Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-05-23
BY THOMAS DIXON
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his paper with a gasp and hastene6
inside to see if he could get rid Of his
obnoxious presence. In a moment he
ushered out the client and showed
Bivens into the office.
He shook hands quietly and took q
seat beside Stuart's desk.
"Well?" said the lawyer at length.
i've come to make you an import
ant proposition" Bivens began slowly
while his restless eyes looked up al
the ceiling, and he pulled at the point
of his beard. I'VE need another attor-
ney. The business of the company Is
increasing so rapidly our force can't
handle it. 1 need a big man close to
me. If you'll take the place I'll give
you a salary that will ultimately be
as big as the president gets in the
White House. Twenty thousand to
start with"
Stuart looked at his visitor curiously
why do you want me, Cal? There
are thousands of lawyers here who
would jump at the chance. Many OF
them are better equipped for such
work than I am"
Because 1 know that you won't lie
to me, you won't swindle or take ad-
vantage of me"
why not?" Stuart asked with q
smile. Isn't that the game? Why
shouldn't learn the tricks?"
Because it's not in you"
Il see. You want to capitalize my
character and use me to ambush the
other fellow?"
That's one way to look at it-yes.'
But that's not the real reason you
come to me today with this PROPOSE
tion-is it?"
Not the only one. You know my
friendship for you is genuine. You
know there's not a man in New York
for whom I'd do as much as will for
you if you'll let me. Isn't that true?"
81 believe it-yes. And yet-there
must be another reason. What is it?"
Does it matter? I've made you the
offer. If the salary isn't enough, name
your figure"
You're not afraid of Woodman and
wish to reach him through me?" Stu
art continued, ignoring his last an
swer.
"Afraid?" he asked contemptuously,
"Tm not even interested in him. The
old fossils joke. He thinks he can
stop the progress of the world to at
tend a case of measles in Mott Street.
The financier leisurely lifted his
right hand, removed the cigar from his
mouth. and struck the ashes lightly
with his finger. Stuart noticed how
small his hand, how delicately shaped,
how smooth and careful it's move
ments. Beyond a doubt 1t was the
hand of an expert thief. And yet this
man, by an accident of birth, was a
devout member of the church and
complied with the written laws of
modern society.
Stuart was silent a moment, watch
ing the dark masked face before him
At last he blurted out:
We'll, Cal, what's the real reason
you make me this offer today?"
Bivens moved uneasily in his chair
fdgeted, .hesitated and finally leaned
close, speaking in a whisper:
You can keep a little secret?"
You ought to know that before
making me such an offer"
Yes. Yes, of course l know you
will" Bivens paused and resumed his
cigar. The fact, is-Jim-rm in
love"
Stuart cleared his throat to strangle
an exclamation.
IN love?" he echoed in a tone OF
light banter.
"Hopelessly, desperately in love!"
Then you need a minister, not q
lawyer" Stuart said, with quiet sar-
casm.
It's no joke, old man." Bivens went
on soberly. It's the most serious
thing l was ever up against. Fell in
love at first sight"
But where do l come into this af-
fair" Stuart interrupted, maintain
ing his self-control with an effort.
Simply enough. The Primroses-'
"Oh, it's Miss Primrose?"
"Yes-Miss Nan. You see, they think
the world of you. She said you grew
up together in the same town. l was
telling her about my business. l mus
have been Dragging about what We
were going to do. l was crazy, jus
looking at her. Her beauty made me
drunk. told her we needed a new
attorney. She said you were the man
| told her I'd offer you the place. Sh'
seemed pleased. When l told her
was afraid you wouldn't take place
under my direction, she laughed a
the idea-said she knew you would ac'
cept. And so you've got the whole
truth now, Jim. You've got to accept
old man. 1 want to make her feel tha
her word is law with me. Don't yol
think that would please herr"
1T ought to please any woman" wa!
the slow, thoughtful reply.
Tell me, do you think I've got
chance with a girl like that? You
know I've never gone with girls much
I'm timid and awkward. l don't know
what To do or what to say. But m!
money will help, won't it?"
Money always helps in this town
Cal"
And it means ST. much to a woman
tUO,-dOn't it,"
Yes. Have You said anything Il
Miss Nan YETI"
Lord, no! Haven't dared. Just ge
drunk looking at her every time l SCI
her, but couldn't open my mouth if
| tried. I'm kinder shying up to th'
old lady to get her on my side. Sh,
seems awfully friendly. l think sh,
likes me. Don't you think it a gooC
plan to cultivate herr"
by all means" was the dry reply.
Say, for Gods sake, Jim, help me
Take this attorneyship. 1t will pleas
her and I'll make you rich. Come fl
witb ma ond vou'll never regret H.