The Huttig news., 1908-04-11

all that he best loved was lost. In
stead the-prison, perhaps. Restless
| ~ ne 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
The governor entered, outwardly the
genial, rosy citizen adored by Cali
fornias best, wrapped as with man
tie in his optimistic atmosphere of
success. But today 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; can deliver
the goods, Phineas said emphatically,
after full statement of his PROPOSE
ton and sharp questions from his lis
taner.
Let me understand you thoroughly.
Wen go over it again. and slowly. It
is too important matter to be hur-
rfed-or bungled. You agree to de-
liver into our hands within one month
from date controlling number of
shares in the Sacramento Valley rail.
road?"
~ do. .a~
You agree to enter our employ, and
hereafter work for our interests as
you have before now worked for those
: opposing u.s."
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
TIE slightest hint that it ever took
placer"
81 do
every we'll"
There followed a few further de.
tails OF the bargain At nod from
the governor toward the hall door. I'M
seen by Phineas, man with scratch
pad and pencil entered SO quietly that
only by the expression on the govern
ors 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.
fhlneas 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.
Us that correct Mr.. CadwallaJsr
Quite so, Gov Stanford" In spite
of himself his lips trembled. But his
tone was steady. It 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 APP
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, I shall
not attempt to conceal from you the
satisfaction this transaction affords
me. l hope it will NOT be otherwise
with you. Serve US we'll and You will
find the Central Pacific company a
fair employer
I'm sure l 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 will, lowered above
Phineas unconsciously threatening.
His eye, not kind as it ever was for
friends and right doors, but the eye
into the other mans very soul, downed
his gaze. held him covering in his
chair.
I'VE shall expect more than words
from you, Mr.. Cadwallader And to
insure your continual interest in our
welfare | have to tell you that we hold
a perfect chain of evidence convicting
you of intent to blow up the Flora
Our people found the powder, the fuse,
the open packages of petroleum. We
know the man you hired to carry out
the plot we have correct reading
of your cipher dispatch, some certified
affidavits-all that is needed to send
you to the penitentiary. This is filed
away safely. The day you betray US
Il iSQX.--.gT!