Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-01

that J. Baron Helderman wished to see
him and would be there in person within
the hour.
II was just 81 minutes later when Hell
| derman came In, carrying a black bag,
| which he deposited on a table as he took
the scat offered him.
"a little matter Of business for YOU.
Mr Ferguson" he said. responding to
the cashiers cordial greeting
BE glad TO do anything for you can.
MT Helderman." replied Ferguson.
WELL there II Is" answered Helder-
man. in his brief and arrogant way
which was calculated to impress the
nearer with the Idea that he was too big
man to waste words
IA special bond issue?,
"Yes-silt-edged Borderline Elves. You
can have them at bargain. l need the
money, and 1 want to turn these over at
once. Next week they would cost you
a good deal more; but this week | am
closing UP two OF three big things and
can use tho money TO advantage At
the same time. I want as fow people as
possible to be advised of my affairs
II understand said Ferguson, as he
examined the bonds.
Then he pressed tho button
Whats that for?" demanded the finan-
cler. sharply.
Some one 1 must consult" Ferguson
answered.
II told you that wished to consult as
few people as possible said Helderman.
vehemently.
Nevertheless. I must get another opin-
ion. as the deal is of some magnitude
That seems unnecessary" said Hel-
derman. The bonds are absolutely gilt
edge. and stand back OF them"
That's isn't the point responded
Ferguson quietly. I'VE must determines
whether or not we are in the market for
bookkeeper here" he added to the boy
VINO had answered his summons. -
why in thunder consult thu third
bookkeeper?" exclaimed Helderman after.
the boy had gone. This is matter
for you and your board"
Nevertheless, the third bookket Der
must be consulted" said Ferguson. With
the shadow of a smile,
'why not a fortune-teller or the e1e-
vator-man2" Helderman snarled, He was
in bad humor this morning, and he did
not propose to be trihed with by any
underlings.
The cashier rose as the door opened
TO admit tall young man, to whom he
bowed deferentially.
"Mr. Helderman," said Ferguson. ''let
me introduce to you our third book
keeper"
'Rutherfordw exclaimed Helderman.
What are you doing here? Are you con-
nected with this bank?''
1t was plain to be seen That for once
the extraordinary poise and self-assur-
ance of this man were somewhat dis
turbed.
"Mr. Rutherford very largely is the
bank, Mr.. Helderman," the cashier ex-
planned He is learning our tricks frofs
the bottom up-and just now the thire
bookkeper's desk is taking most of hif
time MIR. Rutherford" he continued, adj
dressing Craig directly, here are some
bonds which Mr. Helderman offers us az
a very tempting figure"
What are they?'
The blood was climbing slowly up into
Rutherford's face. as though he vera
making an unusual effort to restrain It.
"They are Borderline Fives-a million
dollars worth"
Craig's lips pressed tightly together for
an instant; the next he faced Heldernlans
and asked in a matter-of-fact way:
Are these the bonds from Miami?"
Had a bombshell exploded under Hell
derman's feet he could not have started
more violently The question was SO en-
tireIy unexpected; 1t implied knowledge
of things which he thought hidden from
all the rest of the world. He restrained
himself with a quick effort and faced
his questioner with an air of assumed,
SURPRISE but both of his companions had
noted the temporary betrayal,
CONTINUED ToMoRRoW)