Warren sheaf., 1908-04-02
CHAPTER XIII,
VanqUisned.

tie. Fulfilling his expectation in case
of discovery, certain merchants of San
Francisco had raised a large sum
for his ball. retained for his defense
the best lawyers in the state. AS he
mad been held on the lighter charge
ne felt sure the plot to blow I'D the
steamer was still secret. He fumed
at the stupidity of his underlinss.
never suspecting another cause might
nave saved the Flora
whether chance or plan had given
fn1neas his name he knew not; but
ne had believed in its meaning, sloried
IN It.. Phineas, mouth of brass; Cad
wallader, battle arranger. Many a
orazen battle had he arranged and
fought to a successful finish. But
these were past. The easy, luxurious
life was surely gone. The best seat.
the finest room, the open cigar case,
drinks that cost him nothing, the still
hunt for secrets, popularity, jollity-
all that he best loved was lost In
stead the-prison, perhaps Restless
~ he walked the narrow room, his
courage rising, while his nimble brain
wove him yet another bold plot.
Through his attorney he contrived an
interview with Gov Stanford that
came to pass with unexpected prompt
ness
SIhe governor entered. outwardly the
genial, rosy citizen adored by Cali
folnias best, wrapped as with a man
lie in his optimistic atmosphere of
success. But to-day he was face to
face with crime. Phineas tricks might
be veiled-his tricky heart was not.
The governor measured him in an in
slant and went on guard
Yes, sir, can do it; l can deliver
the goods" Phineas said emphatically,
after full statement of his PROPOSE
tion and sharp questions from his lis
tener
Let me understand you thoroughly.
Well go over it again, and slowly. It
is too important a matter to be hur-
ried-or bungled You agree to de-
liver into our hands within one month
from date a controlling number of
shares in the Sacramento Valley rail-
road?"
Il do
You agree to enter our employ, and
hereafter work for our interests as
you have before now worked for those
opposing us?"
Il do
You promise to keep secrets in
trusted to you, and never by any sort
of word or communication to disclose
the nature of this interview, to give
the slightest hint that it ever took
place."
Il do
Very we'll"
There followed a few further de-
tails of the bargain At a nod from
the governor toward the hall door, un-
seen by Phineas, man with scratch
pad and pencil entered so quietly that
only by the expression On the govern
or's face was his coming announced to
Phineas. He turned and started half
out of his chair, yet quickly composed
himself again.
Did you get that perfectly?" the
governor asked of the stenographer.
He nodded affirmatively
Read it." The governors voice was
stern
Phineas went ashen as the sale Of
himself to the corporation he hated,
sentence by sentence, was riveted.
But he was intrepid still, sitting erect,
listening carefully.
rs that correct Mr.. Cadwallader?" ?"
Quite so, Gov Stanford" In spite
F.. OF himself his lips trembled. But his
tone was steady. 1t would not be so
bad, he thought.
Then sign it." the governor said;
and Phineas felt himself vanquished
by the tone.
He took up the pen, hesitated an ap-
preciable instant, his face contracting
slightly yet quickly clearing, and
signed.
The governor did not fail to inter-
pref correctly that hesitancy. He dis
missed the clerk and turned to
Phineas "Mr Cadwallader, l shall
not attempt to conceal from you the
satisfaction this transaction affords
me- / hope it will not be otherwise
with you. Serve US we'll and you will
find the Central Pacific company .
fair employer" f{3&
I'm sure I shall, sir. I've been in
sympathy with you from the start, but
! had to serve those who paid me-"
The governor scowled at the bald
sycophancy. Words are cheap, Mr..
Cadwallader." He rose, stepped to
the door to make sure Of privacy, re-
turned and stood near Phineas. His
large body, powerful instrument of a
still more powerful win, lowered above
Phineas unconsciously threatening.
His eye, not kind as it ever was for
friends and right doers, but the eye
that confounded ma'evolence. burned
into the other mans very soul, downed
his gaze, held him covering in his
chair.