Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-10-01

Did you say you lived near old Mr..
Bishops placer" asked Wilson. moving
toward the open door which led to the
veranda.
81 don't know which place O his'n
you mean" said Pole when they were
alone outside and Wilson had lighted
his cigar. That old scamp owns the
whole o creation out our way. Well,
III take that back, fer he don't own
any land that hain't loaded down with
trees, but he's got territory enough.
Some thinks he's goin' to seceed from
the United States an elect himself
president Of his own country"
Wilson laughed. and then he said.
"Have you got a few minutes to
spare2'
Il reckon have" said Pole, "ef
you've got the mate to that cigar"
Wilson laughed again as he fished
the desired article from his pocket and
gave it and match TO Pole. Then he
leaned against the heavy railing OF the
banisters. II may as well tell you"
he said. I'm a dealer In lumber my
self, and I'd like to know what kind of
timber you have out there"
Pole puld Mt the cigar thrust it
we'll into the corner of his mouth. with
the fire end smoking very near his left
eye, and looked thoughtful. "To tell
you the truth. my friend" he said. II
rally believe you'd be wastin' time to
go over thar"
"Oh. you think sou It was q vocal
start on the part Of Wilson.
Yes. sir; the truth is old man Bishop
has simply raked into his dern clutch
ever acre O. fine timber out that away.
Now. Of you went east. over t'othcr
side O the mountains, you mought pick
out some good timber: but as | said.
old man Bishops got it all in a bag
out our way. Sawmill"
'No | don't run a sawmill," said
Wilson, with an avaricious sparkle in
his eve. II sometimes buy timbered
lands for spcculation; that's ALL"
Pole laughed. Il didn't see how you
could he a sawmill man an smoke CT
CARS like this an wear them clothes.
! never knowcd "A sawmill man to make
any money"
II suppose this Mr.. Bishop is buying
to sell again" said Wilson tentatively.
People generally have some such idea
when they put money into such prop
erty."
Pole looked wise and thoughtful. az
don't know whether he Is or not" he
said. "but my opinion Is that he'll hold
on to it till he's in the ground. He evil
IDENTIFY thinks a good times a-comin'!
Thar was Teller out thar t'other day
with money to throw at cats. He's
been tryin' to honeyfuggle the old man
into trade. but don't think he made
a deal with i'm"
"Wherc was the man from? Wilson
spoke uneasily.
Il don't rally know. but he amt
a-goin' to give up He told Neil Fill.
more Mt his store that he was gon'
home to see his company an write the
old man proposition that nd fetch i'm
ef thar was any trade in i'm"
Wilson pulled out his watch.
'Do you happen to know where Mr.
Rayburn NIillers law Office isl" he
asked.
Eyes; it's right round the corner. I
know whar all the white men in this
town do business. an he's as white as
they make 'em an as straight as a
shngle."
Hes an acquaintance Of mine" said
Wilson. Il thought Id run in and sec
him before I leave"
ITS right round the corner an dowr
the fust side street toward the court
house. 'aint got nothin to do; II
pint it out"
THANK you" said Wilson. and they
went out of the house and down the
street together, Pole putting vigorously
al his cigar in the brisk breeze.
"Thar YOU are" said Pole, pointing
to Millers sign. Good day. sir: much
obleegcd fer this smoke" and with his
head in the air Pole walked past the
office without looking in
Good morning" exclaimed Miller n:
Wilson entered. You are not an early
riser like we are here in the country.
He introduced Wilson all round anC
then gave him chair near his desl
and facing him rather than the others
This is the gentleman who owns thu
property, I believe" said Wilson suave
ly as he indicated Bishop.
Miller nodded. and look of cunnin;
dawned In his clear eye.
"Yes. I have Just been explainin.
TO Mr.. and Mrs. Bishop that the mer'
signing of a paper such as will he nee
essary to secure the loan will not bin,
them at all In the handling of the
property. You know how cautions old
or people are nowadays in regard 4
legal matters. Now. Alan here, thei
son. understands the matter thorough
ly, and his mind is not at all disturbed.
Wilson fell into the preliminary trap
"Oh, no; it's not a binding thing al
ALL" he said. THE payment of the
money back to us releases you-that is
"if we make the loan"
Several hearts in the room sank. but
AIiller's face did not alter in the slight
est. "Oh. of course, II the loan Is
made" he said.
u Wilson put his silk hat on the top OF
Miller's desk and flickcd the ashes
from his cigar into cuspidor. Their
he looked at Mrs. Bishop suddenly
docs the lady object to smoking?"
Not at ALL" said the old lady; mo
at ALL"
There was pause as Wilson re
lighted his cigar md DIlllpd Mt II in 81