The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-10-04

~eep ,nv company. seemingly in gen.
ial mood In spite OF the delay.
He lit cigar, and leaned comfort
ably back In his chair, looking amlabiy
across at me through the blue haze of
smoke.
"Rather nice bunch OF fellows for
cruise, don't you thlnkT
"Quite so, although only knew two
previously"
"Yes-Fosdick and Mccain. The
others nre either bankers or brokers:
fellows l meet every day or so In my
business. you know. You have never
done much In stocksr'
shook my head.
"My business education was In an
entirely different school," said Qui-
etly, ignoring his lead. MY father
never speculated."
II know his feelings on that subject"
and Darlington chuckled, as though Mt
pleasant memory. II never advocate
speculation myself. but have never
| shown any qualms Of conscience
against betting on n sure thing. Per-
haps we can discuss this later-before
our voyage ends"
"This, then, Is more OF business
| than n pleasure trip. sirf"
He laughed. watching the smoke
rings rise lGzily In the air.
swell. 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, hear?"
"Not large sum Mt present. al
though It is true control some capt.
tai"
Darlington pushed back his chair
and arose to his feet.
"That Is of no immediate impor-
tance." he said carelessly. But In my
judgment, we are not far away from a
great opportunity In finance. when II
will pay well TO be on the inside. II
may interest you to know that COP
per pool Is being organized"
II suspected as much you have some
newsT'
| Exceedingly important news. Lis
ten. Hollis, this Is strictly confidential
and worth your thinking II over. Only
two men on board know the truth.
There will be wnr In Europe-the big
gest war ever known In history-within
n month. DO you realize what that
will mem, for instance, to copperr' K
II can imagine. sir. But II we are
on the verge of such sudden rise In
market value. why do. you leave New
York for long voyagef"
Darlington smiled. stroking his gray
mustache.
"A natural question. perhaps coming
from one not acquainted with my
methods" he answered good-humored-
ly. "Because ! prefer to be thought
out OF 1t. Everybody on the street
Is aware that a am at sea. thus
escape being interviewed. importuned
1 for Information. am unsupported of
being where can manipulate the mar
ket. The Esmeralda Is equipped with
n powerful wireless outfit, and we, have
on board the most expert operator
to be procured In New York. l shnll
be In direct communication with my
Office. every hour Of the dny and night.
Tomorrow, once safely beyond Point
Judith, shall explain my plan; mean
while. Hollis. think 1t over"
He turned toward the stairs, but
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" spoke with an MS.
sumption Of carelessness, "Afrs. Car
rington, understand, is at present in
EuropeT
"Yes, In Switzerland; have cabIed
her that she had better return as fur
MS London ut once"
"You seem very confident rs to the
truth of your advlces."
~ am; know the men who have
reported to me-"
II see; and consequently there are
no women on bOard?"
"WomenW He made swift, express
slve gesture. Certainly not. I wrote
you to chat effect, believe; at least
so instructed my secretary. This
voyage Is primarily a business affair.
Why should you ask that question.
Hollis? You have met all my guests"
hesitated, yet determined to put
him fully to the test. II he knew, ell
ther his face or manner would betray
him. irrespective of his words.
| VI imagined ! saw woman on the
deck last night, when ] ventured out
to lenrn why the engine had stopped.
No doubt 1t was an Illusion"
ut surely must have BEEN" his voice
evldencing surprise, 'for give you my
word there Is not a woman on this
yacht. What, to your mind. did the
creature look like7"