Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-11-11

NSiE5:1f5tny 1SnI, Tue IT1euu VI I@oUcl
Strickland who had lifted him out of
his financial difficulties and had made
it possible for him to recover after he
had made a disastrous failure of his
recent business undertakings. entered
the room.
Enemies of Trask said that be could
conceal more cold bloodedness and
ruthless purpose beneath a masE OF
cordiality than any other man in New
York; even such few friends as he had
found him cold. 1t required no keen
student of physiognomy to see that
this man was centered in self; that the
very keynote of his character was self
ishness that he would pursue his own
ends over any obstacle. whether those
ends were business or personal
Yet Gerald Trask could conceal evil
purposes beneath a smiling exterior
when necessary. 1t had been remark
ed of him in the street that he could
meet with a financial opponent at Il di
rectors' table and profess friendship
within a few minutes after planning
that opponents utter ruin.
Men marveled at the friendship.
seemingly real, true and firm. which
existed between Gerald TrasS and Rob
ert Strickland. The former was the
cunning, ferociouS financial wolf. avid
of gain and pleasure and ruthless in
his methods of pursuing his ends. The
latter was frankly domestic and rs
open of countenance as he was direct
and straightforward in his ways Any
thing hidden or treacherOuS was alien
to his nature. He acted, frequently 10
his detriment. on impulse. and no man
could say that Robert Strickland ever
deliberately planned to harm him. His
nature was that of the trustful soul
who will cleave to a friend until that
friend proves himself false beyond
question. When occasion came he could
strike, and strike hard, but it took
much to rouse him to the point of an
ger.
Men instinctively liked Strickland
just as they naturally disliked and
mistrusted Trask. Often attempts had
been made to warn the former against
the latter, but he had bridled at the
first suggestion of such q thing. saying
that Trask had proved his friendship
and that he. Strickland, would listen
to no word against his friend.
And Trask? Until the very end it
was a mystery why he maintained his
cordially toward Strickland. He had
nothing to gain from him in a financial
way, because Strickland's dealings in
recent times had not PANIED out well.
and he had had to call upon Trask for
assistance Socially TraSk'S position
was as high as Strickland's. so the
motive of social advancement was lack
ing. Perhaps Trask recognized in
Strickland the possession Of qualities
lacking in his own character and was
attracted thereby according to the law
of the attraction of OppOsites. Per
haps there was another reason.
On the night of June "a Trask enter
ed the living room Of the Stricklands
with a CHEEKY Hello. Bob!'
Hello. Jerry. How are you? And
the two men clasped hands.
Fine said Trask. Gust get back!'
Eyes. about fifteen minutes ago. Ev-
erything is arranged. Oh by the way.
you haven't met Doris, have you?
Doris. shake hands with Mr.. Trask."
The little ceremony of Introduction
over and Doris having shaken hands
shyly with Mr. Trask. the latter saw
the big doll in the little girls arms.
"Hello," he said, "who is this?
'"This is Herman" said Doris, and
Trask shook hands gravely with the
doll, saying. How do you do. Her
man? How do you like America?
Then Trask turned to Strickland
with the question:
$50 everything's all right, Bob?'
eyes. l made very favorable terms
with the Briggs people,"
"When do you begin?"
I'm a few weeks. | bought a crack
erjack house."
You'll leave soon, then"'
Yes. You got my wire, of course.
want to take up that note.
With smile which he intended to
make as kindly as possible. Trask re-
piled:
Can you make it? If you can't
spare it,
Thanks all the same. but | want to
pay it.
81 don't mind holding off for few
months. That $4,000 won't put me
out of business
No said Strickland. the muscles of
his jaws tightening for a moment, Il
don't want to leave any debts behind
me. | thought | might have to ask
for an extension. but managed to
scrape it together. The Briggs people
helped me out"
well. You may need it. anyhow"
said Trask III wait until you get on
your feet
Strickland shook his head. Thanks,