A Commercial Monte Cristo.
GREAT NEW SERIAL
By
PAUL TRENT
.. d I Author of “ Right Against Might,” “ The Vow,” “ The Home Secretary,” “ A Wife by Purchase,” etc. COPYRIGHT. |
CHAPTER I. “ Logan you can have your ‘blue.’ " The captain of the Oxford Rugby Football Fifteen smiled pleasantly ns he raid the words which mean so much to an undergraduate of a University. Max Logan was immediately surrounded by friends who gave him hearty congratulations, but he tor© himself away from them as soon as possible, and hastened back to his rooms to change. His was a strong face, with firmlymoulded chin and mouth, and his height made him noticeable, for he was a couple of inches over six feet, and well propor-. tioned. ... “Th© guv’nor will be pleased. Iu wire him,” he muttered, as h© threw off his things. But a servant entered with an envelope in his hand. “ A telegram for you, sir.” The words swam before Logan’s _eye» as he read, for the news was entirely unexpected: “ Come at once. Your. father dangerously ill”; and appended was the name of the family solicitor, Charles Hamblin. It was a couple of days since Max had heard from his father, and there had been no mention of indieposition. A few cuit orders to th© servant, and half an hour later he was seated in th© London express. His lips were firmly pressed together. and his face showed little sign of emotion, but was . a tumult, for an uncommon affection existed between Samuel Logan and his only son. . . “Hamblin says ‘dangerously ill’—ana he is cautious in his words,” Max muttered. . , ~ The name of Samuel Logan was well known in the. City as a financier who deservedly had a clean reputation. . From his office there had never been issued any sbady prospectus and he enjoyed the confidence of the public. He was .generally regarded as a bard man, but justonly his son knew the gentler side of his character. . . Max was received in their house in park Lane by Mr. Hamblin. “Well?” he asked, quietly. “I’m afraid i‘ is not welL You have arrived in time,” the solicitor added, significantly. “He is dying?” Max asked, and ha voice trembled. “Yes, Mr. Max, and he wants to see you. I believe he has only been kept 'alive by strength of will. The doctor says that he has suffered some severe shock. I can make a guess what it was —but you had, better go to him at once.” Max instinctively threw back his shoulders as lie entered the simply-fur-nished room. It was characteristic of Samuel Logan that he should be lying on a small iron bedstead, for he had never made any display of his wealth. “My boy, I’m so glad you’ve come. Sit down—closer; for I’ve a lot to say and I’m weak.”
“Dad—l’m so sorry.” “I know that, Max, but it can’t be helped. It is hard to die now—now that I am ruined.” “ Ruined 1” Max repeated ,m amazement.
“Yes. I’ve tried one.fall too many with Ladram Hawke—ind J’ve lost. Hamblin will give you details. If Hawke had shown the slightest mercy I could have pulled through. But he had me under his heel and he crushed with all his strength.” “Don’t worry about it, dad.” “But I have nothing to leave you. There will probably be debts.” “I am young and strong. I shall come out all right. Let’s talk about something else." “ 1 was a fool not to let you go in for some profession.” “Look here, dad. You and I have been pals. You’ve given me a good time all my life. If I have to rough it now for a while I sha’n’t grouse. I can think of nothing, except what life will be without you. I don’t care a hang about .the money,” he cried, vehe mently. “You’ve been a good eon. I should like to have lived, and watched you. Now, Max, I want you to go and see Hawke, when I’m dead. He may be inclined to show you more consideration.” “I would rather not ask him,” Max answered, quietly, but there was a light in his eyes that spoke of deep feeling suppressed. “I want you to go to him. If he wishes he can save you a few thousands vut of the wreck. Promise me to go.” “ Very well, father.” And then they talked together, but gradually Samuel Logan’s voice began, to weaken. The doctor came in hurriedly and applied restoratives, but the end of his strength was reached. “ Give me your hand,. Max. Always show a bold front to the world- Fight with all your strength, and—good-bye.” The last words were spoken spasmodically, and Max looked at the doctor with eyes of fear. “He >e dead,” tfco latter said, reverently. . .. For a long time Max sat there, but at lost he rose and gave a long look at his father. “Ladram Hawke,” he muttered. The door was opened quietly and Mr. Hamblin appeared. “ dome away, Mr. Max.’ The boy, whom the last few hours had made a man, followed the solicitor to the dining-room. “You must eat,” the latter said, with decision.
Max obeyed mechanically, but could only swallow a few mouthfuls, and then he rose from the table.
“Mr. Hamblin, please give me full details of my father’s transactions with this man Hawke. ”
He listened attentively, and it was made clear to Max that his, father had been ruined by deliberate swindling, but the swindling had been accomplished so skilfully that Ladram Hawke had not brought himself within reach of the law. “ He is the cleverest and most unscrupulous man in the City,” the solicitor wound up. A couple of days later Max followed his father to the grave—Mr. Hamblin and himself being the only mourners, and he returned alone to Park Lane, where, until late into' the night, he sat deep in thought, making plans for the future. Since his father’s death he. had gone into his affairs with the solicitor, and had shown an intelligence and grasp of so high ah order that Mr. Hamblin had openly expressed his astonishment. “ You seem to know a great deal about financial matters,” he had remarked. “Although my father didn’t want me to go into the 'City, I’ve made a study of finance. I thought it necesshry, as some time or other I expected to sue ceedi to great wealth.” It was curious that he was not troub-
led by the fact that he was now a poor man. It was the loss of his father that affected him so deeply, and he was convinced that Ladram Hawke was directly responsible for Mr. Logan’s death. And so when, the morning after the funeral, he presented himself at the office of the financial magnate there was hate in his heart and a mad longing for revenge. Nor did Hawke’s appearance do anything to subdue that feeling. Although a Christian by religion, the millionaire had distinct signs of a Jewish strain, the result probably of some ancestor of a Levantine origin. But his manner was suave and his voice carefully modulated. “I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Logan.” Max did not answer except by a coldly critical examination of the man he now regarded as his enemy. “I am here because I promised my father to come,” he said, at last. “I was sorry to hear of his death.” “ I charge you with being my father’s , murderer 1 You deliberately ruined him.”
Max’s eyes were still fixed on the millionaire.
“If you talk like that I shall have to turn you out. Mr. Logan, you are very young, or you would see that it would be wiser to be friends. I can-: ” “Friends? I do not choose my friends from your class,” said. Max. contemptuously.. “May I ask why you have come?” Hawke said, with a smile. “Mr. Hambling tells me that if time is given for the realization, of my father’s estate all the debts will be paid, and there may be a surplus.” “So you have come to ask a favour? After the way you have spoken I don’t know that I am inclined to show you any consideration.” . . . “ Wait till you are asked. I came because I promised to come. I spoke as I did so that you should decide to have your pound of flesh. I want nothing from you.” “ Then you are different to most people, and very easily satisfied,” said Hawke, dryly. ‘'But if I jive I intend, that you shall suffer as my father suffered.. I know I have brains, and perhaps some day we shall meet on equal terms. When that times comes ” .
“Pray don’t be melodramatic, Mr. Logan. Perhaps a day or two of thought will cause you to speak, differently. If you care to come back then I may be willing to help.you. If you want employment I, dare say I can find you a place. I pay my men well, and— —” “I would rather starve than be your servant. When the accounts are adjusted, and if it is found that my father’s estate is indebted to you, then I shall take the debt on my own shoulders and shall not rest until you are paid, every penny.” “A modem Don Quixote, eh? The rough side of life will soon knock those ideas from your head.. I’m afraid I can spare you no more time. Good morning, Mr. Logan. I shall be pleased to see you when you have come to your senses.”
Max ignored the outstretched hand and left the office. He walked slowly along the Embankment, and when he reviewed his interview with Hawke it seemed as though he had done nothing but make futile threats. But the hate ■in his heart burnt even more fiercely. It was the first great passion of his life, and it moved him to the depths. A couple of months later his financial position was -ascertained. His father’s estate had been valued at next to nothing ,and finally there was a small debt of a few hundreds due th Ladram Hawke.
In the meantime Max had been seeking employment, but he quickly discovered that a public school and ’Varsity training were not great assets. But he never-lost courage, and at last du cided that he must begin at the bottom of the ladder. Finally he accepted a situation as clerk in a shipping firm whose- headquarters were in Liverpool. After his first day’s work he chanced to look at an evening paper, and read in it an announcement that Ladram Hawke had decided to turn his attention to the shipping industry. And he wondered if Fate had had a hand in his decision.
CHAPTER 11. Twelve months had changed Max Logan, and for the better. He was seated in an office, and busily at work, when a telephone-bell rang and he took up the receiver. It, was,.the managing director who spoke, and required his immediate presence. Logan was surprised, for he had been brought in contact very rarely with Mr. ’ Lay burn; but he was not nervous, for he was conscious of having done his work thoroughly well. A shrewd pair of eyes regarded him as he stood by the desk of his employer. “ Let me see, you have been with mo just a year.” Mr. Layburn remarked, slowly.
“Yes, sir.” “You appear to take an interest m your work.” “I hope so sir,” Max answered, cheerfully.
“ I have had my eye on you during the last three - months —and I’m satisfied. Your salary has been a hundred a year. I think you are now worth two-fifty.” “Thank you sir.” “Public school, eh?” “Yes, sir—Cheltenham ” “ Oxford or Clambridge?” “Oxford.”
“I’ve been looking for such a man as yourself, as a sort of understudy. A year or two of training and I think you will be quite competent. You can move your things into the small office next to mine.”
Mr. Layburn gave a curt nod of dismissal and Max left the office, but not till he was outside did he allow his satisfaction to appear, and then only for an instant. This promotion meant a great deal to him, for it Was with the utmost difficulty that he had succeeded in living on his small salary without running into debt. And now ho would be able to afford a few of the small luxuries that he never admitted to himself to have missed. Besides, this was A great step On the ladder of promotion, and he was happier than he had been since before the date df his father’s death. * In spite of his bringing up, Max liked work, but he had by no means confined his attention to the shipping industry. For the time being he had given up sport entirely, and every evening had been given to study.
Providence had sent him an Sble instructor in Henry Alstoh. On old man whom he had nie't soon after, starting work with the Layburn Shipping Com-
pany and with whom he had lived during the last nine months. It was with a feeling of relief that Max heard six o’clock strike, and he left the office for Alston’s house, which was in a suburb of Liverpool and quite four miles away, but Max had never been tempted to travel by a. tram-car, for the walk each way" kept him in condition.
The house was small and quite unpretentious; but the curtains were scrupulously clean. Max opened the door with a latch-key and went straight to the sitting-room, where an elderly man was reclining on a couch. “How are you to-night?” he asked, cheerfully. “Not very well, my boy,” Mr. Alston answered, with a smile. “I’ll get supper ready,” Max said, and a quarter of an hour later they were both eating. When Max’s pipe was alight he proceeded to tell of his interview with Mr. Layburo, and Mr. Alston listened with unconcealed delight. “I knew you would get on,” he said huskily.
Their friendship had commenced in rather a dramatic meeting; for Max had rescued Mr. Alston from a position of some danger, by dragging him bodily out of the way of a tram-car whose brakes had failed to act. A week later Mr. Alston had invited him to share the little house, but in spite of their friendship of nine months Max knew very little about him. Mr. Alston never discussed his affairs, and Max had no idea whether he was rieh or poor. He only knew that his elderly friend used to visit the City two or three times a week, but had
no notion where he went or what he did. - A few weeks before Mr. .Alston had been stricken with paralysis, and the doctors gave no hope that he would ever be able to walk again—in fact, he had told Max that he did net think his patient would live very much longer. “ You might read me the shipping news—my eyes are not as strong as they were,” Mr. Alston suggested, diffidently, and Max at once took up the paper. When he had finished, he smoked in silence for a while. “ We are about to see great things m the shipping world—you have heard of Ladram Hawke?” Mr. Alston said, suddenly. “Yes,” Max answered, quietly. “He is engineering a big combine—but I don’t think he’ll succeed.” “Hawke doesn’t generally fail.” “ This time he’s bitten off more them he can chew.” Mr. Alston paused for a breath and looked fixedly at Max. “ I’d gladly die for just one month of strength,” he cried-, vehemently. “ You don’t appear to like the gentleman,” Max remarked, with assumed indifference. “I hate him.” “And so do I.”
Again the two men looked at one another;, and the old man scrutinized Max keenly. “Will you tell me why?” Mr. Alston asked, quietly. “ I see no reason why I shouldn’t,*' Max answered, and went on to describe the (manner by which Hawke had brought about his father’s ruin and death.
“So you are Samuel Logan’s son,” Mr. Alston remarked, reflectively, when he had finished. “I might have guessed. I once knew and liked youiyfather. My boy, I’m glad we met.Fate brought us together. We must have a long talk in a day or two.” An hour later Max lifted him up and carried him to his bedroom, where he made him comfortable for the night.
“You’re very good to a poor old man. I don’t know what I should do without you,” Mr. Alston said, tremulously, “You’re the only friend I have in the world. By the by, I wonder if you could manage without me until Sunday night. I thought of going for a long tramp tomorrow, and staying the night at some village inn. I’ll arrange with the charwoman to look after you.” “I can manage all right. The exercise will do you good.” The next day was Saturday, and Max found there was little to be done at the office, for Mr. Layburn did not usually turn up on that day. But he occupied the time in arranging his new office and making everything ready for Monday morning. It was after one o’clock when he left, and he was standing op the pavement of Water Street wondering where he should go, when a large touring car pulled up close to him . “Halloa, Logan!” A brown-faced man of his own age sinileil frankly at him. “ Parmeter, what are you doing here? *
“I..might ask the same question. Come along to lunch-” ~ . , A. couple of days ago Max would have promptly refused the Invitation, but his new position had altered things, and he
got into the back of the car. There was no conversation until they were seated in the restaurant of the Adelphi Hotel. “What’s happened to you since you left the Varsity?” Parmeter asked, bluntly. They had! been at the same college, and rather intimate, although Max would not admit him to his friendship. “You. heard about my father?”
“ Y««, and I was very sorry. But that is no excuse for dropping your friendls/’ “ Until yesterday I was a clerk at Layburn’s.” “ I know the old bird. He was a friend of my father’s.” “Then you’re the Panmeter of the Green Funnel Line?”
“Yes. since the guv’nor died. The business bores me to death. I’m thinking of getting rid of the whole concere. I’ve quite enough money.” “You’re selling to Ladram Hawke.” “How did you know? I thought it was a secret. Hawke’s coming to my place to-night By the by, stay the week-end with me.” “I’d like to —but ” “I won’t take a refusal. I don’t intend to lose sight of you.” “My evening kit is rather rusty.” “ Nonsense. I can fix you up with all you want. We’ll go straight out after lunch.”
Max thought .for a moment. The social part of it did not attract him in the least, hut to meet Hawke was quite another matter.
“Yes, I’ll come,” he said, at last. “Good. We’ll have a round' of goli. I can fix you up with clubs.” “ I’m out of practice.-” “Then we shall have a good match.” It was a drive of some fifteen miles to Parmeter’s house, and Max enjoyed it thoroughly, for it was very pleasant to be in touch once more with the old life. As they approached Cheston Court two girls were standing in the doorway, and each carried golf clubs. “ Halloa, Jack! Can we have a foursome?” one of the girls, called to Parmeter, when they pulled Up; Parmeter made a hurried, introduction, from which Max gathered that the speaker was his sister—the name of the other one he did not catch. Clubs were selected and' thev drove off to the golflinks.
“I’ll play with you. Jack, then you can give me some hints,” Ethel Parmeter said, when they were ready to begin, and Max, for the first time, had a good look at his partner. Yes, she was very beautiful—and it was a long time since he had mixed with a girl of his own class, but Max was not
in the least degree susceptible, and he confined their talk to the game. But every now and then he noticed that Elbe was regarding him curiously, “ I’ve never played in England before. I learnt my golf bn the Continent,” she remarked.
“You play very well,” he repined, politely. It was a strenuous game, and hot until the last hole was reached was the match decided by Max holing out a long putt. Then they strolled to the dubhouse and ordered tea. which was served on the veranda.
“M>. Parmeter, we forgot to tell you that father wired .that he could not get down till to-morrow,” Max’s partner said; suddenly. “I’m sorry,” Parmeter said, with a smile.
“I did not catch your name when we were introduced,” Max broke in, quickly.’ “ Aileen Hawke,” she answered, shyly. “The daughter of Ladram Hawke?”
“Yes. Do you know father?” ~ “I do,” Max replied, and his eyes hardened as they rested on the fair face of the girl.
CHAPTER HI. Parmeter’s mother had wished Max good night and had gone- upstairs with her daughter and Aileen Hawke, leaving the two men together in the smok-ing-room.
“ Logan, I’d no idea you were a lady’s man,” Parmeter remarked, with a grin. “I’m not,” Max : answered, shortly. “You seem to have been making the running pretty strongly. Miss Hawke is her father’s only child,” Parmeter added, significantly. “I must leave in the morning. I shall walk back to Liverpool, and I want to get home before five o’clock,” he said, after a pause.
“Listen to me, Logan. You’ve told me a bit about yourself, and you must be good at your work or old Layburn wouldn’t have made you his secretary. Well, what’s good enough for him is good enough for me. I want someone I can trust at the office. Would you like the billet?”-
“ I thought you were selling the whole concern to Hawke.”
“Nothing is settled. I only thought of doing to to save my selftrouble. What do you say?” “You are very kind. May I have a day or two to think it over?” “What’s the use of delay? Are you afraid 1 of the responsibility ?’’ “No,” Max answered, promptly, , “Well, meet me at our offices at midday on Monday. We can then discuss it.” “I’m not free till one o’clock. I’ll come then, if you like." “Well, that’s settled. Will you have another whisky and soda?” “No. thanks. I limit myself to two a day.” “Upon my word, I’m uncommonly edftd to see ybu again. At the ’Varsity I always liked you.' but you were so infernally stand-offish. ”
Max only smiled at this remark, and lapsed into silence. •> The offer that had just been made to him was an extremely generous one, but he was not yet sure if it would be wise to accept it. First he must find out Hawke’s exact position, and must have as strong a hand as possible before coming into conflict with the millionaire.
“By the by, I shall be glad if you won t mention my name to Hawke until after we’ve had our little talk.” “Just as you like. Between Idßrselves. I’m not very fond of hiiraA .Oe’s far too suave and oily for my on earth does he come to be father of that sweet girl?” “I Hunk I’ll turn in ,oldchap. I’m rather tired,” Logan said' abruptly It was a long time before Max fell asleep, for his mind Was occupied with Parmeter s offer. However, he was awake at daylight, and half an. hour later was out in the open air. He tramped to the lake, and to his surprise saw that he was not the first visitor. “Good morning!” Aileen Hawke greeted him shyly. “Isn’t it ripping? I wish I could live in mC e countr y always,” he answered, They talked together for a while, and Max gathered that she had spent the last few years in a fashionable convent near to Paris.
My father did not'wish me to come home for the holidays, and now ho is almost a stranger to me,” she remarked with a sigh.
Max listened attentively, and then he proceeded to carry out the plan which he had formed. His was a personality that appealed to women, and he did hie utmost to attract her to him’. Aileen was young and’ ignorant of the worldlier eyes sparkled with excitement as he talked to her persuasively. His ©yes spoke admiration, and her cheeks became flushed. And al! the time Max was. conscious of a feeling of shame, but he did not waver in his purpose..' When they returned to the house for breakfast if seemed to Aileen aa though she had known Max for years anddid not attempt to hide her'disappointment when he informed her that he would he leaving in a few hours. “ Perhaps I shall see you again—some time,” she suggested, shyly. “I hope so, sincerely,” he answered r with conviction.
When breakfast Wa§ over, Max and Parmeter went fo the stookmg-rocta and lighted thbir pipes. “I have decided to accept your offer, if you will give me a free hand,” the former announced. , I
“I’m- so glad,” Parmeter said, heartily, and held out his hand, which Max grasped.
“You will allow me to deal with Hawke?”
“ Yes; I won’t talk business with him, to-day.”
“Good. Then I’ll see Mr. Layburn early in the morning, and as soon as I can get away I’ll come' round to your offices.”
Soon afterwards Max left and Walked, back to Liverpool. He arrived home in the afternoon and Mr. Alston .was unfeignedly glad to see him. “I’m not feeling so well to-day. I’m glad you’re back, my boy. Have you. had a good time?” “Excellent,” Max answered, and told him of Panmeter’s offer. Mr. Alston became very excited, and endeavoured to raise himself from the couch.
“Gan I do. anything for you?” “Pass me that dispatch-case.”' . Max watched him curiously, as he> took out, some" papers, which he read with: dote attention.
“No, I won't show yoif them yet. The knowledge may hamper you. I want you to play your game in your own wayLater on I may be able tb' help,” Mr. Alston said grimly,. Punctually at nine o’clock th© "following morning Max was in his office awaiting Mr. Layburn’s arrival, but it was half an hour before he was summoned.
“Beady for work, eh?” “I hojto you;won’t think me Ungrateful, sir, but Mr, Parmeter has offered me the managership of the Green Funnel Line,” Max said,, quietly. “ God bless iny soul!” Mr. ejaculated. • “I’m anxioiis to-'Btudy yOur convenience in every possible way, but ” “ Parmeter wants you at once—is that, it?”
“Yes, sir.” “ Then I certainly Sha’n’t keep you. 1 won’t say I’m not sorry you’re goingin fact, I’m very diGappoifitea-—but what is my loss, ms Parmeter’s gain.” “ You are-very kind,’ Sir. I shall always be grateful.” ‘ “ Perhaps you and Parmeter willlunch with me. I‘rather Avan ted tosee him; as there’s a question of a big shipping combine in which, we are both interested.” “Ladram Hawke?”
“ You seem well informed,” Mr; Laybum cried, in surprise, “ but you’re right. He seems inclined to offer jfather an extravagant price, which, I <oould hardly refuse. Unfortunately, we h®-ve already granted a three months’ option to someone else, but there are only a few weeks more to run. However, we can discuss that later. Good-bye and good luck.” Soon afterwards Max went to the offices of the Green Funnel Line, but had to wait some time till Parmeter arrived. The latter greeted him effusively, and took him straight to the private-of-fice.
“Where’s Hawke?” Max asked, quick-
ly- . .. . “He’s making a call on Layburn, but will be here shortly. By the by, there’s one point I want to look up. I’ll be back soon.”
But it was a quarter of an hour before he returned, and with him wae" ladram Hawke. , "Mr. Hawke, let me introduce Mr. Max Logan,” said Parmeter. The two men bowed and looked at one another in silence.
"What is Logan doing here?” the millionaire asked,, at lost. “He has joined me in business. In fact-, it would be better if you laid your offer before him. I’ve looked nip the matter upon which I was doubtful. It appears we did give a three months’ option, which has nearly expired. . So I’m afraid nothing can be done'at pretent,” Parmeter said, apologetically. "Layburn has dope a similar thing. I suppose it’s the same man who has the option." - "■ ■ “Our man is Henry Alston,” Parmeter said, after referring to “Just as I thought. I guess I can deal with him at once. Pm in a hurry to get the, thing through- Alston’s address ?” Hawke asked, abrupt-
Jy« |t; “I’ll take you to him.” Max answered quietly. . Again the two -men looked at one another, and 1 now there was unconcealed enmity in their . (To be continued.)
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBTRIB19140221.2.79.25
Bibliographic details
Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 361, 21 February 1914, Page 2 (Supplement)
Word Count
4,843A Commercial Monte Cristo. Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 361, 21 February 1914, Page 2 (Supplement)
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