The citizen., 1914-10-16

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sQuarely at the millionaire. There was
no answering smile for the others
leyity. He was there for a purpose.
The pleasantries would do for another
time.
Mr.. Brand" he said, 81 fear that
you won't construe this visit as a COM
pliment. am not here to inquire into
your business, past, present or future.
come In behalf of friend"
Brand flicked some ashes from his
cigar onto his plush carpet and in
Quired:
did he send your"
mo"
Then the advantage is mine," said
the millionaire coolly. 81 am listen
ing"
You came over to Staten Island
some four weeks ago. You came on
business. Were you successful?"
Brand folded his hands behind his
head. He leaned back In his chair.
His brows contracted. He laid his
cigar down on the desk. He took 1t
up. He looked out of the window. He
looked at Dick.
MY friend" he said, you had bet
ter ask Reynolds"
The reporter jumped to his feet.
Leave Reynolds out of it," he com.
manded. "It took you long while to
think of that, and you know you don't
mean It, You know Bob Reynolds
wouldn't tell me anything that another
man had told him in confidence He
would hold it sacred even-even il 1t
came from you
Brand dropped his mask; dropped 1t
with crash; good crook is never
coward. He went around his desk al
most at run and pointed finger an
inch from the reporters face.
Now you be NICE" he ordered in no
uncertain Tone You're here for trou-
BILE and you'll get it. But If you want
to stay at all be NICE You heard me"
Dick met his stare full-faced. But
he had erred. He knew it.
Il heard you," he said. "and beg
your pardon-to the extent that re-
gret my pleasantries. But be on the
level, Brand. It's just you and me;
not Reynolds. Don't pretend If you
want to give me the passports, say the
word. But If you don't. let's talk like
men,"
"All right, then. / don't think Rey-
nolds told you word. But think you
know lot. Damn me, If you report
ers would only turn your wits to some
good ends, how. much better off you'd
be and how much better off the world
would be-"
The point of view there" said Dick
with a smile, 'is what constitutes good
ends. For my part would not include
in such traits the desire to take other
mems wives out Joy riding. We have
agreed to dispense with pleasantries.
l speak Of facts"
Brand took it coolly.
We'll, what then?" he asked.
That's what I'm here to learn.
know lot but would like to learn
more"
Then guess your missions futile. -
said the millionaire.
Perhaps. But l haven't run dry.
Tennessee Coal and Iron dropped a
few points today"
1T sure did," Brand acquiesced. 81
can swear to that"
"A lot of poor fools lost their
money"
81 shouldn't be surprised. They usu-
ally do"
But you didn't"
why, my boy, you flatter me. But,
frankly. won lot of money"
Brand left his desk again. This time
he walked slowly to the reporters
side
But what the devil are you driving
at?" he asked with face protruding.
Are you here with threats? Do you
think l am afraid of you or your
kind?" He snapped his fingers in the
reporters face. That" he taunted.
That"
The blood mounted to Dicks cheeks,
but his endurance was not all spent.
do I look at all threatening?" he
asked. Have l said anything that
sounded like threats?"
NO" said Brand with a sneer, but
you are still without an overcoat."
A fist shot out. 1t landed with a
thud. Some two hundred pounds Of
very precious flesh and bone lay
stretched upon the floor. The reporter
glanced quickly about him. There was
a stationary washstand in corner.
He stepped to it, soaked towel In
the running water and laid it over the
millionaires face and head. 1t did the
work. Brands eyes rolled and opened.
Assured of returned consciousness.
Dick stopped again and raised his vic.
tim to sitting posture.
Shall l stay or goY" he asked.
You'd better CO." Brand answered
feebly.
mo hard feelings?"
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