The San Francisco call., 1910-02-06

voice sounded across the rafting of the tick
ers. the hum Of conversation and the monoto-
nous calls of the blackboard clerk.
"1Ir. Carter? Pardon me, Mr.. Carter A word
with you. sir-just word"
The Virginian, secure in the superior armor of
fawless clothes and perfection of manner, looked
askance at his Questioner and made as if to pass.
You have the advantage of me, sir" he muir
INJURED coldIy.
But the bald man. smiling and mopping his brow.
held his ground easily.
Very likely. Still will make so bold as to pre-
sumo upon it. have proposition that might inter-
est YOU I think"
Robert Carter was the last man in the world to
play the victim in a bucket shop game or to waste
his time with the petty rogues and swinders of the
street but it so happened that he idle; that there
was no one about that he knew and that he just
curious enough TO wish to discover how this bald
meant to use him. It sufficiently remarkable
that his name was known. He seated himself in
vacant corner and prepared to listen.
You're not to be blamed if you shy off at this for
while" began the bald fumbling with his
errauc tie. I'm willing to believe that it s-well
unusual Nj Carter"
The Yirginian showed no surprise.
I've taken considerable interest in watching you
for some time" continued the bald man. Carter
eyed him
You datter me" he returned
III forgire YOU the dig laughed the other, set
tIing back genially into the leather cushions. But
the point is this: without any desire to convey
ofense. have made myself fairly familiar with your
war OF life and general habits"
Carter began to stfen. Decidedly, this uncom-
forable He thought first of st. Geofry, then of his
unknown antagonist in the affair of the rosewood
cabinet Bat the bald man hurried on noting the
suspicion in the Virgnians face.
IF I took the trouble you would see that 1 must
have had a motive. So had. I am the representative
of rouD of operators having very wide interests and
eneaginE in a great variety of activities Recently
they assigned me to pick out young familiar
with the district, smart enough to execute commits
sions and with such connections that he could appear
to invest on his own account. Do you get me?"
~Wel:" said Carter.
Well it's plain business offer. noticed you
and followed you up. You are the one we want. You
are on speaking terms with some big men You are
straight To be frank, you look and act the part OF
the wealthy young loterer. And unless have slipped
up the induoement we can offer you will prove
acceptable"
Il don't think l understand the nature of the serv-
fee you are seeking" said the Vrgnian still on his
guard.
Why nothing more or less than to follow the
instructions you viii receive from day to day, placing
orders as you are told to- You must be able to see
the reason. There are others in the same business
fellows Of good family, but funds who useful
20 manipulators in concealing big market moves.
make no gaudy promises. / offering you employ
nent that will give you personal prestige without risk
and without fear of discovery"
4 shall have to consider it."
DO So" returned the other. MY name is Weld
stone You can find me at my Office in William
street So long Mr. Carter The bald man waved
his diamond and gone.
The virginian found difficulty in adjusting
himself toward the proposed position 1t allur-
ing. and there denying the fact that it might
supply very welcome assistance. But he scanned ii
closely. His social advance had been too hardly won
TO permit the slightest indiscretion his policy ii
was better to refuse million than lose standing
with any of the friends he had laboriously cut
waited. He had heard of such arrangements, how
ever and could that they offered desirable advan
tages. To be able to show money, to handle large
stakes to pose as he had never been able to, for
man of wealth-there possibilities for him here
The mere tickling Of his vanity meant nothing Wha
drew him the apparent chance to buttress hi
importance It meant that he could approach class
OF men whom he never could have impressed on tht
recommendation of perfect clothes and polished
manner
He saw Wedstone in Lesser's the next day AM
had another interview with him. He put his ques
tions with the utmost caution and watchfuness
Within half an hour he satisfied. According t.
the agreements he was to call upon Weldstone eac
morning for orders He to have the power t
command sums of money in several banks, place
temporarily at his disposal
This was the road by which Robert Carter enteret
the field of finance He well chosen for his role