Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-07-09
CHAPTER VII
r0HE boss is turned down"

CHAPTER VII.
"T-HE boss is turned down"
This startling news few
lightning fast to every quarter
a OF the organization and in It's
wake spread trail Of increduous
amaze. Every member, from alderman
to "heeler," knew why Horrgan had
made Bennett mayor That the latter
should turn against his benefactor
seemed not only black ingratltude, but
something akin to insanity. for 1t ap-
parently spelled political suicide for
the young man
While neither OF the dlsputants had
repeated the details OF the quarrel. yet
those details with many another were
already passing from mouth to mouth
in the mysterious fashion whereby the
| closest kept secrets are divu!ged and
enlarged on. In the financial world,
| too, the veto came as a hombshell
Borough Street railway stock :ell with
n thud that shook more than one colos
sal fortune. Bennett-cen.rai point Of
the whole upheaval-was the calmest
man OF all who were involved. He had
chosen his course. and he was follow
Ing it with logged quiet far more
dangerous than any loud mouthed blus
ter. He had laid ont a campaign, and
that campaign he rigidly followed.
His first step was to send for Perry
Wainwright early in the morning fol-
lowing the clash with Horrigan and.
Under strict pledge Of secrecy. to ex
plain the whole complicated affair to
that very bewildered young man.
You're all right Alwyn. You're all
the goods" crowed Perry In genuine
admiration. "But why didn't you
backheel Horrigan and throw him
downstairs?"
II think did" said Bennett dryly.
II think I'm still doing It. That's why
! sent for you today"
Want me to lick him for you?' ask
ed Perry In delight. Hes a hit over
my weight, but | wouldn't mind past
ing
NO interrupted Bennett, amused
at the lads vehemence. Il want you
to play the melodramatic brother and
protect your sister"
Say snorted Perry, all the light
ness gone out of his manner snd his
young frame stiTening ominously,
"dyou mean to say the cur is framing
mp any game on Dallas? u
sit down" ordered Alwyn, and try
20 use what little human intelligence
you may have. I've got to have your
help, and what use are you when all
you can think Of is getting thrashed by
somebody? Sit down now and listen
to me-"
OF command in his friends voice, and
Bennett resumed
Your uncle has tried to hamper me
by putting all your fortune and Dallas
into Borough Street railway stock.
The news OF my veto will reach the
exchange almost at once. That will
cause slump in Borough stock. II
Horrigan fails to carry the bill through
over my head-and he will fail If can
possibly block him--that will mean the
practical collapse of the stock. 1t will
mean that you and Dallas will be al
most pcnniless'
WELL" suggested Perry cheerfully
then you can marry Dallas, and little
brother Perry can come and live with
you. Don't worry. old chap. r.
Shut up. you young idiot. and sill
down and listen. Here's a check; also
note OF Introduction to my broker
He's a close mouthed fellow, and he'll
keep the secret, | want You to sell
Borough stock short to the amount
Of
"To speculate Gee, never
thought
II don't believe In speculation as q
rule, but this time it's the only way
out. Sell short. Then If the bill Is de
feated you and Gladys will still be Al
well off as you are now, even aftel
paying me back this sum I've advNnc
ed If the bill is passed over my head
the stock will boom, and you'll both be
richer than ever, Understand the Idea
think I've arranged it so you ant
she won't lose dollar in either case.
"Alwyn," cried Perry, the full ides
at last penetrating his youthful brain
you're the whitest ever The
Hold on! | do this on one condi
ton"
"Oh!
"On condition you promise solemnly
that neither Dallas nor any one els'
shall know my share In It."
But
PROMISE"
"Oh, well. all right, then. But Dal
las ought to-
mo, she oughtn't Now clear ont
I'm busy Don't waste any time goin,
to my broker. I'm holding back tn
official announcement Of the veto q
long as ! can. But
I'm on. 80 long old chap. Ente