The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1920-08-26

laughed "Come along, and help me
out on a decision I've got TO make.
About an investment"
Hillisrd hung back for a moment,
while suspicion dnwned on him.
"What sort OF investment, Doctorr'
he queried.
"You come and sit down." urged the
Doctor. seductively. "And wen talk
II over later. But hrst OF all" He
patted his walstcoat. lets eat"
billiard was almost too grateful TO
speak the Doctors str1tegem was pat
ent, but In all chivalry the Invitation
couldn't be declined. once inside the
doors Of the club. however. he became
panicky; for his first sweeping recon
noissance included half dozen men
whose late behavior had indicated that
they knew.
The Doctor drew billiard under the
mantle Of his own unassailable posi-
ton, and plowed ahead with the utmost
serenity. He nodded here and there,
he spoke 20 members right and left he
bowed across the room; always his
personality. rather than his person,
seemed to be escorting and guarding
Hllllard; and Syracuse couldn't decline
TO acknowledge man who was under
the Doctors adequate protection. Those
who spoke 10 the Doctor also spoke TO
billiard; there was no way out of II,
and they spoke ms casually as they
could. They also nodded to him, and
bowed but when his back was turned,
they became low-volced and communi-
/ cative, and he knew II.
And Hilliard had all metropoli-
tan's sensltlveness TO the spirit and
| to the ethics Of mems club. He fall
tered on the very threshold; and II
any other man than DIR. Durant had
| been his sponsor, he would have fled
/ lncontlnently, SO as not TO disturb that
rare, indescribable atmosphere which
only clubmen understand and respect.
The Doctor was scrutlnlzing the
/ menu Hilllard. who faced the window,
[ threw glance over his shoulder. As
he had fancled. the eyes OF the room
were upon him. They reminded him.
oddly enough, Of machlne-gun batteries.
When at length the pair had gained
I the table nearest the window, Hill
I Hard felt that he had undergone a
strenuous ordeal; he was consumed
by gratitude to his implacable host,
but he had no inclination to repeat 1t.
"The table d'hote's good enough for
me-" said the Doctor presently. "And
your"
"And for me. too" said billiard.
Anything 20 drink?"
"No. thanks"
The Doctor dropped the card and sat
up straighter.
swell, | won't keep you in suspense
Il want some advice. As / said, I'm
the worst business man in the world.
billiard. I'm mere child in your
hands-so please treat me tenderly."
He regarded his companion with min
gled humor and seriousness. "James
Cullen has been telling me about a
wonderful plan OF yours to make a
nice shiny gold eagle grow where only
Q silver quarter grew before In fact.
he talked so enthusiastically that he's
got me thinking about It, too.
! rather resent your not telling me
about II yourself"
billiard recoiled.
"You shouldn't do thati" he said.
II wouldn't have tried to inter
est you in II. Doctor. because"
"Oh. can see your reasons" depre-
Gated the Doctor. smllingly. "You
didn't want TO trespass on a purely so
cial relationship. | appreciate that.
But the point is, I've got a few thou
sand dollars don't exactly know what
to do with. It's rather extraordinary
situation for a professional man. isn't
Il? I'll have to admit I'm puzzled about
II myself. And the novelty might lead
me into temptation. So / thought I'd
ask your advice"
"You can have the best rye got"
said Hilliard, averted. "But I'm not
guaranteeing that II has much value.
Doctor"
The Doctor nodded; drummed on the
table.
"Do you ever let friendship inter
fere with buslnessY'
"Often, SIR"
"Will you let II interfere now-if
you think you're justifed2"
"Yes, Doctor / can promise
that much. anyway"
The Doctor showed his approval.
swell. tell me perfectly frankly-is
yours the sort Of proposition you'd let
a man invest In. II you knew he had
precious little money 10 loser But II
you also knew that he were quite will
ing to take the same chance as the
restf"
billiard shook his head slowly, and
continued to shake II as he replied.
II can't say that II is, Doctor. On
the contrary don't think It's that
sort of proposition at ALL" DIR. Dur
ants brows were contracted.
But In the ordinary run Of COM
merce, Hilllard-suppose the question
OF friendship didn't enter into this.
and / hadn't brought up that subject
would you, In choosing your list Of
subscribers, and selecting the people
you'd like to have share the plan with
you. put a man like myself on any
different footing than James Cullenf
Or wouldn't yOuT'