The Washington times., 1912-09-21

office.
"John! Seven million dollars!'
Approximately that" smiled Graf
ton.
But
"Oh. not exactly in cash, you know
The sum Is represented in Colson's pa
pers."
"oh, that loan on the trolley bust
nsss?"
THE Kenyonville Traction deal-pre.
clsely."
I see." Elsford took to considering
the spherical safe once more, and
something like a scowl appeared on his
brow. "1s it particularly advisabie?"
"Eh? ....
Il mean having papers Of such i'm.
mense value in your own office"
Il imagine that it's all right. At any
rate. they haven't been there long.
For the past year the whole bundle has
1iena neen ,r@sp9si9g @ quietly IN the First Ma
Which is where they belong now"
But this morning." Grafton contin-
ued. II had an interview with Collins.
my attorney. and he suggested that we
look them over. Thereupon he went to
the bank. obtained the precious little
papers, examined them carefully. and
here they are" ~.
ened: Grafton laughed
Iheyre safe enough, you may de-
pend. Like everything else in this para
gon OF an establishment, that little
round vault is of the best of it's kind
glars, fires, mobs, cyclones-and the
Lord only knows what else And, con-
sidering the price paid for 1t, the little
thing might we'll be guaranteed against
all other power of earth and heaven in
addition. They're safe enongh."
You seem to have infinite faith in
your own contrlvances and possessions,
John"
Elsford watched him for time with
quiet smile.
DO you know" he said, that pride
Boeth before fall?"
I've heard something of the sort be-
fore, but 1t isn't pride in my case-or,
at least not empty pride. Everything
I've done since l landed in Kenyonville,
and everything I've made or bought or
built, has been the very best existent at
the time. A man is entitled to be proud
of that"
But still. too confounded much con-
fdence is AS bad Is too little, you know.
Just about the time we get to feeling
so absolutely certain of this or that"
She falls down, eh? You may be
right"
Grafton tilted back and studied the
ceiling.
But with an your croaking," he
ddOeut SOu just put III an
here at Il, noon, on the 2lst day of this
month-day after tomorrow, as ! per-
ceive that we are now past midnight
and l think you'll be convinced that all
can go smoothly once in while"
What happens then?"
"Colson',s settlement with me on the
traction deal"
'Ah, yes"
Hell be here. and Collins will be
here" meditated Grafton, "and Ever
son and Phillips, the president of the
company. as 1t is at present organized.
Then we'll have a small army of no
tar1es and commissioners Of deeds and
few clerks as witnesses, l presume
Grafton, will be in a position to dispose
of the mortgages and debts which his
public spirit prompted him to assume.
And there. l think, his money making
career will stop for the present"
We'll, I trust sincerely that all will
go as You expected"
And why on earth shouldn't it? de-
manded Grafton. with some impatience
We'll. 1 don't know any logical rea-
son. but Elsford broke off with q
laugh. and yawned. II imagine that
my croaking mood may be due to weari-
ness, John. It was a good long trip,
coming here today, and we've been
pretty busy since.'
ing, too, aren't your
Louis"
rs itr' said Grafton. Then it's high
time you We're getting some rest Well
clear out OF this"
Blsford nodded, and the other, after
"a glance about the trim little office,
arose.
f., well. everything seems fit Come
along"
,roSSsIr ,,YoT,re learning Gn caution from my
"Eh? In what way?" Grafton's hand
to his side.
You closed your desk" said Elsford.
That, at least, is a precautionary
Jim"
"You didn't this evening""
But assure you that did"
'And I assure you that you did not.
top was wide open"
Grafton stared for a moment then a
smile came over his face.
You seem to be keen for mysteries
and unusual happenings this evening
Jim. But this one at least Is going to
fall through. AS a rule, I'm the most
methodical creature alive about office
matters; ma, put Ut. this ;, evening; as ! recall
came only minute or two before 6
o'clock, you. know, apd I wanted to
hurry back to the house and down again
to meet you. I did leave that desk
"Aha"
But there was nothing Of any earthly
Importance it it-and no one to see II
there had been"
Nevertheless. my boy, 1t demon
strates the fallibility even of yourself"
laughed Elsford. with little triumph in
his voice. Something similar might as
we'll have happened to your precious
safe over there"
"shall I try the door," said Grafton
half mockingly, half wearily.
Honestly. I wish you would"
The other stepped across and ratified
the little knob of the combination.
When he stood erect he said. drly:
There! For your own nervous sat
isfaction. suppose you 30 over and twist
II yourself! I'll make YOU a present of
the contents If you can get at them.
Jim. you're in a mood tonight"
TT may be absurd from your point
Of view. but it impresses me as too al
mighty risky for a man 10 leave every
thing he possesses on earth-or papers
which represent it-in one small safe
guarded by a single watchman Sup
pose il should he cracked?''
The papers would be useless to any
one but Colson-for any appreciable
amount. No crook would ever take the
risk of trying to dispose of them. More
than that. he couldn't get them. any
way"
Nevertheless. suppose he could?
Your office building here would be sac
rifiCed to the mortgage for all Vou could