Henderson daily dispatch., 1937-10-26
CHAPTER SO

4 1--WE BEEN thinking over YOUR
suggestion of a partnership" Tim
managed to get out at last during
his luncheon with Mower. ''I'm
not sure l wasn't bit too hasty
in turning it down out-of-hand.
You see, I've always been on my
own, and I've always rather val
ued my independence"
Yes, yes, of course. I quite I'M
derstand." Mower seemed a little
i'll at ease.
But l realize, of course, as you
suggested, one doesn't get any
younger. And it might be worth
while to feel I've got someone
young and strong at the back of
me-" Tim brought this out with
the greatest of difficulty, but he
had been able to think Of no more
plausible reason to account for
his change of front.
1.-THE question from my point of
view is really one Of TERMS" he
went on. y IF you could manage a
premium of $1,000 in consideration
of my special professional interest
here, I'd be ready to agree right
away"
I'm afraid that's quite impossi-
ble," Mower replied.
II thought you'd say that" Tim
continued smoothly, though I've
worked it out and think it's very
fair figure. But I don't want
to drive a hard bargain. Under
ea'e circumstances I'm prepared to
split the difference. and take
ESQ.,"
Mower looked definitely unhap-
py. Honestly, Kennedy, I'm
afraid it can't be done. wouldn't
know where to raise the money"
"You mean $500 is your maxi
mum figure?"
yes absolutely. Even
then I'm bit doubtful"
! Tins heart sank. But. nv
Gear fellow, the other day you
made me a definite offer of $780,"
Il wouldn't say definite. II
think I only said I might go to
that"
"Supposing l made you here
and now an offer of a partnership
on equal terms for f5OO?"
. "Well, it's very tempting, of
course. :. :" Mowers attitude
was painfully irresolute. Truth
is, Kennedy. I'm not absolutely
sure I can make it now. When I
spoke to you before, 1 was expect
ing to receive a certain sum-a
legacy-which hasn't turned out
anything like what 1 expected. II
should like to join up with you, of
course. nothing better, but I don't
know now that I can afford to buv
myself in"
well, think it over" said Tim. |
rising abruptly. He was crimson
with mortifice tior It'll keep the
offer open a week."
Thanks" said Mower. "I'u trv
TO make it if can possibly raise
the wind. l shall know in a |
cay or two, and I'll let you have
line at once"
He tried to pay for the lunch.
out Tim. boiling with inward |
anger, refused to allow that. The
notwithstanding as though he
mao refused favor, and was try
ing to make up for it. For ne had
very little doubt that Mowers in
tention was to go back on his Offer.
as gracefully as he could-and
that was not very gracefullv
nevertheless. he decided to eive
MIN every chance. He would wait
Tor the week he had stipulated.
On the third day he received a
!etter. Mower was very sorry. but
ne feared he could not now make
an oHer. A financial disap-
He would be glad.
OF course, to give Tim any assist
ance within his power, at anv
Why had he changed his mind .
I'm was not deceived 5y the ex.
cuse of the legacy which had hot
come up to expectations. There
must De more in it than that. But
LOT the life Of him he could not
en- LINK s- OF a reason. A partnership
Tor f5OO would undoubtedly have
oeen a very advantageous PROPOSE
lion TO Mower. TIN could onlv
attribute it to tie Instability of
youth. -
Meanwhile, however, another re-
source had failed him, and his DO.
sitlon remained one of deadly
seriousness. 1t was now mid