Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-12-21

, her think Of the offices of oil mag
mates and railroad kings.
She was shown into Jacks office.
IL had the same air Of sumptpous
magnificence with an enormous tap
estry that completely covered one
wall and a huge oil canvass the 9TH
er, and expensive chairs, bookcases,
tables.
Byrd was Mortified by all this
splenoor. And oppressed by il.
Ii seemed the final proof that Jack
was making his money crookedly.
Six months ago, he had one little
office.
Gee. it's good to see YOU" said
Jack, q little too cordially.
Byrd shook hands very formally.
She realized she must collect her
somewhat wilted courage to carry
through her program.
"You don't look very well" she
said, studying his face candidly.
Jack frowned. He didn't care to
have his appearance commented
upon adversely.
He looked, thought Byrd, as II dis
s!pation ana a gn-wing worry had de-
prived him of sleep for many nights.
I'm feeling fit" he replied, "hav-
ing a grand time clipping coupons"
"A slightly cruel look seemed to
spread like q mask over his really
good-looking features. His eyes
looked suddenly like infected pools
that had never known the sunlight
Of peace and happiness.
Byrd opened her purse and took
out the check.
A squirt OF dull red shot through
his cheeks and into his eyes.
She saw the sudden anger that
had swept over him like q summer
storm, and held up her hand ~ II
to stay II.
please don't Be- angry. Jack" she
said 81 came to talk TO you frankly
and openly about this stock. ! want
you TO hear what | have TO say be-
fore You say n word"
"All right" he said, calming down.
Il think you should know that
we've borrowed every cent CT the
roney Larry's put into the Builders
Supply and we borrowed the little
we've put into the house. Byrd
began. slowly. "and we just can't ar
ford TO risk another penny or any
thing"
That's the very reason ,ou must
keep these real estate stocks said
Jack, they'll make II possible to
the house AM to ray 4ack all
your loans"
you've overlooked the element If
chance" insisted Byrd, the risk Of
loss is greater in these stocks than
in anything else we've got"
"You know the w~ealthiest men in
this city are those who gre most
heavily in debt?' smiled Jack.
These stocks are going to make
Larry a rich man."
"BIt they're men who have rccu-
ar incomes sufficient 70 meet their
losses by speculation said Byrd,
wisely.
I'm sorry" said Jack. "but for
your own good ! can't take the stock.
/ believe in IT,"
"But how can you? ?" cricd Byrd.
her cheeks dyed a deep scarlet nith
excitement under which 1hc was L.
boring. "You know that atocks that
~skyrocket as these have. can't last.
Some day therelI be q terrible caiam-
ity."
Women never take chance" said
Jack, easily, and with a little sig
iificant glance in her direction. "ard
besides, your fathers a banker. It's
a double handicap"
Byrd knew she couldn't move Jaci.
through argument.
There was just one way to get
him to take back the shares. She
new that IL she would make lovc
% him, banter him. flirt with and
flatter him, perhaps have dinner
with him, she could sconplish il.
But her firm little chin turned
DOWN the suggestion even before ii
became a thought.
She held up her head, proud.
She gathered togethc- her gloves
and her purse.
"Yop can't 90 yet" Jack jumped
up in alarm. Il haven't seen YOU for
q month Of Sundays" His voice
dropped TO a subtle, wheedling tone.
II want to kiss you, just once"
He reached her side with rapid
tribes.
"By-i. Won t-v nc more than any
woman ! 'ncw.' h- whispered. "ard
you could 10 40 marvellous. You
know I adore you"
Just then tho door opened and