The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-04-22
tcontinued.I

Now that Mir Bulker's mind was running along we'll worn grooves his sntoxicatfon became less apparent
 Those Frisco Steamboat men got to- gefher and started d rate war against tho railroad They hauled freight to Dawson by way of St. Michaels at a loss. Of course His and his crowd had to meet competition, and it nearly broke 'em the frst two seasons Gee. they were the mad ones! Finally they fixed up an agreement-had to or go bust-and of course the Native Sons put it over our English cousins. They agreed to restore the old rate. and each side promised to pay the other loyalty of $10 ton on all the freight 1t hauled to Dawson and up river points You can guess the result, can't, your The steamboat companies let I1lis haul all the freight and sat back on their haunches and took their prof tt. Tor every ton he hauled he slipped sem ten round American dollars, stamp ed with the GoCdess of Liberty Oh, 1t was soft. When they had him fairly lied mp they drydocked their steam boats, to save wear and tear. He paid 'em a thousand dollars a}day for three years If that Aain't blackmaiI it's first cousin to it by marriage"
 Didn't the interstate commerce com mission get wise P
 Certainly not. It looks wise, but 1t never gets wise. Oh, believe me, Poult-, ney His is hopping mad! ! s'pose he's over here now to renew the arrange naent for another three years on behalf of his stockholders Let's have dram-'' Bulker sat back and stared IS through mist at his companion enjoying the effect of his disclosure. O'Nea was indeed impressed, more deeply than his informant dreamed Out of the lips of Q drunken man had come hint which set his nerves to dnglfng. He knev His well, he knew the cal1ber of the EngIishman, and a plan was already leaping in his brain whereby he might save the S. R. and N It lacked an hour of midnight when 0fNei1 escaped from Bulker and reach cd his room Once inside he seized the telephone and rang up hotel after hO- tel. inquiring for the English capital ist but without result. After mo mentss consideration he took his hat and gloves and went out The matter did not permit of delay Not only were his own needs imperative, but If Peu1t- ney His had come from London to confer with his rivals there kvas little lime to spare.
 Remembering the Englishman's hab- It's, O,Nefl turned up the avenue to another fashionable hotel, where he asked for the manager. whom he well knew.
 Yes, MT. His is here he was in formed, @but he's registered under a different name. No doubt he'll be glad to see you, however
 A moment later Murray recognized the voice of Iliis' valet over the wire and greeted him by name. Another brief delay and the capitalist himself was at the phone
 Come right up, he said, and O'Nefl replaced the receiver with sigh of re lief
 His greeted him warmly, for their relations had been close.
 Lucky you found me, he said "I'm going back on the next sailing
 Have you signed up with the Arc hc Navigation company?'' Murray in, quired, and the other started. Bless mel What do you mean? ?s
 His caller laughed. .1 see you haven't I don't think you will, either, after you've talked with me-
 Without the trenor of an eyelasf IlJis exelaimed
 My word! What are you driving at?''
 ''Thar agreement over freight rates of course'
 The Briton eyed him for moment then carefully closed the door leading from his sitting room and, seating him eclf, lit cigar
 What do you know about that mat ter?i he asked quietly
 1bout all there is to know-enougE nt least to appreciate your feelings
 T fattered myself that my affair: were private. Were did you get you information ?''
 "I'I tell you if you insist, although I'd rather not. There's no danger O It's becoming public
 His showed his relief t1'm glad You gave me start. Awful fix for : man to be in Why, I'm here under al assumed namei Fancy! But H, waved his hand in gesture whicI showed his acceptance of the inevita bles
 You haven't made your new agree ment?''
 I'm to meet Blum and Capron- to 1aorrow."
 "Why didn's you take the s. B. and N. when cabled you last month";"
 T couldn't. But what has that to d. with the matter?''
 Don't you see? It's so plain to m, Chat can't understand how you failed to realize the va1ue-the necessity O buying my road''
 Explain, please
 Gladly The North Pass and Yukor la paying fabulops blackmail to thu