The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-03-11

~4~
Didn't Judge spotswood wire you
that I'd call?" ~
~S%potswood?" ~.
Yes, Of Jonesville."
"Oh, I know whom you mean, Of
course. No; he didn't wire"
That's strange. I talked with him
over the long-distance phone lass than
an hour ago, and he told me ne had
wired you early this morning" -
mo-" said Broadway definitely.
"I can't understand it."
Hold on. Rankin did haad me a
wire. 1 didn't read it." Broadway
searched the table, then his pockets
and finally discovered the crumple6
and unopened telegram smuggling next
his watch.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Mr.. JONES'" said Pembroke unctuous-
ly, as he was tearing of the envelopes
end. ,
Have II" Jackson was surprised.
"You most certainly have, sir. l
knew your uncle very well. A fine and
able man.
"U-m? Eyes. He Is abroad"
Pembroke nodded with an JUNCTION
rapidly increasing. Eyes. How sad
that 1t should happen while he was
among mere strangers!"
Jackson looked at him, not compre-
bending in the least, and then turned
his attention to the neglected tele.
gram. 1t read:
Gable from Mr.. Graham, London,
England, announcing your uncle's de-
mise, received late last night. His last
will and testament made prior to hiA
sailing places you in possession of the
estate. His entire fortune, his BUSH
ness, his every earthly possession he
leaves Internationally to you, hif
nephew and only heir. Shall I come
to New York, or expect you here? Penn
broke will call on you today. Answer
at once"
Broadway scarcely had the strength
with which to raise his head after he
had read this mighty news. So his
uncle had relented at the end!
Great heavens!"
I'm awfully sorry for you, young
man." said Pembroke alphabetically.
Jackson vas surprised. Evidently
the man knew nothing Of the treat
ment which his uncle had invariably
given him while he still lived. "Yor
are?" r'.
"Ah, yes; but It Is something
through which we must all go In this
life"
What? Go through all he had!
Never! I'll never go through all OF
that If I onc really get It,"
He was worth his weight In gold"
said Pembroke, still alphabetically.
How much did it total, do yop
know" asked Broadway practically.
THAT I can't say. We offered him
twelve hundred thousand for his bust
ness and goodwill less than two
months ago. The proposition still
holds good, Mr.. Jones. VIZ stand ready
to close the deal in ~forty-eight hours.
I-er-realize that in your. time oil
trouble and grief it is hardly right tn
discuss business, but 1t Ia vitality Inn
portant that we bring the matter to IA
closing point by Saturday noon, as we
are considering, at the same time, the
purchasing Of the ~Sprucemint com
pany. Our preference leans toward
the Jones gum. but" :"
Broadway, wide-eyed and speeches.
for the moment, gazed at him with
dropping jaw. wait a minute. Wait
a minute. Who is 'we?' Who stands
ready with this ofer?" ,
1.-The company Of which I have tn,
honor to be second vice-president, Nj"
Jones-the Consolidated Chewing Gun
Company Of America"
Jackson approached him with an afr
80 serious that it was almost fearful.
This change In the aspect of affairi
had been SO sudden that he was some
what overcome.
Hold on. Let me get this clear.
Your people. want to buy the Jones
Gum?"
I'VE do"
For twelve hundred and fifty thou
sand dollars"
"The top price"
After an instant's pause in which he
licked his lips with nervous tongue,
and stood poised as II to spring upon
his visitor: where's the money?
Have you got 1t with you?"
81 can get my lawyers together with
in an hour, II you r ready to Gloss
the deal"
To BE CoNT1NUED.)