Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-19

NRESIDENT MARLEY smiled as
~ he met Bozzam. The two gen
tlemen agreed the weather was
fine.
I'm afraid you're too late. Marley"
laughed Bozzam. "Our subscription
list is ready to close"
Il have all the street railway stock
/ care for" laughed Marley in return.
81 only came up to take your meas
ure for the BATTLE
1T ought not to be so fierce" re-
Piled BoZzam. in the usually friendly
manner Of men who are about to
cut each others commercial Threats.
There should be room for two good
car systems in this town"
Not on the same streets" objected
Marley. Don't you think it rather
foolish to parallel our lines. Mr.. Boz
Fam? The route, as published, looks
like malice 20 me-"
81 have no voice In that matter"
declared MI. Bozzam, eying his caller
narrowly. You should see our ma
Jority stakeholder about that"
Il see unused Mr. Marley. "Who
is your principal stockholder?'
Il believe the gentleman's name Is
Sledge-Benjamln +. Sledge," Bozzam
informed him, with a smile. Perhaps
you've heard ot him"
Eyes. l have" admitted Marley,
whose smile was more or less strained.
Friend Of yours, believe" suggest
ed Bozzam, still smiling, and still
studying Mr.. Marley's countenance in
terestedly.
Not extensively So" denied Marley.
Indeed exclaimed BoZzam, with
a splendid assumption of perplexity.
You know. l find it very difficult to
unravel the personal, political and
commercial relationships of all you
fellows. Frankly, l have believed un-
til now that you were in on the game"
"Game?" repeated Marley.
Il mean that | thought you were to
benefit by the formation of this new
company" exclaimed Bozzam with an
apparent trace Of confusion.
Benefit" exploded Marley. "Why,
It has all but broke me- Do you think
it's any benefit to a man to have his
only valuable holdings reduced from
par to thirty-ive?"
by George. I'm shockedr' synpa-
fhlzed Bozzam. ''Why, thought you
and Sledge were In perfect understand
ing"
Il don't know where you acquired
that absurd impression, but it Is en-.
tirely wrong" asserted Mr.. Marley,
with much vehemence. 'sMr. Sledge
would do everything in his power to
hurt me-"
And l presume that you would do
him like favor If you had the on.
portunity," grinned Bozzam.
Il would not say that" hastily re,
turned Marley, feeling that he had
enough trouble on his hands,
You're thinking it, though" laugh.
ed Bozzam.
Mr.. Marley flushed slightly, but KEEP,
discreety silent
Il thought So" Bozzam chuckIed
Mr. Marley, how much of the stock
OF the reorganiZed company do you
Dwn?"
Two thousand six hundred anc
twenty-five shares"
A little over a fourth" commented
Bozzam and drew a sheet of writing
paper toward him, on which be figured
for moment ITO gain control yor
would need 1916 shares additional
he announced. How many of thu
stockholders would vote with you In al
emergency"
Not very many" confessed Marley
Naturally share of our trouble Il
blamed 10 me. and am not very pop
ular at present"
Certainly not" agreed Bozzam
"Fussing with pikers isn't safe, any
how. You'd better buy the stock"
Buy it," protested Marley. "Grea
Scott, man, what do want witt
more of it,"
Would you like to win out on thi
little game Of Sledge's?"
SHOW me how" demanded Marley.