The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1914-10-16

squarely at the millionaire. There was
no answering smile for the others
levity. He was there for a purpose.
The pleasantries would do for another
time.
"Mr. Brand" he said, Il fear that
you won't construe this visit as a COM
Dliment. l am not here to inquire into
your business, past, present or future.
I come In behalf of friend"
Brand flicked some ashes from his
cigar onto his plush carpet and in
| Quired:
did he send your"
NO"
Then the advantage is mIne," said
the millionaire coolly. Il am listen
| ing"
You came over to Staten Island
some four weeks ago. You came on
business. Were you successful"
Brand folded his hands behind his
head. He leaned back In his chair.
His brows contracted. He laid his
cigar down on the desk. He took 1t
up. He looked out of the window. He
looked at Dick.
my friend" he said, you had bet
ter ask Reynolds"
The reporter jumped to his feet.
Leave Reynolds out of It," he com.
manded. ut took you long while to
think of that, and you know you don't
mean 1t. You know Bob Reynolds
wouldn't tell me anything that another
man had told him in confidence. He
would hold it sacred even-even If it
came from YOU"
Brand dropped his mask; dropped 1t
with crash; a good crook is never a
coward. He went around his desk al
most at run and pointed finger an
inch from the reporters face.
Now you be NICE" he ordered in no
uncertain tone. You're here for trou-
BILE and you'll get it. But If you want
to stay at all be nice. You heard me"
Dick met his stare full-faced. But
he had erred. He knew it.
Il heard you," he said, land l beg
your pardon-to the extent that l re-
greet my pleasantries. But be on the
level, Brand. It's just you and me;
not Reynolds. Don't pretend. If you
want to give me the passports, say the
word. But If you don't. let's talk like
men"
"All right, then. / don't think Rey-
nolds told you a word. But think you
know lot. Damn me, IL you report
ers would only turn your wits to some
good ends, how, much better off you d
be and how much better off the world
would be-"
THE point of view there" said Dick
with smile, 'is what constitutes good
ends. For my part would not include
in such traits the desire to take other
mems wives out Joy riding. We have
agreed to dispense with pleasantries.
speak of facts"
Brand took it coolly.
We'll, what them" he asked.
That's what I'm here to learn
know lot but l would like to learn
more"
Then l guess your missions futile,
said the millionaire
Perhaps. But l haven't run dry
Tennessee Coal and Iron dropped q
few points today"
1T sure did," Brand acquiesced. 81
can swear to that"
"A lot Of poor fools lost their
money"
81 shouldn't be surprised They usu.
ally do"
But you didn't"
why, my boy, you flatter me. But,
frankly, l won lot of money"
Brand left his desk again. This time
he walked slowly to the reporters
SIDE
But what the devil are you driving
at?" he asked with face protruding.
Are you here with threats? Do you
think l am afraid of you or your
kind?" He snapped his fingers in the
reporters face. That" he tainted.
That"
The blood mounted to Dicks cheeks,
but his endurance was not all spent
do l look at all threatening?" he
asked. Have / said anything that
sounded like threats?"
NO" said Brand with sneer, but
you are still without an overcoat."
A fist shot out. It landed with a
thud. Some two hundred pounds of
very precious flesh and bone lay
stretched upon the floor. The reporter
glanced quickly about him. There was
a stationary washstand in a corner.
He stepped to it, soaked towel In
the running water and laid it over the
millionaire's face and head. 1t did the
work Brands eyes rolled and opened.
Assured Of returned consciousness.
Dick stopped again and raised his vic
tim to sitting posture.
Shall stay or go?" he asked.
You'd better CO." Brand answered
feebly.
mo hard feelings?"
"Nnna nj ALI. Onlv'-and hara sr0ko