St. Johns review. (Saint Johns, Or.) 1904-current, 1910-10-07
CHAPTER Xv1.-(Continued.)

pany. We've decided not TO confine our
selves to our fiat scheme alone. We're
going TO handle big real estate schemes
wherever we see anything good enough
and big enough TO make II worth while.
That wasn't our Intention at first. but
I've persuaded our people 20 see II that
way. All the big fortunes In this coun-
try have been made In real estate, and
the possibilities haven't been exhaust
cd yet. II we can hit fair price. we'll
take your lots and work them on In
our own way; but I shouldn't bother
with the thing at all II II weren't that
hope TO get that creek strip from you"
Who are In your company" asked
the old man. His need for cash was
great but he tried to conceal his anx-
ioty. and he was really curious TO know
who were behind Balcomb.
The promoter reeied of a long list
OF names most Of them unknown TO
Damoron. but Balcomb's ready explain
alton impaired stability 20 all OF them.
There were half dozen country bank
ers and a number OF men who were Or
had been State officers
You seem 10 have drawn largely on
the country" remarked the old man,
dryiy
You are quite right. did. IT'S
easier There's lots OF money IN these
country banks that's crying for invest
ment know n lot Of business houses
right here In our jobbinE district that
20 10 the country for their loans These
old Marlona bankers have never got
over the panic OF rs. Every time they
make a loan they make an enemy. A
man whose credit IL Al doesn't like 70
have 10 40 over his past and the his
tory OF his wifc'g relations even unto
tho third and fourth generation cyory
timo no borrows a fow thousand doll
lars. Not muchi"
Cameron laughed. n little uncasiiy,
but no laughed. Two years before he
would have shuddered at such heresy.
We'll" said Balcomb. rising. you
think over the matter and let me know
whether you care 10 sell I'll give you
one thousand dollars for an option on
tho creek strip at sixty thousand. I'll
see you In few days"
mot MOI" Tho old mans voice
rose auorulouniy. Delays were dan
Reroua. n Baicomb could do II ho must
effect tho sale at once
The figure I named yesterday" DO.
gan Damoron.
lis out Of tho question" said Dai-
comb. with finaiity.
"Then nine hundred dollars apiece
for tho block OF lots"
Perfectly absurd" And Daieomb
turned toward the door.
The old man rose and rested against
his desk heavily. His bent nEure was
wholly pitiful. the claw-like fingers on
which no leaned trembled 10 that his
Thin. worn body shook
suppose you name n fEure. Mr.. Bali
comb" ho said. with n pathetic attempt
AZ Jauntiness.
Il am authorised 10 close at twenty
thousand cash. and my commission
comes out OF that Wen say ffteon
hundred commission. hut I am not
anxious 20 buy az that prioe-lts quite
lmmaterial 10 mo. What ! want IL the
option"
Il have better use for the money
yes, 1 can use II 10 advantage" said
Dameron. as though no were ponderlng
no matter grayely ana seeking 10 Jus
MY himself
naleomb took a step toward him.
In other real estate, by the terms OF
The trust" ho said. smiling In an In
.inuating way,
eyes: yes. OF course" said Dameron.
hastily,
"And there's the order OF court"
$50 he suro-there'a an order OF
court required by the terms OF tho
rust I suppose you wouldn't mind
a little for that The trust ex-
pires In a few weeks prefer 10 go 20
Inc Judge with the whole settlement az
lnce."
"But you prefer not 20 go 20 the
Judge 20 ask his approval OF this par,
Iieular deed. All right The abstract
needn't show these requirements-our
,ttorney win not be particular IN M
hat Tor YOU"
~Yes. you can arrange that I sup
,ose," said the old man, weakly, He
Sas trembling now. visibly. and his
ioiea shook.
'.That win be worth nve hundred
nOre-as special commission and guar
,nty that you won't forget the courts
said Balcomb. eoolly,
EMO, on, moi" walled tho old man
I'm giving Il away, You are taking
,nfair advantage. am not WE'LL |
nm not quite myself to-day"
He sank into his chair, breathing |
ard, hut he recovered instantly and |
,miled al nalcomh with an effort
.Fm not man 20 back out when |
ave pledged my word" he said. grand |
y. "a trades trade" And Raleomb |
;rlnned.
NOW. one other thing. Mr.. Damer.
m. III be square with you and tell |
he truth. I've got 20 have the option |
M the creek strip. My people are not |
. bit crazy 20 buy lots like these. but |
,ur apartment scheme Is a big thing. |
md 20 get your strip OF ground out |
here on the creek bank we're willing |
@ buy these lots OF yours-Just. as the |
elbow said. TO show there's no hard
ceiling"
"At seventy ave thousand for .hs
,rask strip. Not cent lesA It's a
art OF the trust. It's my daughters.
shall not give II away, There are
,nly few weeks more In which shall
ave any right 20 sell--and-and | /
ave had another ofter." he ended.
weakly.
quite likely; but II isn't so easy 20
'et so much cash on short notice. And
here's the difioulty OF finding other
cal estate 10 reinvest the money In,
nd the order OF court and al that"
Balcomb stroked his beard and eyed
is prey, He dropped the suggestion
bout the reinvestment OF tho pro-
eeds In real estate merely 20 show
Is acquaintance with the terms OF the
rust II amused him 20 remember Ez-
A Dameron's old reputation as hard
ustomer He Was proving. In Bal
omb's own phrase. almost too easy.
Wen call it twenty thousand. then.
,r the block OF lots" said tho old man.
milling and rubbing his hands.
Very WELL" said BalcOmb, with
wo thousand as my fee In the matter;
nd an option TO buy the creek strip at
lxty thousand"