Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-10-03


nose inside the gates for a million OF
money"
Hes doing it for very much less
than that. said John Allen, who was
looking out Of the window.
"Coming?" cried Phyllis.
"Plenty of time, dearest" said Rob-
ert, taking her hand. well perform a
strategic movement and retire in order
through the works. Quick! Kiss me,
dearest; dads not looking"
''But he might glance around. I'll
kiss you outside"
It's too late" he muttered, as John
turned around.
"See Phyllis safely out Of the works,
Bob" said the old man, land come back
within call"
Robert opened door into the roun-
dry and gently urged the girl out of the
room; then looked back and whispered
Significantly: There's a bankruptcy
notice on Raymond's yard gate"
81 know" answered John, quietly, re-
turning to his desk chair. lie sat we'll
back, with his chin on his chest, and
has great legs stretched out under the
desk There was heavy, logged look
In his eyes. This was the moment of
his triumph; he was already rich, and
Raymond was ruined and about to sue
for mercy.
Raymond was so long in making his
appearance that Allen began to think he
lad changed his mind and left the foun-
dry. But presently the door opened and
he came in. He was evidently embar-
raised by finding himself in the Office
of the man who had crushed him, and
his smile was nervous and lifeless.
"Good afternoon, Allen" he said, hes
itatingly, offering his hand.
"Good afternoon, Mr.. Raymond" re-
turned Roberts father, apparently not
seeing the extended hand.
81 have come to say" said Raymond,
pulling off his gloves to ease his sense
of awkwardness, chat have carefully
reconsidered my attitude toward you
and your son, sir, and-er-and l have
come to the conclusion that l am not
justified in continuing my objection to
Phyllis marriage to Robert. If my
change of attitude surprises you, I may
explain that l had no personal animus
towards your son, but-er- considered,
and Justly considered, as 1 think you
must realize, that it was not expedient
not sane-tO allow the marriage while
he lacked the means to make her happy,
especially as l was not, even then, in
a position to give her a dOwry. Now,
however, of course, our relative posi-
tions are completely reversed, and I
have therefore no excuse for maintain
ing my attitude Of objector to the mar
riage. l may, indeed, say that well
come your son as my son. But thought
it best to see you on the matter"
Allen nodded his head silently and
thoughtfully, and folded his arms across
his massive chest, with the air of a man
who had just heard what he expected
to hear.
There was a pause. Raymond licked
his lips and glanced round him nerV-
ously.
Are you open to consider a business
propositions" he said, looking shrewdly
at Allen, who nodded. you probably
know"-there was a ring Of bitterness
in his tone-"that my foundry Is now
in bankruptcy"
81 have the particulars before me-"
said Allen, stretching out a hand and
picking up a slip of paper. 'You were
more involved than thought"
az could have pulled through If
had not missed one or two contracts
at the critical PERIOD" returned Ray
mond, stif1y, "and if could have com
pleted the contracts l had in hand be-
fore this trouble 1 could have held out;
but funds were low and my bankers
would not back me. Now, 1 may yet
weather the storm, Mr.. Allen, Tiff
you will agree to my proposition that
you let me smelt according to your
process, paying you a royalty on every
pig-bed filed"
Allen rose, as Raymond paused anx-
iously and began to pace the Office.
"If I can do that" continued Ray
mond, In a voice that seemed to issue
from a parched throat. 81 can pull
through, for 1 can execute the contract
within Inc stipulated time, and my cred
itors, realizing that, since I have your
process, l caL enter the market with
you up to a certain output, will not
break me up"
"In word" said John, gravely, "you
want me to save your
"You will profit by the royalties. 1
think it is a fair business proposition,
sir"
81 think you might give me credit
for having more fixed IDEAS" Allen
muttered, refectively, combing his beard
with his fingers. "I'm a man of my
word, Mr.. Raymond, and 1 said would
ruin you, and have ruined you by
foir business methods But, mon. mon.'