The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1914-09-24

iiN'Ni hiCl Nou pCl SOAdIly, az
knowledsed the stranger "but I've
seen you often. I'm =. Z. Steele Of
Cinderburg."
Biackie. looking past the mans back
at Wallingford, reached as if for the
bell cord. but grinned. A man from
Cinderburg might or might not be
serious menace. but in any event he
was discomforting.
"Oh. yes. Cinderburg.' observed Wal
Iingford, with every indication of pleas
ure. Live little city that"
Yes, it isl agreed the man, "in
spite of the jolt you gave it. You GER
tainly did teach them quick lesson in
high finance That was the smoothest
bit of work ever pulled off in our
town."
His tone and his expression were
most admiring, for which reason Wal
lingford disliked him intensely.
IL conducted an entirely legitimate
business enterprise" he insisted, with
great dignity. 1.-The Bang sun engine
was wonderful idea, and it was not
my fault that Mr. Bang was unable to
perfect his invention. If he had done
millionaire
ED Bangs working in the washing
machine factory now at $1S week
and trying to pay off his debts. Your
company may have been legitimate
one, Mr.. Wallingford. but everybody
in Cinderburg votes the other way.
You should have seen what the papers
said about you after you left. They
said you Were the cleverest CRATER and
the most enjoyable thief now at large.
They said that to be robbed by you
was pleasure and that to know you
was liberal education in burglary"
1.-THE nasty things" objected Mr..
Daw. "Why, Mr.. Steele, have known
Mr.. Walingford for years, and look at
me-"
The man did look Mt him and little
enviously. II wish I'd had your OPP
portunities," he stated 1--WE dressed
like our friend Walingford, and I've
tried to follow his methods, but l SEEM
to have missed a number on the COM
bination somewhere"
Didn't they pinch you for either at
tempt?" demanded Blackie.
"They don't pinch a sucker" declar-
ed Mr.. Steele ruefully. II lost money
every time l tried to turn a trick.
Once l got beat up. and twice l was
robbed by strictly legal methods.
started out Of Cinderburg three months
ago with $4,000, and now l have only
$4,000. I'm failure even as crook"
II knew you We're mistaken in my
methods" reproved Wallingford, 'for
/ make it a rule to play so straight
that stay absolutely within the law
The man looked unconyinced. II
wish you'd take my remaining $1,000
and show me how it's done," he sug-
gested.
Blackie took the precaution to saun-
ter over and block the doorway. Wall
ingford looked at his friend with
smile.
I'll take the bet" said he calmly.
"Give me your $1,000. and I'll turn
business deal with it. and I'll give you
an equal share with me in the pro-
ceeds"
do you mean it?" inquired Steele
eagerly.
"Give me your S5,ooo" repeated
Wal1ingford. holding out his hand
"Well. | haven't over a couple Of
hundred in cash with me-" regretted
Mr.. Steele. but I'll give you a check
on the Cinderburg Commercial bank"
and he whipped out his check book
in a hurry lest Wallingford might
change lis mind. "Where are we 60
ing to operate?"
I'm Cinderburg," announced Wal
lingford, with sudden daring I'M
pulse that elected a delighted glance
from Blackie.
"Cinderburg" repeated Steele in as
constituent "Why, you couldn't sell
500 gold pieces for 10 cents in that
town, and the first crooked move you'd
make they'd hang YOU"
II don't intend to make crooked
move," declared Wallingford. "Cin-
derburg and you have an entirely er-
roneous impression of me, and l shall
make it a point of honor to remove
that impression"
He expanded his broad chest and
held his head proudly.
:. YOU uedu ludt yVu ASCAO w os~~A
straight business, with no trick
about it?' Mr.. Steele wanted to know,
retaining the check that he had been
about to pass to Wallingford.
EXACTLY that" replied ]. Rufus
, firmly.
mot with my $780," objected Mr..
Steele, shaking his head. I'm looking
for quick profits"
with your $5,O0ov' insisted Mr.. Wal
lingford removing the check graceful
|, ly from Mr.. Steele's fingers and put
u ting it In his pocket.
8 Mr.. Morley of the Commercial bank
!, was presiding at the wicket during the
: luncheon hour of his paying teller when
s the broad shoulders and CHEEKY features
K of j. Rufus Wallingford, with Steele