The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1914-03-26

/ She was not pleased IT didn't think
you knew that" she confessed. "They
made that offer to your uncle several
months ago."
but what I've got to find out is
this: Am I in a position to hold out
against the trust for a bigger price?
You see, friend of mine advises me
Ito hold out. Is business good, right
Inow?"
"Why, yes. We did over a hundred
and twenty thousand dollars last
month"
This was exciting news, and it ex-
cited him. "A hundred and twenty
thousand dollars worth of business
last month! Can I go down to the
bank and get that money now?"
+, She laughed at his commercial igno.
rance. "Why, certainly not!"
For an instant his heart sank as he
contemplated saying what he felt that
he must say, sank doubly deep be-
cause he felt that the confession he
must make might possibly disturb the
good opinion Of him which he hoped
he had renewed in her peculiarly lucid
mind. But there was something in her
eyes that gave him confidence. And
there was nothing for it but confes.
sion.
you don't understand" he ventured
stumblingly. "This is-er-between
us. The fact is-I'm broke! l am in
debt! must get some quick money
and want to know how much you
have in bank. right now"
"Our cash balance?"
"Yes."
She thought deeply for a moment.
Then she looked up with a smile OF
triumph. "Over eighteen thousand
dollars, should say"
He was dismayed. '"Only eighteen
thousand dollars! And you did
business of hundred and twenty
thousand dollars last MONTH"
His manner worried her. II hope
you're not thinking seriously OF going
over"
Going over where?'
ITO the trust"
why? Don't you think tho price
they offer is big enough"
1T isn't a question of price, Mr..
Jones'" she said, with flashing eyes,
tits the principle of the thing"
You'll have to explain that to me-"
why, think of what you're sesling!"
she exclaimed. 1T is the thing your
grandfather worked for and handed
down to your father; the thing that
he worked for and handed down to
you; the thing that you should work
for and hand down to your children,
then to their children, and so On and
on. Why, think of what you're sell.
ing!"
He was a little dazed, but, still, he
surely needed money. II don't see
where there's any sentiment connect.
ed with the thing"
"You don't!" She gayed at him, as.
tonished, and rose and stood beside
the table, looking down at him.
would you ruin the town in which
you were born? Why, your grand
father was the founder of this town,
Mr.. Jones! Would you see seven hun
dred men and boys turned out Of their
employment? Would you see the very
bread and butter taken from the
mouths of families?'
He felt he must defend himself, ex.
plain himself. t"Well, that's not nv
fault. I'm awfully sorry, but can't
help it. I don't see how can help it."
Her voice was deep and sorrowful,
reproachful, warning, pleading, stir.
ring. I'D give it very serious thought
II were you. Mr.. Jones" Then the
timbre Of enthusiasm crept into her
tones and stirred him deeply. "Oh. it
would be perfectly great of you to
stand by and protect the people of this
little town! You've a chance to do
something very. very big-a really
wonderful thing! hope you'll do 1t"
He shook his head. but not emphat.
ica1ly.
"And believe you WILL" she added,
and then her smile returned.
IT must run along, now. You'd bet.
ter come to the Office tomorrow. as
early as possible. There's great deal
to be done and so many things to be |!
explained. I'll expect you at ten in
the morning, shall II"
Can make it quarter past?
Very we'll" She turned away, but. !
20 she picked up little shopping bag
with which she had been armed when
she came in, she evidently was re-
minded of something, for she began to
tumble in it. Presently she found
what she was seeking, and produced
small tin box, round and highly deco
rated. She handed it to Broadway.
who received it as II it had been some
thing of high value.
This is our latest" she explained.
II don't think you've seen them. Jones
Pepsin Waters. Good night, Mr.. Jones"
Dazed and with the box held loosely
81 his hand, he gazed at her retreating
hack. Good night er ~ er - Miss !,
Richards. N ss.
After shs had gone. while Broadway
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