News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1914-11-04

vanced to the fireplace.
Thought you might be here to see
your friend on story Of fcme kind"
he ventured. 81 believe you haven't
seen much of each other fer year or
so. Where is Reynolds now" he fin.
ished, it having just occurred to him
that he had not inquired for him.
upstairs for minute" Dick told
him. Hes expecting you. He'll be
right down. Bob is sort of shot to
pieces tonight. l thought he would be
and that's what brought me around.
Thought l might be of some help to
him."
The millionaire raised his head
quickly and looked searchingly at
Meade.
Help? Why, does he need help?" he
asked with some asperity
Il think he does-a little. Haven't
you heard? Hasn't Henning told
you?"
"Henning?" snapped Brand irritably.
What has Henning got to do with it?
| don't know as | follow you, young
man. If there is anything on your
mind, speak 1t out. That's my method
and l have no patience for riddles"
There is just this on my mind, Mr..
Brand" he said. Reynolds went broke
today, fat-you understand, fiat He
went broke on Henning's tip, and Hen
ming is your broker. Reynolds lost
$4,000; every cent he had in the
world, and you won two hundred thou
sand. That's what's on my mind, Mr..
Brand"
Well, what about it?" the million
aire asked sharply. He glowered at
Dick and thrust out his jaw men.
acingly.
Il don't know what about it." replied
the reporter still quietly, but with his
face in just as threatening proximity
as Brands. I'm here to find out"
Brand side-stepped the issue.
You told Reynolds that?" he in
quired.
i told him what you won, yes. About
his own losses l guess he was pretty
well informed"
The millionaire took out his cigar
case and rendered it to Dick in a gin
gerly, matter-of-fact way. The report
er declined, and Brand lighted his
cigar with deliberate movement. He
pulled it slowly once or twice with
% m N q fnn fhAy, Cd
quickly up to Meade, facing him with
challenging look.
Young man." he said sharply, 81 am
here tonight in answer to a message
from Reynolds. My business with Rey.
nolds is for him and me; not for you.
If you want to play the good Samari.
tan, have no objection 1t is very
laudable of you, but I'll do my own
charity work in my own way. If you
take my advice, you'll step out of this
affair tonight and let Reynolds and !
settle it ourselves"
"All right" Meade agreed. That's
what intend to do. just want to let
you know, however, that am here to
throw out life line If one is needed
That's my line of business to some ex.
tent, and I've got some pretty good
life-savers back of me-the magazine ]
mentioned. | can throw out the line
and if the rescue job is too big for me,
there will be plenty of help behind.
Just remember that" he finished, as
Reynolds step was heard at the top OF
the stairs.
Meade started for his coat and hat
Hello, Brand" called Reynolds as
he descended, and as he caught sight |
of Dick. you're not going? Why, |
you can't get train back at this time
of night, Dick. Besides, you must stay
and see Jane"
Dick continued his preparations for
departure.
you and Brand have some business
to discuss, Bob, and I'll see you in the
morning"
Nonsense, nothing of the kind, you
stay right here" his friend insisted |
We'll be through our business soon.
won't we, Brandt"
why, yes" answered the million.
aire amiably enough. "He doesn't
have to go on my account"
81 should say not" Bob decided
You go upstairs, Dick, to my den,
It's in the front of the house. Lots to
smoke and plenty to read. I'll call you
when we're through. Janell be home
by that time, too"
Very WELL" Meade assented. He
smiled as he glanced at the million.
aire. I'll close the door, so you don't
need to worry, Mr.. Brand"
Brands laugh was void of mirth, but
he answered with fine. sarcasm and
self-assurance.
ANY time you make me worry,
young man, I'll retire from business"
Thank you" said Dick, as he as
cended the stairs, that makes me all
the more eager to seek the sppor.
tunity."
Reynolds walked to the table and
poured out some brandy. Have
some?" he asked CURLY, holding a
glass towards the millionaire.
mo, thanks; it's a little late for me.