Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1908-03-13

messed a candid opinion Of any one
especially an impostor-he would find
It difficult to speak in whispers. 1t
was just as well. on the whole. and
Richard preferred to receive his male
diction out Of earshot of his ladylove.
He rose with alacrity, therefore. and
followed his host, who led the way
across the lawn toward a little observ-
atory or pleasure house on the crest
Of bluff overlooking the moonlit Hud-
son.
At another time the young man might
have enjoyed the view of the great
calm river sweeping past the shadowy
hills on the farther side, but under the
circumstances the scene did not appeal
to him. There were other thoughts
which occupied his mind. Mr.. Rem
wyck walked with his hands clasped
behind him, and Richard watched his
every move. Physically the Texan was
more than match for Mr.. Renwyck,
but the latter had probably armed
himself for the occasion, trifling pre-
caution which would not have escaped
the southerner. And Richard then
and there resolved never again to put
on pair Of trousers that had no pistol
pocket in them. What did those eastern
tailors know about the requirements
of a gentleman anyway? But then 1t
flashed into his mind that Mr.. Rem
wyck was probably no better provided
than he in that particular-reassurin
thought!
Suddenly Mr.. Renwyck unclasped
his hands and transferred one of them
to his breast pocket. Richard caught
sight of bulging projection-it was
there then!
He was on the point of seizing his
hosts wrist when the latter brought
forth a brown covered case
"Have a cigar" he said, with crafty
cordiality, and Richard accepted, with
his gaze still concentrated on Mr.. Ren.
wycks hands.
"LightT
THANK you, no." the Texan answer
cd. "Tll smoke 1t dry for awhile. If
you don't mind"
The trick was an old one. He had
seen 1t worked along the Rio Grande.
A Mexican had presented cheroot to
a COW puncher, who. after lighting 1t.
found himself looking into the muzzle
of an overgrown Colt's-and Texan
learns to profit by observation as well
as experience.
Mr.. Renwyck now invited his guest
to a seat beside him on smooth fat
stone on the edge Of the cliff. Richard
accepted, but cautiously slid his foot
to a point behind Mr.. Renwyck's leg,
with the aim of overturning his ene-
my backward at the first sign OF
treachery.
''Croyland," he began abruptly, "I've
taken a fancy to you somehow, and
I'm going to prove it by putting you
on the inside of little business deal"
"a business deal?" gasped Richard
In unfeigned surprise.
"Yes," nodded the old gentleman
putting thoughtfully at his cigar. "Oi
course | don't know how you are flxet
financially. nor have l any intention
of asking impertinent questions, but
you care to come with me in trans
action in which / myself have invested
largely can put you in the way o.
making quite snug little sum-"
Richard withdrew his foot from be
hind Mr.. Renwyck's leg and In th'
darkness strove to kick himself. Con
science had made of him not exactly
coward, but a careful skater on thil
ice.
That's very clever Of you, indeed.
he answered, lighting his perfecto AM
gazing out across the Hudson us
what you call-er-a fiierT
"Well. no." said the old fnanciel
.Its more than that. It's dead Gel
tainty. and I'm on the inside. Let m
explain. To begin with, 1t is a dee
water harbor enterprise in the state
Texas"
Richard pricked up his ears, and Nj
Renwyck continued;
"A local company has been organ
lied and styles itself the Houston
Matagorda City and Gulf Railroa
and Improvement company" An
Richard recognized the company vii
thrill of excitement They're 9
ing to get an appropriation from Il
legislature for making a deep wat
harbor at Matagorda City. They ow
all the land in the vicinity and Il
right of way for branch line to co
meet with the railroad systems of Te
as at Houston. Now. this scheme,
else being equal, would be swet
juicy plum for its promoters. b
tnlngs are not all equal. l have lea
ed its details, and ] propose to smi
it"
He spoke with savage empha
which revealed his hatred and his
termination. II hell has no fury hK
woman scorned, friend turned enc
is almost as venomous.
How are you going to do ltf as'
Richard. with growing anxiety.
There chances to be rival g
pany in the field. my boy. backed
ey-infiuence-pull. In fact l
ganized 1t to make deep water
-. -. ononatt on San Antonio