The Argosy, Vol. 61, No. 4 — page 114: what you’re looking at

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672 plied. ‘‘ He sized up very well at first. But you realize that it is impossible to use such a man in this position. I couldn’t think of doing so.” Carrington had not roused Billy that morning to ask the result of the inter- view with Stewart. On waking late the poor fellow realized dumbly the events of the night before, but could not re- call how it all ended. The knowledge that it had certainly ended very badly struck him with a sickening force. His despair knew no bounds. Prob- ably—yes, assuredly—his asinine con- duct had blocked all hope. Why had he been so innately witless? V. Two nights later. ‘The broker was again at his club where Fleet’s downfall had been compassed. Stewart was en- grossed in the details of a scare-head story of the Street when his senior part- ner entered and interrupted the perusal of the account. ‘Can you forego that lurid narrative long enough to shake hands with your double?” Reinhold inquired. He was accompanied by another gen- tleman, whom he introduced as: ‘Your double, phonetically — Mr. Stuart. He’s interested in grain. Not on the field, but on the Chicago floor.” The introduction over, the three bro- kers were soon absorbed in a discussion of the day’s events. “By the way,” broke in Reinhold, addressing his partner, “not apropos of the point we were just considering, but I was told to-day of your having taken a load in charge at dinner the other eve- ning. Hope you won’t mind my revert- ing to the subject. I know there must have been some mistake. But I am cu- rious. I am fully aware of your aver- sion, you know.” “That was a young man I had in mind for the staff. It was our first meeting, and he actually got so loaded he fell asleep. I shipped him home in a hurry. Sorry, too, for I was favor- ably impressed with the fellow until he showed himself so impossible.”’ ‘‘May I ask how he acted under the influence?’’ inquired Stuart. “I am interested.” THE ARGOSY. ‘““He shut up like a clam.” “Avery good trait,” was Stuart’s comment. ‘Of course, we could not use a man such as he showed himself.” “It is a peculiar coincidence,” began Stuart. “Since I first became an em- ployer I have been of the belief that such a test as that of liquor might prove of value in the selection of men for po- sitions of trust. I have never applied the test, but feel positive it would be useful.” ‘Rather a unique idea, I should say,” remarked Stewart. “IT have observed numerous men under such conditions,” Stuart continued, ‘“ and have noticed that the real person shows out then when the clear brain is not on the alert to keep up the mask.” At this juncture a club attendant en- tered, and announced that Mr. Carring- ton was waiting to see Mr. Stewart. “Say that I'll be out in a minute,” answered Stewart. He excused himself, and, entering the reception-room, greeted his caller. ‘Ive been chasing you all evening,” began Carrington. ‘“ Wanted to see you in regard to Fleet. It’s all a dreadful nightmare, this business. Fleet has ex- plained to me that shortly before his interview with you he had overheard a remark passed by a stranger on a roof- garden in which your name, Stewart, was mentioned. He understood that you had certain peculiar beliefs regarding the use of liquor, and when he met you here that evening, it was with the complete ex- pectation you intended to _ intoxicate him.” ‘Oh, I see,’’ a wave of comprehen- sion sweeping over the broker. ‘“‘ They must have been talking about the other Stuart. He’s just been explaining his decidedly unique theory. Where is Fleet now?” ‘“ He’s here.” ‘Show him up.” A minute later Fleet entered, and the three joined the two other brokers. The moment Fleet’s glance met that of Reinhold he recognized in the bro- ker the man whose remark he had over- heard on the roof-garden. ‘“T believe,” he said, addressing Stew- art frankly, “that Mr. Reinhold will CO OO (©