Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-06-20

struggle they expected on the morrow.
During the closing hours of the market
prices had slumped to an alarming de-
gree; n terrific raid on metal stocks had
begun, and conditions We're ripe for
panic.
= Harmon had buked large in the
steel world. and his position in circles
of high finance had become prominent;
but alive he could reyer have worked
one-half the havoc caused by his sud
den death. That persistent rumor' of
suicide argued, In the public mind, the
existence of serious money troubles,
and gave significance to the rumor that
for some time past had disturbed the
Street lannon's enemies summoned
their forces for crushing assault.
In this emergency Bob's father found
himself the real head Of those vast en-
terprises in which he had been an as
sociate, and until late hour that night
he was forced to remain in consultation
with men who came and went with
CONSERVATION wGtten upon their faces.
The amazing transformation which
followed the birth Of the giant steel
trust had raised many men from we'll
TODD obscurity into prominence and
undreamed-Of wealth. Since then the
older members of the original clique
had withdrawn one by one from active
affairs, and of the younger men only
Wharton and Harmon had remained.
Equally these two had figured in what
was perhaps the most remarkable chap
ter Of American financial history. Both
had been vigorous, self-made, practical
men. But the outcome had affected
them quite differently.
Riches had turned Jarvis Hammon's
mind into new channels; they had
opened strange pathways and projected
him into a life that was in every
way foreign to his early teachings.
His duties kept him in New York,
while Wharton's had held him in his
old home. Harmon had become a
great flnancier; Wharton had remained
the practical operating expert and,
owing to the exactions of his position,
he had become linked more closely
than ever to business detail. At the
same time he had become more and
more unapproachable. Unlimited power
had forced him into the peculiar isola-
ton of chief executives; he had grown
| hard, suspicious, arbitrary. Even tc
his son he had been for years remote
being.
| ut was not until the last conference
had broken up. not until the last forces
i had been disposed for the coming bat
tie. that he spoke to Merkle Of Bob's
marriage. Merkle told him what hi
knew. and the old man listened silent
|, IT, Then he drove to the Elegancla.
| Bob and Lorelei had just returned
from the theater, much be 1t said
E against the bridegroom's wishes Boil
had been eager to begin the celebration
! of his marriage in fitting manner, ant
a 1t had required the shock Of Hammon'
9 death added to Loreleis entreaties t
0 dissuade him from night of hllarity
Q He was flushed with drink, and in con
: sequence more than little resentfu
Q when she insisted upon spending an
other night in the modest little home.
: "Say. I'm not used to this kind Of .
h place ne argued. I'm not cave
d dweler It's a lovely hat-for muir
der--but It's no place to live
o Don't be silly" she told him. "W
e acted ON impulse; we can't chang
K everything at moments notice"
l. "But--people take trips when the,
h get married.
2. Il can't quit the show without tw
e weeks notice
t. "Two weoks;' He was aghas'
4; 1.-TWO minutes. Two seconds. | won
have you lodging around stage doors.
Y Bergman won't let me 90;
wouldn't be right to ask him.
IT But Bob was insistent. II intend {
10 cure you of the work habit You mus
t. learn to scorn 1t. Look at me. I'm a
4 example of the unearned Increment
Well kiss this dinky fiat a fond fart
well--it's impossible, really refus
to share such n dark secret with yol
Tomorrow we leave it for the third mn
last time What d'you say to the sum
~ side Of the Ritz until we decide whel
Il We want to traveiT
"a Just then the aravtment bell ran
3 Bob went to the door. Ilc return'
.. wlth'his fsther at his heels. Mr.. VIVA
: ton trampM IN grimly, nodded at h
IL