The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1914-11-19

OF enough to weaken Mr. Ressmer's
control OF the company"
MIR Spoo-er was shocked that he
should even conceive such an idea
NO one. ] am sure would wish to in.
ture Mr. ReSsmer who is very hon
est. hard working business man Ele
has the respect and even affection OF
the entire community, including my
self. Ii you chose to sell any Of the
stock. how much would you want
for it.
Par" announced Blackie affably,
My dear young man." expostulated
Mr. Spooyer in stern but kindly tones.
the stock has never been worth more
than 80 per cent. and I'll guarantee
that you paid even less than that
for it.
Par is the price," Blackie patiently
explained. Il have always said that
If | ever owned stock in anything l
wouldn't sell it for anything but par.
like the sound of the word
ut doesn't sound half SO we'll as,
say, S75 cash." insinuated Mr.. Spoo-
ger laughing like one giving away
groceries.
Par repeated Blackie gently, but
firmly, and lighted cigarette. AT
that III only sell you fifty shares. l
understand that Jim Wallingford's
buying up this stock. and l wouldn't
run the risk of much of it falling into
his hands He'd put my friend Bess-
mer right out Of his own shop and
turn it over to the trust
II am not an agent nor emissary for
any one" stated Mr.. Spooger. much
outraged. II am investing or specu-
lating. il you wish to call it 50. for my
own benefit entirely"
Blackie had particular reasons of his
own for doubling that. but he did not
think it wise to say so.
Fifty shares or nothing. and at par"
he asserted stoutly. IF sell more
than that I'll sell all. II l have to
weaken my majority of stock l want
to get out entirely"
Mr.. Spooger stilled the alike
humping of his heart. 'Would you
seriously contemplate selling all?" he
asked quietly.
"WeIl. you See" hesitated Blackie
looking mournfully about the shop and
over ut Bessmer's Office. II like this
business, and Bessmer. and the men
but I'm poor person. and to sell out
at par would mean a big profit on my
investment l wouldn't sell to Jim
Wallingford. though. don't think
he'd even come to me to buy it."
This being the strict truth. Blackie
had perfectly clean conscience wher
he said it.
"l'll take those fifty shares at par.
Mr.. Spooger slowly observed, after
thinking a long. long time. IF l were
you | would not say anything to Mr.
Bessmer about it just now Suppose
come over tonight and see you at YOU
hotel"
make it tomorrow morning at II
O'clock" amended Blackie. II am no
coming to the shop tomorrow fore
noon.'
Mr.. Spooger was busy writing him
out check Here is $1,000 for you
fifty shares" he stated, holding it Will
both hands for impressiveness. Jus
think how little those fifty shares cos
you and how much profit | am givin:
you! Multiply that by the balance o
your stock and think it over.'
II don't like to leave this place,
mourned Blacl1ie. I'm teaching tw'
Of the boys over in the shipping room
to dance the double clog"
Mr.. Spooyer returned to Walling
ford's hotel triumphantly.
II can get fifty shares of tina
stock" he announced. delighted t,
give Walingford so much pleasure
but you'll have to raise the price Il
$135"
Wallingford eyed him with a secre
sorrow that he was doing the man n
harm. Its extortion!" he protested.
II can't get it for you for less" de
clared Mr.. Spooger, seemingly sad tina
such was the case.
II don't believe want it at all,
suddenly decided Wallingford.
why not?' demanded Spooger il
breathless fright.
Because you have only fifty share
of it. My instructions are to obtai
control. and I'm beginning to be dis
couraged about it"
you buy this fifty shares at til
price | named and I'll tell you som
good news" promised Eli, with eA
ultant playfulncss.
"Do you mean that you can get a
of it?' asked Wallingford eagerly.
II believe that l cam" jubilated e
and rubbed his hands over and owe
each other.
"Then I'll pay you S135 for this fit
with pleasure" and Wallingford jerke
out his pocketbook.
Mr.. Spooger was sorry he had sal
that he could obtain merely the fit
shares, for he had the certificate
his pocket However, he had made
an early motto that If he could NJ
entirely avoid evil he would avoid a