Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-11

Beaumont's manner far in the interview had
been Intentionally rough and offensive. If Smith
was the man he had originally conceived him to
be- this manner would serve his purpose: the
ger would either allow himself to be bullied into
doing what wanted, or he would fly into futile
little rage and resign. Either course would serve
Beaumont S purpose.
But a young man who could resist that manner
for twenty minutes without finchng, and at the
that might prove. valuable; he might we'll
prove more valuable than the whole Tropical
Products Company put together.
So with the arrival of the Scotch and soda, the
big millionaire's altered decidedly.
"Of course you are right in way, he said. when
the walters withdrawal made it possible to res. me
deserve to be taken of, certainly, and suppose
that McCracken not very explicit on that
point.
But l wsh,' Beaumont went on, frowning
thoughtfully, that you had little in
timaton of what you wanted instead Of that report
That report confoundedly embarrassng
Smith smiled family. Yes he said, if had
sent such written intimation of what | wanted,
you wouldn't even have had to the letter"
Beaumont laughed little ruefully. Yes, yes,
he said. Il see
Furthermore" said Smith, unless l had sent
that report in formal manner, which made it
necessary, somehow, to account for it, you would
hardly have been under the necessity of asking me
for another one: a summary demand for my reslg-
nation would have done quite we'll
Beaumont took turn or two up and down the
veranda oh we are not So he began; but
stopped there and looked Smith with smile.
He had rather attractive smile, Smith noted.
"Of course" Beaumont continued you were long
way off: You were not person to us at all. And
then, McCracken has nephew you understand
oh, yes.'' said Smith. Il was somebody s
nephew myself once
Well" said Beaumont, stopping in his prom
enade Il am very glad to have the matter settled
/ am glad came down here. Otherwise am afraid
l should have done you justice, Mr. Smith -
At that he held his hand Smith took it
with feeling of some embarrassment.
THE man was no better, from the point of view
of abstract morality than burglar planning
it was singularly hard not to like him. somehow,
that smile made Smiths plan to kdnap him a
little unreal. But it the only way, absolutely
the only way. Beaumont's smile would not solace
the stockholders he meant to defraud So he must
to Horse Island and he must stay there until
his opportunity to defraud them had passed There
turning back, and Smith took the first step
steadily.
Il have favor to ask of you, Mr. Beaumont" he
said Il want you to come over to the island for
a look at it. We have been working pretty hard
over there, and we feel that we have done good
job. Will you conner"
For just a second Smith thought that Beaumont
hesitated and looked at him little curl
any objection to that, he said wen 81
think it over; You will stay and dine 0$2U
with u.s. won't your" wv
plexity; he must mean his secretary. (RA
Taking his assent for granted, Beat
mont had already turned to ring the
bell, when he heard sound which came from he
farther off the veranda, causing him to glance
into it. All, my DEAR, he said, you just in
time. / very glad you have come. We have
guest dining with Tonight
Then, as the figure of the person addressed APP
peared in the French window, he added, Mr.,
Smith, my daughter Christabe1."
To the ordinarily observing eye Smith betrayed
no surprise He neither started, nor gasPed, nor
changed color; but he stopped breathing for just
1<1I<