Middletown transcript., 1914-03-21

| Didn't Judge Spotswood wire you
that I'd call?"
"Spotswood?"
'Yes, of Jonesville."
"Oh, 1 know whom you mean, OF
course. No; he didn't wire"
That's strange. talked with him
over the long-distance phone less than
an hour ago, and he told me he had
wired you early this morning"
NO." said Broadway definitely.
II can't understand It,"
Hold on. Rankin did hand me q
wire. I didn't read it." Broadway
searched the table, then his pockets
and finally discovered the crumpled
and unopened telegram smuggling next
his watch.
You have my deepest sympathy
Mr.. JONES'" said Pembroke unctuous-
ly, as he was tearing off the envelope
end.
Have II" Jackson was surprised.
'You most certainly have, sir.
knew your uncle very well. A fine and
able man"
"U-m? Er-yes. He is abroad"
Pembroke nodded with an unction
rapidly increasing. "Yes How sad
that it should happen while he was
among mere strangers!"
Jackson looked at him, not compre-
hending in the least, and then turned
his attention to the neglected tele-
gram. it 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 his
sailing places you in possession of the
estate His entire fortune, his busi-
ness, his every earthly possession he
leaves Internationally to you, his
nephew and only heir. Shall 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 sympathetically.
Jackson was. surprised. Evidently
the man knew nothing of the treat
ment which his uncle had invariably
given him while he still lived. you
are?"
"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 once really get it"
"He was worth his weight in gold, .
said Pembroke, still sympathetically.
How much did it total, do you
know" asked Broadway practically.
THAT l 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. We stand ready
to close the deal in forty-eight hours.
I-er-realize that in your time OF
trouble and grief 1t Is hardly right to
discuss business, but it is vitality i'm
portant that we bring the matter to a
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 speechless
for the moment, gazed at him with
dropping jaw wait a minute. Wait
minute. Who is 'we?' Who stands
ready with this offer?"
The company of which have the
honor to be second vice-president, Mr..
Jones-the Consolidated Chewing Gum
Company of America"
jackson approached him with an air
so serious that it was almost fearful.
This change in the aspect Of affairs
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 if to spring upon
his visitor: Where's the money
Have you got it with you2"
Vt can get my lawyers together with
in an hour. if you are ready to close
the deal"