Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-04-09
CHAPTER NJ.
SPRINCilNG THE TRAP.

Walter Il. llcstor explained the de-
tails of the proposed newspaper
trust to Mr.. Palmer j. Morton on
Monday, April "a. as has been mar
rated. He awaited word from the
great financicr with some Impotence,
and was delighted, the following Fri
day, TO receive II note from Mr.. Nor
ton. stating that he would be glad
to see him at four o'clock that after
noon. flcstor WAS there punctually.
II have briefly explained your
project TO Andrns Carmody, John NJ
Rockwell, Simon Pence and Il. j.
Kent" said Mr.. Morton. without
any preliminary conversation. Mr..
Kent has agreed to breach the sub
get to Mr.. Haven. | find that none
Of us have pressing engagements for
next Monday afternoon after bank
ing hours. They expressed willing
ness to listen to your plans at that
time. if such will suit your convcn-
fence"
Hcstor was cool as ice. He thought
moment, calmly consulted memo
randum book, and stated that he had
only an unimportant engagement
which readily could be postponed.
I'VE will meet at this office. then"
said Mr. Morton as he rose to signify
that the interview was at an end.
81 have a suggestion to make"
said Hestor. "Iou never have been
on board my new yacht. All last
=, n
dian and Asiatic waters. The
shark returned to the United States
about month ago and has been
thoroughly ovcrhaulcd and is in fine
condition. You and the gentlemen
you have named--with the possible
Exception of Mr.. Pencc-are famous
water dogs. | should be glad to
welcome You on the Shark and
promise You good dinner, after
which We can discuss matters at
leisure. ! will dock her at the Bat
terry, and it is but Il few steps from
here to the pier
Rather too early in the season
for yachting, is il mote" said Mr.
Morton. but his face lit up at the
thought, lie was famous yachts
man. at is fine and warm to-day,
put IT may be disagreeablc Monday"
IF it is bad weather we can meet
at your Office. If il is fine we will
go on the yacht" suggested Hestor
IF the weather is favorable ! see
no reason why we should not accept
your imitation" said Mr.. Morton.
1--WE will wait and see. | will let
YOU know by .wo O'Clock Monday
afternoon If we decide to go on your
yacht. Good day"
On Friday llcstor received tclc-
phone message from Sidney Ham
mond announcing his return from
Chicago. Hcstor at once addressed
him the following letter:
My Dear Sidney;
have accomplished great things since
you have been away. I should like to see
you and talk them over with you at once
but have matters Of much importance on
hand which will take UP every minute
Of my time until Monday evening. |
presume that you will find plenty of work
awaiting your return. | have arranged
to give dinner to several gentlemen on
board the shark" on Monday evening
Among them will be Mr.. Palmer j. Nor
ton, Mr.. carmody, Mr.. Rockwell and
others You must be one of the party
! am going to surprise you.
The "Shark' will be locked near the
Battery at four O'Clock. Join the party
at the boat. DO not fail to accept this
invitation, as we shall discuss matters
which VIII require your advice Notify
me by message at once of your accept
ance of this invitation. WIN see you
I'm the meanwhile il can spare tho time
For reasons sufficiently obvious you will
kindly light a cigar with this note and
maintain your habitual secrecy as