The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-04-11

1 >''e
that did get footing on the fields"
Il see," said Winton. He liked tn
Judge much better unmasked; at least
he disliked him considerably less.
you threaten, then. that II seel
outside capital, the syndicate will u.s.
every means Of thwarting the develop
ment OF the claimY' he asked.
Eyes, my friend. Not in our indi
vidual capacities. but purely in the
business sense"
Suppose l came to you for a loan
offering the security Of the diamond? z
The judge waved the suggestion
aside as incredibly trifing.
"The diamond means nothing at al
| to u.s." he answered.
at has a monetary value
1--WE are not in need Of small profits
Mr.. Garrett"
Pardon me, but If you are so pros
porous and influential, what is the pur-
pose of your resolve to get the control
OF the Big Malopo by means outside
the ordinary run of businessT
The judge smiled. looked thoughtful,
and then, to Winton's surprise, showed
third phase Of his nature-absolute
frankness.
"The purpose OF our resolve?" he
asked. 81 suppose to gain power, Mr..
Garrett. To please the stockholders
and to gain power There, sir, we
touch upon the fringe of philosophy
xxl.. l. .to d,;,,;,,o ,,,ottva of h,,uoor
life? Each Of us has some secret, rul-
ing passion that he holds secure from
the eyes of his fellow men,"
His voice shook as he spoke, but this
time it was not the quaver of hypocrisy.
Judge Davis seemed on the verge OF
some intimate disclosure. Then the
mood passed, the eyes grew hard again.
"The syndicate will assist you to the
full extent of the company's needs, in
so far as these have q legitimate ex-
istence," he said. "It will guarantee
its cooperation. But 1t must be as
sured that no competitive interest shall
be brought into Malopo, or admitted
from Malopo. Therefore the terms
are these: you will transfer thirty
three shares to me In blank, on which
the syndicate will advance you four
fifths of their par value for three
At the end of that term, If the
money is repaid, you resume possession
of your shares. II, on the other hand,
the claim has not proved remuneratiye,
the syndicate will reimburse to you
all portion of this money
spent on development. and the shares
will become its property. In the latter
event you will hold forty-seven shares,
which will make the independent share
holders the decisive voters, and all in
terests will be protected. In the former
event you will continue TO hold your
eighty shares. And l think, Mr.. Gar
rett, that no fairer offer could be |
made. 1t gives you an opportunity to
make a success of the company, and II
you fail, protects us against external
interests taking up the control to our
letriment."
Winton thought hurriedly over the
proposal. If he agreed. he would still |
lold forty-seven shares al worst, while |
he syndicate and its men would hold
IN equivalent amount. The balance of
power would lie with the independent
but these, of course,
we're in Davis power If the claim
proved to be what he and Ned Burns
believed 1t was, the repayment within
he period would be a mere trife.
But why should he consider the pro-
'osal when he could realize working
apital on the sale of the diamond?
1T seems to me-" said Winton, that
am not compelled TO face the problem
GU raise The diamond can be legiti-
lately sold in the interests of the COM
any. When the time comes for con-
idering your proposition l may come
0 you, or | may go elsewhere, accord
lg TO where | can get the best terms
! the interests of the company
Judge Davis whistled softly and
altered in the reins; then he turned
} Winton.
"My dear friend" he said. "in thege
avs capital cannot be raised, except
! America, upon diamond claim that
rs only produced a single diamond.
s for the sale of the De Witt stone"
Hardly an appropriate name," said
linton holly.
"The Garrett stone, l mean" purred
Judge Davis "0f course so long as
Du retain your controlling interest,
on are at liberty TO sell ii. You mis-
Understand me, my young frienS
ID not come here to discuss your
lility to avoid fraternal cooperation
it'll us. but TO offer you the choice be-
veen that cooperation with frater-
ty, and the syndicate's hostility-of
,urse in purely business sense. Till
,ur decision is made, that fraternity
ust be withheld. Give faith and trust,
sar sir, and they shall return to you
hundredfold Give enmity. and
, leaned out of the buggy-'we',i
nash you. you damned young fool, and
,ull richly deserve H."