Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-10-24

keep me company. seemingly in gen
ial mood in spite of the delay.
He lit a cigar, and leaned comfort
ably back in his chair, looking amiabiy
across at me through the blue haze OF
smoke.
Rather nice bunch of fellows for
cruise, don't you thlnk?'
"Quite so, although only knew two
previously"
"Yes-Fosdick and Mccain. The
others are either bankers or brokers;
fellows l meet every day or so in my
business, you know. You have never
done much in stocks?"
shook my head
"My business education was in an
entirely different school," l said qui-
city, ignoring his lead. my father
never specialized"
81 know his feelings on that subject"
and Darlington chuckled, as though at
a pleasant memory. 81 never advocate
speculation myself but have never
shown any qualms of conscience
against betting on sure thing. Per
haps we can discuss this later-before
our voyage ends"
"This, then, is more of business
than pleasure trip, sir?"
He laughed, watching the smoke
rings rise lazily in the air.
"Well, hardly that, my boy. My hos
pitality is not to be so strictly limited.
However, no doubt, we shall discuss
some matters of business Importance
before our return. BY the way, you
have some idle money, hear3"
mot large sum at present, al
though 1t is true control some capt.
tai"
Darlington pushed back his chair
and arose to his feet.
"That Is Of no immediate impor-
lance" he said carelessly. "But in my
Judgment, i've are not far away from
great opportunity in finance, when 1t
will pay well to be on the inside. It
may interest you to know that a cop
per pool is being organized"
II suspected as much; you have some
news?"
Exceedingly important news. Lis
ten, Hollis, this Is strictly confidential
and worth your thinking 1t over. Only
two men on board know the truth.
There will be war in Europe-the big
gest war ever known in history-within
month. Do you realize what that
will mean, for instance, to copper"
IT can imagine sir. But If we are
on the verge Of such sudden rise in
market value, why do you leave New
York for long voyage?"
Darlington smiled, stroking his gray
mustache.
"a natural question, perhaps coming
from one not acquainted with my
methods" he answered gOod-humored-
ly. Because l prefer to be thought
out of 1t. Everybody on the street
is aware that 1 am at sea. thus
escape being interviewed, importuned
for information. 1 am unsupported OF
being where 1 can manipulate the mar
ket. The Esmeralda is equipped with
on board the most expert operator
to be procured in New York. l shall
be in direct communication with my
office every hour Of the day and night.
Tomorrow, once safely beyond Point
Judith, shall explain my plan; mean
while, Hollis, think 1t over"
He turned toward the stairs, but I
stopped him, more deeply interested in
something else than in his rather vague
financial scheme. The girl on board ;
was it possible she could have any con-
nection with this affair?
"By the way" l spoke with an as
sumption Of carelessness, "Mrs. Car
rington, I understand, Is at present In
Europe?"
"Yes, in Switzerland; I have cabled
her that she had better return as far
as London ut once"
"YOu seem very confident as to the
truth of your advices."
II am; know the men who have
reported to me-"
II see; and consequently there are
no women on bOard?'
| "Women" He made a swift, express
sive gesture. Certainly not. I wrote
you to that effect, believe; at least
SO instructed my secretary. This
voyage Is primarily business affair.
Why should you ask that question,
Hollis2 You have met all nv guests"