The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-08-01

lawmakers and guardians of the pub lie welfare, were guests of Spender Wallingford that afternoon. For one hour they talked and laughed and told funny stories and admired Walling- ford's prodigal hospitality. Suddenly in the midst of a laugh Wallingford leaned forward and said:
 "Now, gentlemen, let's talk turkey. If you want me to stay here and bid in Courthouse square next Saturday I'll do it and do no other business here If you don't, say so, and I'll look after my own affairs. This town has to pay me for stopping off here, and I'd just as lief you'd dosi as anybody
 Of course it would never do for us to give, you a check that you could in- dorse over to the county in our pres ence,'' suggested MT. Peal.
 Scarcely returned Wallingford with a smile. but looking at the hissing glances of the gentlemen rather than into their eyes, which was not com forta ble sign. ..You would have to give me the $22O.OOO in currency, which would then deposit in any local bank you might select. Against that deposit I would draw my certified check in favor of the county for $2o0,O0O and would accompany my hid with that certified check, as required by your well tanned county commission. It's all very, simple, gentlemen
 If he had tried to, be nonchalant and indifferent he was failing miserably, for there was distinct note of eager ness in his tone They all noticed it.
 .sYes,'' admitted MT. CoIlop, "I sup pose we could go right with you to the bank and watch you deposit our money and get your certified check
 .T don't think I'd like that, objected Wa1lingford q should not care to be guarded as if were a thief. If you propose to humiliate me by this sur veiIlance I shall withdraw from the project entirely
 They did not like that No reliable person in the city would lend his name 6 to a deliberate steal of such magnitude. i..We don't question your integrity. | Wallingforl.. hastily interposed Char ley Jackson, who was distressed be tween shielding his e:wn interests and protecting the feelings of the man who had given him valuable thousand dol lars. You see we merely don't know you. Why couldn't you make it all right by giving us some good refer ences or guarantors?
 tsGentlemen. this style of humiliation has gone quite far enough asserted MT. WaIlingford, with a sudden flare of indignation. T have permitted you to 1nsinuate against nay honesty and to insult every finer feeling that have,
 and all for possible paltry $2O,o0o. Gentlemen, I positively decline to l allow you to trust me with your money. If purchase the county court house for you it must be with my own funds, and you must pay me interest
  nus that I am to receive in case the deal is put entirely through ] .sOh, that won't be necessary!'' Jack son hurriedly stated in the interest of peace.x tsWe'il cook tip some way to make it pleasant for you and safe for us.,'
 That is the last straw declared Wallingford, now furious. T have told ! you the only. way in which will pur- chase Courthouse square-with my own money .''
 NIT. Collop cleared his already clear throat. Ut seems to me that MT Wal Hngford is pursuing the only course that he could pursue after he has been so grossly insulted.'' he announced with much apparent relief. .T, for i one, apologize and move that we allow him to conduct the negotiations in his town way
 They all gladly apoIogized to MT. Wallfngford and consented to allow him to turkish the money. Mfr. Collop. however, with professional caution, found another topic to discuss
 ssOf course MT. Wallingford will give us a written agreement to transfer a clear title and deed for the courthouse to us upon demand, for $220,O0O," he remarked. as if this were trifiing de 1 tail.
 Wallingford gave up in despair. sDoes nobody ever take anybody's word in this town?" he disgustedly wanted to know. Yes, I'll give you your agreement, but f will mention l S225,O00 and interest s.- 12 per cent from the time I invest my money un- til the deed is transferred to youy' They beat him down to $222,O 900. l Wallingford was more casually inter ested in Blackie's church affiliations. i Well, deacon," he pleasantly ob- served upon Blackie's return, fare you still enthusiastic about prefering sa- cred edifice to den of infamy on
 Courthouse squareg'
 i "I'm so keen for it that hate rag l time music' responded Blackie. 'tI I think it's the preacher man that's got l my goat His name is Maikenl, and 1 when that gent grabs me by the hook 1 <EN