The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1912-11-27


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 profit of five millions.
The little financier awOke next MORN
ing to find himself the most famous
man in America. His picture now APP
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
in business.
I'm sure he will consider your offer
now"
Bivens looked at her moment Curl
ously and she turned her eyes away.
why do you think he has changed
his attitude toward me-
From something he said. That mob
has written question mark before his
life"
by George" he exclaimed. his black
eyes sparkling. 1T may be possible
You'll try" Nan asked eagerly.
I'll not try-I1l do it.
I've an enemy somewhere among
the fallen" Biyens went on musingly
"who is dying hard. In spite of the
fact that | have unlimited resources
this man 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. I'm 90
ing to ask Jim to preside over an in
vestigatiOn Of my resources in the
presence of dozen newspaper re-
porters."
Nan stopped and kissed him.
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 floor TO dome in onyx
and gold.
Stuart nodded 10 a group of reporters
waiting for be chance of Il word with
the great man. Looks like Il full
house. doesn't it," he said
''They'vp been here for hours" said
a reporter. There are n senator. three
members of the house of representa-
tiveS. an ambassador, the governor Of
a Chinese province. Il japanese prince
and a dozen big politicians from as
many states. 70 say nothing Of the
small fry
well, l have an appointment with
Mr.. Bivens at this hour"
Really" the reporter gasped. Then
for heavens sake give me Il chance at
! you five minutes before the other fell
! lows. Remember now, | saw you
firstr'
He was still pleading when Stuart
smilingly drew away and followed one
of Bivens' secretaries.
Bivens came forward to greet him
with outstretched hands.
Il needn't say 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
Yes. | like it," the fnancier admit
ted thoughtfully. Il don't mind con-
Tossing to you on the sly that it was
Mans idea ut first. but took to it like
a duck TO water"
In spite of Stuart'S contempt for the
mere possession of money. in spite Of
his traditional contempt for BivenS' an
! tecedentS. character and business meth
DDS. he found himself uncOnSciouSly
paying homage~to the power the little.
, dark. swartny figure today incarnated.
Bivens had become more difficult OF
approach and carried himself with
quiet. conscious price.
Stuart was scarcely prepared for the
hearty. old fashioned cordial way in
which he went about the business for
which he had asked him TO come.
Now. Jim. this is your day; those
fellows out there in the reception hall
can wait. You and | must have the
thing out-man TO man. heart TO heart.
You can talk plainly and I'll answer
squarely.
I've got d proposition to make 70
you. SO big you've GOT 70 hear it. so big
you can't get away from II. because
you're not fool. You're a man Of gen
ius There is no height 10 which you
cannot climb when once your feet are
on the ladder And I'm going TO put
them there
The assurance il Eiyens' voice and
the conta giUuS enthusiasm with which
he spoke impressed Stuart.
Bivens was quick to recognize il and
strike at once.
Before ! present my plans ! want
to show you thar can make good my
word. have caused these reporters 70
be sent here today for the purpose Of
giving the widest publicity 10 the facts
about my fortune Another rus has
been planned tomorrow on one Of my
| banks ] have placed my money and
securities in the next room. 50 arranged
that you can verify my statements. and
| at the proper moment I shall ask these
reporters into the place and let them
SEE. with their own eyes There can be
no more rumorS III Wall street about
my financial status Come in here.
siyen> led the way into the room
beyond. which was the meeting place
If the directors OF his many corpora
tons
stuart had scarcely passed the door