The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 82: what you’re looking at

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

264 anything more than the gruffest of an- swers to the simplest questions. Bowyer gave orders that he would see no one for the remainder of the day un- less the caller were one of his most intimate friends. The ultimatum which Fleming had laid down for his brother had upset him greatly, but not in the way which any one would naturally sup- pose. Harvey had attributed his dejection to fraternal affection. And James did not endeavor to disabuse his mind of this opinion. James was fond of Harvey in a way, but that way was one which did not in- terfere with his ambition, for James’s con- suming passion was a desire to tower above his fellows. He felt that he would sacrifice anything which dared place it- self between him and his struggle for power. Torn with conflicting emotions, he paced up and down his private office. Outside the office-boy and the telephone- girl exchanged knowing glances. ‘Glad I don’t have to be in there,” remarked the boy. ‘“ He’s not the easy mark that Mr. Harvey is.” “He makes you jump, that’s sure,” answered the telephone-girl. ‘‘ I just wish somebody would come along that he didn’t want to see and you had to tell him. Ha, ha! You’d get all that’s coming to you.” At this point the door opened and a rather dissipated young man entered. ‘Mr. Bowyer in?” he asked in a non- chalant manner. “Which Mr. Bowyer?” inquired the boy. “Don’t try that on me. the one I mean?”’ _ “Mr. Harvey Bowyer is not here, and Mr. James is not in,” replied the office boy. “T see,” said the visitor, not at all perturbed. ‘‘ Take my card in at once to Mr. James Bowyer, and tell him that I shall await his convenience.” There was nothing for the boy to do You know THE ARGOSY. but to follow instructions. He did so in fear and trembling. A timid knock at the door brought a gruff: “Come in.” James Bowyer stopped in his prom- enade as he observed the bit of white pasteboard. “ Didn’t I tell you?” he demanded. “Tm not in.” “T know, sir, but the gentleman—”’ By this time Bowyer had read the card. His face brightened. “Show Mr. Barton in at once,” he commanded. When the caller appeared he was greet- ed with the utmost cordiality. ““My dear Chester,” said James, “ of all people in the world, you are the one I most wanted to see.” “Well, if your office-boy had had his way you wouldn’t have had the pleasure,” replied Barton. ‘‘ Why didn’t you leave word to admit me?” ‘“ Because I never thought of you as a solution to my trouble until this very moment,’ answered Bowyer. * Trouble?” “Yes. All kinds of trouble, worse luck.” “Come, tell me all about it, old chap. Maybe I can help you. Have stocks gone down? I never knew you to be so upset.”’ 3 “It isn’t stocks,” groaned Bowyer. “I only wish it were.” “ Maybe Miss—”’ “No, nothing like that. It’s my brother.” “Your brother!” exclaimed Barton. “ He’s been making a fool of himself again, [ suppose, trying to show the world how badly he can manage the estate. How much has he managed to sink this time?”’ ‘““ Oh, it isn’t the money part that wor- ries me. If he would only keep on at that a little longer, everything would come out all right for all of us.”’ “But I don’t understand. All along COMMICOO® S (C@