The Prescott daily news., 1908-06-13

cuted on the charge of wire-tapping | only This troubled Phineas but lit tie. Fulfilling his expectation in case | of discovery, certain merchants or san Francisco had raised large sum | for his bail; retained for his defense the best lawyers in the state. AS he had been held on the lighter charge he felt sure the plot to blow up the steamer was still secret. He fumed | at the stupidity of his underlings, never suspecting another cause might ! have saved the Flora" Whether chance or plan had given ! Phineas his name he knew not; but ! he had believed in its meaning, gloried | in it. Phineas, mouth of brass; Cad wallader, battle arTanger. Many a | brazen 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 ly 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.
 The governor entered, outwardly the genial rosy citizen adored by Cali fornia's 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- stant and went on guard.
 Yes, sir, 1 can do it; 1 can deliver the goods" Phineas said emphatically, after a full statement of his proposi- tion and sharp questions from his lis tener,
 Let me understand you thoroughly. We'll go over it again, and slowly. It ried-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?"
 T do"
 You agree to enter our employ, and | hereafter work for our interests as you have before now worked for those opposing us?'
 T 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 | place?"
 T 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, a 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 l 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 1 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
 ''Is that correct, Mir. Cadwallader? ?" 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 ap- preciable instant, his face contracting slightly yet quickly clearing, and signed.
 The governor did not fail to inter- pret correctly that hestancy. He dis missed the clerk and turned to Phineas. MT. Cadwallader, 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 l had to serve those who paid me"