White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1927-07-22
CHAPTER vi

Although Paul Raxon had ALWAYS
professed great belief In his own
destiny, he had never thought to be
multimillionaire. He found himself.
suddenly, national figure. It amused
to read newspaper accounts of
himself. People assumed that he had
newly come to New York, whereas he
had been for years power working
through other men.
It was as an architects clerk he dis
covered the graft which was possible
In the building trade. Among the
group Of illiterate men who were hold
Ing up big Jobs and levying blackmail
from contractors in the name of La
Dor, he soon became a leader. He
was cautious, educated and supremely
cunning. The price Of success was
the betrayal Of his benefactor, and he
had not hesitated to make 1t.
At the age Of forty-two he took his
place with the living powers In Wall
Street, hated by many, liked by few,
but despised by none. Publicity over
whelmed him at last. Mrs. Raxon and
her family returned from Europe,
where for some years they had lived.
At large price he purchased Great
Rock, formerly the home Of Bellington
of the Traction trust, and he knew he
must fill it with his wife's friends and
entertain In the manner of the yery
| rich.
At this period Of his life the idea
of power obsessed him. He did not
want to run the risk Of losing what he
had gained. He was not anxious for
any unsavory episodes of his past to
arise. There had been many, and
with most women were concerned. He
grew less intrigued with women as the
idea of senatorial honors forced itself
upon him. Senator Raxon of New
York No state -honors for him. He
desired to be sent to Washington. Lod.
don, his lawyer, licked his thick lips
at the thought.
"Tm satisfied said Raxon, "that
nobody can pull me down. Jim CAT.
fray was dangerous, but he's in Sing
Sing for seven years."
Hell be out in f1ve," said Loddon,
"and Jim's dangerous, because he
knows lot"
"Jim will be out in less than that"
Raxon retorted. "Bright's disease.
He's incurable. You look like
Bright's disease type, Loddon. Better
be moderate if you want to help me to
the United States senate I've got
chance. Women are voting against
the old machine type of politician, and
I'm going to cultivate the women and
pose as the pioneer of a new day.
Raxon chuckled little.
He was q tired-looking man. slim,
and little stopped. He had fine
hands and good features. He could
bring readily to his aid the salesmans
forced enthusiasm, which seemed gen
utne to those who did not know him.
He knew he would do well in politics
If no old ghosts arose to confound
him. For years now he had been liv-
ing among men tmmeasurably beneath
him in intelligence; lucky turn had
made him Independent Of them.
To go to the senate from New York
would be an expensive matter, but he
was prepared to pay. 20 that end 1t
would be necessary to conserve his
fortune His wife, after years Of liv-
ing in second-rate hotels, was inclined
to reckless extravaganza. Domestic:
life at Great Rock was strained. Yet
Raxon saw that the era Of great en-
tertainments was at hand. He knew
that as he was now man in the pub
lie eye, he had. better do the thing,
we'll. The life Of relatively small
things was over. Not again would he
deal with. the baser sort of men. Much
Of his amusement came from watching
the men he controlled trying to assert
instance. At heart, Of the shyster
lawyer type and filed with the ideals
Of petty graft, wealthy benefactor
had bought him partnership with q
respectable firm and he had to guide
his professional conduct accordingly.
Loddon for the moment was filled
with glee at his own fortune. He
wished Raxon. to. regard him as an
equal instead Of swapping orders at
him. He ventured to, disagree with
his patron.
"My success" Raxon said, stopping
him with gesture, sis due to two
things. One Is a total absence of
pity. Another that I only use men.
that can crush lie they get out of
hand. Jim Caffray was one. YOU'RE.
another" He looked at the gross,
formless creature and sneered. "When
I pipe, you shall dance; and lie you
don't dance to my liking, what hap
pens? The Bar association will dis
bar you. You may try to incriminate
me, but you haven't shred of evil
dence Of anything crooked, not a
check, letten, telegram, or dicta-
phone conversation. Keep, me in good
humor, Loddon, and work for me and
you'll 60 far. Try to be independent,
or indiscreet- and shall break YOU"
"Why Paul." Loddon cried, what's
got into you? I'm the 1oyalest follower
you ever had, and you know it."
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
.X*X*X*X*X*X"X: X.:X*X*X*X*YsA