The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-10-13
CHAPTER VII.
Comus.

OifNa
From the time they left the Leda-
nois house with Lucie, Gramont had
no opportunity of seeing his chauffeur
In private until, later in the afternoon,
he left the Maison Blanche building.
He had enjoyed a thoroughly satisfac-
tory interview with joachim Fell. The
car was waiting for him In Royal
and Gramont approached it to find
Hammond in deep worry over the out
come Of the Interview with Fell.
"Well, cap'ni" he exclaimed, anx-
iously. as Gramont drew up. You're
smIlin', so l. guess it amt a pinch !"
Don't worry. The stuff is returned,
and the matter Is now closed. We can
forget all about the Midnight Masquer.
Now, there's another and more impor-
a thing that l want to speak with
you about, a matter of business"
Hold on, cap'nw interrupted Ham
mond, quietly, his eye on a spot be-
hind Gramont. zone Of your friends
Is headed over this way, and II l
know anything about it, he's got blood
In his eye"
Gramont turned. to see Bob Mail
lard approaching. The latter ad-
dressed him without any response to
his greeting.
Have you a m to spare, Ora
month"
"All afternoon" answered Gramont,
cheerfully. He affected not to observe
Maillard's air Of heavy business, nor
the frowning suspicion that lurked
~half-veiled in the others glowering
features.
The two were standing a bit apart.
and Hammond was fussing with one of
the headlights. but Gramont suspected
the chauffeur was listening avid
~. "Pve just come from a talk with
dad. How did 1t happen that you sold
him that stock of yours in the com
Gramont smiled a little. 81 hap
)ened to need the money. Why?"
but why the devil didn't you hang
N to that stock? Or il you needed
money, why didn't you come to me?"
EXPLODED the other, angrily.
Heavens !" drawled Gramont. who
quite willing to exasperate young
daillard to the limit. "You seem
rightfully concerned about It'll What's
he big idea, anyway? / offered the
took to your father at a discount. He
that 1t was a good buy, and I
ook it. What's wrong with that?" 4,
Nothing wrong. If you put 1t that f,
snapped Maillard, angriIy. But !
IS a COMPOUNDED sly way Of doing
hings-" .
Nov, just wait right there !" Ora |
lont's easy smile vanished. 81 don't
Ike that kind of talk, Malllard. I'm
r. In the morning to start work on u
lat report | was engaged to make. t
hen the report comes IN, my resig- I
alton comes with it," o
"All right. Let it come here and d
wv. then" Maillard's one was ugly. c
Z you're so blamed anxious to get Z
1t of the company, get out 7" h
"Thanks. I'll be glad to be re-
wed of the job" Gramont turned "
ID addressed his chauffeur. Ham
ono. you'll kindly remember this c,
nversation. In case your future tes- IL
nony is needed" n
"Confound you, what d'you mean d,
king that way?" broke out Maillard. +,
10 you suppose I'll deny firing your" W
II don't care to have you offer any
Elections Oh my actions. Maillard," W
Id Gramont, s.enly. "My course in In
Is matter Is perfectly open and above RI
ard, which is more than you can say m
r your doings." tn
"WhatT" MaIllard clenched his of
ok ana took a forward step, anger he
IN his face. "What the devil W.
rou neanr" ia
Exactly what l say-and perhaps 60
D prove il. Remember the oil con- tn