The San Francisco call., 1910-02-06

His early visit to We1dstone next morning was
accompanied by request that his five employers be
gathered together for conference Weldstone good
naturedy translated the occasion into luncheon at
which he would be host, and for the second time
the Virginan was one in the circle of money hunters
that had engaged his services When cigars had been
reached Carter related without addition variation,
the incident of the previous day at Gatz- Browns.
81 felt at liberty to reveal this, gentlemen, said
the Virgnian with sdelong glance at Weldstone,
because it picked up in the legitimate round of
my duties Any might have been in the office
at that time and might have heard what l did. l
leave you to draw your conclusions, and to act
accordingly l have told you nothing but what hap
pened"
The group broke up without comment and Car
ter accompanied Weldstone to his office. He knew
we'll enough that there would be a later meeting
of the brokers to consider action his information
In the meantime he desired private conversa-
ton with the man in whom he had the greatest hope
of friendliness.
$4,000 Call
"Weldstone," began the Virginian, when they were
together in privacy, II come to you because you are
the one who knows best. You told me once
that you had looked into my personal history In
that you know that my record is straight, that
have made fair start, that have some powerful
friends. You should know, moreover, that some day
some day, I said-I shall arrive"
He threw into his speech the sincere decision and
force that the outgrowth of his complete, un-
waverng faith in himself. Weldstone's beady eyes
twinkled at him.
What then?" he asked cautiously.
"Just this: l want loan of ten thousand from
you credit for ten thousand at your office 1t is
extraordinary know, to ask such a thing of man
in your position and business But it is a fair gamble
| look at it. Even should lose l am sure to be
able to repay you some time. In the meantime this
is my opportunity 1 have no money"
Weldstone had recourse to his necktie which he
adjusted nervousy.
81 will go so far as to consider it, Carter" he an
swered. Certainly, as you say, this is not in the
line of regular business How long is this tip good
for?"
81 should say for three days." returned Carter at
haphazard "Say until Friday"
The other nodded
"And kindly say nothing of this to your asso-
ciates, said Carter as he took his leave
On Wednesday and again Thursday Weldstone
failed to mention their little affair when Carter called
for instructions for his usual work The Virgnian
did not remind him. On Friday morning the broker
gave his answer.
Il can't see your proposition Carter" he said with
watchful eyes. II can't afford it. Sorry, but the
thing is impossible"
Carter bowed gravely and made no comment
"Oh, by the way" called Wedstone as the Vir-
ginian about to close the door, 81 am about tc
leave town until next Tuesday. You can fill in you1
time as you like until then. The market is rather
dull
Any conversant with his disappointment
would have looked to see the young man in gray
humor as he walked away from the brokers' Office
That same any would have been surprised to see
the smile that kindled the handsome face
Promptly at o'clock, the hour when Carter was
always to be found at Lesser's, Weldstone bustled
IN and pumped into chair beside the Vrginian who
calmly going over his note book.
Il climb down, Carter" the broker exploded mop
ping his bald head vigorously His necktie had howI