Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1912-12-05
XII.
The Lamp Of Aladdin.

The Lamp Of Aladdin.
"HE clouds Of the panic slowly
lifted and the sun began to
shine. A fearless officer Of the
law had struck a blow for JUS
tice that marked the beginning Of a
new era Of national life. Slowly but
surely the prices of stocks began to
mount.
Incidentally a corner in wheat was
suddenly developed. and the price Of
bread rose 20 per cent. Bivens was
found to be the mysterious power be-
hind the deal. and before the old
timers in the wheat pit could marshal
their forces to crush him he closed out
his holdings at a profit Of five millions.
The little fnancier awoke next morn
ing to find himself the most famous
nan in America. His picture now ap.
peared everywhere and all sorts of
writer's began to weave marvellous sto.
ries of his achievements.
Nan was insisting again that he make
Stuart an offer to become his associate
i'm business.
"I'm sure he will consider your offer
now"
Bivens looked at her a moment curl.
ously and she turned her eyes away.
"Why do you think he has changed
his attitude toward mel"
"From something he said. That mob
has written a question mark before his
life"
by George!" he exclaimed, his black
eyes sparkling. 1T may be possible"
you'll try?" Nan asked eagerly.
It'll not try-Ill do 1t.
Tive an enemy somewhere among
the fallen" Bivens went on musingly,
''who is dying hard. In spite of the
fact that I have unlimited resources.
this nan is constantly circulating re.
ports about the soundness of my
finances. He uses the telephone
principally and he has started two
runs on my bank within the past
month. Another is pending. Pm go.
ing to ask Jim to preside over an in
vest1gation Of my u in the
presence OF a dozen newspaper re-
porters."
Ndu stopped anu klSSeu Qlln.
When Stuart reached Bivens' new
Offices in Wall street he was amazed
at their size and magnificence. The
first impression was one of dazzling
splendor. The huge reception hall was
trimmed from f1oor to dome in onyx
and gold.
Stuart nodded to a group Of reporters
waiting for the chance of a word with
the great man. Looks like a full
house, doesn't itY" he said.
"They've been here for hours" said
a reporter. There are a senator, three
members Of the house of representa-
hves, an ambassador. the governor of
a Chinese province. a Japanese prince
and a dozen big politicians from as
many states. to say nothing of the
small fry"
"Well, 1 have an appointment with
Mr.. Bivens at this hour"
Really" the reporter gasped. ''Then
for heavens sake give me a chance at
you five minutes before the other fell
lows. Remember now. I saw you
first!"
de was sul pleading when Stuart
smilingly drew away and followed one
Of Bivens' secretaries.
Bivens came forward to greet him
with outstretched hands.
II needn't say I am glad to see you,
Jim. How do you like my new quar-
ters?"
Absolutely stunning. I had no idea
you cultivated such ceremonial splen-
doris In your business"
Eyes. I like it" the %fnancier admit
ted thoughtfully. II don't mind con-
Tossing to you On the sly that 1t was
Mans idea at first. but I took to it like
q duck to water"
In spite Of Stuart's contempt for the
mere Dossession of money In spite of