The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1905-04-21

"a Is Henry, Aunt Maria's hus-
HA band, who was the chief
sTSl farmland. was busy patching
lSsSS2J fences the next morning,
Bishop sent over for Pole Baker to
drive the spring wagon. Alan sat be
side Pole. and Abner and Bishop and
Mrs. Bishop occupied the rear seats.
Alan knew he could trust Pole, drunk
or sober. and he confided his plans to
the fiattered fellows ears. Pole SEEM
ed to weigh all the chances for and
against success in his mind as he sat
| listening, a most grave and portentous
expression on his massive face.
my opinion is the Teller III be thar as
shore as preachin'," he said. "But
whether You git his wad or not--that's
another question. Miller's as sharp as
a brier, an as he says, if Wilson gifts
/ to talkin' about that land to any o.
these hill Billies they'll bust the trade
or die tryin'. lest let 'em heer moneys
! about to change hands. an it II make
'em so durn jealous they'll swear lie
! to keep it away from anybody they
know. That's human natur'."
II believe you are right" said Alan,
| pulling a long face, land I'm afraid
Wilson will want to make some in
quir'ies before he Closes"
! Like as not" opined the driver.
"But what I'd do eff | was a-runnin'
1t would be to git some Teller to strike
up with i'm accidental-like an Utterly
fill i'm to the neck with good things
about the property without him ever
dreamin' he was bein' worked"
The two exchanged glances. Alan
had never looked at a man so admir-
ingly. At that moment he seemed a
giant of shrewdness as well as that of
physical strength.
Il believe you are right, Pole" he
said thoughtfully
That's what | am. an. what's more.
Pm the one that could do the film
without him ever KNOWN | had a fun
mel in his mouth. If | can't do it, I'll
fill my hat with saft mud an put it
on"
Alan smiled warmly. I'll mention
it to Miller" he said Eyes. you could
do it, Pole, If any man on earth could"
Driving up to Miller's office, they
found the door open, and the owner
came out with warm smile of greet
ing and aided Mrs. Bishop to alight.
We'll" he smiled when they had
taken seats in the office. 1--WE have
gained the first step toward victory.
Wilson is at the hotel. saw his name
on the register this morning."
The elder Bishops drew a breath of
relief The old man grounded his
heavy walking stick suddenly. as if it
had slipped through his inert fingers.
I'm trustin' you boys to pull me
through" be said. with a shaky laugh
Il hain't never treated Alan right, an
I'm heer to confess it. | lowed | was
the only one in our layout with any
business sense"
$50 you are willing to accept the !
loan?' said Miller
"Willin'? | reckon | am. never |
slept one wink last night fer feer
somen' II interfere with it,.
Miller reflected moment and then |
said: II am afraid of only one thing and |
will make trade of this size without
corroborating the statements made by |
the people he is dealing with. Wilson |
is at breakfast by this time, and after |
he is through he may decide to nose |
around little before coming to lie.
I'm afraid to go after him; he would !.
think | was overanxious. The trouble |
a., oh "
from OUT in the mountains-there are |
lot in town already-and get to talk
ing. Just one word about your biting |
off more than you can chaw, Mr.. !
Bishop. would make him balk like q |
mean mule He thinks I'm favorins |
him now. but let him get the. notion
that you haven't been holding that
lard for at least hundred thousand
and the thing would bust like bub
BILE"
Alan mentioned Pole Bakers propo |
Rtion. Miller thought it over for a
u!oment, his brow wrinkled and then
lac ssid: "Good-a good idea. Gut you
must call Pole in and let me give him
few pointers. BY George. he could
keep HSOu away run uduSeIOuS
people anyway"
Alan went after Pole. and Miller
took him into his consultation room in
the rear. where they remained for
about fifteen minutes. When they came
out. Poles face was very grave. Il
won't forget thing" he said to Miller.
4 understand exactly what you want.
When git through with i'm. he'll
want that land bad enough to pay any
thing fer it, an he won't dream I'm in
cahoot with you nuther. can man.
age that. amt no fool eff do have
fits"
do you remember my description of
himy' asked Miller. -