The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1905-08-22
CHAPTER XIV.
On Thin Ice.

Blake found a ready excuse to call
on Gen. Garden. The pronounced &C.
tiyity in l.. & O. served as a pretext
for an evening visit to the Bishop resi-
dence. Blake was greeted by the old
banker with dignifed cordially, and
his heart beat high as Jessie frankly
welcomed him.
Under the witchery of her presence.
James Blake wondered that he had
hesitated for moment to risk life
itself to win her. What was friend
ship, loyalty, fame or fortune in the
balance with one smile from the wom-
an he had learned SO suddenly to
love? His whole being thrilled with
Aeenest JOY as he felt the faint clasp
Of her hand, and his ears drank In the
melody of her voice.
Papa was saying at dinner that the
market had taken decided turn, and
that he thought you would call this
evening"" said Jessie. HE felt SO GER
tain of it that we postponed a theater
party. You are to be congratulated.
papa, VA youl lAIulllOu'
II am the one to be congratulated"
said Blake, with smile and a bow.
but | should preface my self-felicita-
lions with an apology for the infor-
mality Of my call. If Gen. Garden
will stand sponsor for my plea that
business exigencies cover a multitude
of social improprieties, may hope
for forgiveness; and, if forgiven, |
warn you that | shall commit the Of
Tense againi"
A delicate flush suffused Jessie's
face and frightened the radiance of
her eyes.
"You will never become an outcast
by such transgressions," she laughed.
Il will leave you and papa to your
business plottings. Edith is here, and
when you have ended your serious af-
fairs perhaps you will join us and we
can have music or cards"
Blake's face glowed with pleasure
no formal words could conceal.
"Our business will be ended in a
minute" he said. Il know the gen.
eral has not forgotten the defeat we
administered to him the other even
ing, and as an old soldier | fancy he
is eager to wipe out his repulse with
a victory"
He certainly is" asserted Gen.
Garden. I'm so sure of winning to-
night that ON behalf of Edith | chal-
lenge you and Jessie to rubber of
whist, with a box tomorrow evening
for Booths production Of "A Fools
Revenge as wager!"
"Done!" exclaimed Blake.
II warn you that papa generally
wins when something is at stake"
said Jessie, "but I'll do the best
can, and hope for good luck to offset
my poor playing"
She excused herself, and Blake and
Gen. Garden plunged into stock tech
nicalities.
Il wished you to know the cause of
to-day's advance in L. & o." ex-
planned Blake. For reasons you sur
hioC, ohA PiShih6 up pioCho vi tulS
stock. 1t will go higher tomorrow,
and then a slump may follow, but you
need not worry whether it advances
or declines. I have the market under
control. From present indications
you will be called on to exercise your
option inside of ten days"
II have confidence in your judg-
ment and you can rely on prompt ex-
ecution of your Instructions" said
Gen. Garden. 'For twenty years I
have been identified with Wall street,
and I understand its ethics In this
you are the general. You
will find me loyal aide"
There was more talk, but since
Blake had nothing of importance to
disclose, the conference soon ended.
Blake was triumphantly satisfied
with his progress. He rightly inter-
Dreted Gen. Gardens suggestion of 4
heater party as tacit permission
o pay his addresses to Jessie Garden.
Later in the evening, through a
chance remark by Miss Hancock, he
earned that they had declined a thea
er invitation from Arthur Morris. He
10 longer had the slightest fear of
Norris. He felt sure of the consent
Ind even the support of Gen. Garden
n his suit for the hand of his daugh.
err
The whist game was closely con.
ested, but as Jessie had predicted
he general and Edith won a hard
ought victory, and Blake agreed to
Jay the wager the evening following.
ITO he continual \