The Holly chieftain., 1904-08-05

nue. Clnb-the guest OF young bank
er and broker who had profited from
the coup. Blake was faultlessly
dressed, ard his fine face was more
handsome than ever. He goodnatur-
edly declired to discuss his triumphs
in California. but told with spirit,
frankness and humor the tales of sue
cessive reverses and modestly at
tributed his recent run of success to
luck.
You must transfer your activities
to New York" advised young Kings
ley. who had been willed several mil
lions and banking business. "San
Francisco is too small and provincial
for you. All, here comes a fellow
you must meet"
A thick-set young man had entered
the room. He stood and listened with
a bored expression to friend who
was enthusiastic over some matter,
and persisted in repeatedly shaking
hands.
That's Morris-Arthur Norris" ex-
planned Kingsley. Son of old Ran
dolph Morris-don't you know. Pere
Morris retired from business two
weeks ago and turned everything over
to Arthur. He was a wild one, but
he's settled down The Morris mil
lions won't shrink in his hands. I
want you to know him, Blake"
When Morris name was mentioned
Blake started and gaZed intently at
the stolid face and heavy figure in the
far corner of the smoking room. With
shame he recalled that he had made
no inquiry concerning this man, whose
death or existence meant SO much to
John Burt.
For a moment his nerves tinsled.
and he longed to walk across the room
and choke Morris for Johns sake, but
he reflected that this was folly. 1t
was enough to know that Morris lived.
John Burt was dead--so far as Arthur
Morris was concerned-and Blake, as
Johns reincarnation. threw himself
on guard, determined to profit to the
utmost by the incident.
Glad to see you, old mani" eX-
claimed Kingsley. rising to greet Nor
ris. Il want you to know my friend.
Mr.. Blake-Mr. James Blake, of San
Francisco-Mr Arthur Morris. You
certainly have heard"
"'Pon my word this is unexpected
luck" Arthur Morris thrust forward
a soft hand and WINGED as Blake clasp.
ed it with simulated heartiness.
Delighted to meet you, Mr. Blake!"
Morris exclaimed. Been looking for
you everywhere, Sent my card to
your apartments this evening. BY
love, you're corker. don't you know,
Mr.. Blake! Waiter. bottle of Perier
Gouet, '54. want to drink your
health. Mr. Blake
Glad to meet you. Mr.. Morris."
| said James Blake, looking him full In
the eyes. I've heard of your father,
and the famous old firm. and learned
only to-day that you've succeeded him
in business"
Two years spent by Arthur Morris
in an apprenticeship to the trade of
money srasping and holding had
scanned the puffed round face with
hard lines. The once dull eyes glow
ed with the newly-lighted fires OF
avarce The sensuous lips dropped
at the corners with cruel curve. The
former air of Indifference was re-
placed by the alertness of defense and
| aggressiveness.
Close observers predicted great ca.
reer for Arthur Morris. His father
was delighted with the transformation
and did not hesitate to give to his
heir the keys which unlocked the Nor.
ris treasurer vaults.
The hours glided by to the music of
clinking glasses and the rising clatter
of conversation. And as James Blake
talked and listened and drank his
aversion to Arthur Morris relaxed.
He loved John Burt and was eager to
espouse his cause. but John had not
commissioned him to quarrel with
Arthur Morris. Perhaps the affair OF
the years before was only boyhood
dispute?
He glanced at the white eXpanse OF
Morris shirt front and wondered ii the
scar of Johns bullet showed over his
heart. Morris lived. and the thought
came TO Blake that the score was even
| between John and the young million
aire. The feud had made John rich
| why should John complain? And
Arthur Morris did not seem to be such
a bad sort of fellow after all.
Thus reasoned Blake as Morris
took his arm and led him away from
+, the noisy club men.
Say we get out of this?" said Nor
ris. proffering cigarette case.
You'll be my guest tonight, Blake,
Won't listen to a refusal, my dear
fellow! I've bachelor apartments.