The Havre herald. [volume] (Havre, Mont.) 1904-1908, 1908-06-03
j. CHAPTER XIV.
A u S t Y n

In his private room in the Office of the
Mutual Credit and Trust Company. 1t
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, pile Of docu-
ments on either side, and before him
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, he looked out on the throng of peo-
pie which passed up and down the street.
But he 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 a syndicate of capitalists.
It was no less a one than the consolida-
ton Of the docking interests of a great
French seaport. The plan was to bring
all the owners together and form 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 therefrom, that property
at present yielded but small return for
the capital invested.
The idea was a brilliant one. 1t would
net the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany, If successful, three million francs,
and the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany virtually meant the Vicomte de Va
liar. He had already enlisted considera-
BILE financial aid In support Of the scheme
He was that morning expecting an addi-
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 very difficult
task. He had entertained him at his
house only an evening or two ago. The
spIendor of that occasion could not have
failed to properly impress him.
Then his wife, the vicomtesse, had 80
ably seconded his efforts to make DAu-
huron feel that he was in good hands. She
had talked glibly Of their country place,
magnificent establishment on the outskirts
Of the famous forest of Fontainbleau, of
woodland rides, Of moonlit waters, and
the fehcities Of rural life far away from
the roar and din of Paris Those marvel
GUS eyes of hers had looked into his very
soul and enthralled his senses.
De Valiar smiled as he thought how
few who had come within their influence
had gotten away unscathed. knock at
the door aroused him.
Come in," he cried out, and Jules Cha
bot entered the room.
Where is your friend D'AuburonT'
was de Valiar's first question.
NJ. Chabot did not Immediately reply.
He. sank into chair. He seemed anx-
ious and worried, and out Of sorts.
What on earth's the matter with you
You're not ill, are your" calculated the
banker.
tits my nerves, 7 think. They're not
50 strong as they used to be-"
You haven't been yourself for some
time, ever since that ugly affair at Vile
neuve," remarked de Valiar, sympathet-
ically.
Chabot shuddered, and hid his face In
his hands as if to shut out some horrible
sight.
Don't speak of it." he almost whis
pered, so faint was his voice. Yes, II
was enough to upset anybody"
at was peculiar hardship on you
Jules, just as you were on the point Of
succeeding as you say with-let me see
what's her Observation-Disclosures Emily
wasn't it7"
Lets change the subject. came Il
tell you something about D'Auburon.
have discovered, on inquiry. that he Il
even better fixed than expected. How
big block of stock had you put apar
for him in the United Dock Company
"A thousand shares thought would bt
ample You know Colbert Remplin bring
us large following and there are Bonn
pard and the rest. Still, some subscrib
ers will doubtless fail US at the last mo
znent. Why do you ask?"
ut is not enough. He has some yer,
wealthy friends. Only last night he wa
speaking Of one, who, be says, follows hi
lead implicitly. He Is Swiss. He pay
periodical visits to Paris, and it Is sal.
invests very largely In anything tina
strikes his fancy"
That's not bad news. What Is thi
Crnsus' nane?'
'.He did not tell me-" replied Chabot
ale simply said If he thought we'll enoug
of the venture to put his own money In
that he would advise his friend to do like
wise, If we needed additional capita
What are shares to him?"
apar-of course. It is easier to sell q
oar than at fifteen francs on the one hur
dred. The one inspires confidence in
scheme, the other simply excites susp
c;on. In fact, I'm not sure but we wi
put some premium on these Dock Com
pany shares. A little premium Away
makes them more attractive"
ssBut there are seven millions Of waite
Ia it."
IA proof concern like this dock trut
will stand a good deal of water" reptile
the fnancier. AFTER all. what does
matter? All these people will have