Charlevoix county herald., 1914-10-17

various houses"
"That would be you, would it
not?"
eff you think | am capable. Now,
the next thing is that We should need
a large capital to buy the first stock.
"And how much do you think is
necessary"
Between six hundred thousand
francs and Million" answered
Jacques. "How much could you put
in ?"
81 don't know yet; and you ?"
81 have three hundred thousand in
the Bank of France. 1t is placed there
while | am looking about to see what
would be the best business in which
20 invest it"
Although he was very shrewd and
cool. Calesse started when he heard
his visitor mention the sum of three
hundred thousand francs. Was the
man a fool? Was he really going TO
throw himself into Calesse's claws?
"Well," said Calesse thoughtfully,
81 think it's a good idea, and | could
put in that same amount, so that we
should have the same chances. But
it is a serious matter and it requires
thinking over. Is your capital
ready"
81 will put it into your hands the
dav we sign the contract. The great
thing is that you consider the idea
good. Think it over thoroughly, and
then we will discuss the various con-
ditions of the contract"
Every good. Then when shall
see you again, M. Velizay?"
"Say tomorrow at the same hour.
That gives you sufficient time, does it
not ?"
Calesse seemed unable to believe
his own ears. He accompanied his
visitor to the street door and warmly
shook hands with him. Then he re-
turned to his private office and called
in Pecheret.
Say, Pecheret," he cried, bursting
into laughter; fools never will be
wiped out of France"
"Nor sharpers, either" answered
Pecheret, with a cunning smile. "But
why this mirth? Have you had a
lamb here this morning 2"
eyes, that Jacques Velizay. He
actually wants to go into partnership
with me, and is willing to put down
three hundred thousand francs, Ca
Jesse said.
"He's willing to do that ?" cried
Pecheret. "Take care"
Calesse stopped laughing.
"He is from Gascony," said Pc
cheret. "You should never trust a
Gascon."
"But if he puts down the cash? If
he has the money!"
HAS he?"
yes; it's in the Bank of France,
and he only wants the word from me
to bring it here"
Pecheret whistled.
"lf the year goes on as it has COM
menced," he said, rubbing his hands,
at won't have been a bad one. Have
you formed any plan how to get the
cash ?"
"You dine with me tonight, and we
will arrange that then"
"You know your wife cannot toler-
ate me-"
"She is not we'll today, and she
won't appear at dinner"
Good, then, I'll be there" Pecheret
laughed.
While this conversation was taking
place between Calesse and his secre-
tary Velizay had taken a taxi and
driven rapidly to the Bon Marche. He
went at once to the private office Of
the head of the firm. He had long.
serious talk with him.
Early the next morning he was
seen at the Bank of France, and at
three-thirty that afternoon he was
shown into the office of Calesse e. Co.
He smiled affably as he shook hands
with the commission agent and said:
81 was busy last evening preparing
rough draft of the contract"
THAT'S good" replied the commits
sion-agent.
Jacques thought that his manner
seemed more distrustful than it mad
been the previous day
Have you begun to see about get
ting together your capital ?" asked
Jacques innocently.
81 have commenced" replied Ca
Jesse. "And you?"
Here; lookp said jacques.
He opened his notebook and drew
out a receipt from the Bank of
France, which he permitted Calesse
w IllC dBtnl
eyes were fixed on the paper; his look
was full of eageness and greed.
Jacques watched him narrowly;
then he put the receipt back in his
notebook and buttoned up his coat.
"You need not worry" said Ca
Jesse, after moments silence. 81 will
put in the same amount. Now, have
you rough draft of the contract ,"
81 made a copy, but | tore it uI.
can remember it, and if you will Jot
it down on paper we will each take a
copy of it and study. You write and
I'll dictate.
att will be easier for you to write
yourself" said Calesse
every WE'LL" answered jacques.
A minute before Jacques had takan
penknife from his pocket and had
twirled it round in his fingers. AS he
walked to the chair lie slipped and
fell awkwardly against the desk.
He put his hand out quickly to save
himself. Blood began to trickle down
his hand; the little blade had gone
between the finger and the thumb.
THAT fool knife-look what it's
donel" he exclaimed. He twisted HIS
handkerchief around his thum. "Thst
is nuisance. can't write now"
II oil caapoad 20 have bonnooad -