Elk City mining news. (Elk City, Idaho) 1903-1913, 1908-05-30
CHAPTER XIV
A Il S t y n

~ AhooI Sirull anu lTuSl OOnp duy. IL
was luxuriously furnished apartment
The chairs were deep, roomy and soft.
They seemed made on purpose TO lull one
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, q 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, be looked out on the throng of peo-
pie which passed up and down the street.
But be 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 a one than the consolida-
ton of the docking interests Of great
French seaport. The plan was TO bring
all the owners together and form a 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 rherefrom, that property
at present yielded but small return for
the capital invested.
The idea was a brilliant one. II would
net the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany, II successful, three million francs.
and the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany virtually meant the Yicomte de Va
liar. He had already enlk*ed considera-
ole financial aid In support 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 50
ably seconded his efforts 10 make D'Au-
huron feel that be was IN god hands. She
had talked glibly Of their country place, a
magnificent establishment on the outskirts
Of the famous forest Of Fontainbleau, Of
woodland rides, of mOonlit waters, and
the felicities Of rural lie far away from
the roar and din Of Paris. Those marvel
ous eyes OF hers had looked into his very
soul and enthralled his senses.
De Naliar smiled as be- thought how
few who had come within their influence
had gotten away unscathed. a knock at
the door aroused him.
''C0me "a" be cried out, aud Jules Cha
bot entered the room.
~ here - your friend D'Apbur0nr
Wa DE- Naliar's 6rsf question.
III. ChahOf DID not immediately reply.
40 sans Into a chair. lie seelned anx-
ious and worried and 0uf 0f sorts.
~ haf 0n earih's fhe matter Elth your
fou're not ll, afe your elacpleted Tue
banker.
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- sirong ~ tasy used ~ be'
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