Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-09-26
CHAPTER XIV
A u s t y n

into feelings OF security. 1t was about
ten o'clock in the morning. The vicomte's
private secretary had just retired loaded
down with papers and instructions. His
employer sat at the table, a pile Of docu-
ments on either side, and before him a
single sheet, upon which an astonishing
array of figures appeared.
Minute after minute passed, and still
the calculations went on. At last he threw
down his pencil, and walked over to the
window. Partly concealed by the cur
tains, he looked out on the throng of peo-
pie which passed up and down the street.
But he hardly noticed anybody. He was
really lost in his reflections.
He had, indeed, good reason to be
thoughtful. A gigantic scheme, the float
ing of which would insure him very large
returns, had that very morning been put
by him before syndicate of capitalists.
1t was no less one than the consolida-
ton of the docking interests of great
French seaport. The plan was to bring
all the owners together and form trust
on what is known as the American plan,
and then raise the dock tolls. With the
existing keen competition and the low
charges resulting therefrom, that property
at present yielded but small return for
the capital invested.
The idea was brilliant one. 1t would
net the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany, if successful, three million francs,
and the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany virtually meant the Vicomte de Va
liar. He had already enlisted considera-
BILE financial aid in support of the scheme
He was that morning expecting an add
ton to his forces in the person of M.
D'Auburon, the friend of that very useful
M. Chabot, who had introduced him to
the vicomte but few days previously.
To sell this young man big block OF
shares in the new enterprise, would, the
vicomte thought, not be a very difficult
task. He had entertained him at his
house only an evening or two ago. The
splendor of that occasion could not have
failed to properly impress him.
Then his wife, the vicomtesse, had Sc
ably seconded his efforts to make D'Au-
huron feel that he was in good hands. She
had talked glibly of their country place,
magnificent establishment on the outskirts
of the famous forest of Fontainbleau, OF
woodland rides, of moonlit waters, and
the felicities of rural life far away from
the roar and din of Paris. Those marvel
Gus eyes of hers had looked into his very
soul and enthralled his senses.
De Valiar smiled as he thought how
few who had come within their influence
had gotten away unscathed. A knock at
the door aroused him.
GsCa,,,a in, ~ ba oviad ont aD6 IuIpS Cha
bot entered the room.
Where is your friend D'Auburon?'
was de Valiar's first question.
NJ. Chabot did not Immediately reply
He sank into a chair. He seemed anx-
ious and worried, and out of sorts.
What on earth's the matter with you!
You're not i'll, are your CALCULATED the
banker.
Its my nerves, 1 think. They're not
30 strong as they used to be-"
You haven't been yourself for some
time, ever since that ugly affair at Vile
neuve," remarked de Valiar, sympathet-
ically.
Chabot shuddered, and hid his face in
his hands as if to shut out some horrible
sight.
Don't speak of it," he almost whis-
pered, so faint was his voice. Yes, it
was enough to upset anybody"
1T was a peculiar hardship on you
Jules, just as you were on the point OF
succeeding as you say with-let me see
what's her name-Mademoise Emily
wasn't it,"
Lets change the subject. l came to
tell you something about D'Auburon.
have discovered, on inquiry, that he is
even better fixed than | expected. How
big a block of stock had you put apart
for him in the U2ited Dock Company"
"a thousand shares thought would be
ample. You know Colbert Remplin brings
us a large following, and there are Bonn
pard and the rest. Still, some subscrib-
ers will doubtless fail US at the last mo-
ment. Why do you ask?"
1T is not enough. He has some very
wealthy friends. Only last night he was
speaking of one, who, he says, follows his
lead implicitly. He lie a Swiss. He pays
periodical visits to Paris, and it is said
invests very largely in anything that
strikes his fancy"
That's not bad news. What is this
Crnsus' name?'
He did not tell me-" replied Chabot
HE simply said if he thought well enough
OF the venture to put his own money in
that he would advise his friend to do like
wise. if we needed additional capital
What are shares to him?'
"Par-of course. 1t is easier to sell al
par than at fifteen francs on the one hun.
dred. The one inspires confidence in a
scheme, the other simply excites suspi-
cion. In fact, I'm not sure but we will
put some premium on these Dock Com,
pany shares. A little premium always
makes them more attractive"
But there are sever millions of water
in it.
"A proof concern like this dock trust
will stand a good deal of water" replied
the fnancier. After all, what does if
matter? All these people will have a
chance to sell out at a profit when we de
clare our first quarterly dividend Those
whom we want TO make use of in the flu
ture can be given a hint when to unload
their holdings"
But ultimately the loss falls on some
body"
And that somebody is the public who
cares for us-well-about as much as we
care for them"
NJ. Chabot remained closeted with the
banker for nearly an hour. settling the re-
naming details OF the dock scheme. A
printed draft of the prospectus had to
be gone over; the first directors of the
company had to be chosen, care being tax
en- to place upon the board the names OF
such capitalists as would inspire the pub
lie with confidence.
Let me see said the banker, running
his eyes rapidly over a list which he
held in his hand. I'VE have Liuuelet,
Bousent, of Bousent the elder Paltois-
he is good and Max Raumont says he is
with US in case we get to an issue. The
remainder of the board must be given to
the dock people. They will, of course,
expect some representation
ITO be sure" acquiesced Chabot, but
we must contrive to have with Us only
those who are open to arguments
Yes, that is it, my friend; open to