The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1908-05-14

NO, Sdlu TIE Olu 2enIleman; II
don't care to be overheard by any of
the servants. If you don't mind walk.
ing We'll move away from the house."
Richard was convinced. He was
sure that when Jacob Renwyck ex-
pressed candid opinion of any one
especially an impostor-he would find
it difficult to speak in whispers. It
was just as well, on the whole, and
Richard preferred to receive his male
diction out Of earshot Of his ladylove.
He rose with alacrity, therefore, and
followed his host, who led the way
across the lawn toward a little observ-
atory or pleasure house on the crest
Of bluff overlooking the moonlit Hud-
son.
At another time the young man might
have enjoyed the view of the great
calm river sweeping past the shadowy
hills on the farther side, but under the
circumstances the scene did not appeal
to him. There were other thoughts
which occupied his mind. MI. Rem
wyck walked with his hands clasped
behind him, and Richard watched his
every move. Physically the Texan was
more than match for Mr.. Renwyck,
but the latter had probably armed
himself for the occasion, a trifing pre-
caution which would not have escaped
the southerner. And Richard then
and there resolved never again to put
on pair Of trousers that had no pistol
pocket in them. What did those eastern
tailors know about the requirements
Of a gentleman anyway? But then it
flashed into his mind that Mr.. Rem
wyck was probably no better provided
than he in that particular-reassurin
thought!
Suddenly Mr.. Renwyck unclasped
his hands and transferred one of them
to his breast pocket. Richard caught
sight Of a bullying projection-it was
there then!
He was on the point Of Selling his
hosts wrist when the latter brought
forth a brown covered case.
'Have cigar" he said, with crafty
cordially, and Richard accepted, with
his gaze still concentrated on Mr.. Rem
wyck's hands.
"Light?'
'"Thank you, no." the Texan answer
ed. "Ill smoke it dry for awhile, if
you don't mind"
The trick was an old one. He had
seen it worked along the Rio Grande.
A Mexican had presented a cheroot to
a cow puncher, who, after lighting it,
found himself looking into the muzzle
of an overgrown Colt's-and a Texan
learns to profit by observation as we'll
as experience.
Mr.. Renwyck now invited his guest
to seat beside him on a smooth fat
stone on the edge Of the cliff Richard
accepted, but cautiously slid his foot
to point behind Mr.. Renwyck's leg,
with the aim Of overturning his ene-
my backward at the first sign of
treachery.
"Croyland," he began abruptly, "T've
taken a fancy to you somehow, and
I'm going to prove it by putting you
on the inside Of little business DEAL"
"a business deal?" gasped Richard
In unfeigned SURPRISE
IL,
putting thoughtfully at his cigar. "Of
course I don't know how you are fixed
financially. nor have I any intention
of asking impertinent questions, but if
you care to come with me in a trans
action in which I myself have invested
largely l can put you in the way Of
making quite a snug little sum-"
Richard withdrew his foot from be-
hind Mr.. Renwyck's leg and in the
darkness strove to kick himself. Con-
science had made Of him not exactly q
coward. but q careful skater Oh thin
ice
THAT'S very clever--of you, indeed"
he answered, lighting his perfecto and
gazing out across the Hudson. lis it
what you cal]-er-a flier?''
well, no. said the old financier.
Its more than that. It's a dead GER
tainty, and I'm on the inside. Let me
explain. To begin with, it is a deep
water harbor enterprise in the state of
Texas"
Richard pricked up his ears. and Mr..
Renwyck continued:
"A local company has been organ
lied and styles itself the Houston
Matagorda City and Gulf Railroad
and Improvement company" And
Richard recognized the company with
a thrill Of excitement. They're 30
Ing to get an appropriation from the
legislature for making a deep water
harbor at Matagorda City. They own
all the land in the vicinity and the
right of way for branch line to con.
meet with the railroad systems of Tex
as at Houston. Now, this scheme, all
else being equal, would be a sweet
Juicy plum for it's promoters. But
things are not all equal. 1 have lear1t-
ed its details. and I propose to SMASH
it," s...
He spoke with savage emphasis,
which revealed his hatred and his de.
termination. If hell has no fury like q
woman scorned, friend turned enemy