Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1916-02-08

stated.
the figures. The two votes of Marley
and Bert Glider had been sufficient to
carry the amendment against the other
200 stockholders.
1--WE will now vote on the original
motion as amended" observed Marley.
"The motion earliest Marley was
pleased to state, after the dazed stock
holders had shouted "No!" to their
names. Gentlemen, it is useless for us
to waste time except for the matter of
formal record over such matters as
this. Heretofore have been helpless,
but today, for the first time in the his
tory Of this company, control the'ma-
jority OF the stock, and my vote is snf-
ticient to carry or defeat any question.
To begin with, refuse to be held up.
am willing to pay $4,000. for the
franchises are worth $4,000 to us, but
/ won't pay cent more That's fiat"
Bozzam took the chair next to Sledge.
1T looks like we're up against it," he
stated. Al guess fifty thousands the
best we can do"
"Hunh!" grunted Sledge.
"Mr. President" said Bozzam. rising
to his feet, "since the matter seems to
be entirely in your hands, allow me to
ask if that is your ultimatum?"
TT ISL announced Marley. glancing
at him with only the faint suspicion Of
a twinkle in his eye.
"Then / must, beg time to confer
again, with my principals"
Again the trace of a twinkle escaped
Marley's eyes.
''There is time limit on my ultima
tum," he returned. "You stated that
you were empowered to act. I'll give
you five minutes to make up your mind.
After that my offer Is withdrawn"
Mr.. Bozzam quite obviously strug-
gled with his pride.
81 accept" said he, turning both his
palms upward
A cheer. loud and prolonged, greeted
that humiliating capitulation. In the
midst of it the huge Sledge arose. his
mere bulk symbol of disaster.
'Nix9' he Numbered, and departed.
z Both Phil and Blondy Wore sincerely
mournful faces when Sledge walked
through TO the back room the next day,
Hes game. all right commented
Phil.
'You couldn't make him holler IL you
cut his head off," replied Blondy, pol
ishing a glass so vigorously that it
burned his hand. II wonder how Bob
is this morning."
"Must be dead. from what the papers
said." Judged Phil
'That King PIN must be some dog"
Hes younger, that's ALL" immedi-
ately explained Blondy. ''He never will
be the dog Bob was. Match 'em Mt the
same age and Bob would chew him up
for an appetizer"
Bob ought've been retired." critl-
cised Phil 1T wasn't fair to hand him
his first iekin' when he's old like this.
The big boys late this morning. He's
been so busy he's been coming around
at 8 o'clock, and now it's 12'
"Bob's either dead or better. or he
wouldn't be here at all" asserted
Blondy. You know, like that big
slob." Sc
That's easy" carelessly commented
Phil. There goes his bell. think I'll
beat Adolph to it."
He grabbed down Sledges favorite
stein. filed it carefully. with exactly
the right collar of creamy foam, and
hurried with it. into the little back
room just five steps in front of Adolph,
who had been making change for an
early lunch customer.
Sledge sat in his accustomed seat, but
he was not looking out at the hand hole
h the gate. For the fist time in all
their acquaintance Phil saw the chief