Troy weekly news. (Troy, Idaho) 1897-1933, 1907-05-10


Exactly" he replied, I make the most
of my opportunities"
1 knew he regarded me as one of his
opportunities, and was making the most
of me. This is not a pleasant point Of
view to regard ones self from, 30
changed the subject, and said:
Shall we call for Don Antonio?"
"Why?"
well, as he's minister of finance,
thought perhaps his presence would make
the matter more regular"
IF the presence of the President" said
that official, cant make a matter regular,
l don't know what can. Let him sleep on.
Isn't his signature on the bonds enough?"
What could 1 do? l made one more
weak objection:
What shall we tell Jones"
What shall we tell Jones?" he echoed.
Really. Mr.. Martin, you must use your
discretion as to what you tell your en-
ployes. You can hardly expect me to tell
Jones anything, beyond that it's a fine
morning."
We had now reached the bank, which
stood in Liberty street, turning out of
the Piazza. took out nay key, unlocked
the door, and we entered together. We
passed into my inner sanctum, where the
safe stood.
Whats it imp asked the President
United States bonds, and bills on
New York and London 1 replied
Good" said he. Let me look"
1 unlocked the safe and took out the
securities. He examined them carefully,
placing each after due scrutiny in a small
handbag, in which he had brought down
the bonds 1 was to receive. l stood by,
holding a shaded candle. At this mo-
ment voice cried from the door;
IF you move you're dead men !"
1 started and looked up. The Presi-
dent looked up without starting. There
was dear old Jones, descending from his
upper chamber, where he and Mrs. Jones
resided. He was clad only in his night
shirt, and was leveling q formidable gun
full at the august head of his excellency.
'Ah, Mr.. JONES'" said the latter, Its
fine morning"
The President! - cried Jones; "and
Mr.. Martin Why, what on earth, gen
tlemen-T
The President gently waved one hand
toward me, as IL to say, Mr.. Martin will
explain" and went on placing his securi-
ties In the bag. In the face of this crisis
my hesitation left me.
Mr.. Martin received a cable from Eu-
rope, JONES'" said the President, i'm
structing him to advance a sum of money
to me-"
"Cable?" said Jones. where is it?"
1--WE must have left it at the Golden
House. 1 saw it was or the table just
before we started. Though l presume
Mr.. Jones has no right"
None at ALL" 1 said briskly.
yet, as a matter of concession, Mr.
Martin will no doubt show it to him to-
morrow
Strictly as a matter of concession per-
haps 1 will, though 1 am bound to say
that 1 am surprised at your manner, Mr..
Jones'"
Jones looked sadly puzzled.
ITS all irregular, sir" said he.
Hardly more so than your costume !"
said the President, pleasantly.
Jones being thus made aware of the
havoc the draught was playing with his
airy covering, hastily closed the door,
and said to me appealingly
ITS all right, sir, suppose?"
Perfectly right" said 1.
but highly confidential" added the
President. And you will put me under
a personal obligation, Mr.. Jones, and at
the same time fulfill your duty to your
employers, if you preserve silence till the
transaction is officially announced. A
man who serves me does not regret it."
Here he was making the most of an
other opportunity-Jones this time
Enough of this" l said. Il will, 20
over the matter in the morning"
His excellency walked up to Jones and
looked hard at him.
"Silent men prosper best, and live long
est, Mr.. Jones'"
Jones looked into his steely eyes, and
suddenly fell all of a tremble.
The President was satisfied. He alb
ruptly pushed him out of the room. and
we heard his stumbling steps going I'D
the staircase. His excellency turned to
me, and said with apparent annoyance:
you leave a great deal to me, Mr..
Martin"
He had certainly done more than tell
Jones it was a fine morning. But l was
too much troubled to thank him; 1 as
thinking OF the cable. The President ,ti
vined my thoughts, and said:
81 must prepare that cable"
"Yes," 1 replied; that would reas-
sure him. But 1 haven't had much prac-
tice in that sort of thing, and 1 don't
quite know"
The President scrubbed a few words on
a bit of paper, and said:
Take that to the postoffice, and they'll
give you the proper form; l will fill II
up"
Certainly some things go easily If the
head of the State is your fellow criminal.
"And now, Mr.. Martin, it grows late.
1 have my securities; you have your
bonds. We have won over Jones. An