Putnam patriot., 1908-04-24

.,.,, sorry NIT. Renwyek. but-but l can't % in. a., ..,.,,,,,,.
 f,lt half minute. X moment ago iO' s,1 volunteered to embark Sfo0.o0
 ,t,, enterprise. and now he would ..,, hack oat. What had changed aim, The financier determined to tl4is suspicious circumstance to the bottom.
 ..Uby fhis sudden change." he asked directly
 ~vell you see" began Richard. ur;thinr inwartlly at the falsity of his ,.,s;tiea i've been bitten in deals be- fore. aud whiie'-
 .Nousense." interrupted the old gen .aman shortly. "You can't lose on this. Why my dear sir. it's dead certain " What more do you want!'
 True" agreed Richard sadly, and yet -
 There are no yets." Interrupted Mir. penwyek. 1t is not question of my naeding money. for l have plenty of my own. made you the proposition simply and solely out of friendship. snd'-
 .And for that very reason." Richard cut in. T must decline. l appreciate inc spirit in which you have tried to help me. but circumstances render my acceptance impossible"
 Again the financier regarded his ex- traordinary young friend critically through half closed eyes.
 Come. comer" he said bluntly at last Don't let's beat about the bush. What is your real reason?''
 Do you mean that?" asked Richard, rising 10 his feet
 "l dc"
 Mfr. Renwyek." he said in clear. level tone which was now free from any deception. a brilliant idea coming re him. the more acceptable in that if was strictly true. you are right. There are several reasons which We need not discuss shall mention one which is sufficient. and that is this: You are about t1 fake advantage of a fathers lote far his son. which has removed au antagonist from the field Pardon n.y speaking plan!y, but il strikes me as heB9 rather unfair business uethea. prefer to have nothing more to de utth if.
 Richard Wanted a good slap at the fHsereHaEeeS ed man and fejeieed in its delivery. IL was Mr. RenWyck' s turn tt flash. though the condition was brought about by anger rather than shame. He was about to make q sharp FetoFt. but checked himself and asked coIiliy:
 Why didn't you think of that when you offered to take S10o,0oo worth of shares
 Il don't know"
 'thtt=.
 Fl is sufficient that did think of it before the money was paid. isn't it?' guelied Richard, angry at this mono $! able comment on hIs irresoation and yaeiilation
 ~Qute' answered Mr Renwyek in his most frieid manner. Yet l think II you understood the circumstances letter, Lord GroA land, perhaps you would view the matter In different light But every man has a right to Lis own opinion. and so if you please. We VIII say Ho more about il.
 He rose as he spoke to intimate that the interview was at an end
 Thank you shortly returned the Texan, and now, if may, will say good night. I regret that l have taken up so much of your valuable time"
 He crossed the library, unlocked the door and went upstairs without back ward glance. while the 6nancier sat looking after him moodiiy. For many moments Mir Renwyck did not csove. His cigar went out and was held un- needed between his silent lips fllt at last he dropped it into silver ash tray and, rising. sighed.
 Something surprising there. deR't quite understand. Who would ha ve thought he would have Ia ken it that way? wonder if that was his real reason don't see that I'm ta blame. ] didn't run over the boy. Well. I'd be fool not to take advantage of his fathers absence Besides what dir ference does it make? He was a soner anyway. It's life and death struggle between us. We used fo b. good iiiehds Is the Englishman rightt l wish that-here. here. lhis won't de. l must 20 10 bed at once. l can't make out that Lord Croyland Seems as I'd met him-er-what could be the matter:''
 The millionaire paced the floor of his library for quarter of an hour. then set his burglar alarms and went to bed.
 Richard was equally uneasy. He looked at the little pile of croyiand mat that haG accumulated. including seYerai telegratps. which Of course he lad Rot opened. and decided to take ii to ti'e hospital she first thing tomor- Tow fl was erimaaal for him to have hesected it and iI,s friend as well. And there were other things he would co oD il.e raorrow
 CHAPTER NV.