The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1920-03-25
CHAPTER Il.-contlnued.

Inc younger Hldu SluuCeu 1T thS
card. "My name Is billiard. Well
Is competition so keen you can afford
10 pay that high for business, or Is
the stuff just hard to SELF"
Harmon, who had begun to nod as
sent to the first question, looked rather
blank at the second, but rallied
quickly.
Competition. But there's money In
II, and you'll get your share of 1t too
believe me! I've got a sneaking sus-
plcion that you and can do business
together. Want to consider it?"
"All this on such short acquaint-
ance? Aren't you taking a fearful
CHANGER"
Harmon saw that the young mans
irises were extremely luminous and
clear; he leaned forward seriously.
"Im simply backing my bunch, son. In
the long run II pays me-pays me
well. I've sort of taken fancy to
you. AS far as I know you may be
the rottenest salesman In the whole
United States; l wouldn't hire your
experience without some references,
and maybe a surety company back or
You: but I'd hire that face of yours,
and your manner, and your voice Off
hand. I'd hire your front-not your
past! And let me tell you right now,
son, never made a trade as fast as
this before In my life. But there's
something about you that . WellT
The young man was thoughtful and
unblinking.
You're actually making me prop
osition, are your"
bsolutely"-Harmon's fist on the
table provided the exclamation point.
Here don't know you, and you
don't know me, but If you're hunting
for a job you've found 1t. It's
your next move"
The young mans lips parted In
grave good humor; Harmon was spell
bound ut the effect.
I'll try not to keep you waiting.
This speed of yours rather entices me.
Besides, If my face is my fortune, I'd
better find it out as soon as possible.
This organization of yours Is in New
York city. isn't it?"
MY headquarters are, but I'd want
you to work outside. I've got one spe-
cial town in mind-up the state. That's
where this list is. It's always been
one of our hardest markets, and It's
got money to burn. Can't swing IT.,
somehow--they don't respond to any
ordinary selling talk; they're too hide
hound conservative. You know the
kind. Government-bond crowd. And
for a year or so they've been making
war profits till you can't see 'em for
dust. Manufacturing town. And I'd
like mighty well to ship you up there
for a month or two give you time
enough to get your bearings, and turn
you loose. You ought to do great work
in q place like that. They need a chap
like you-confound it," He halted
abruptly and shook his head In great
bewilderment. II can't make 1t out
at all You've got the appearance OF
a well, q sort Of a Strait-laced
youngster, If you know what I mean,
and yet the way you say things, I"
The young man gestured blandly.
"And the town you have in mind?"
"Its Syracuse, New York"
"Syracuse?" The young mans chin
was squared by ruler, and noticeably
thrust forward.
Eyes; know anybody there?"
billiard laughed unpleasantly and
resumed his former attitude.
why, it so happens" he said, bit
ing the words off sharply, "that l was
born and brought up in Syracuse, and
II there's any one, place In the world
I care less about than any other place
that's the one I'm sorry, but
I'm afraid we're at cross purposes
from here on"
Harmon showed his vexation.
"what's the matter? Haven't you kept
on good terms with your old frlends?'
"No."
Harmon frowned.
swell, is IL so bad you couldn't do
any business there? How do they re-
member your"
The young man regarded him ston-
ily for an instant; then gradually a
far-away expression crept into his
eyes; he started and caught his
breath.
an let you Judge for yourself" He
brought out a fiat leather wallet, from
which he extracted tiny photograph
torn from an old passport. "What dc
you think of that?"
Harmon scanned II specifically.
"Nice-looking boy. Who is he7"
"It was taken two years ago." said
billiard, resting his elbows on the
table. "You wanted to know how they
remember me, so I'm showing you
That's a photograph Of me. taken two
years ago."
"Impossiblew Harmon snorted it
-rhat doesn't look any more like you