her corset, which + he opened with big fingers, the sudden deftness of + which was marvelous. Directing them with crisp, + sharp commands, he guided them through the first + steps toward resuscitation, and then began the slow, + careful pumping of the arms that should force breath + back into the closed lungs.</p> + + <p>For twenty minutes, each of which seemed interminable, + Jimmy and Biff worked, one on either side + of her, Biff’s face set, cold, expressionless, until at last + there was a flutter of the eyelids, a cry of distress as + the lungs took up their interrupted function, then the + sharp, hissing sound of the intake and outgo of natural, + though labored, breath; then Nellie Platt opened + her big, brown eyes and gazed up into the gray ones + of Biff Bates. She faintly smiled; then Biff did a + thing that he had never done before in his mature life. + He suddenly broke down and cried aloud, sobbing in + <a class="pagenum" id="page410" title="410"> </a>great sobs that shook him from head to foot and that + hurt him, as they tore from his throat, as the first + breath of new life had hurt Nellie Platt; and, seeing + and understanding, she raised up one weak arm and + slipped it about his neck.</p> + + <p>It was about a week after this occurrence when + Silas Trimmer, coming back from lunch to attend the + annual stock-holders’ meeting of Trimmer and Company, + stopped on the sidewalk to inspect, with some + curiosity, a strange, boxlike-looking structure which + leaned face downward upon the edge of the curbing. + It was three feet wide and full sixty feet long. He + stooped and tried to tilt it up, but it was too heavy + for his enfeebled frame, and with another curious + glance at it he went into the store.</p> + + <p>The meeting was set for half-past two. It was now + scarcely two, and yet, when he opened the door of his + private office, which had been set apart for that day’s + meeting, he was surprised at the number of people he + found in the room. A quick recognition of them + mystified him the more. They were Bobby Burnit + and Agnes, Johnson, Applerod and Chalmers.</p> + + <p>“I came a little early, Mr. Trimmer,” said Bobby, + in a polite conversational tone, “to have these three + hundred shares transferred upon the books of Trimmer + and Company, before the stock-holders’ meeting + convenes.”</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page411" title="411"> </a>“What shares are they?” inquired Silas in a voice + grown strangely shrill and metallic.</p> + + <p>“The stock that was previously controlled by your + son-in-law, Mr. Clarence Smythe. Miss Elliston + bought them last week from your daughter, with the + full consent of your son-in-law.”</p> + + <p>“The dog!” Trimmer managed to gasp, and his + fingers clutched convulsively.</p> + + <p>“Possibly,” admitted Bobby dryly. “At any rate + he has had to leave town, and I do not think you will + be bothered with him any more. In the meantime, + Mr. Trimmer, I’d like to call your attention to a few + very interesting figures. When you urged me, four + years ago, to consolidate the John Burnit and Trimmer + and Company Stores, my father’s business was appraised + at two hundred and sixty thousand dollars and + yours at two hundred and forty. On your suggestion + we took in sixty thousand dollars of additional capital. + I did not know as much at that time as I do now, and + I let you sell this stock where you could control it, + virtually giving you three thousand shares to my two + thousand six hundred. You froze me out, elected your + own board, made yourself manager at an enormous + salary, and voted your son-in-law another one so ridiculous + that it was put out of all possibility for my + stock ever to yield any dividends. All right, Mr. + Trimmer. With the purchase of this three hundred + <a class="pagenum" id="page412" title="412"> </a>shares I now control two thousand nine hundred shares + and you two thousand seven hundred. I presume I + don’t need to tell you what is going to happen in today’s + meeting.”</p> + + <p>To this Silas returned no answer.</p> + + <p>“I am an old man,” he muttered to himself as one + suddenly stricken. “I am an old, old man.”</p> + + <p>“I am going to oust you,” continued Bobby, “and + to oust all your relatives from their fat positions; and + I am going to elect myself to everything worth while. + I have brought Mr. Johnson with me to inspect your + books, and Mr. Chalmers to take charge of certain + legal matters connected with the concern immediately + after the close of to-day’s meeting. I am going to restore + Applerod to his position here from which you so + unceremoniously discharged him, and make Johnson + general manager of this and all my affairs. I understand + that your stock in this concern is mortgaged, + and that you will be utterly unable to redeem it. I + intend to buy it and practically own the entire company + myself. Are there any questions you would like + to ask, Mr. Trimmer?”</p> + + <p>There was none. Silas, crushed and dazed and + pitiable, only moaned that he was an old man; that he + was an old, old man.</p> + + <p>Bobby felt the gentle pressure of Agnes’ hand upon + his arm. There was a moment of silence.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page413" title="413"> </a>Trimmer looked around at them piteously. Once + more Bobby felt that touch upon his sleeve. Understanding, + he went over to Silas and took him gently + by the arm.</p> + + <p>“Come over here to the window with me a minute,” + said he, “and we will have a little business talk.”</p> + + <p>“Business! Oh, yes; business!” said Silas, brightening + up at the mention of the word.</p> + + <p>He rose nervously and allowed Bobby to lead him, + bent and almost palsied, over to the window, where + they could look out on the busy street below, and the + roofs of the tall buildings, and the blue sky beyond + where it smiled down upon the river. It was only a + fleeting glance that Silas Trimmer cast at the familiar + scene outside, and almost immediately he turned to + Bobby, clutching his coat sleeve eagerly. “You—you + said something about business,” he half-whispered, + and over his face there came a shadow of that old, + shrewd look.</p> + + <p>“Why, yes,” replied Bobby uncomfortably. “I + think we can find a place for you, Mr. Trimmer. You + have kept this concern up splendidly, no matter how + much beset you were outside, and—and I think Johnson + will engage you, if you care for it, to look after + certain details of buying and such matters as that.”</p> + + <p>“Oh, yes, the buying,” agreed Silas, nodding his + head. “I always was a good buyer—and a good seller, + <a class="pagenum" id="page414" title="414"> </a>too!” and he chuckled. “About what do you say, now, + that my services would be worth?” and with the prospect + of bartering more of his old self came back.</p> + + <p>“We’ll make that satisfactory, I can assure you,” + said Bobby. “Your salary will be a very liberal one, + I am certain, and it will begin from to-day. First, + however, you must have a good rest—a vacation with + pay, understand—and it will make you strong again. + You are a little run down.”</p> + + <p>“Yes,” agreed Silas, nodding his head as the animation + faded out of his eyes. “I’m getting old. I think, + Mr. Burnit, if you don’t mind I’ll go into the little + room there and lie on the couch for a few minutes.”</p> + + <p>“That is a good idea,” said Bobby. “You should + be rested for the meeting.”</p> + + <p>“Oh, yes,” repeated Silas, nodding his head sagely; + “the meeting.”</p> + + <p>They were uncomfortably silent when Bobby had + returned from the little room adjoining. The shadow + of tragedy lay upon them all, and it was out of this + shadow that Bobby spoke his determination.</p> + + <p>“I am going to get out of business,” he declared. + “It is a hard, hard game. I can win at it, but—well, + I’d rather go back, if I only could, to my unsophistication + of four years ago. I don’t like business. Of + course, I’ll keep this place for tradition’s sake, and + because it would please my father—no, I mean it <em>will</em> + <a class="pagenum" id="page415" title="415"> </a>please him—but I’m going to sell the <cite>Bulletin</cite>. I have + an offer for it at an excellent profit. I’m going to + intrust the management of the electric plant to my + good friend Biff, here, with Chalmers and Johnson as + starboard and larboard bulwarks, until the stock is + quoted at a high enough rating to be a profitable sale; + then I’m going to turn it into money, and add it to the + original fund. I think I shall be busy enough just + looking after and enjoying my new partnership,” and + he smiled down at Agnes, who smiled back at him with + a trusting admiration that needed no words to express.</p> + + <p>“Beg your pardon, sir,” said old Johnson, “but I + have a letter here for you,” and from his inside pocket + he drew one of the familiar steel-gray envelopes, which + he handed to Bobby.</p> + + <p>It was addressed:</p> + + <blockquote class="envelope"> + <p>To My Son Bobby, Upon His Regaining His Father’s + Business</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The message inside was so brief that one who had + not known well old John Burnit would never have + known the full, full heart out of which he penned it:</p> + + <blockquote class="letter"> + <p>“I knew you’d do it, dear boy. Whatever mystery I + find in the great hereafter I shall be satisfied—for I + knew you’d do it.”</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>That was all.</p> + + <p><a class="pagenum" id="page416" title="416"> </a>“Johnson,” said Bobby, crumpling up the letter in + his hand, and speaking briskly to beat back his emotion, + “we will move our offices to the same old quarters, + and we will move back, for my use, my father’s old + desk with my father’s portrait hanging above it, just + as they were when Silas Trimmer ordered them removed.”</p> + + <p>Two of the stock-holders came in at this moment, + and Agnes went down into the store to find Biff Bates + and Nellie Platt, for there was much shopping to do. + Agnes had taken pretty Nellie under her chaperonage, + and every day now the girls were busy with preparations + for certain events in which each was highly interested.</p> + + <p>Up in the office there was a meeting that was a + shock to all the stock-holders but one, and after it was + over Bobby joined the shoppers. When the four of + them had clambered into Bobby’s automobile and were + rolling away, Bobby stopped his machine.</p> + + <p>“Look,” he said in calm triumph, and pointed upward, + his hand clasping a smaller hand which was to + rest contentedly in his through life.</p> + + <p>Over the Grand Street front of the building from + which they had emerged, workmen were just raising + a huge electric sign, and it bore the legend:</p> + + <p class="store_sign">THE JOHN BURNIT’S SON STORES</p> + </div> + <div id="advertisements"> + <h2><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page417" title="417"> </a>Popular Copyright Books</h2> + + <p>AT MODERATE PRICES</p> + + <p>Any of the following titles can be bought of your + bookseller at the price you paid for this volume</p> + + <ul> + <li><span class="ad_book">Alternative, The.</span> By George Barr McCutcheon.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Angel of Forgiveness, The.</span> By Rosa N. Carey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Angel of Pain, The.</span> By E. F. Benson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Annals of Ann, The.</span> By Kate Trimble Sharber.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Battle Ground, The.</span> By Ellen Glasgow.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Beau Brocade.</span> By Baroness Orczy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Beechy.</span> By Bettina Von Hutten.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Bella Donna.</span> By Robert Hichens.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Betrayal, The.</span> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Bill Toppers, The.</span> By Andre Castaigne.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Butterfly Man, The.</span> By George Barr McCutcheon.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Cab No. 44.</span> By R. F. Foster.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Calling of Dan Matthews, The.</span> By Harold Bell Wright</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Cape Cod Stories.</span> By Joseph C. Lincoln.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Challoners, The.</span> By E. F. Benson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">City of Six, The.</span> By C. L. Canfield.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Conspirators, The.</span> By Robert W. Chambers.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Dan Merrithew.</span> By Lawrence Perry.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Day of the Dog, The.</span> By George Barr McCutcheon.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Depot Master, The.</span> By Joseph C. Lincoln.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Derelicts.</span> By William J. Locke.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Diamonds Cut Paste.</span> By Agnes & Egerton Castle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Early Bird, The.</span> By George Randolph Chester.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Eleventh Hour, The.</span> By David Potter.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Elizabeth in Rugen.</span> By the author of Elizabeth and Her German Garden.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Flying Mercury, The.</span> By Eleanor M. Ingram.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Gentleman, The.</span> By Alfred Ollivant.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Girl Who Won, The.</span> By Beth Ellis.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Going Some.</span> By Rex Beach.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Hidden Water.</span> By Dane Coolidge.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Honor of the Big Snows, The.</span> By James Oliver Curwood.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Hopalong Cassidy.</span> By Clarence E. Mulford.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">House of the Whispering Pines, The.</span> By Anna Katherine Green.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Imprudence of Prue, The.</span> By Sophie Fisher.</li> + <li><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page418" title="418"> </a><span class="ad_book">In the Service of the Princess.</span> By Henry C. Rowland.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Island of Regeneration, The.</span> By Cyrus Townsend Brady.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lady of Big Shanty, The.</span> By Berkeley F. Smith.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lady Merton, Colonist.</span> By Mrs. Humphrey Ward.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lord Loveland Discovers America.</span> By C. N. & A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Love the Judge.</span> By Wymond Carey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Man Outside, The.</span> By Wyndham Martyn.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Marriage of Theodora, The.</span> By Molly Elliott Seawell.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">My Brother’s Keeper.</span> By Charles Tenny Jackson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">My Lady of the South.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Paternoster Ruby, The.</span> By Charles Edmonds Walk.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Politician, The.</span> By Edith Huntington Mason.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Pool of Flame, The.</span> By Louis Joseph Vance.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Poppy.</span> By Cynthia Stockley.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Redemption of Kenneth Galt, The.</span> By Will N. Harben.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary, The.</span> By Anna Warner.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Road to Providence, The.</span> By Maria Thompson Davies.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Romance of a Plain Man, The.</span> By Ellen Glasgow.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Running Fight, The.</span> By Wm. Hamilton Osborne.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Septimus.</span> By William J. Locke.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Silver Horde, The.</span> By Rex Beach.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Spirit Trail, The.</span> By Kate & Virgil D. Boyles.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Stanton Wins.</span> By Eleanor M. Ingram.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Stolen Singer, The.</span> By Martha Bellinger.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Three Brothers, The.</span> By Eden Phillpotts.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Thurston of Orchard Valley.</span> By Harold Bindloss.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Title Market, The.</span> By Emily Post.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Vigilante Girl, A.</span> By Jerome Hart.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Village of Vagabonds, A.</span> By F. Berkeley Smith.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Wanted—A Chaperon.</span> By Paul Leicester Ford.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Wanted: A Matchmaker.</span> By Paul Leicester Ford.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Watchers of the Plains, The.</span> By Ridgwell Cullum.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">White Sister, The.</span> By Marion Crawford.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Window at the White Cat, The.</span> By Mary Roberts Rhinehart.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Woman in Question, The.</span> By John Reed Scott.</li> + <li><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page419" title="419"> </a><span class="ad_book">Anna the Adventuress.</span> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Ann Boyd.</span> By Will N. Harben.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">At The Moorings.</span> By Rosa N. Carey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">By Right of Purchase.</span> By Harold Bindloss.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Carlton Case, The.</span> By Ellery H. Clark.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Chase of the Golden Plate.</span> By Jacques Futrelle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Cash Intrigue, The.</span> By George Randolph Chester.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Delafield Affair, The.</span> By Florence Finch Kelly.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Dominant Dollar, The.</span> By Will Lillibridge.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Elusive Pimpernel, The.</span> By Baroness Orczy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Ganton & Co.</span> By Arthur J. Eddy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Gilbert Neal.</span> By Will N. Harben.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Girl and the Bill, The.</span> By Bannister Merwin.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Girl from His Town, The.</span> By Marie Van Vorst.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Glass House, The.</span> By Florence Morse Kingsley.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Highway of Fate, The.</span> By Rosa N. Carey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Homesteaders, The.</span> By Kate and Virgil D. Boyles.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Husbands of Edith, The.</span> George Barr McCutcheon.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Inez.</span> (Illustrated Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Into the Primitive.</span> By Robert Ames Bennet.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Jack Spurlock, Prodigal.</span> By Horace Lorimer.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Jude the Obscure.</span> By Thomas Hardy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">King Spruce.</span> By Holman Day.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Kingsmead.</span> By Bettina Von Hutten.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Ladder of Swords, A.</span> By Gilbert Parker.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lorimer of the Northwest.</span> By Harold Bindloss.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lorraine.</span> By Robert W. Chambers.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Loves of Miss Anne, The.</span> By S. R. Crockett.</li> + <li><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page420" title="420"> </a><span class="ad_book">Marcaria.</span> By Augusta J. Evans.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Mam’ Linda.</span> By Will N. Harben.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Maids of Paradise, The.</span> By Robert W. Chambers.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Man in the Corner, The.</span> By Baroness Orczy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Marriage A La Mode.</span> By Mrs. Humphry Ward.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Master Mummer, The.</span> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Much Ado About Peter.</span> By Jean Webster.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Old, Old Story, The.</span> By Rosa N. Carey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Pardners.</span> By Rex Beach.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Patience of John Moreland, The.</span> By Mary Dillon.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Paul Anthony, Christian.</span> By Hiram W. Hays.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Prince of Sinners, A.</span> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Prodigious Hickey, The.</span> By Owen Johnson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Red Mouse, The.</span> By William Hamilton Osborne.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Refugees, The.</span> By A. Conan Doyle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Round the Corner in Gay Street.</span> Grace S. Richmond.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Rue: With a Difference.</span> By Rosa N. Carey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Set in Silver.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">St. Elmo.</span> By Augusta J. Evans.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Silver Blade, The.</span> By Charles E. Walk.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Spirit in Prison, A.</span> By Robert Hichens.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Strawberry Handkerchief, The.</span> By Amelia E. Barr.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Tess of the D’Urbervilles.</span> By Thomas Hardy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Uncle William.</span> By Jennette Lee.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Way of a Man, The.</span> By Emerson Hough.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Whirl, The.</span> By Foxcroft Davis.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">With Juliet in England.</span> By Grace S. Richmond.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Yellow Circle, The.</span> By Charles E. Walk.</li> + </ul> + + <p><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page421" title="421"> </a>Any of the following: titles can be bought of your + bookseller at 50 cents per volume.</p> + + <ul> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Shepherd of the Hills.</span> By Harold Bell Wright.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Jane Cable.</span> By George Barr McCutcheon.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Abner Daniel.</span> By Will N. Harben.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Far Horizon.</span> By Lucas Malet.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Halo.</span> By Bettina von Hutten.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Jerry Junior.</span> By Jean Webster.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Powers and Maxine.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Balance of Power.</span> By Arthur Goodrich.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Adventures of Captain Kettle.</span> By Cutcliffe Hyne.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Adventures of Gerard.</span> By A. Conan Doyle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.</span> By A. Conan Doyle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Arms and the Woman.</span> By Harold MacGrath.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Artemus Ward’s Works</span> (extra illustrated).</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">At the Mercy of Tiberius.</span> By Augusta Evans Wilson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Awakening of Helena Richie.</span> By Margaret Deland.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Battle Ground, The.</span> By Ellen Glasgow.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Belle of Bowling Green, The.</span> By Amelia E. Barr.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Ben Blair.</span> By Will Lillibridge.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Best Man, The.</span> By Harold MacGrath.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Beth Norvell.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Bob Hampton of Placer.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Bob, Son of Battle.</span> By Alfred Ollivant.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Brass Bowl, The.</span> By Louis Joseph Vance.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Brethren, The.</span> By H. Rider Haggard.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Broken Lance, The.</span> By Herbert Quick.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">By Wit of Women.</span> By Arthur W. Marchmont.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Call of the Blood, The.</span> By Robert Hitchens.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Cap’n Eri.</span> By Joseph C. Lincoln.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Cardigan.</span> By Robert W. Chambers.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Car of Destiny, The.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Casting Away of Mrs. Leeks and Mrs. Aleshine.</span> By Frank R. Stockton.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Cecilia’s Lovers.</span> By Amelia E. Barr.</li> + <li><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page422" title="422"> </a><span class="ad_book">Circle, The.</span> By Katherine Cecil Thurston (author of “The Masquerader,” “The Gambler”).</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Colonial Free Lance, A.</span> By Chauncey C. Hotchkiss.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Conquest of Canaan, The.</span> By Booth Tarkington.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Courier of Fortune, A.</span> By Arthur W. Marchmont.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Darrow Enigma, The.</span> By Melvin Severy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Deliverance, The.</span> By Ellen Glasgow.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Divine Fire, The.</span> By May Sinclair.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Empire Builders.</span> By Francis Lynde.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Exploits of Brigadier Gerard.</span> By A. Conan Doyle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Fighting Chance, The.</span> By Robert W. Chambers.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">For a Maiden Brave.</span> By Chauncey C. Hotchkiss.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Fugitive Blacksmith, The.</span> By Chas. D. Stewart.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">God’s Good Man.</span> By Marie Corelli.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Heart’s Highway, The.</span> By Mary E. Wilkins.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Holladay Case, The.</span> By Burton Egbert Stevenson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Hurricane Island.</span> By H. B. Marriott Watson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">In Defiance of the King.</span> By Chauncey C. Hotchkiss.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Indifference of Juliet, The.</span> By Grace S. Richmond.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Infelice.</span> By Augusta Evans Wilson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lady Betty Across the Water.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lady of the Mount, The.</span> By Frederic S. Isham.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lane That Had No Turning, The.</span> By Gilbert Parker.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Langford of the Three Bars.</span> By Kate and Virgil D. Boyles.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Last Trail, The.</span> By Zane Grey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Leavenworth Case, The.</span> By Anna Katharine Green.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lilac Sunbonnet, The.</span> By S. R. Crockett.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Lin McLean.</span> By Owen Wister.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Long Night, The.</span> By Stanley J. Weyman.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Maid at Arms, The.</span> By Robert W. Chambers.</li> + <li><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page423" title="423"> </a><span class="ad_book">Man from Red Keg, The.</span> By Eugene Thwing.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Marthon Mystery, The.</span> By Burton Egbert Stevenson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.</span> By A. Conan Doyle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Millionaire Baby, The.</span> By Anna Katharine Green.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Missourian, The.</span> By Eugene P. Lyle, Jr.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Mr. Barnes, American.</span> By A. C. Gunter.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Mr. Pratt.</span> By Joseph C. Lincoln.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">My Friend the Chauffeur.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">My Lady of the North.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Mystery of June 13th.</span> By Melvin L. Severy.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Mystery Tales.</span> By Edgar Allan Poe.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Nancy Stair.</span> By Elinor Macartney Lane.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Order No. 11.</span> By Caroline Abbot Stanley.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Pam.</span> By Bettina von Hutten.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Pam Decides.</span> By Bettina von Hutten.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Partners of the Tide.</span> By Joseph C. Lincoln.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Phra the Phoenician.</span> By Edwin Lester Arnold.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">President, The.</span> By Alfred Henry Lewis.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Princess Passes, The.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Princess Virginia, The.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Prisoners.</span> By Mary Cholmondeley.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Private War, The.</span> By Louis Joseph Vance.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Prodigal Son, The.</span> By Hall Caine.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Quickening, The.</span> By Francis Lynde.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Richard the Brazen.</span> By Cyrus T. Brady and Edw. Peple.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Rose of the World.</span> By Agnes and Egerton Castle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Running Water.</span> By A. E. W. Mason.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Sarita the Carlist.</span> By Arthur W. Marchmont.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Seats of the Mighty, The.</span> By Gilbert Parker.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Sir Nigel.</span> By A. Conan Doyle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Sir Richard Calmady.</span> By Lucas Malet.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Speckled Bird, A.</span> By Augusta Evans Wilson.</li> + <li><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page424" title="424"> </a><span class="ad_book">Spirit of the Border, The.</span> By Zane Grey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Spoilers, The.</span> By Rex Beach.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Squire Phin.</span> By Holman F. Day.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Stooping Lady, The.</span> By Maurice Hewlett.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Subjection of Isabel Carnaby.</span> By Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Sunset Trail, The.</span> By Alfred Henry Lewis.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Sword of the Old Frontier, A.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Tales of Sherlock Holmes.</span> By A. Conan Doyle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">That Printer of Udell’s.</span> By Harold Bell Wright.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Throwback, The.</span> By Alfred Henry Lewis.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Trail of the Sword, The.</span> By Gilbert Parker.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Treasure of Heaven, The.</span> By Marie Corelli.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Two Vanrevels, The.</span> By Booth Tarkington.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Up From Slavery.</span> By Booker T. Washington.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Vashti.</span> By Augusta Evans Wilson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Viper of Milan, The</span> (original edition). By Marjorie Bowen.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Voice of the People, The.</span> By Ellen Glasgow.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Wheel of Life, The.</span> By Ellen Glasgow.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">When Wilderness Was King.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Where the Trail Divides.</span> By Will Lillibridge.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Woman in Grey, A.</span> By Mrs. C. N. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Woman in the Alcove, The.</span> By Anna Katharine Green.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Younger Set, The.</span> By Robert W. Chambers.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Weavers.</span> By Gilbert Parker.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Little Brown Jug at Kildare.</span> By Meredith Nicholson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Prisoners of Chance.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">My Lady of Cleve.</span> By Percy J. Hartley.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Loaded Dice.</span> By Ellery H. Clark.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Get Rich Quick Wallingford.</span> By George Randolph Chester.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">The Orphan.</span> By Clarence Mulford.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">A Gentleman of France.</span> By Stanley J. Weyman.</li> + <li><a class="disguise pagenum" id="page425" title="425"> </a><span class="ad_book">Purple Parasol, The.</span> By George Barr McCutcheon.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Princess Dehra, The.</span> By John Reed Scott.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Making of Bobby Burnit, The.</span> By George Randolph Chester.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Last Voyage of the Donna Isabel, The.</span> By Randall Parrish.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Bronze Bell, The.</span> By Louis Joseph Vance.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Pole Baker.</span> By Will N. Harben.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Four Million, The.</span> By O. Henry.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Idols.</span> By William J. Locke.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Wayfarers, The.</span> By Mary Stewart Cutting.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Held for Orders.</span> By Frank H. Spearman.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Story of the Outlaw, The.</span> By Emerson Hough.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Mistress of Brae Farm, The.</span> By Rosa N. Carey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Explorer, The.</span> By William Somerset Maugham.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Abbess of Vlaye, The.</span> By Stanley Weyman.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Alton of Somasco.</span> By Harold Bindloss.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Ancient Law, The.</span> By Ellen Glasgow.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Barrier, The.</span> By Rex Beach.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Bar 20.</span> By Clarence E. Mulford.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Beloved Vagabond, The.</span> By William J. Locke.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Beulah.</span> (Illustrated Edition.) By Augusta J. Evans.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Chaperon, The.</span> By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Colonel Greatheart.</span> By H. C. Bailey.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Dissolving Circle, The.</span> By Will Lillibridge.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Elusive Isabel.</span> By Jacques Futrelle.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">Fair Moon of Bath, The.</span> By Elizabeth Ellis.</li> + <li><span class="ad_book">54-40 or Fight.</span> By Emerson Hough.</li> + </ul> + </div> + + <div id="the_end"> </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Making of Bobby Burnit, by +George Randolph Chester + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAKING OF BOBBY BURNIT *** + +***** This file should be named 26485-h.htm or 26485-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/4/8/26485/ + +Produced by Mark C. 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