Lost Farm Camp Part 22

"No," replied David. "It's worth more."

"Well, I have to differ with you. But what I want to know is, have you any financial interest in that property, or are you simply acting as legal adviser to the present owner? In the first instance, I'm ready to make you a substantial offer in cash. In the second, I am ready to use my influence in securing an appointment for you on our advisory board.

The position will carry a monthly compensation equal to that of our regular attorneys. We have splendid prospects of doing a business that will pay large and regular dividends. We are already capitalized for five hundred thousand; so you see," he concluded, "we can handle the deal without much fear of compet.i.tion from-a rival company, for instance."

"May I ask what you intend to do with the land when you get it?" said David.

"Well, ahem! as to that-See here, Ross, I can trust you, as an old friend of the family, can't I?"

"If you put it that way, yes," replied David, "although I want you to know first that I've decided about the Lost Farm tract."

Bas...o...b..folded the paper he held and tapped the arm of his chair reflectively. "Well," he said finally, "what's your decision?"

"To keep the land."

Bas...o...b..wondered if Ross was bluffing for a higher figure, or whether his young friend knew the real value of the property.

"Very well, David. Now as to your question as to what we would do with the property if we purchased it. I don't see that that is immediately relevant to my proposition. Of course Wallie has told you enough to make it clear that the N. M. & Q. will have to have the right-of-way on Lost Farm. My purchase of it has to do with that aspect of the situation."

"Well, Mr. Bas...o...b.. I'm afraid it's impossible to come to an understanding." Ross shrugged his shoulders.

"Now, don't misunderstand me," said Bas...o...b.. bringing his palm down smartly on the arm of his chair. "The Northern Improvement Company make you the propositions I have outlined, through me, as president of that concern. The company is connected in no way with the N. M. & Q. It's a straight business deal from start to finish."

"I won't contradict you there, Mr. Bas...o...b.. You have no doubt legalized any prospective manuvres of the Improvement Company. However, I can't accept either of your offers. As to my financial interest in the property, I have practically none. As Mr. Avery's partner, I have a.s.sumed the responsibility of advising him. I thank you for your offer, however."

"How much do you want for the land?" Bas...o...b..s eyes glittered behind his gold-rimmed gla.s.ses, but he maintained his easy professional smile.

"Not a cent. We're not going to sell."

"Come, now, Ross. I can bluff also," replied Bas...o...b.. forcing a laugh.

"Name your figure."

"I'll do it if you'll tell me-prove to me conclusively-that the N. M. & Q. is going through Lost Farm tract over the line of the first survey."

Bas...o...b..laughed easily. "There's never anything absolutely certain about railroads, my son, but we didn't spend twenty thousand on the first survey for nothing."

"Merely as a matter of curiosity," said David, "how much did the second survey cost?"

"The second survey? Oh, yes, I see," he replied in a tone intended to emphasize the insignificance of that matter; "a little difference of opinion among the directors as to the best route, you know. There is no doubt in the world but that the Lost Farm approach to the bridge over the gorge is the better one. As I recall it, it cost merely a few days'

extra work-about twelve hundred dollars, I believe."

"Thank you," said David, rising and taking his hat.

Bas...o...b..stared at him. Exasperation and surprise commingled in his gaze.

Ross's indifference was puzzling. He recovered himself immediately, however. "Oh, by the way, David, Walter said he wanted to see you. He's probably at the club now; but if you don't find him there, drop in this evening. We should all be glad to see you."

"Thank you, but I'm not feeling quite up to it-a bit tired." He stared stupidly at the elder man for a moment and a feverish flush burned in his face as he fumbled with the pocket of his coat. He drew out a small box and laid it on the office table. "It's too heavy," he muttered.

"Can't carry it."

"What's the matter, David?"

"Nothing at all, only I wish you would sit still and not keep waving your arms that way-it's annoying."

"You're not well, David. Sit down a minute."

"No, I want to get to Tramworth before night. It's getting dark and it's a devil of a road."

Ross made no effort to go, but sat turning his hat round and round in his hands.

"I'll call a carriage-"

Bas...o...b..s voice sounded like thunder in David's ears and his figure seemed to dwindle to a pin-point, then tower to the ceiling.

"No!" shouted David, springing to his feet, "I'll walk." He started for the door, staggering against a chair which he flung out of his way, "No!

I'll walk." Then he swung the door open and faced Bas...o...b.. He flung out a trembling hand and pointed across the room. "No-but your man is a d.a.m.ned poor shot-and he's dead-up there."

Before Bas...o...b..could recover from his astonishment, David turned and strode down the corridor. He stepped into the elevator, the door clanged shut, and before Bas...o...b..s ring was answered by the appearance of the ascending carriage, David was in the street, hurrying round corners in a vain attempt to flee from the blinding pain that he felt would become unbearable if he ceased walking.

Bas...o...b..returned to his office. "He's crazy-gone all to pieces. I thought he seemed queer when he came in. Well-" The little box on the table caught his eye. He picked it up, untied the string and opened it.

"Aha!"

There were several samples of asbestos in the box.

He examined them, then replaced them carefully and tied up the box again. He pressed a b.u.t.ton on his desk.

"William," he said, as his office-boy appeared, "if a Mr. Ross should call when I am out, give him this box."

Then Bas...o...b..went to his desk and pulled the telephone toward him.

"Livingstone," he said, as he got his number, "this is Bas...o...b..... Yes, about the asbestos on Lost Farm. No, better come over here. I've got some new samples ... five-inch fibre.... Just wanted you to look at them.... Good-bye."

CHAPTER XVI-THE MAN IN THE STREET

Shortly after David had left the offices of Bernard, White & Bas...o...b.. Wallie Bas...o...b..came down the broad steps of the Saturn Club, and stepped briskly into his big slate-colored machine. "Jimmy," he said, addressing the boyish-looking chauffeur, "what's the speed limit between here and home?"

"Eight miles, sir," said the other, as he reached forward for the starting-lever. He had answered that question frequently and thoroughly understood its import.

"I want to be back here in fifteen minutes."

"Yes, sir."

The lever shot forward. Slowly the car swung in a half-circle, was reversed and backed across the street. It lunged forward again as the clash and groan of the whirring gears gave place to the multiple throbbing of the sixty-horse-power cylinders.

"If you happen to get the cramp in your leg, Jimmy, just push on the accelerator pedal. That'll help some."

The chauffeur nodded, and the throbbing of the engine grew to a sonorous hum as the car shot down the street.