Evening star., 1911-08-13
Chapter x.

IN2SGN "Im wild to hear how big talk
HXZ1oINW9 business! Won't you let me, Cousin
lNtlHdGlNI CornelIuso I'm positively thirsty
WlA49|W for knowledge-buslness knowledge!
~&ZW You don't mind do you, Mr. jan
%@NW ney2"
n OI6 a @You can't be Interested"
@ ~ Wray laughed. "Im the original
M woolly Western lamb being led to
Ok9 the shearing Mrs. Cheyne."
"The golden heece!' she put in "I
know But I'm going to allow it. You're not going
to let them-are you, jeff Wray?"
Il never knew lamb that had any opinions on the
matter, he said easily.
The General got to his feet testify. "Ra, this won't
do at ALL We wanted to speak to Wray privately
"Oh, you needn't mind me. | m positively bursting
of discretion Please let stay. She went over to
Curtis anney and laid her hands on his shoulders ap
pealingly I'll sell you Jack in the Box if you will Mr.
Janney,n she said. "You know you've wanted that
horse all season.
Janney laughed "That's great temptation; but
this isn't my affair, and he glanced at General Bent
who stood frowning at them from the window.
Leave the at once, Rita!' said the General
sternly. you're interfering here-cant you see:"
Mrs. Cheyne dropped her hands; "oh, if you take
turning with her hand the knob. Il think you re
horrd both of you! hope your lamb turns out to be
a lion and eats you up!" And with laugh and
of her head she went out banging the door behind
her.
jeff Wray and Curtis Janney laughed; but the frown
General Bent face had not relaxed for instant.
When the door had closed he down in his chair
again, while Janney offered cigars Jeff took with
sudden serious air, meant perhaps tribute to the
attitude and years of his fellow guest.
Curtis anney looking from the other searched
each face for signs of doubt ndetermnation, and
found each the deeply set eyes, straight brow,
firm thin mouth, square jaw, and heavy chin which he
recognized belonging to those of this world who know
how to fight and do not know when they are beaten.
Wrays features heavier the lines in the Generals
face more deeply bitten by the acid of time; but their
features were much alike that had Jenney known
the thing was impossible, it might have been easy
imagine kind Of collateral more intimate
family relationship
VOU asked me to here said Wray, easily apollo
getic. "Sorry | couldn't come at once, Sir What
can | do for YOU General Bent2'
Bent's deeply set eyes hidden under his bushy
eyebrows; but the lips that held his cigar flicker
ing in a smile. "Yes," he began with a slow, distinct
enuncation which Wray recognized at as belong
ing to his office down town. Il thought we might talk
a little business if Mr.. Jannev doesn't object
"Not in the least" said Janney; "but there's no
son why shouldn't mix in a little Old Thorne, and
he handed the decanter to Wray.
Cornelius Bent refused. "Wray," he went on "weve
been talking about your plant down IN the valley From
all We been able to find out its pretty good propo
ton Company has no special interest in acquiring it.
That mountain range, in Judgment, will never be
big producer The Lone Tree is the kind of exception
that finds only in lifetime.
"And yet we re running full time, said Wray, with
an odd smile "If the other keep their promise,
won't need to buy any more General
"The mountains of the West full of holes that
promising Wray like notes of hand; but
they we long since gone to protest.
Jefs chin tipped upward the fraction OF an inch.
"Im indorsng these notes. General. Besides" he