The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1911-06-23

cluded. fetching a tremendous sigh. "T
shall probably use it to establish a
new library belt--if Mr.. Carnegie
leaves me room"
The market, which had been so long
inert, took unto itself life. Slowly
and cautiously Hazlitt moved Colo.
rado Central toward higher levels,
and, encouraged by the apparent
strength of this movement, other
pools. long dormant, lifted their heads
and their favorite stocks. Stimulated
by this false activity, the public
trooped into the market and lifted a
share of the pools burdens.
Even more slowly and cautiously
toiled the little man spinning his web
from his Uttered room in the Offices of
Willis, Barr & Co. Each day Colo
RADIO Central touched higher figure
and each day Barr sold a little more
OF Its stock to the unwilling Hazlitt.
1t came softly and melted into the
pools operations like hesitating snow
flakes.
A week passed. 1t was Monday
again, and on the floor of the Ey-
change the clang of the big gong
which marked the days end was sweet
music to Hazlitt. All day he had fol-
lowed the movements of Central, and
he had seen a quiet and persistent
selling of the stock which puzzled
MIN. He finished a hurried lunch in
the Luncheon club of the Exchange
and passed quickly to his office.
AS the statements from the brokers
who had handled his orders in Colo.
rado Central came in he began to real
lze the extent of the days selling.
Ihls meant profit of an open challenge
to battle by some unknown power
which meant to combat the rise in
Central.
Before noon ON Tuesday the cues.
ton was answered. The mysterious
selling was under way again. The
most persistent buying by Hazlitt's
brokers could not stop Central from
breaking badly under the impact of
the sales. 1t closed at Al under the
drive.
1t was thoroughly worried broker
who met Austin that night at an I'D.
town club.
Some one is fighting this advance,
Mr.. AUSTIN" declared Hazlitt, earnest
~. 1T is no one of small caliber,
either. The selling today has been
amazing. Are you sure of your posi-
ton? Are those dividends really in
sight? 1t seems impossible. that any
one knowing the roads prospects, as
you have detailed them to me, would
dare to fight us so openly"
You know Mr.. Newton. You saw
the estimates he received" Austin
was plainly irritated. Il think they
count for more than the swashbuck.
ling play of some stock iobber. If
one of that ilk chooses to set himself
against us, well and good. He'll de-
serve his unpitied end"
YES" said the broker, "of course,
you're right. But under the condi-
tions We'll need more funds. We Just
about used up our past profits today
keeping Central up"
Don't worry about funds, Hazlitt."
Austin said, rather sharply. You'll
get all you need. I know l can count
on Newton, and-well, our little pool
isn't to be derailed by any market
gambler. You ought to make him pay
dearly for his meddling when that d.
vidend is declared"
Hazlitt laughed. Depend on me. II
you take care of the dividends I'll take
care of the enemy"
And so the little pebble which
woman's hand had tossed, blindly, into
the quiet waters of the market was
sending its waves in an overwhelming
circle to an unknown shore. The Tit
tie" Opera Box Pool had outstripped
its diminutive. The untruthful stubs
in Mr.. Wells little leather-bound
check book multiplied monotonously.
The struggle began again on We'd
nesday. For the first time there be-
gan to circulate timid rumors that
bad news, in the shape of strikes and
toss Of earnings, was soon to come out
on Colorado Central.
On Thursday the lines Of battle
were so distinctly drawn that the
Street held aloof from Central and
watched the conflict from safe dis
tances. The floor of the Exchange was
a veritable battle ground, where back |
and forth Hazlitt's brokers and those |
acting for the adversary waged the |
contest.
The strike rumors regarding Cen
trail became more aggressive. and late
in the day a dispatch came over a |
private wire from Denver saying that !
the Brotherhood of Trainmen would !
meet there on Saturday to discuss
hour and wage grievances against the |
road. The stock fell sharply two
points, to IS.
Newton had received a similar dis
patch from the roads Headquarters,
which contained more details. 1t was
something of a shock to Austin and
Mr.. Wells, who, with Hazlitt, had fore
gathered to take measures to protect