The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-04-06
CHAPTER Xxx.

Mr.. Harlan was not unmindful OF
the value of the home grounds In the
game Of negotiation, when he suggest
ed the Unity club for the preliminary
meeting Of the Harkness syndicate. It
was neutral territory on which he felt
entirely at home. It possessed an
other advantage, which. while not con-
trolling his choice, still entered into
his calculations. Mr.. Trundell usually
dined there. Mr.. Harlan was not par
ticularly anxious to cater to Mr.. Trun-
dell's convenience, but their last COM
munication touching syndicate mat
ters left something to be desired, and
talk across the covers just before
the meeting might not be altogether
proftless. The result justified all
these expectations. Mr.. Trundell was
at the clubhouse. had no dinner en-
gagement, was glad to dine with Mr..
Harlan, did dine with him and the
conversation which ensued was suffi-
GENTLY interesting to keep them at
the table long after most of those in
cluded in the syndicate plans had as
sembled in the council room set apart
fer their reception.
Kennard and Maddox arrived late,
but neither Mr.. Harlan nor Mr.. Trun-
dell had yet appeared. and the COM
.pany presented an amusing picture of
conscious embarrassment. Here and
there small groups were conversing In
low tones as though at a funeral, but
for the most part the new associates
wandered about the room, examining
pictures and bric-a-brac with exag-
gerated interest, in their efforts to ap-
pear at ease. Very few Of them seemed
to know each other by sight, and those
who did so, found It difficult to be
cordial with recognized competitors.
There was an unmistakable look of
distrust on many of the faces, dis
trust not lessened by the whispering
groups whose low tones struck the iso-
lated individuals as suspicious.
Kennard was better known than any
other person in the ROOM and a group
Immediately gathered about him. The
position of John Kennard's Sons in
the trade was established beyond all
question, and every one Immediately
recognized that the interest of that
house must be an important, and per-
haps controlling factor in the new
plans. Before he had been ten min
utes in the room, Kennard found him
self appealed to, questioned, and con-
suited on all sides. BY force of cir
cumstances he had suddenly become
| In ~ ha
situation, II was useless for him to
disclaim authority, or to insist that he
knew little or nothing of the pro-
posed movement. The men about him
conferred the authority and supplied
the necessary details of information.
Dave Maddox took in the situation
at a glance, and instantly set about
turning 1t to practical account. Note
book in hand. he moved about the
room, introducing himself to every
one, questioning and answering ques-
tions, stopping to tell funny story
or speak an earnest word as occasion
suggested. but always forwarding his
purpose.
by Jove. haven't done anything
like this since Nervey Baldwin ran for
congress-" he observed to Latham and
Spaulding. i've had a good time,
but"-he paused and consulted the
note-book-"we're still 1900 votes
short. Where can we get themr
Kennard' nodded at group over
which little Harkness presided In the
| proud consciousness that his was the
only name by which the syndicate was
as yet known.
Latham shook his head at Kennsrd's
suggestion.
you'll never get 'em there" he In
terposed; Hardness has an idea he's
front and both sides Of this c0mbiua-
tiop. He refers to the Harkness Syn
dicate about once Q minute. and hs'a
got . directors Il not the presidential
bee In bis FOOLS cap."