Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-15
CHAPTER III.
Richard Strong is Startled.

organization of business men; the old AS
tor House for meals-these were the places
where his. days and evenings were princi-
pally passed. His fondness for horses re-
asserted itself and his handsome roadsters
were the envy of the professional follow
ers of the track. In his light wagon he
was often seen at twilight time, speeding
his brown geldings on the almost deserted
road far beyond the noisy precincts of the
city.
Absorbed in business responsibilities. he
had little time for the consideration of per-
sonal matters. He was part and parcel
of the system that he had built: his energy
was not his own; the exigencies of the hour
claimed him, and in taking precautions
against the future, he toiled now harder
than ever
But while he thus brought the force OF
his will and understanding to the task OF
terrifying himself against certain conceiv-
able dangers, another storm-not fnan-
cial one-was gathering, of which he had
no warning. 1t broke on a certain day,
shortly after Charles interview with Mr..
Fisk. On the afternoon Of that day Mr.
Strong felt preoccupied. dull. as a man
overworked, yet relentlessly driving him
self to his various tasks.
Critically he scanned a number Of docu-
ments. his thoughts often revertlng the
while to an article in Mr.. Greeley's paper
which he had read that morning.
In vigorous, terse language the three
great financial storms that had swept over
Wall street within the last twelve years
81, 1.-The fruit of overtrading a credit
basis" the crash of 81 and the bursting
of the bubble in ga, when gold fell 40 per
cent, and many responsible houses went
D;,n, ill how
the last-named occasion and the wreck and
ruin it left behind
why did Mr.. Greeley publish that arti-
cle?' he thought.
Then with sudden energetic move
ment he turned once more to the papers
Having finished the last page. he folded
the documents, tied them with the tape
and deposited them in the buff-colored en-
velope, when Tim, after a discreet knock,
entered the room with another consign-
ment of the days mail. His employer took
the letters and handed the clerk the buff
coIored envelope
firm Of prominent corporation lawyers.
"One moment! Has Mr.. Dalton come in?"
Yes sir. Just come in. He's in his
room now. sir
Il should like to speak with him.
Very well. sir. I'll tell him. And Mr..
Taplin vanished.
Richard Strong glanced at his mail. The
top letter caught his eye. The envelope
was small, square and blue in color, d.
rected in feminine hand. A vague. name
less depression, which had seized him
earlier in the day, returned. He forgot
about the envelope, his properties. the gold
crowd. Dalton's footsteps recalled him to
himself.
Good afternoon, Mr.. Strong"
Good afternoon" What had he called
Charlie in for? The young stood ex-
pectant; in one hand his hat in the other
an unlighted cigar.
You wished see me. sir ?"
Yes" replied Mr.. Strong, absently.
How is the market?'
"Feversh,' returned Dalton, quickly.
1.-The clique has bought nine ilillions of
gold at 134 or thereabouts. The price has
been raised to 1884,
One thirty-four-one thirty-eight-the fig
ures failed to awaken Mr.. Strong's interest.
You see, the report has got out that
Fisk has fixed the government went on
Charlie, tentatively.
Mr.. Strong glanced mechanically at the
letter in his hand and then bent his gray
eyes on the speaker.
Whom have they-'fixed as you call it?"
IAN the subtreasury crowd-Cerbin-the
President"
The elder man started.
1.-THE president, What PRESIDENT
THE President of the United States
Richard Strong Strengthened suddenly in
his chair; his hand crumpled the envelope.
For the moment there was silence; strain
ed, deep.
you believe that?"
you don't, sir?'
The other arose from his place and step
ped toward Dalton.
Ulysses s. Grant is an honest man. he
Numbered.
moment he stood, powerful, aggressive,
a champion not to be answered; then quiet
ly returned to his desk. The light went
out of his eyes; almost sad expression
replaced the masterful look.
Dalton" he said, not unkindly you are
a young man; an intelligent young man, if
you will! You have studied human nature;
you know, perhaps, one side of it. But there
Is another side you underestimate e-the
incorruptible! There are men nothing can
change; nothing can affect. Some of them
are fools; some of them are only the truly
great. l have known such men. In my
own humble way l have endeavored to try
to be like Them
Charlie did not answer at once. Ills
glance was turned from the speaker. The
stiffness between them emphasized the
sound of shuffiing footsteps on the pave
ment without. When Dalton again spoke
his voice was low, constrained
THE President was the guest of some
members of the highgoid party on the boat
for the peace jubilee at Boston. Mr.. Fisk
was master of ceremony and--and I pre-
sumo that is what has made the talk"
at may be-" said Mr.. Strong. these gen.
tiemen would like to accomplish a certain
thing. 1t is equally true. If there be a con-
spiracy. 1T will react upon the conspirators.
The government and Mr. Grant will do
their duty. The government will not stop
selling gold for the ostensible purpose of
stimulating trade and with the real design
of promoting a corner In the yellow metal"
Dalton's lids narrowed. but he did not seek
further to controvert this emphatic opinion.
and again Richard Strong turned to the
desk and the letter. With mingled feelin gs
Charlie watched him.
"Is there anything more, Sir:
Mr.. Strong swung around II, his chair.
'.No; l don't think of anything, except
his face relaxed-"I have never told you,
but l am well satisfied with you"
The young man flushed. The gray eyes
searched his face with genuine interest
''It Is a great deal" went on Mr.. Strong,
Ito command competent service; 1t is more
to feel confidence in those about you. I
have confidence in you. Dalton; ike you.
and speak frankly"
Charles face grew a little whittier. He
strove to reply In words, but only bowed.
'You want to make money. but-doEt
try to make 1t In GOLD It's dangerous
and an unfair game Leave your future to
me and-I will do all can far YOU"
More than a trace of embarrassment and
some other indefinable emotion crossed the
young mans countenance.
..Thank you," he half stammered.
For the moment the Quixotic idea entered
his mind of stating there and then to MI.
Strong his desire to leave his employ. But
quickly following 1t came the thought
aWhat reasons could be give? He could