Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-07-18
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. 1t 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-
dells convenience, but their last COM
munication touching syndicate mat
ters left something to be desired, and
a talk across the covers just before
the meeting might not be altogether
profitless. The result justified all
these expectations. Mr.. Trundell was
at the clubhouse, had no dinner en-
gaeement. was glad to dine with Mr..
Harlan. did dine with him and the
conversation which ensued was suffi-
ciently 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 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 1t 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 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-sthst, the interest of that
house must be an important, and per-
haps a controlling factor in the new
plans. BeforeShe 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
the leader, in pratical control of the
situation. 1t 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 it 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. I haven't done anything
like this since Nervey Baldwin ran for
congress-" he observed to Latham and
;paulding I've had good time,
but"-he paused and consulted the
ote-book-"we're still 5000 votes
short. Where can We get them?'
Kennard nodded at group over
which little Hardness presided in the
proud consciousness that his was the
only name by which the syndicate was
as yet known.
Latham shook his head at Kennard's
suggestion.
You'll never get EN- there" he In
terposed; "Harkness has an idea he's
front and both sides of this combina-
ton. He refers to the Harkness Syn
dicate about once a minute. and he's
got a directors If not the presidential
bee in his FOOLS cap"
Wen take him in II it's necessary"
replied Kennard; I'VE want his vote,
and believe he'd be satisfied with less
than the presidency"