Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-05-21

We've put beds in the parlors of the
others, and frequently we have to
double up our guests. This oil eX-
citement is a blessing to US poor
innkecpers. | presume it's oil that
brings you here?"
Gray met the speakers interroga-
tory gaze with a negative shake of
the head and a smile peculiarly nom
committal. No." he declared, Pm
not in the oil business and l have no
money to invest in it. On the con-
trary, | am a penniless adventurer
whom chance alone has cast upon
your hospitable grand staircase. J"
These words were spoken with a
suggestion Of mock modesty that
had precisely the effect of a deliber-
ate wink, and Mr.. Haviland smiled
and nodded his complete compre-
hension.
4 get you," said he "And you're
right. The lease hounds would devil
you to death if you gave them a
chance. Now then, if there's any
way in which | can be of service"
There is" Gray's tone was at
once DuSlIlCoSllhG. tease give liz
the names of your leading bankers.
/ mean the strongest and the most
well, discreet"
During the next few minutes Gray
received and swiftly tabuIated in his
mind deal of inside information
usually denied to the average
stranger.
Gray appeared to know exactly
what he wanted to dc, for he
stopped at the telephone booths, in
CURED the number of the leading
afternoon newspaper, and put in a
+ call for it. When itcame through
he asked for the city editor. He
closed the sound-proof door before
yoicing the message, then he began:
Getty editor? Well, I'm from the
Ajax Hotel, and | have a tip for you,
I'm one of the room clerks. Listen!
Calvin Gray is registered here-got
in last night, on gum shoes. e..
Gray! Clayin Gray! Better shoot a
reporter around and get a story.
. You don't? Well, other people
know him. He's a character-globe
trotter, soldier of fortune, fnancier
Hes been everywhere and done
everything, and you can get a great
story if you've got man clever
enough to make him talk, But he
won't loosen easily. &. Oil, | sup
pose, but. Sure! Under cover.
Mystery stuff! Another big syndicate
probably. Oh, that's all right
| I'm an old newspaper man myself.
Don't mention it"
Into the largest and newest Of
Dallas buildings Gray went, white
tile and stone skyscraper, the entire
lower floor Of which was devoted to
an impressive banking room. He
sent his card in to the presi-
dent, and spent perhaps ten minutes
with that gentleman. He had called
merely to get acquainted, so he ex-
| planned.
Before he left the bank Gray had
met the other officers, and from
their manner he saw that he had
us THIS YOUR FIRST VISIT
HERE SIR?"
created a decided impression upon
them. The bank president himself
walked with him to the marble rail
ing, then said:
I'D like to have you wait and
meet my son, Lieutenant Roswell.
He's just back from overseas, and
the boy served with some distinc-
ton. A fathers pride, you undef-
stand?"
Was Lieutenant Roswell in
France?" Gray inquired, quickly.
ooh yes. He'll be in at any min
ute"
A shadow of regret crossed the
callers face Pm sorry, hut I've
arranged to call on the mayor, and
I've no time to lose What unit was
your son WITH"
THE Ninety-eighth Field ArtiIl-
cry"
The shadow fled Mr.. Gray was
veXed at the necessity for haste, but
he would look forward to meeting
the young hero later.
Gray's fingers strayeG to the small
change in his trousers pocket and he
turned longing eyes back toward the
bank interior. Without doubt it was
a temptation, especially inasmuch as
at that moment mis- well-mani,ured
right hand held in its grasp every
cent that he possessed.
Chapter II
Gray Meets a Friend.
The representative of the Dallas
Post had anticipated some difficulty
in interviewing she elusive Calm
whoever he might be-but
luck appeared to be with him, for
shortly after his arrival at the hotel
the object of his quest appeared,