The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-10-25
CHAPTER XI
(COntinueQ)

| WON nina ii l say CdUululy tHdl
think you're bluffing. Something is
preventing you from sailing back to
Africa and fishing up that million
| thing we can supply what is lack
ing to you. We need you; you need
us. Then join us, and We'll work
together"
You are right Elliott agreed.
There is something that prevents
me from going there and that is
the fact that | don't know where
to go. But | don't mind admitting
that I'm going to try to find out. |
have partners with me, and we
have little money to throw away
How many partners have you?'
Sewer inquired.
Three"
"Well, bring them all in. Well
share and share alike"
Elliott seriously considered this
proposition for a couple of minutes.
Il couldn't make such deal
without consulting the other men, -
he said. And | know that the
chief of our gang would never
|
hog or nothing man, and I'm lit
tie that way myself. No, Pm
afraid We'll have to work sepa-
rately."
is that your final word?'
absolutely"
| We'll. I'm sorry. Excuse me a
moment" said Sewer, getting up
| n OF Of q nj n o.
room. but returned almost immedi-
ately Il just then caught sight of
a man | wanted to speak to" he ex-
planned. Then | can't induce you
to go shares with us?"
I'm afraid not, thank you," re-
piled Elliott.
Its a fair race for a million,
then, and let the best man win. But
it seems a fool business for us to
cut one anothers throats. We've
made you the best proposals we
can, but we feel that we have prior
rights on that cargo, and We'll fight
for it if necessary"
| well try to meet you halfway"
said Elliott, carelessly.
We'll, let's have peace while we
can" Sewer responded poking at
the roast beef, which lay tepid
and soggy mass on his plate. Il
must apologize to my guest. I've
spoiled your dinner for you. It's
stone COLOR as near it as any
thing ever gets in this country. Let
ME order some more"
"No-don't!" said Elliott, sicken-
ing at the thought of food in that
reeking atmosphere. Its too hot
and wet to eat This climate is
getting too much for me-
thinking of trying Africa? Look
here, you come around to my place
and III mix you a cold drink, any
way. | found a plant the other day
that tastes like mint, and I'll give
you as close an imitation of Bal
timore julep as can be had in
China"
Their bearers turned into a
street half way up the slope, oppo-
site small bungalow that show
ed a slimmer of light through
drawn rattan shutters.
This is where Carlton and
have lived for the last fortnight,
said Sewer, getting out. eve can't
afford residences on the Peak, like
you--and, Lord! how we have siz-
zled here"
He led the way into large sit
ting room, lighted with an oil
lamp. The floor was bare and the
room was almost devoid of furni
ture. On a table was the remnants
of a meal. with couple of empty
ale bottles. The windows were
shut and closely covered with the
blinds. and the air of the room was
intolerably hot and close.
Cartons been dining by him
self tonight" said Sewer, without
appearing to observe the heat
He'll be back in a few minutes
and meanwhile We'll have oul
drink"
He produced bottle from an ice
box and was crushing some ice
when the door clicked open ant
shut again. A heavily built mar
appeared, his white duck clothing
hanging Imply upon him.
How are you, old mani" sale
Sewer, glancing up. elliott, this
is my friend, Mr.. Carlton. HI
knows all about you"
Carlton acknowledged the intro
l.. duction by nod and searching
glance. He was a dark and heavy
faced man of perhaps 40, with ;
thick brown mustache over lip!
that were small and close.
Glad to meet you, Mr.. Elliott
Yes, I've heard of you, he remark
ed briefly. He sat down and be
gan to fill a curved briar pipe
which he smoked with much appar
ent satisfaction.
1 Sewer presently handed arount
three glasses crowned with the Chi
nese herb that tasted like mint Tit
\ whole concoction did not tast'
much like a southern julep, but i
was cooling Here's luck for al
of u.s." said Sewer, and they drank
There was a silence for a time
while the heat grew more ant
more unbearable.
"Why not have window open ?
Elliott inquired at last. Don't yol
find it hot here?"
mo. Leave them closed" SAT-