Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-10-11

chuckled the old man. Willis was the
inspiring genius and did most OF the
work; the credit is his
MAY inquire the nature OF this
merger?" Emerson ventured.
Certainly" replied Wayne Wayland.
There is no longer any. secret about
it 1 have combined the packing in
dustr1es Of the Pacific coast under the
name of the North American Packers
association"
Boyd felt himself growing numb.
What do you mean by packing In
dustries|" asked Mildred.
"Canneries = salmon fisheries! We
own go per cent of the plants Of the
entire coast, including Alaska. That's
why I've been so keen about that
north country, Boyd. You never
guessed It, eh?'
NO sir" Boyd stammered.
''Well. we control the supply, and
we will regulate the market. We will
allow only what competition we de-
sire 1t was a beautiful transaction"
Was he dreaming? Boyd wondered.
His mouth was dry. but he managed to
inquire:
what about the independent can
neries?"
Marsh laughed. There is no senti-
ment in business! There are about 40
per cent too many plants to suit u.s.
believe 1 am capable Of attending to
them"
"Mr. Marsh is the general manager"
Wayland explained. with the mar
ket In our own hands and sufficient
capital to operate at a loss for a year
or two years, If necessary, don't
think the Independent plants will cost
us much"
Now for the first time Emerson re-
allied the improperly Of his own pres
ent position. He was here in the Way
land home under false pretenses; they
had barred TO him secrets not rightly
his with which he might arm himself.
When this, too, became known to the
financier he would regard him not only
as a presumptuous enemy, but as a
traitor. Boyd knew the old tyrant too
well to doubt his course of action;
thenceforth there would be war to the
hilt.
The announcement of dinner inter
rupted his dismayed reflections. and he
walked out in company with Mr.. Way
land, who linked arms with him as II
to afford Wills Marsh every advan-
tage, fleeing though it might prove.
IKE is q wonderful fellow" the old
gentleman observed soto voce, indicat-
ing Marsh-"one of the keenest bust
ness men l ever met"
"Yes?"
Indeed he is. He is a money maker.
too; his associates swear by him. If
1 were you. my boy. 1 would study
him; he is a good man to initiate"
At the dinner table the talk at first
was general and of character appro-
pirate for the hour. but Miss Wayland,
oddly enough. displayed such an I'M
usual thirst for information regarding
the North American Packers associa-
ton that her father was moved to re-
mark upon it.
What in the world has come over
you. Mildred?' he said. you never
cared to hear about my doinGs be
fore"
please don't discourage me-" she
urged II am really in earnest l
should like to know all about this new
trust of yours. Perhaps my little uni
verse is growing bit tiresome to me-"
so far it has been all hard work"
Wayne Wayland at length announced,
'but in the future propose to derive
some pleasure from this affair. l am
tired out. For Il long time have been
planning a trip somewhere. and now
think | shall make 4 tour of inspec-
ton in the spring and visit the various
holdings OF the North American Pack
ers' association. In that way / can
combine recreation and business"
"How far will you go?" questioned |
Boyd.
CLEAR up to Mr.. Marsh's station"
"Kalvik?"
YES; that is the plan" Marsh chin |
ed in. You see. am selfish in urging
it, Miss Wayiaud / expect you to
join the party"
II am sure you would like IT, Mil
dred," the magnate added.
Boyd could scarcely believe his ears. |
Would they come TO Kalvik? Would |
they all assemble there in that unmap- |
ped nook? And. supposing they should.
had he the courage to continue his |
mad enterprise? 1t was all so unreal! |
He was torn between the desire TO |
have Mildred agree and fear of the in
6uence Marsh might gain during such |
n trip. But Miss Wayland evidently |
had an eye to her own comfoYt, for |
she replied:
"No, indeedl The one thing abhor
above land travel is a sea voyage; 1
am a wretched sailor
But this trip on yacht would be |
worth WHILE" urged her father. why. |
1t viii be a regular voyage of discov-