The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1915-03-04

three and a chauffeur. My wife doesn't
like to ride In our car this time of the
year She likes the Brands limousine
cool nights and she doesn't care to go
to the theater with me any more. The
parquet used to be very fine. but the
Brands box Is better now. It's Brand
this and Brand that. and I'm getting
IL little tired of II. I've lost lot OF
money today, to be sure. Ten thou
sand dollars more than I've got But
| want a little stake OF my own. any
way, and whatever you told Henning,
or what you didn't tell him doesn't
make any difference to me. II you are
SO clever that you can win 100000 on
a stock that | lose forty thousand on
in the same day and through the same
brokerage house, why you can AFFORD
TO spare a little of that winning,
whether you think am entitled to II
or not"
Reynolds words came clear cut and
decisive. His ultimatum did not par
take OF braggadoclo. but OF determine
tion.
Don't misunderstood me-" Reynolds
went on. Il mean what | say just to
this extent: It's a toss of the coin
with me whether | get this 100000 or
whether | quit It all and go up there
for that view OF the river that you
recommended so highly-anything;
anything rather than this. I've lived
In this dressed up civilization OF yours,
this false grabbag game. this misery,
with every natural thing turned up
side down, just about as long as
want to. wouldn't mind little rest
up on the Hudson II | had company,
and IL go I'll have II. and guess you
can figure out what company I'll have.
yes. can figure It out all right"
Brand answered. 'and I'm simply
frightened half to death. Can't you
see me trembling? This Is a nice lit
tie stage you set tonight, Reynolds.
All you need is the half lights and
some low music, and you'd be regu'
lar melodramatic villain. Now. you've
made your little speech and I'll make
mine. You brought me over here tc'
night to blackmail me out OF 100000.
You want your answer; here 1t is.
You don't get a damned cent! You've
made your bluff now there's the call
Bring your reporter down now and be-
gin to talk. That's probably what
you've"
Reynolds lunged toward the million
alre, who drew back. fists doubled,
ready to meet the attack he fully ex'
pected. But Bob stopped, as suddenly
as he started. Brand was under his
roof. 1t was no place for violence,
however acute the cause.
You quit that talk. quick!" he cried.
Keep Meade out of this. Don't you
drag the only friend I've got down to
J your level and mine. When talk II
won't be to Meade. II will be right 20
the man who will put John Brand
where he belongs, and put him there
quick Now, you don't think I'm go.
Ing to, do you? Brand. there are only
two things that can relieve me from
the hole I'm In One is money. You
can give me that. The other is to
make clean breast OF II. ! can do
that for myself. II you think I'm
bluffing, you're crazy. I'm sick Of the
whole damn business. and so help me
God. as stand on this spot. I'll make
you sick of It, too"
, You'll take me along with your"
Yes, right up to that place on thu
} river"
Brands suavity had returned.
"All right" he answered. but lei
, me tell you something. I'll have money
and lawyers to protect me and yot
, won't. In the first place that $4,000
! overdraft on your bank will discredh
any testimony you give. and II L.
| doesn't, !, think you know the law
! pretty we'll and that there is such .
thing as an accessory before and after
! the fact, and II you do succeed in put
ting us both in Jail, remember thai
} there is another person who will &c
, right along with US. and that person 10
your wife. Now. you just think that
} over for a while"
As the millionaire boasted OF the
| rich mans means for evasion OF the
law. Reynolds, who had expected thii
counter, stood with look OF cynica
Indifference. but as the full signih
cance OF Brands closing threat struci
, home, he paled and stepped back with
hands pressed hard to his temples al
, II stunned.
you wouldn't-you wouldn't dc
! that!" he cried.
You were the one who was threat
Z ening, not me-" Brand answered.
Bob rushed again toward his tor
. mentor. but was checked by sudden
opening OF the door
Good night. Mrs. Brand" they heard
, Jane say. and Reynolds stopped mid
| way.
, CTo BE coNTINUEDJ