Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-09-12

a&J fences the next morning,
Bishop sent over for Pole Baker to
S1r1ve the spring wagon. Alan sat be-
side Pole, and Abner and Bishop and
Mrs. Bishop occupied the rear seats.
Alan knew he could trust Pole, drunk
or sober, and he confided his plans to
the f1attered fellows ears. Pole seem
ed to weigh all the chances for and
against success in his mind as he sat
listening, most grave and portentous
expression on his massive face.
my opinion is the Teller II be thar as
shore as preachin'." he said. But
whether you git his wad or not-that's
another question. Miller's as sharp as
"A brier, an, as he says, If Wilson gifts
to talkin' about that land to any o.
! these hill Billies they'll bust the trade
or die tryfn'. Jest let 'em beer moneys
about to change hands, an it III make
EN- so durn Jealous they'll swear n lie
TO keep 1t away from anybody they
know. That's human natur'."
Il believe you are right" said Alan,
pulling long face, land I'm afraid
Wilson will want to make some in
4u1r1es before he Closes"
Like as not" opined the driver.
~'But what I'd do eff I was a-runnin'
at would be to git some Teller to strike
up with i'm accidental-like an Utterly
a11ll i'm to the neck with good things
about the property without him ever
hreamin' he was bein' worked"
The two exchanged glances Alan
thad never looked at man so admir-
tngly. At that moment he seemed q
giant of shrewdness as we'll as that of
physical strength.
II believe you are right, Pole" he
said thoughtfully.
THAT'S what am, an, what's more.
I'm the one that could do the film
without him ever KNOWN l had a fun
incl In his mouth. If can't do it, IN
I'LL my hat with saft mud an put it
ON"
Alan smiled warmly "I'll mention
1t to Miller" he said. Eyes, you could
. do it, Pole, if any man on earth could"
Driving up to Miller's Office, they
found the door open, and the owner
came out with a warm smile of greet
ing and aided Mrs. Bishop to alight.
Well," he smiled when they had
taken seats in the Office. 1--WE have
gained the first step toward victory.
Wilson is at the hotel l saw his name
: ON the register this morning"
The elder Bishops drew breath Of
relief. The old man grounded his
heavy walking stick suddenly, as if it
had slipped through his inert fingers
'1'm trustin' you boys to pull me
:; through" he said, with shaky laugh.
II hain't never treated Alan right, an
I'm beer to confess it. I lowed l was
the only one in our layout with any
business sense"
$50 you are willing to accept the
-loanY' said Miller.
"Willin'? ] reckon I am. l never
1lept one wink last hight fer feer
some'n' II interfere with it,
Miller reflected u moment and then
said: 81 am afraid Of only one thing, and
that is this: Not one man in q million
will make trade Of this size without
corroborating the statements made by
the people he is dealing with. Wilson
is at breakfast by this time, and after
he is through he ruay decide to nose
around q little before coming to me.
I'm afraid to go after him; he would
think l was overanxious. The trouble
as that he may run upon somebody
from out in the mountains-there are
a lot in town already-and get to talk
Ing. Just one word about your biting
off more than you can chaW, Mr..
Bishop, would make him balk like a
: mean mule. He thinks I'm favoring
him now, but let him get the notion
that you haven't been holding that
Hand for at least hundred thousand
and the thing would bust like a bub-
ble"
Alan mentioned Pole Bakers propo-
aition Miller thought it over for a
moment, his brow wrinkled and then
he said: "Good-a good idea, but you
must call Pole in and let me give him
a few pointers. By George, he could
keep Wilson, away from dangerous
people anyway"
Alan went after Pole, and Miller
took him into his consultation room in
the rear. where they remained for
about fifteen minutes. When they came
out, Poles face was very grave. %!
won't forget thing" he said to Miller,
IL understand exactly what you want
7When l git through with i'm, he'll
want that land bad enough to pay any
thing fer it, an he went dream I'm in
cahoot with YOU nuther. l can man
age that. l amt no TOOL eff I do have
fits"
do you remember my description Of
him?' asked Miller
you bet do--thich set. about fifty,
bald, red faced, sharp black eyes, iron
gray hair, an mighty nigh always with
a cigar in his ulo,th'' +
.'"Ihat's right laughed Miller Now
do your work, and We'.won't forget
you. By all means keep him away
from meddiesolle people, <'."s -.
When Pole ha&l left the Office and
!, Miiser had resumed his revolving chain
Mrs. Bishop addressed him, docking