The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 1 — page 143: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MOTIVE. room with a great box of roses. Attached to them was Finch’s card. “In memory of a wonderful time,” it read. Cecil flushed vividly and handed the maid the beautiful, long-stemmed flowers. “Mimi,” she said, “if you’ll look out of the window you'll see some children playing on the street below. Throw these to them.” CHAPTER XI. PRESTON FREES HIS MIND. INCH, meanwhile, betook himself to the office of a broker whom he knew and made some inquiries about Alum- inum Preferred. The broker had heard of no impending movement, and he was curious as to the reasons for Finch’s pointed questions. “Why, have you heard anything in- teresting, Finch?” he asked. ‘No, Arnold, nothing particularly. I made a little turn over in business the other day and thought I’d soak a bit in some good investment. I’ve been study- ing the market, and Aluminum has had a healthy look all along.” “Yes, that’s true,” “quiet, safe, conservative. It’s certainly all right for investment. But I thought maybe you were in for a plunge on mar- gin or something of the sort.” ‘“ By the way,” asked Finch, “do you happen to know whether a man named Swandorf — Benjamin Swandorf — is in- terested particularly in that stock?” ‘“Swandorf?” Arnold repeated. “TI don’t know. Wait a minute.” He took down a heavy volume labeled “ Directory of Directors ” and turned over the pages. “ Swandorf,” he muttered. Suddenly he looked up. “ Finch,” he said, “ what is this you are driving at? Put me next, will you?” “Why, what do you mean?” Finch advanced to the broker’s chair, glancing down over his shoulder. ‘Here, don’t you see?” Arnold’s fin- agreed Arnold; 133 ger ran along the paragraph of informa- tion opposite Swandorf’s name. “ He’s the vice-president of the Aluminum United Products Company.” Finch’s face lost interest. ‘I see,’ he said carelessly. ‘‘ He was looking into some property I have in hand.” He turned to the door and then suddenly swinging about upon his heel he came back to Arnold. ‘TI guess, after all,” he said, “ that Vil stick up about $800 on margin. Let’s see: that will give me eight points lee- way—” ‘Eight points, less the quarter com- mission,” smiled the broker. words if it goes down seven and three- quarter points you’re wiped out.” ‘Yes, and if it goes up eight points I get the seven and three-quarters profit,” interposed Finch. “I understand. All right, go to it.” He pulled a large roll of bills from his pocket and laid $800 on Arnold’s desk. “Pll call you up if I want to close ‘out.’ He took the receipt and left the office. When he swung out on Wall Street he realized for the first time how warm it was. His collar had begun to wilt and perspiration was running from his fore- head. Entering his office, fairly fagged, he beheld the enlivening spectacle of Pres- ton, his feet upon his desk, an electric fan working under full headway and a pitcher of lemonade near at hand. ‘Hello, Hal.’’ Preston smiled feebly and waved his hand toward.the lemonade pitcher. ‘“ Have a drink.” Finch, angry as he was, had no idea of ignoring the invitation. He advanced to the pitcher and gulped down a glassful of the cooling fluid and then filling the glass again proceeded to drink in a more leisurely manner. “TI thought,’ he said at length, “ you were coming back to the city to attend to some business! imitation of a busy man, believe me,” he added. “TI tell you this: had I believed COMIC OOOKS “In other You're giving a fine. (E@)