Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1920-06-11
CHAPTER Ix-continued.
10

AlltiIh you. AllQ YOU Hight lthC
these drafts now; three of em. Right?
Good. Well-any Developments"
"What2" Harmon tapped his Gig
arctic case in the palm of his left
hand "Oh, you mean the mine?"
HilIiard nodded "Yes. Have you
gone any further with the shaft yet?
Two or three of the more cautious men
are holding back until something hap
pens with that"
'Shaft?" Harmon was puzzled.
what shaft?" He placidly slowed
away the drafts. I'm not sinking any
new shafts at this stage of the game"
1t was billiards turn to be puzzled.
why, | mean the old shaft on Sill
verbow No. 1. Have you gone any
further with it? I've told these people
we We're just starting That's right,
isn't it?'
Harmon laughed noisily.
"Oh, that Shaft Don't you think
ats a little early to begin on that?
Say, about ninety thousand dollars too
early?"
AS billiard sat gazing at him in pro-
found bewilderment waiter slid up
alongside him and coughed for his at
tention.
Gentleman wants to speak to you
outside. Mr.. billiard. In the lobby.
Says it's important"
"Oh" Hilliard drew the back of
his hand across his forehead. "TeIl
him I'll come right out. Will you ex-
cuse me moment, Mr.. Harmon?"
Sure! Go ahead" The promoter
sat back comfortably and gave him
wave of dismissal. billiard, his pupils
narrowing, went out to the doorway.
A pace or two distant one of the vice
presidents of the Trust and Deposit
company-a friend of Cullen's and
very good man to know-was lettering
restively.
Hello, Hilliard," he said, wrinkling
his forehead. "How are you? Look
here, it's none of my business, of
course, but I couldn't help wondering
how much you know about that chap
you're sitting with. Don't be offend
ed: it's a friendly question Simply
my interest in you as one of our
clients"
''Why. 1 know a good deal about
him."
The banker continued solemnly:
''You probably know a lot more
about him than do, then, but just the
same, wanted to make sure. That's
ALL" He turned, but billiard stopped
him.
"well, what do you know about
him?"
Before 1 answer that's he a
friend of yours?" The question was
too blunt to be diplomatic, and too sug-
gestive to be disregarded.
'Not exactly that; he's a rather
good acquaintance, though. In a bust
ness way only--what he is socially
don't know, and don't think l much
care"
$50 you don't need any advice about
his business connections?
"Why. / think not" He was nettled
by the bankers manner.
'The only thing about it," said the
vice president, nettled in his turn by
billiards brevity, lis that if you'd said
you didn't know him very well, I'd
have offered you some suggestions. I'd
have expected YOU to thank mel
really would. Under the circum-
stances, can't very well go any fur
Their than tbs. Sorry / interrupted
you"
mo, byt wait minute! L"
The H1ce presidents refusal was
firm and definite.
81 can't say another word. Not an
other one. If you know him, that's
Eafficient." And he strobe away across
che lobby, leaving Hilliard dunn
founded.
Mr.. Harmon, smiling broadly. half
arose from his chair as the masquer-
ader came slowly back to the table
and sat down hard.
"Well" he said. 'More businessY
Hilliard shook his head.
son the contrary" His. voice had in
1t a curious dullness which the broker
was quick to catch.
"No bad news, l hope?"
"Tm not sure. Let's go on discussing
che NINE"
"Not much else to discuss, is there?
It's the same old NINE He looked