Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-22

Samond, elderly from the body of the
audience.
With the chairman's permission" he said, Il
should like to ask him question.
Lord Wendover bent forward in listening atti
tude
The question, sir, is simply this" the
tinued You have contented yourself with merely
placing before us proposition which on the face
of it seems to be most favorable one. Another of
directors from the platform has warmly urged
its acceptance. You, sir, have apparently adopted
a neutral attitude. Now, wish to ask you, sir, if
you in possession of any facts connected with
the mine unknown to u.s. and if not, why you do not
advocate the acceptance of this offer warmly
Mr.. Salmond has done?"
The man sat down. Lord Wendover rose slowly
Il must admit he said, that the question
seems reasonable one. | have absolutely no in
formation connected with the mine which you do
also possess The sole for my hesitation
that do not understand this offer, coming it
does from body of shrewd men. If the mine is
worth fifteen shillings to them why not to usf"
The again promptly Il maintain.
he said, that must deal with this matter
the proved facts. The syndicate that made the
offer owns the adjoining mine, and it may be that
its principals have some scheme in their minds con-
nected with the amalgamatlon which they believe
will prove remunerative | only hope for their
sakes that it may prove so. l move that this meet
ing accept the offer in question: and that our drec
tors be at empowered to take the legal steps
necessary to dispose OF our property.
The speaker had scarcely resumed his seat when
from remote corner of the room young man,
with his left arm in sling, and limping along with
the aid of stick, made his way deliberately toward
Salnond half rose in his seat, and an astonishing
change took place in his expression He waved
his hand toward the back of the hall An uproar at
arose.
Turn him out!
Order, order!"
Sit down."
Half dozen men, who looked more like prize
fighters than anything else came rapidly the
room. But the young man had already engaged
Lord Wendovers attention, and whispering
earnestly to him. Samond sprang to his feet and
waved on the advancing The room resounded
with whistles and catcalls. No one seemed to know
exactly what happening; but a subtle air of
excitement throbbing in the little space directly
round the PLATFORM and Samond himself the
center of little group of whispering, pale faced
men, who had sprung up from their chairs. One of
them had reached out to seize the interrupter when
Lord Wendover suddenly realized what hap
penng. He held out both hands and dragged the
young upon the platform. Then covering him
with his body he to his feet and faced the
meeting.
Roars of applause mingled with all kinds of
disturbing noises. The who had made for the
interrupter, now safely upon the platform, halted
and looked nquirngly at Salmond He seemed to
be consulting in agitated whispers with one two
of the other directors Facing the meeting Lord
Wendover, with slight flush on his cheeks and
curious CLEAN in his eyes. He was evidently moved
by some strong excitement.
Il must have order!' he shouted, and his voice
rose above the din. 90 have an important COM
munication to make. l ask those of you who are
genuine shareholders in this company to that
order is restored
After that the nterrupters surrounded by
angry mob and hustled back to their places.
Very breathless silence reigned. The young
man turned to face them, leaning his stick He
had a healthy, sunburnt face, excellent features and
pleasant smile. But across his cheek a recent
scar and the in the sling seemed to be giving
him pain.
Ladies and gentlemen, he said, Lord Wen
dover has asked me to say a few words to you, and
I'm going to say them quickly, because many