Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1912-02-09
CHAPTER I.-Continued.

II wish ! could help you, old man.
AS 1t is. my own salary barely serves
to keep me in neckwear. Wall streets
great fun, but it doesn't pay much;
that is, not unless you play the game
yourself"
Howard smiled feebly as he re-
piled:
Nonsense wouldn't accept help
Of that sort. I'm not reduced to So
Letting charity yet. guess I'd pre-
fer the river to that. But If you hear
of anything. keep me in mind"
The athlete made no response. He
was apparently lost in thought when
suddenly he blurted out:
Say. Jeffries. you haven't got any
money, have you-say, couple OF
thousand dollars?"
Howard stared at the questioner as
II he doubted his sanity.
1.-TWO thousand dollars!" he gasped.
DO you suppose that I'd be wearing
out shoe leather looking for job.
If had $2,OO0?"
Coke looked disappointed as he re-
piled:
"Oh, Of course, understand you
haven't 1t on you. only thought you
might be able to raise it."
why do you ask?" inquired How
ard, his curiosity aroused.
Coke looked around to see If any
one was listening. Then in a whis-
per he said:
Its cinch. If you had $4,000,
you and could make snug little
fortune. Don't you understand? In
my Office get tips. I'm on the inside
| know in advance what the big men
are going to do. When they start to
move certain stock up, I'm on the
Job. Understand? If you had $4,000
could raise as much, and we'd poo
our capital. starting in the business
ourselves-on small scale, of course
II we hit it right we might make 6
nice income"
Howard's mouth watered. Certain
ly that was the kind of life he liked
best The feverish excitement o.
gambling, the close association witt
rich men, the promise of luxurious
style of living-all this appealed tt
him strongly. But what was the use
Where could he get $4,000? HI
couldn't go to his father. He shool
his head.
I'm afraid not, old sport" he salt
as they left the saloon and he hell
out his hand to say good-by. But II
bear 1t in mind, and if things improve
I'll look you up. So long!".
Climbing wearily up the dirty stair
Of the elevated railroad, he bought
ticket with one of the few nickels re
naming in his pocket. and taking
seat in north-bound train started O
his trip back to Harlem.
The day was overcast, rain threa
. ened. A pail of mingled smoke an
9 mist hung over the entire city. FroI
the car window as the train woun
I Its serpentine course in and out th
l. maze Of grimy offices, shops and ten
ments, everything appeared dral
dirty and squalid. New York wa
seen at its ugliest. Ensconced in
cross-seat, his chin leaning heavil
- on his hand. Howard gazed detected
. out of the window. The depressin
i outlook was in keeping with his ow
l. state of mind.
y How would the adventure enc
Reconciliation with his father was Of
3 Of the question. Letters sent hon
remained without response.
l. wasn't surprised. He knew his pat
10 too well to expect that he would r
n lent SO soon. Besides, If the old ms
was so Internally proud, he'd sho
him he had some pride, too. He
drown himself before he'd 60 down {
II his knees, whining to be forgiven. H
d. father was dead wrong, anyway. H
marriage might have been foolisl
e Annie might be beneath him social
n She was not educated and her faith
wasn't any better than he ought
be. She did not talk correctly, h
manners left much to be desired,
,e times he was secretly ashamed of HI
to But her bringing UP was her misft
10 tune, not her fault. The girl hers'
re was straight as die. She had
to heart of gold. She was far more
telliRent. far more likely to ma