Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-06-09


the laugh?"
"Oh. tell them that you intend to
build the sun baths with glass domes
under the water and palm gardens
and fountains and grillroom and all
the other trimmings you invented for
that farmer this morning.
II see. Great joke, isn't it?" COM
mented Wallingford, looking specula-
lively over at Blackie.
"Well. it's more than a joke" ad-
mitted Mr.. Twist Judging that Wal.
lingford was not approaching the COM
edy as much as he should. talk
like that is good for the town."
II believe you." responded Walling-
ford. studying him acutely. "I'm very
strong for helping town; but, aside
from that, who cashes this joker
Mr.. Twist became more juicelessly
jovial than ever. Its an Ill wind
that blows nobody any good" he con-
fessed without harming you in the
least might say just might, re-
! member reap trifing advantage
from it,
II begin to suspect that's why you
called" remarked Wallingford, now
bending serious attention to the prob
; lem. "Come on, Mr.. Twist. and tell
me all about 1t. You own that prop.
erty, don't your"
"Well, yes"
"You want to sell It,"
"You are very shrewd." compliment.
ed Mr.. Twist.
II can see a joke so fast I haven't
time to laugh at it." declared Walling-
ford. you have possible buyer. and
you think that If you get this story
printed as ar on the level proposition
you can not only bring your buyer to
a showdown, but get better price,"
That's good guess" admitted Mr..
Twist, his hilarity fast fading as he
saw the impressively quiet earnestness
Of J.. Rufus. There's no harm In
that, I hope"
"None at ALL" granted Wallingford.
Not in the least. Only don't see
where come in. Who Is dickering
with you on this property"
Mr.. Twist hesitated and rubbed his
dry hands over each other meditative-
". You'd scarcely know them.
think. They're some out Of town peo-
pie"
':aotei!' murmured Biackie and Paul
Pollet in unison and Wallingford said
it out loud.
II see no reason for concealing the
fact that I have been discussing the
property with a hotel syndicate" as
scented Mr. Twist reluctantly.
"I'll not be party to it." suddenly
decided Wallingford.
II hope that you WILL" urged Mr..
Twist. beginning to be distressed. II
had no doubt that you would stand by
your little joke since you had carried
it so far. and. as matter Of fact, L
I-have already given it to the pa
pers."
Paul Pollet was halfway across the
floor when Wallingford stopped him.
"What are you going to do. Polly"
he demanded.
Get a hold Of those reportersr' de-
clared Paul Indignantly. III that gau-
dy little fake goes in you don't sup
pose Blackie and l are going to allow
it to be written by possible dubs. do
you?'
whats the difference?' retorted
Wallingford. Il shall deny it. any
how. If that story is printed I shall
state that my engineers report the
properly to be undertake with quick
sand"
Great Scottr' walled Mr.. Twist, ex-
uding. "Why. you are fairly malig-
nant about the thing"
"You have taken an unwarranted
liberty" sternly charged Wallingford
what has been your best offer on
that property
Seventy thousand" stated the crest
fallen Twist.
you mean that was your best Of
fer" corrected Wallingford. You'd be
tickled to death to sell 1t for fifty,
spot cash.
.No, I wouldn't" denied Mr.. Twist.
with such instant vigor as to carry
conviction. Here's what would be
willing to do, though: #. by your
sticking to this story, can make the
sale at $4,000 wouldn't mind hand
ing you present of $1,000"
THAT is, you'd be willing to split
your extra profits" surmised Walling-
ford. There's nothing doing, Nj.
Twist. couldn't obtain my consent
to help you skin some utter strangers.
Can you furnish q clear title to that
property
"As clean as a snowflake" swore
Mr.. Twist.
Flows the site, boys?"s asked Wal
lingford Of the mischief makers.
"Swell," they answered in unison.
"Why, jim" supplemented Blackie.
tits the only available hotel site in
the busy section. It's small, but it's
right up here in the next block. front
ing the very finest part of the Atlantic
ocean. It's really quite the
'That1l do" warned Wallingford.
II think it's full Of crabs, though"
hastily corrected Blackie.
Wallingford paid no attention to this
radical objection. He was deep in
thought. Presently he produced a
check book and fountain pen and
wrote in the former with the latter.
Here is something very pretty. Mr..
Twist Twist" he observed. " I've LETT
blank space for you to I'LL In your own
initials. It's yours. Keep It"
"Fifty-seven thousand i've hundred"