The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-06-26


When Tom Bendix walked into
the Occident saloon he didn't
pause at the bar, but walked
thoughtfully into the little back
room. Here. at q table, he found
Sledge gazing moodily out the
window, while Frank Marley sat
regarding him with a puzzled ex-
preston. Marley turned with re-
lief when he saw Bendix.
1--WE just been suggesting that
we build the proposed Ridgewood
avenue extension out of the COM
pany funds, rather than make a
new issue of STOCK" he explained.
by doing this We can keep the
additional net earnings among the
present stockholders"
II don't suppose You remember
that we first decided on the
Ridgewood extension for the ex-
press purpose of new issue of
stock and readjustment of
shares" Bendix chillingly remind
ed Marley.
Il know" persisted Marley.
But I'm not In favor of the mod
ern practice of watering stock"
The little secretive waiter came
to the door and called Bendix.
Sledge turned from his inspec-
ton of the dingy little areaway
as Bendix left the room.
Your girls q peach" he deli
cately limited.
"Molly?" smiled Marley. "She
is beauty, isn't she? The boys
are crazy about her."
Il want to get acquainted with
her." ordered Sledge, much as IL
he had been sending the happy
word to some rising new polite
ian.
THAT is a matter which is en-
tirely up to Molly" Marley stated
with trace of stiffness.
"All right. Put it up to Molly"
said Sledge, and looked out of the
window again.
Marley hesitated and half
arose. by the way, Sledge," he
observed, trying to speak as If the
matter had just occurred TO him.
That note of mine at the First
National-it falls due next week.
| am afrail | shall have to have
an extension"
Sledge nodded. "Telf Davis I
said 1t was all right" he directed.
Bendix returned, and with him
was Bert Glider. He greeted Mar
ley with effusiveness.
Hello, Marley" he said. "You
are just the one l want to see.
I've been trying to get Molly on
the phone, and they tell me she'll
be in your office some time this
afternoon. VIII you tell her
Dicky Reynolds is in town. and
that I've invited him to her taffy
pulling tomorrow night? Tell her
to invite Jessie Peters" - -
Sledge turned slow, questioning
eyes on Marley.
You going to be home to-
night?" he inquired.
We'll, yes, | rather think So"
faltered Marley.
I'm coming out to see you,"
decided Sledge.
We'll. Glider, tell us about 1t"
invited Bendix as Marley went
out.
II want you to tell me-" laugh
ed Glider, lis the Ridgewood ave.
extension sure go?"
why do you want to know"
inquired Bendix.
Il have a little speculation in
mind which depends upon it."
confessed Glider.
Subdivision at the end of the
line. l suppose" guessed Bendix.
We'll, yes" acknowledged
Glider.
Foxy of you to think of it,"
applauded Bendix. your only
fault is that you don't guess those
things first. Who do you suppose
would acquire deed to that land
before the extension was publicly
announced?"
II know the answer" returned
Glider. you fellows"
Certainly not" denied Bendix.
But some friend of the family
yes, maybe. How much will you
give for the land?"
I'm not at liberty to state"
replied Glider, uncomfortably.
THE owner made me a price on it
this morning, but it was confiden-
tial."
1.-THE owner didn't know he was
tagged" retorted Bendix, dryly.
You may have the land, l think,
for twenty thousand Glider, but
you'll have to speak quick"
Twenty thousand" gasped
Glider. why. old Person offered
1t to me for eight"
That's what we intend to pay
him."
Give me a day or two to think
1t over" begged Glider.
"All right" agreed Bendix, and
hurried from the room.
Bert was about to follow him
when Sledge called him back.
Glider" was his peremptory
summons, what kind of flowers
does Molly like?"
Bert Glider almost stuck the
ash end of his cigar in his mouth.
Red roses" he said, with a twin
kle in his eye.
CHAPTER III.
Molly Invites an Additional Guest
Where are the red roses, Mol