The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1920-06-04
CHAPTER IX-Continued.
TO-


these drafts now; three of 'em. Right?
Good Well-any Developments"
"What?' Harmon tapped his Gig
arctic case in the palm of his left
hand. "Oh, you mean the mine?"
Hilliard nodded. Eyes. 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 were just starting. That's right,
isn't it?"
Harmon laughed noisily.
oh, that shaft Don't you think
It's a little early to begin on that?
Say, about ninety thousand dollars too
early?"
As Hilliard sat gazing at him in pro-
found beWilderment q waiter slid up
alongside him and coughed for his at
tention.
Gentleman wants to speak to you
outside, Mr.. Hilliard. In the lobby.
Says it's important"
'"Oh!" billiard drew the back of
his hand across his forehead. 'Tell
him I'll come right out. VIII you ex-
cuse me a moment, Mr.. HARMONY"
Sure! Go ahead" The promoter
sat back comfortably and gave him a
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 Cullens and a
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 l 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, l know a good deal about
him."
The banker continued solemnly:
"Iou probably know a lot more
about him than do then, but just the
same, l wanted to make sure That's
ALL" He turned, but billiard stopped
him. ssr
"Well, what do you know about
him?" v
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 bust
ness way only-what he is socially
don't know, and don't think much
care"
$50 you don't need any advice about
his business connections?"
"Why, think not" He was nettled
by the bankers manner.
1.-THE only thing about it, said the
vice president nettled in his turn by
billiards brevity, sis 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 me-
really would. Under the circum
stances can't very well go any fur
ther than this. Sorry l interrupted
you
mo, but wait minute!. T."
The vice presidents refusal was
firm and definite.
81 can't say another word. Not an
other one. If you know him, that's
sufficient" And he strobe away across
the lobby, leaving, billiard dunn
founded.
! MIR. Harmon, smiling broadly, half
arose from his chair. as the masquer-
adler came slowly back to the table
and sat down hard.
"Well," he said. More business?"
! billiard shook his head.
"On the contrary" His voice had in
&. a curious dullness which the broker
was quick to catch.
..No bad news, hope"
"rm not sure. Let's go on discussing
the mine"
Not much else to, discuss, Is there?
ITS the same old mine" He locked
,intently at billiard. whats got into