The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 1 — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

THE MOTIVE. _ ton, that I say this,” the banker smiled. “But I have been looking into some of the actions of your partner and I find that he sails altogether too close to the wind to suit me. Some of his practises of which I have heard are, well, rather sharp. I shall feel better when my money is out of his hands. And you, Mr. Preston—I knew your father—and I advise you to establish a more healthful business association. You are now ma- king your way and your reputation, as it is now established, will cling to you al- ways.” “T am sorry you feel that way, Mr. Renault,’”’ replied Preston—-who as a matter of fact agreed absolutely with the banker. “ Finch is a hard worker, a great deal more active than I have been, I’m afraid. I am trying to mend that.” “Do so,” the banker advised. ‘ And be assured I am as friendly toward you as I can be. Yet, at the same time, I think the most wholesome lesson you both could have would be the necessity of meeting my note when it falls due.” “You see,” Preston protested, “ we employed that money in getting tem- porary control of some property on West Twenty-Third Street. It is a good propo- sition and we expect to make a hand- some turn-over. In fact, Mr. Renault, we hope that Amos Squires will take the option to-day. We have every reason to count upon it.” “Then why do you wish me to renew your note?” asked Renault, eying Pres- ton keenly. Preston hesitated, flushed, and stam- mered. “Mr. Renault,” he confessed, “ I’m hanged if I know. Finch told me to come around—and [ did.” “T. see,” was Renault’s dry comment, “Well, you tell Mr. Finch for me that I decline to grant the extension. And as for you, Mr. Preston, I most earnestly advise you to make certain of everything that you do in connection with your firm. Don’t take Mr. Finch’s commands and suggestions quite so much as a matter of 135 implicit faith. I’m sure you’ll thank me some day for this advice—if you fol- low it.” Preston was rather inclined to agree with the banker, but, of course, he did not say so. He merely nodded, thanked the man and took his departure. He was in no hurry to go back to the office, because Finch’s feverish mood would not be reduced appreciably by the adverse news from Renault’s banking house. And it was rather hot, Preston decided, to be obliged to sit and watch his partner gyrate angrily about the place. Therefore, he decided to delay the un- pleasant experience for at least an hour or two, and in the mean time to fortify himself with a cool luncheon. He got into, the subway and stewed in the steaming atmosphere to Thirty- Third Street. He found the interior of the hostelry cool and tranquil and was about to sit down at a table by the door, where the breeze was filtering in, when he was touched on the shoulder by a waiter. “There is a young lady trying to get your attention,’ he said. Preston looked around and saw Cecil Hamilton. She was nodding and smiling cordially. Pres- ton hurried to her table, and upon her invitation sat down. | ‘““T had been hoping to see you,” she said. “I was on the point of calling you up several times. What luck to have you drop in here?” Preston, saying that it was luck in- deed, for him, studied the menu card and ordered a repast nicely calculated to re- fresh as well as to nourish. Then he gave his attention to the radiant being op- posite him. “You say you were going to call me up?” he asked. “ Was there anything in particular you wished to. see me about?” . “Why, yes,” she replied, “ and yet I hardly know how to begin, or what to tell you. You, of course, are a friend of Mr. Finch’s—” 4 VOOKS (C@) = Oo (©)