The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1920-06-26
CHAPTER TX.

From the marbled dignity of the
Trust and Deposit company, where he
had bought a New York draft for fif-
teen thousand dollars, and smaller
ones for ten and seven, Hilliard
emerged presently to South Warren
street, and stood there on the sidewalk
for moment, numbed by the first
galvanizfng consciousness of success.
He had come back resolved to win,
in his second trial, the position he had
failed to approximate in his first; he
had set himself a commercial stand
ard. and, gagged by it, he was advanc
ing rapidly, for today's trio of sub
scriptions, added to Mr.. Cullen's check
of yesterday (and Mr.. Cullen had
acted as though he had gained a per-
sonal victory in persuading Hilliard to
accept it, made up a glittering total,
stupendous total; and already Hill
liards earned commissions formed a
sum to glOat about. Despised as a
salesman, he had sold to four impair
tial business men the commodity hard
est in all the world to sell. Scorned
for his behavior, he had made his
sales on the basis of character which
hadn't been questioned since the day
Of his arrival. His mind and his
muscles demanded action; to relieve
the pressure Of his spirits, he set off
vigorously, swinging exuftant.
On impulse, he crossed the street
for the purpose Of patronizing for
lists, where, ignoring the conventional
measure of the even dozen, he ordered
prOdigal armful of American Beau
ties for Carol Durant. This done, and
feeling very rich and independent. he
rounded the righthand corner, and got
standing and importance who, in hail
ing him. displayed a Difference not
ordinarily granted to the average resi-
dent Of billiards. age. Would billiard
condescend to speak at the next meet
ing and dinner of the Chamber of
Commerce on France in wartime? Hill
lizard would And this indication Of
HIS new-won status fired him afresh.
Logically enough, his swirling
thoughts followed a well-worn trail
which led him straight to Carol; and
for the thousandth time he tried to
set future date. depending on the
outcome of his mission here, at which
he could confess, and ask forgiveness
for his mummery, and simultaneously
ask credit for his regeneration.
At this juncture, he was aware that
some one had arrested him. 1t was
Angelas youthful sutton.
"Oh-hello, Waring" said billiard
cheerfully. Flows crime?"
The student 0f law flushed at the
lively salutation, which appealed to
him as reflection upon the majesty
of the bar. Also, his sense of humor
was temporarily atrophied.
1--WE don't handle criminal cases."
he responded shortly. "Say, when can
you and l have a conference together.
Mr.. Hilliard?"
"Why, the sooner the quicker"
laughed billiard. whats it about?"
Waring coughed. Business"
The time to talk about business is
Ill the time-isn't it?"
Warning hesitated and finally stepped
billiard with him.
II don't suppose it'll seem like a
,ery important thing to you" he said,
'ather awkwardly, "but it's important
enough to me. Mr.. Hilliard. to be |
worth taking time over-to be perfect |
v frank with you. I've got five hun
lred dollars l want to put in some |
ligh-class, gilt-edged speculation. Mr.. |
Cullen gave me some pointers, and |
low I'm interested in your copper |
nine. Only-and this is where the |
itch comes in-I've sort Of got into
he swing of the law, you know, and |
hat makes men-well, what you might
all iudgmatical. You get so you want
0 look at everything from all four
ides. And l thought maybe because
f fhe-the attending circumstances
ou'd be kind enough to explain the
vhole thing to me. Would you?"
billiard. who didn't know whether
0 be touched or amused, compromised
Y nodding gravely.
There's one thing I'll have to tell
on. though he said 81 don't advise
ny one to gamble in copper mines. or
nything else, Waring. unless that
erson could actually afford to lose
is whole investment. and not be hurt.
nd in this particular case, since |
appen to control the situation, won't
ermit it. Does that hit you, or doesn't
2?
The young mans mouth opened in
He had been printing
imself to be clever investigator. and
, pick yawning flaws in billiards I'M
arwriting, and here his thunder was
olen before he had had chance to
axe the aegis Of his cleverness. =,
.Why-it isn't gamble. is it? III
Mr. Cullen said" ll
Its safer to figure it as gamble.
-aring. It's safe to figure all these
Iings that way. OF course, we think
) u wonderful prospect, ard prac-