The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1916-06-01


Sledge walked into Marey's Office
with his parlor smile. the recently out
lived one which belonged of right to
the red rose he wore. and he sat down
before he began to speak. His usual
method was to deliver his messages
standing.
we ought to figure a consolidation"
he suggested.
Marley considered that statement
carefully. He was beginning to learn
that he really needed caution in deal
ing with Sledge
One of us might be gobbled up" he
sagely concluded. "As understand it,
ycu own Is per cent Of the new COM
pany, while only hold a bare majority
OF the old one. 1t would scarcely be
possible that in consolidation l would
still have control"
Wed have to pool our stock for
either one to hold it," agreed Sledge.
Marley looked at him wonderingly.
Il don't quite understand the advan-
tage to you in this he puzzled. Prank
iy, Mr. Sledge. I'd have to sec that ad
vantage before l could consider the
matter"
There amt any," Sledge confessed.
Il want to protect you if everything's
all right. Molly was just over"
Yes; she said she was going to see
you" replied Marley. clutching eager
iy ut the straw.
Il thought she'd get enough" stated
SIedge, and he chuckled. She's Il
smart girl"
Yes; she is" assentcd Marley. Won
derins just how much she had said to
make such a remarkable change III
Sledge "A consolidation would proba
bly, be very sensible thing 1t would
enable us to plan extensions, lines and
loops which would increase our reve
nues tremendously, with no possibility
of dividing the patronage. Moreover
Il mere announcement of such a move
would add Immediately to the market
value of the stock in both companies
I'VE consolidate after the marriage -
amended Sledge I'VE get all ready
now"
ANY time you say" readily consent
ed Marley. I'll meet with you and ar
range the details tonight"
"Naw!" refused Sledge. "Theater to-
night"
with Molly?" inquired Marley
wanting to smile.
"Molly and Fern. Ferns nice kid.
"All right; tomorrow night. then,
suggested Marley. his mind firmly
liked on the commercial opportunity.
Daytime" corrected Slcdge. I'm
busy nights. Say. Marley, is that game
between Molly and Bert called cleal
OFF,"
did Molly say so?" evaded Marley
NO" Sledge hesitated. rs it,
That's entirely Molly's affair"
II believe YOU" conceded SledSe, ant
again he chuckled as he arose to go.
is there any objection to giving ou
n hint of this consolidation" asked
Marley. with an instant thought tha
1T the very least this new turn would
enhance his price with the syndicate
which had proposed to buy him out.
"Hunh-uh." assented Sledge. "Yol
better see Davis about your mortgage
| IIr won't extend. but he'll hold eff.
"I'll go over right away" answered
Marley. anxious to take advantage o
that offer also as quickly as possible.
"Wait till tomorrow" ordered Sledg
and stalked out having but very littl
time to waste.
His way lay directly past the Gram
Opera House. and he stopped at tn
ticket window.
Give me box for tonight" h
granted.
"Thanksr' grunted Sledge and stuffe
the tickets in his pocket
Don't mention it, returned th
treasurer as nonchalantly and Wake
back to the manager of the company.
what Kind Of show is this?" aske
Sledge.
I "Rottenr' the ticket man informe
him. Its highbrow stuff, Hamlet ;
.Hunhr' grunted Sledge. Amy mt
sic?''
"Orchestra. Ophelia sings, but you
think she was having her teeth fixed.
"Hunhr' observed Sledge again, an
walked out.
Two blocks UP the street, on his wa
to the Occitlent, he stopped at an aut'
mobile salesroom.
This working?" he inquired, poin
ing to the shining big limousine whic
occupied the center of the floor.
"All it needs is gasoline replied tt
salesman. =
Put some red roses in that f1owt
thing, and send it up Sledge directe'
about dinner timeT" surmised tt
salesman. Possibly I'd better send
up before, Mr. Sledse. 1t has some III
proycmcnts your man might want
look into"
!: I'm send Billy down." decide
Sledge.
He turned to so when, In the a
joining window, he caught sight of
little, low, colonial coupe, with seatiI
capacity for three. 1t was of an G
quisitcly beautiful shape, with sma