The San Francisco call., 1910-02-06
Passing the Test

simply wise enough TO De honest ana, further-
more in this particular he had foreseen the
test to which Weldstone would submit him. And
now to cancel part of his debt to the broker.
The paper was signed and Carter received the slip
showing the amount to which he could claim credit p
in Weldstone's office.
"How high do you think it will goo" asked Weld
stone when the transaction closed
"How high will what go?" returned Carter.
'Why, x. Y. T., of course" There was an inter
val, during which the broker showed some astonsh-
nent and the Virginian looked at him steadily
"Do you purpose buying X. Y. Z?" asked Carter
finally.
DO purposee Why of course What else'
have bought already. Isn't that what you wanted the
credit for?"
Not exactly" returned the Virginan slowly. Il
am going to SELL"
1t was long interval this time The neckte de-
manded much attention, but the brokers' gaze was
never removed from Carters face. His
blank for some minutes. Then grin broke across it.
He extended his hand the table. Carter
turned the grip in silence.
81 shouldn't care to conhde my intentions to too
many persons. Weldstone,' said Carter at parting,
and the other nodded his understanding
Carter began his coup Saturday There
still no sign of life in x. Y. T. Inert and safe, it
hung soddenly at 98 The Virginian about the
brokerage Offices usual and placed some buying
ders on the stock distributing them udiciousy. Dur
There you are, Carter, my boy" hailed the ma
nipulator. Ever the wing l see You must quit
this and come out for an afternoon behind Tinklng
Chimes, my new PAGER All, you youngsters! You
will learn the value of conservation some day"
"Td like to co. said Carter abstractedy, but
I've big undertaking at present
Well WE'LL" returned Gatz- Brown, chucking
cheerfully. Il suppose you must have your fling.
Good luck to you my boy
Closing quotations on Saturday showed X Y I.
up to par and the unwonted move attracted some
interest Carter, who knew what to expect, had OBJ
served indications of considerable secret buying OF
the stock He was not the only one whom the
tip had been passed.
Early on Monday X Y T. moved to 1O2 Carter
was watching the board at Lessers when the figures
ran from beneath the chalk. He dashed out into the
maelstrom of Wall street. Dodging and squirming,
he reached Wedstones There he negotiated with
his credit slip and turned anxiousy to the ticker in
the inner office Wedstone absent at the ex-
change X Y T. was climbing. Suddenly it jumped
to 1O7 Carter sought the clerk and signed away the
last thousand dollars which ne had kept in reserve
as margin Then he hurried into the street without
another glance at the ticker.
He lacked the courage stay TO return to
Lessers He let the crowd whirl him this way and
that retaining his COOL se1fpossessed pose through
force of habit, but inward1y helpless in gyrating
confusion of brain Had he missed? Had he read
Gatz-Brown Alright? Or had he merely bungled his
own play by haste? He found himself outside the
exchange and stood staring at it. For nearly hour
he remained there with vacant. unseeing eyes.
When he finally pulled himself together
of the situation swept over him and he was seized
with pressing instant need to know to end the un-
certainty In his agitation he passed dozen Offices
where he might have found what he wanted and
headed for Weldstone's. He had his foot the
lower step when a rotund thunderbot crashed
into him and he held fat to avoid being
hurled to the gutter. He about to dodge away
with an exclamation when he caught glimpse OF a
harng tie.
"Great fish hooks, mani" thin voice wheez-
ing at him. whats the hurry2 It's all over"
whats happened, Weldstone% cried Carter.
"Ive been out of it, The broker gurgled and mopped
his shiny head.
mot much" he answered "only the bottoms
dropped out of x. " T. 1t went from 1o7 to Sc. I've
made nearly hundred thousand"
Carter presented himself at the Office of Gatz-
Brown after the market closed with X. Y L. at a.
The Virginian had covered himself at IS, well con-
i tent The inanc1er looked up at him with an eN-
pectant smile
"Well, my boy, he said cheertully, such are the
i chances of the game"
"Ouite so," assented Carter gravely-
81 understand you were in pretty heavily
"Not so heavily as could have wished
"Eh?"
81 was selling" said Carter casually. He waited a
moment, then, bending closer, he addeo' Dy ''~
way, how is that brother in law Of yours you were
telling me about the other day.?
Brown looked thoughtful for the space OF
some three seconds fact afterward treasured by the
Virginian. 1t the only known occasion upon
!. which the fnancier allowed himself to be seen
stripped of his smile There was new expression
in the eye he turned toward Carter with redeem
ing chuckle
, "Wen," he said accepting the situation with full
comprehension Il can only repeat that invitation
to Thinking Chimes
!, CONTINUED Next Sunday.