Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-09-23

10 the natter III hand quite with his
office manner.
I've Sor proposition to make to
you, Mr.. Bishop" he opened up. with
slight flush on his face. I've been
making some inquiries about Wilson,
and l am more and more convinced
that he intends to freeze us out-or
you, rather-by holding off till you are
obliged to sell your property for a much
lower figure than you now ask him for
It"
You think so?" grunted Bishop, pull
Ing long face.
Yes. But what now want to do is
to show him indirectly that we are in
dependent Of him."
HUH" calculated Bishop, even more
dejectedly. Huh! say!"
Alan was looking at Miller eagerly,
as If trying to divine the point he was
about to make. II must confess" he
smiled, that l can't well see how we
can show independence right now.'
well, think see n way" said Mil
Ter. the flush stealing over his face
again. You see, there is no doubt that
Wilson is on his high horse simply be-
cause he thinks he could call on you
for that $4,000 and put you to some
trouble raising it without-without, l
say, throwing your land on the market
I can't blame him." Miller went on,
smiling, for it's only what any bust
ness man would do who is out for
profit, but we must not knuckle to
him"
Huh, huh. Bishop grunted in deep
er dependency.
"How do you propose to get around
the knuckling process?" asked Alan,
who had caught the depression influ-
encing his parent
I'D simply take up that note" said
the lawyer. you know under the con-
tract we are privileged to pay 1t to-
morrow II we wish. It would simply
paralyze him. He's 30 confident that
you can't take 1t up that he has not
even written to ask II you want to re-
new 1t or not. Yes, he's confident that
he'll rake In that security-so confident
that he has been, as you know, secretly
buying land near yours"
But" exclaimed Alan. RAY, you
know Weather has invested that
money, and the truth Is that he and
mother have already had SO much wor-
ry over the business that they would
rather let the land go at what was
raised on It than toto run any more
risks"
Bishop groaned out his approval Of
this calculation of his condition and
sat silently nodding his head. The very
thought Of further risks stunned and
chilled him.
Miller's embarrassment now descend
ed on him in full force
II was not thinking Of having your
father disturb his Investments" no
said. 1.-THE truth is, l have met with q
little financial disappointment in GER
MN direction. For the last three
months ! have been raking and scrap
ing among the dry bones Of my invest
ments to get up exactly $4,000 to Sc
cure leading interest in cotton mill
at barley of which was to be presi-
dent. managed to get the money to-
gether, and only yesterday l learned
that the northern capital that was to
guarantee the thing was only In the
corner of fellows eye up in Boston
man that had not dollar on earth.
Well, there you are! I've $25,OOO and
mo- place to put 1t. l thought II you had
Just as soon owe me the money as Will
son that you'd really be doing me a
favor to let me take up the note. You
see, 1t would actually floor him. He
means business, and this would show
him that we are not asking any fayors
Of him. In fact. have an idea 1t would
scare him out Of his skin. He'd think
we had another opportunity Of selling.
I'm dying to do this, and hope you'll
let me work It Really think you
ought to consent. I'd never drive you
to the wall and-well-he might"
All eyes We're on the speaker. Bishop
had the dazed expression Of Devil
dered man trying to believe in sudden
good luck Abner Daniel lowered his
head and shook with low, subdued
laughter.
You are Jim dandy, young man."
he said to Miller. That's all there is
about It, You take the rug off the
bush. oh, my Lord! They say in
Alf's meeting house that It's q sin to
play poker with no stakes, but Alfs
In game with half the earth put up
agin another feller's wad as big as
bale o. hay. Play down, ALI. Play
down. You've got full hand an
plenty to draw from"
I'VE couldn't let you do this. Ray"
expostulated Alan
"But I assure you 1t is merely a mat
ter Of business with me-" declared the
lawyer. you know I'm Interested
myself, and believe we shall come
out all right. I'm simply itching to do
it.,
Bishops face was ablaze. The as
surance that a wise young business
man would consider o purchase Of his
Of sufficient value to put o large
amount Of money on pleased him, ban
ished his fears. thrilled him.
IF you feel that way" he said. smil-
ing NJ the corners or his mouth, go
ahead. | don't know but what you
are plumb right It viii show Wilson
that we amt beholden to him an will
set i'm to work ef anything will"
So It was finally settled, and no one
seemed SO well pleased with the ar
rangement as Miller himself. Adele
entered the room with the air of one
half fearful Of intruding, and her
three relatives quietly withdrew, leav-
ing her to entertain the guest.
II wonder what's the matter with
your brother" Miller remarked as his
eyes followed Alan from the room.
"Oh, brother3" laughed Adele. mo
one tries to keep up with bis whtms
and fancies.s
"But, really" said Miller in serious
tone. he has mystified me lately.
wonder II he has had bad news from
Dolly. I've tried to get into conf
Dental chat With him several tmee Of
late. but be seems 10 get around It.
Really, Il seems to me at times that he