Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1903-09-14
CHAPTER XXVII.

NiINl En- ~ IL
! II was a cold, dry day about the
middle of January. They were killing
) hogs at the farm. Seven or eight
negroes. men and women, had gathered
| from all about in the neghborhood TO
assist in the work and get the parts Of
he meat-usually given away in pay
ment for such services.
Abner Daniel and old man Bishop
were experimenting these preparations
when Alan came from the house to say
that Rayburn Miller had just ridden
out to see them on business. 81 think
it's the railroad" Alan informed his
father, who always displayed signs of
almost childish excitement when the
subject came up. They found Miller
In the parlor being entertained by
Adele, who Immediately left the room
on their arrival. They all sat down
before the cheerful fire Miller showed
certain signs Of embarrassment at first,
but gradually threw them OFF and got
down TO the matter in hand quite with
his office manner.
I've got a proposition to make TO
you. Mr.. Bishop" he opened up, with
a slight flush on his face. I've been
making some inquiries about Wilson
and | 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 q
much lower figure than you now ask
him for it,"
You think 500" grunted Bishop,
pulling a long face.
Yes. But what now want to do IS
10 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. Il must confess" he
smiled, that ! cant we'll see how We
can show independence right now"
We'll. think / see a way" said
Miller, the flush stealing over his face
again. You see, there Is no doubt
that Wilson Is on his high horse simply
for that $4,000 and put you to some
trouble raising It without-wi;hout, |
say, throwing your land on the market.
! cant blame him." Miller went on,
smiling, Tor 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 infiu-
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. II would simply
paralyZe him. He's 50 confident that
you can't take IL up that he has not
even written TO ask If you want to re-
new 1t or not Yes, he's confident that
he'll rake in that security-so confident
that he has Ecen, 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-
ny over the business that they would
rather let the land go at what was
raised on II than Toto run any more
risks"
Bishop groaned out his approval u
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.
Il was not thinking OF having YOU
} father disturb his Investments" he
, said. The truth is, | have met with q
little financial disappointment in a Ger,
! tain 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 So
} cure leading interest in a cotton mill
! at barley OF which was TO be presi'
dent. ] managed to get the money to-
! Gether, and only yesterday ! learned
that the northern capital that was &c
guarantee the thing was only in the
, corner of a fellows eye up in Boston
a man that had not a dollar on earth
, Well, there you are! I've $4,000 anr
, no place TO put It, thought II you had
just as soon owe me the money as Will
! son that you'd really be doing me d
! favor to let me take up the note, You
? see, it would actually floor him. H'
: means business, and this would SHOW