Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1888-06-21

thing seemed straight and honest
about the matter; had seen the well
and oil. and there was no chance for
deception about that. and the man.
reasons for selling were perfectly salts
factory. In fact, believe / began to
have some pity for him on account of
the hardship of the case, and to wish
that had a thousand or two more than
he asked, to offer him. And then the
fact that the other partner-Dick was
the name he answered to-was to re-
main and work his interest. was the
best kind of guarantee of good faith.
If l had any lingering doubts or
fears on the subject when / entered
the Office. they shortly dispelled them.
We sat down around the rough pine
table. Uttered over with papers. Fred
produced some excellent cigars. and
we sat and smoked, while Fred 8
tongue ran on describing the profita-
bleness of the business. was satisfied
before he had talked ten minutes.
''Show me your title" 1 said.
Satisfy me about your rights here.
and I'll buy the one-half interest at
the terms you Offer"
They Immediately produced lease
of the premises for one hundred years,
which examined and which was I'M
doubtedly correct. had seen other
leases made by the samo proprietor,
and knew the signature.
II don't mind telling you what that
cost u.s." said Fred. with laugh.
"Just twenty-five dollars! We took it
when there had been no oil found with
in half a mile of here, and got it cheap
enough. as things have happened.
He asked my name, and in half a
minute he had filled up blank assign
ment on the back of the paper and
signed it. transferring to me his one
half interest in the we'll and lands for
ten thousand dollars. He held it so 1
could read it, and 1 saw that it was
sufficient Itook out my bill-book and
produced the certificate.
This is payable to my ORDER"
said. 81 don't know how you're to get
the money. Who'll identify you?"
LET me see." said Fred, and laid
the certificate on the table. "Oh.
read it. al know the officers of tina.
bank. and they'll pay me on your in
dorsement"
The other partner-nly future part
ner-the tall, dashing fellow, came and
leaned over Fred's shoulder and looked
at the certificate. AS he bent his face
lower I saw p most sinister smile diff
fuse itself over his countenance.
Somehow, just at that momentous
instant, could not fix my thoughts on
oil and money-making and the bust
ness before US at all. I thought of
Emily and the children at home, and
wondered whether it were better for
them thatI should part with this money
so easily. I looked at the two men.
with their fashy finger-rings and
breastpins, and 1 did not feel half as
much like making the bargain as had
a moment before.
Just indorse it 10 me-Fred
Brown"
His voice startled me from my alb
straction. I looked up and saw that
he had placed the certificate on the
table with his finger upon it and was
holding out n pen to me.
ave written the indorsement-'Pay
to the order of Fred Brown" he said.
Lord bless you, man. what's the mat
ter? Your face is white. almost You
amt going crazy with your good luck.
are you?"
They both laughed at this sally.
NO" said, carelessly. "Just let
me look at the face of that certificate
again-sor' and with the words 1
slipped it from under his finger. My
bill-book lay on the table; L quickly
placed the certificate in it, folded it,
and buttoned it up close again in my
pocket.
The men fell back in blank aston
ishment. and both spoke together:
Whats that for?"
1--WE thought better of it." was my
reply. 1--WE concluded not to buy.
You may keep your assignment or
may be splended investment, but 1
think on the whole I'll not take any
stock in it. ;"
They saw that I was in earnest, and
two angrier men / never saw. Fred
if that was his name-stood glaring at
me with the expression of hungry
hyena baked of his prey; and Dick,
the one who had avowed that he had
no interest in the sale except to help
his friend. came close up to me and
shook his fist in my face.
You can't come that game on as,
my fine fellowr' he growled. This
trade is all done, and that paper is
ours. Hand it over
He shook his fist again. Now their
conduct confirmed my suspicious.
''Lock the door, Fred" said the fell
low who was menacing me. Wen
see about this pretty quick"