Evening star., 1941-01-26

has control OF - unless ne sells at your price.
Is that right"
IL am not blackmailer, madam"
IAN opportunist then. I'm not pleading for
Homer here. think few weeks in the clnk
would do him lot of good" MIR. Bilby's
watery eyes twitched sadly. But what about
the kid that Homer talked into making deal
with him? Is it fair to penaize him for some
thing over which he had no control? He's
worked his heart out on this lawn mower of
his, Mr. Fishbitter. Don't you think he de-
serves more than peanuts for his effort?"
Business is business" Fishbitter pursed
his mean lips The young man should have
been more careful in - er - choosing flnan-
cial mentor Youth must learn by expert
ence."
Mrs. Tupper seemed to gulp the homy.
II have Bilbys signed agreement" she
went on steadily, ito give Chapman back
the option he signed. In any new agreement
Homer will only get what he deserves. have
agreed to loan him the money to pay any
necessary fine and repair any damage to
your car. Now what do you say? Does this
Young man get the break he's entitled to, or
not?"
You are doubtless a well-meaning lady,
Mrs. Tupper, but -er I'm afraid you
don't understand much about business"
Mrs. Tupper pushed back her chair. MIR.
Bilby stared at her anxiously. But the old
girl was staring across the desk at the presi
dent of The Pentonville Trust Company and
her hat which reminded Mr. Bilby of lamp
shade with bad case of dropsy, was noddng
menacingly. Then she smiled.
Il wouldn't bank on that too much, if |
were you, MIR. Fishbitter," she said softly.
"A hell of diplomat you turned out to
be, Abbe" Homer Bilby said mournfully.
Il couldn't have done worse myself. Say,
what's the matter with you anyway? Ever
since we left that bank -"
Don't bother me, Homer" Mrs Tupper
pleaded absently I'm thinking. She grunt-
ed Don't understand business, eh? Humpph!
Well see. I've got the makngs of little idea
that may change his mind" She laughed
hoarsely.
They we're seated in Ye Olde Tape Room
of The Pentonville Arms - $l5O,OOO prop
erty of which MIR. Alvin Fishbitter was presi-
dent and principal stockholder. Undoubtedly
a certain portion of MIR. Bilby's discomfort
was engendered by the fact that his fingers
toyed distastefuNy with tall glass of ginger
ale Mrs. Tupper lit another cigarette and
inhaled it thoughtfully.
This stuff is too cold for my stomach"
MIR. Blby complained tentatively.
What? Oh - Order coffee"
Caffeine is bad for the nerves." Mr. Bilby
informed her. "A poison.
A waitress passed with tray containing
two blood-riCh Manhattans. Mr.. Bilby closed
his eyes and sighed. When he opened them
again he found his companions eyes upon
him, narrowly speculative.
'One little snifter," Mr. Bilby pleaded.
Il want to get to bed early and enjoy full
nights rest 1t may be the last decent nights
rest III get in -"
said you were staying sober until this thing
was licked and =" She stopped abruptly
and stared into the sorrowing visage across
the table. Then her big crimson hand came
down on the table That's it, Homer!' she
cried. I've got the angle that -" She
pushed away her chair and stood up painting
with excitement Homer, I've got it"
NlR. BILBY hastily arose and pumped her
hand fervidly Il always knew could count
at n hp