The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-06-18

The new vice president of the Sc
curity National raised preoccuped
face to the new pres ident and said
I'm never too busy to talk to- you.
What is it,"
"No chance of Bell Nelson throw
in us out. is there? He's in Dallas
tryin to stir up money
"Not chance. unless you want
him to do SO; unless you're afraid
"We?" Gus smiled quizzicalky.
"You won't fall Folks around town
are talkin about how quick you're
takin' hold. an they're beginning to
think you'll make a better banker
than the Nelson's. Looks like Bell
an Henry are about the only ones
that take it hard"
1.-THE funny thing is"-Gray
frowned. perplexedly-"they don't
take it hard. At least. Henry doesn't
appear to do so. That's what puzzles
me. No move of any sort-Thatis
not like him."
Gus agreed to this. 81 been ex-
pectin' him to . cut some capcrs.
That's why been hangn' around
SO steady"
The younger man rose and nerv-
ously paced the floor.
sd go back and start all over
again if could clean up that-that
army record. It's pretty flat tri-
umph."
"Humph! Most triumphs is. Here
l am, president of whole bank.
but Mas sick, Allies miserable. an
l can't sleep nights for fear I'll lose
what got!"
Gray smiled affectionatcly at the
speaker. AT least Buddy is happy.
He's reaping his dividends if I'm
any Judge"
81 figger he's in love again."
Good heavens" Gray paused in
his restless pacing and turned an
expression of almost comic dread
upon the father. with that wo-
man, eh? Well, I refuse to inter
ferc again. I haven't fully recover
cd from his first infatuation for
her."
81 can tell the boys symptoms, l
felt the same way when was court
in Ma. acted just like him"
ale has been trying to tell me
something for week. but I've been
too busy and too worried to listen"
There came rap at the door, and
the accountant whom Gray had put
to work upon the banks books en-
tered. ''I'd like to talk to you about
this report" the man began.
Don't co. Gray said, as Briskow
unfolded his legs and rose.
But the president of the Security
National shook his head, saying:
"Bookkeepin' is all Choctaw to ne.
saw one statement an thought
liquid assets meant that bottle Of
whisky Bell left in his desk"
.. "Mr. Gray" the auditor an
nounced, when they were alone, 81
wish you'd ask somebody else to
take this job off my hands"
"Why|
swell, somebody else could prob
ably do it better" There was
pause. "I've known Bell Nelson all
my life"
"That is why l engaged you.
You've been over these books be-
fore" Again there was an instant
of silence. then into 'Gray's face
there flashed curious alertness
"Come" he cried, sharply. What is
it,"
"I'm sorry to be the one to--'t The
auditor shrugged. eff you insist on
an explanation, suppose shall
have to tell you. Perhaps it's just
rs we'll. anyhow. They say figures
don't lie, but you and know better
only wish they didn't
"Have you caught them lying,
here?"
II have. And-it has made| me
rather i'll. You'd better prepare
yourself for a shock"
1t was nearly an hour later that
Gray tolephoned to Senator Lowe.
the banks attorney, and to Bennett
Swope, the latter being the only
member Of the board available at
short notice. This done, he wrote a
note to Henry Nelson. In spite If
his effort to control his hand, it
shook when he signed his name,
and on second thought he destroyed
the missive. There is something
ominous about the written word. II
Nelson grew suspicious, he'd never
come.
! Gray stepped into Gus Briskow's
office and asked him to call the for
mer vice president, first, however.
explaining exactly what he wished
Gus to say. The ruse succeeded;
then Gray returnoa to his own Of
flee. He drew deep breath. With
in him he felt ferocious eagerness
take fire, for it seemed to him that
the day of reckoning had come. i,
Henry's behavior was now easily
understandable; the fellow was
cringing, covering in anticipation
Of second blow. Well, the whip
was in Grays hands, and he pro-
posed to use it ruthlessly-to sink
the lash, to cut to the bone, to leave
scars such as Henry had left Upon
him.
Gray, too. kept revolver in his
desk He removed it and placed it
in his pocket.
Buddy Briskow chose this. of all
moments. to thrust his grinning
visage into the door and to inquire.
Got time for me now, Mr.. Gray?"
"Not now, Buddy"
"When?"
"Why-almost any other time"
Il wouldn't bother you, but ITS
important and IL promised GER