A Commercial Monte Cristo.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 3070, 17 March 1914, Page 2

A Commercial Monte Cristo.

By PAUL TRENT

GREAT NEW SERIAL

COPYRIGHT

CHAPTER I.

led by the fact that he was now a poor man. It was the h.ss of his father mat affected him so deepiy, and ho was convinced that Ladrani iia-wke was directly responsible tor Air. Logan's death. And so when, the morning utter tho funeral, he presented lumsen at the office of the financial magnate there was hate in his heart and a mad longing ior revenge. Nor did Hawk«'s appearance do anything to subdue that feeling. Aithougu a Christian by religion, the millionaire had distinct signs of a Jewish strain, the result probably of seme ancestor of a Levantine origin. But his manner was suave and his voice carei'ullv modulated.

"Logan, you can have your 'blue,

Ilio cpiam ol Uie Lrxioi'u itogijj l'ootball Fifteen smiled pleasantly «& no i*a.:u the words winch moan so much lo a.i undergraduate of a University. iUaa. Logan was immediately surrounded oj inouds who gave huu nearly congratulations, but no tore himself away rrotn them as good a a possible, and Hastened back to his rooms to change.

His was a strong luce, with firmiyiii ...wi'u (.ni.i and uiuuui. and ins heigiil made him noticeable, for he was a couple oics over six Kci, and null proportioned.

"The guv'nor will be pleased. I'll wire him,'' he muttered, as ho threw oit his things. But a servant entered witu an envelope in his Hand. "A telegram for you, sir." The words bwaiu Oetore Logan's eye* as he ror.d, for tho i.ews wa» unexpected: "Come at once. lour father dangerously ill"; and appended was tho name ol tho lamily soncitoi, Charles Hamblin.

"I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Logan." Jlax did not answer except by a coldly critical examination ot vhe man lie now regarded as his enemy. "1 am hero because 1 promised my father to come," he said, at last. "1 was sorry to hoar of his death." " 1 charge you with being my father's murderer! iou deliberately ruined him."

It was a couple of days since Max had hoard from his father, and theiw ha.i been no mention of indisposition. A few curt orders to the servant, and halt an hour later he was seated in the London express, rtis lips were firmly pressed together and his face showed Uttlu sign of emotion, but within was a tumult, for an uncommon affection existed between Samuel Log.in and his oniy son.

Max's eyes were still fixed on the millionaire.

"If you talk like that I shall have to turn you out. Mr. Logan, you arc very young, or you would see that it would be wiser to bo friends. 1 can "

"Friends? I do not choose my friends from your class," said Max. contemptuously. "May I ask why you have conic?" Hawke said, with a smile. "Mr. Hambling tells mo that if time is given for tho realization of my father's estate all the debts will be paid, and there may oe a surplus."

"Hamblin says 'dangerously ill' —ana be is cautious in his words." Mux muttered.

The name of Samuel Logan was well known in the City as a financier w no d«ersorvedly had a ciean reputation. From his office there had never been issued nny shady prospectus and he enjoyed the confidence of the public. He was generally regarded as a hard man, but just—only his son knew the gentler snh; of his character.

"So you have come to ask a favour? After the way you have spoken I don't know that 1 am inclined to show you anv consideration."

" Wait till you arc asked. I came because I promised to ovale. 1 spoke us I did so that you should decide to have your pound of flesh. I want nothing from you." "Tnen you are different to most people, and very easily satisfied," said niiwke, dryly. " But it 1 live I intend that you shall suller as my father suffered. 1 know 1 have biaius, and peihaps some day wo shall meet on equal terms. When that, limes comes "

Max was received in 'heir house in Park Lane by Mr. Hamblin. "Well?" he asked, quietiv.

"I'ir. afraid i 4 is not well. You have arrived in time," the solicitor added, significantly. "Ho is dying?" Max asked, and hj;» voice trembled.

Yes Mr. Max. and he wants to so

you. 1 believe he has only been kept alive by strength of will. Tho doctor says that he has suffered some severe shock. I can make a guess wdiat it was —but you bad better go to him at once."

"Pray don't be melodramatic, Mr. Logan. Perhaps a day or two of thought will cause you {o speak differently. If you care to come back then 1 may be willing to help you. If you want employment I dare say I can find you a place. 1 pay my men well, and " "1 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 1 shah take the debt on my own shoulders nnd shall not rest until you are paid every penny." "A* modern 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, M"r. Logan. I shall be pleased to see you when you have come to your senses."

Max instinctively threw back Ins shoulders as he 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 glnd you've com*. Sit down—closer; for I've a lot to say and I'm weak." " Dad—l'm so sorrv."

"I know that. Max, but it can't bf> helped. It is hard to «tlo now —now that I am ruined."

"Ruined!" Max repeated .in amaze mont.

"Yes. I've tried on? fall too mr.ny with Luirara Hawke—and I've lost. Hamblin will givo you details. If Hawke had shown the slightest mercy 1 could have pulled through. But he had mo under his heel and he crushed with all his strength."' "Don't worry about it, dad." "But 1 have nothing to leave you. There will probably be debts." "1 am young and strong. 1 shall come out all right. Let's talk about something else." " 1 was a fool r.ot to let you go in for some profession."

Max ignored the outstretched hand ar.d 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 n( a iow hundreds due to Ladrani Hawke. In tne meantime Max had been seeking employment, but he quickly discovered that a public school and 'Varsity training were not great assets. But he' nevei lost courage, and at last decided that he must begin at the bottom of the laddv,. Finally he accepted a situation as clerk in a shipping firm whose headquarters were in Liverpool. Alter his firnt day's work he chanced to look at an evening paper, and road in it an announcement that Ladrani Hawk') had decided to turn his attention to the shipping industry. And he wondered if Fate had had a hand in his decision.

"Look here dad You and I have been p:ils. You've given mo a good time all my lite. If f have to rough it now for a while 1 sha'u't grouse. 1 am think of nothing, except what life will be without you. i don't care .t hang about the money,'' he cried, vehe aieiitlv.

"You've been a good son. 1 should like to have lived and watched you. .Now, Max, I want you to go and seo HawKe, when I'm dead. He may be inclined to sjio.v ;ou more consideration." "1 would ratner not ask huu," Max answered, quietly, but there was a ligat iu his eyes that spoke oi deep leeling MipplOSMXl

"1 want you to go to him. If lie wishes he tan save you a few thousands, vut of ilie wreck. Promise me to go.' ; " Very well, father."

CHAPTER 11. Twelve months had changed Max Logan, and for the better. He was seated in an office, and busily nt work, when a telephone-bell rang and he toon up the receiver. It was the managing director who spoke, and required his immediate presence. was surprised, for he had been brought in contact very rarely with Mr. Layburn; but he was not nervoiift, for ho was conscious ot having done his work thoroughly well. A shrewd pair of eyes regarded him as he stood by the desk of his employer.

And then they talked together, but gradually Samuel Logan's voice began to weaken. The doctor camo in hurriedly and applied restoratives, but tho end of Ins stiength was reached.

"Give me your lucid. Max. Always .diow a .bold trout to the world. Figlit m\h all your strength, and—good-bye." The last words were spoken spasmodically, and Max looked at the doctor with eyes of fear.

"He *s dead," the latter said, reverently. >or a long time Max sat there, but at lust he rofce and gave a long look at his father.

"Let me see, you have been with mo just a year." Mr. Layburn remarked, slowly. "Yes, sir." "You appear to take an interest m \;uir work."

"Ladrani Hawke," he •muttered. Th« door was opened quietly and Mr Hamblin appeared.

" I hope so, sir." Max answered, chceifully.

Come away, Mr. Max.'

The boy, whom the l.iot few hours ha 1 made a man, followed the solicitor to the dining-room.

"1 have had my eye on you during the last three months —and I'm satisfied. Your salary has been a hundred a year. 1 think you ale now worth two-fifty." "Thank you, sir." " Public school, eh?" "Yes, sir—Cheltenham " "Oxford or Cambridge?" "Oxford."

"You must cat," the latter said, wit! .lecision.

.Max obeyed mechanically, but could o::ly swallow a few mouthfuls, and then lie rose from the table.

"Mr. Hamblin, please give me full details of my father's transactions with this man Hawke. "

"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 movo your things into the small office next to initio.''

He 'listened atfentively, nnd it was made dear to Max that his father had been ruined by deliberate swindling, but the swindling had been accomplished so skilfully that Lad ram Hawke had net brought himself within reach of the law. "He is the cleverest and most unscrupulous man in the City," the solicitor wound up.

Mr. Layburn gave a curt nod of dismissal and Max left the office, but not till ho was outside did ho allow hi.s satisfaction to appear, and then only for an instant. This promotion meant a great doal to him, for it was with the utmost difficulty that ho had succeeded in living on li-\ «nn«ll salary without running into debfc. And now ho -would be able to afford a few of the small luxuries that he never admitted to himself to have mist>e:l. Besides, this was ia great stop on the ladder of promotion, and ho was happier thaw hj" bad boon sine l before the date of his father's death. In spit© of hi« bringing up, Max liked work, but }\t- had bv no means confined his attention to the shipping industry. For the time, being be had given no sport entirely, and every evening had been given to studv.

A couple of days later Max followe-1 his father to the grave—Mr. Hamblin and himself being the only mourners, and he returned alone to Park Lane', whore, until late into the night, he sat deep in thought, making plans for the future.

Since his father'* death he had gone into his affairs with the solicitor. nn«i had shown an intelligence and grnen •if K) high an older that Mr. Hamblin had openly expressed his astonishment.

"\ou 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 necessary, as some time or other I expected to sue ceed to yreat wealth."

Providence bad sent him an able instructor in Henry Alston, an old man whom be had met soon after starting work with the liayburn Shipping Com.

It was curiu»% that be was uot troub.

Author of " Right AgainstMighf," "The Vow," "The Home Secretary," ** A Wile by Purchase," etc.

"Hawko doesn't generally fail."

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 wei'o scrupulously clean. Max opened the door wit!. a latch-key and went straight to the sitting-room, where an elderly man was reo'ining 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 ho proceeded/to tell of hi 6 interview with Mr. Layburn. 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 bodih out of the way of a tram-car whoso 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 rich or poor He only knew that his elderly friend used to visit tlv City two or throe times a week, but had

got into the back of the car. There was no conversation until they were seated in the r«6iaurant of the Adelphi Hotel. 1 "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. "Yoj heard about my father?" " Yts., and I was very sorry. But that is no excuse for dropping your friends. " Until yesterday I was a olerk 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. Tho business bores me to death. I'm thinking of getting rid o,f tho whole concern. I've quite enough money." | ""You're selling to Ladram Hawke." , "How did you know? I thought :l I was a secret. Hawke's coming to m> place to-night By tho by, stay tho I week-end with me." I "I'd like to—but " | "I won't take a refusal. I don"*, in- : tend 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, but to meet Hawke was quite smother 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 wo *omll have a good match." It was a drive of some fi fteen miles to Promoter's and Max enjoyed it thoroughly, for it was very pleasant to be in touch once more with the old life. I .As they approached Cheston Court twe girls were standing; in the doorway, and each carried coif clubs. "HMloa, Jack! Can we have a foursome?" one of tho girls called to Parmotor, when they pulled up. Parnieter made a hurried introduction, from which Max gathered that the speaker was his sister—the name of the l other one he did not catch. Clubs were J «<dfctcd and they drove off to the golfI links. I "I'll play with yon. Jack, then you I rnn <tjvp me some hint*." Ethel Par- | meter said, when they wore ready to begin, a'nl Max. for the first time, had a go"d look at his partner. Yes, she was very beautiful—and it was a long time since he had mixed with a of his own I'hiss, ') u Max was not

" 1 charge you with being my father's i murderer. lou ruined him. ' no notion where ho went or what lie d.d. A few weeks before Mr. Alston had been otneken with paraaysis, and the ! doctor* gave no hope that he would ever De auio to walk again—iu lact. he had told At ax that he aid not think his pa- . tie.it would live very much loiigci. " iou might reau mo the snipping ! news —my eyes arc not as strong as they we.c," Air. Alston suggested, uutideut- I Jy, and -Max at once took up the papei. | \\ neii he had finished, lie suiokcU m | silence lor a while.

" We are about to see groat things m the shipping world —you have heard ot l«adrani Hawke?" Mr. Alston said, suudeniv.

" iou," Max answered, quietly. • "Ho is engineering a oig combine — but 1 don't think he'll succeed.

"This time he's bitten oif more than ho can chew." Mr. Alston paused tor a breath and looked fixedly at Max. "I'd gfauly dio tor just one mo.uh ot strength." he cried, vehemently.

in the least degree susceoi/.ble. and lie confined their taik to the game, li 11 every now and then he noticed that bhe was regarding him curiously. " I've never played in Lnglaud before. I hai'iit my gjii on lira Continent," she ion a iked.

'"iou play very well,'' hi renuied, to'itely It was a strenuous game, ana not until '.he last hole was reached was the match decided by Max holing out a long putt. 'l'llen they strolled to the clubUouhii and ordered tea. which was served on ti:e veranda.

"Vou don't appear to like tho gentle man," Max remarked, with assumed iu diltoieuco. "1 hate him." " And so do I."

Again the two men looked at one another; and tho old man scrutinized Max keenly.

"Will you tell me why?" Mr. Alsto». asked, quietly. "1 sec no reason why I shouldn't,' Max answered, and went on to describe the manner by which Hawke had brought about lus father's ruin and death.

"Jmi you are Samuel Logan's son," Mr. Alston remarked, reflectively, when he had finished. "I might have guessed. I once know and liked your father. My boy, I'm glad we met. 1 believe

"Mr. 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 sony," Parmeter said, with a snide. "1 did not catch your name when we wee introduced," Max broke in, quicklv.

Fate brought us together. We must have a long talk in a day or two." An hour later Mux lifted him up nnd 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 chatwoman to look after you," "I can manage all right. The exercise will do you good."

•' Aiieen Hawke." she answered, shyly. '"J ho daughter of Ladram Hawke?" "Yes. Do you know father?" "1 do," Max replied, and his eyes hardened as they rented o:i the fair face of the girl. CHAPTJfIt 111. Parmeter's mother had wished Max good night arid had gone upstairs with her daughter and Aiieen Hawke, leaving the two men together in the smok-ing-room.

"Logan. I'd no idea yo.i were a Lady's man," i'aruiotor remarked, with a grin.

I'm not," Max answered, shortly

The next day was Saturday, nnd Max f'-'-'tid therp was little to be done at the office, for Mr. Layburn did not usuallv turn up on that day. But he occupied the tim« in arranging his new office and making everything ready for Monday morning.

•'You seem to have been making tho running pretty strongly. Miss Hawke is her father's o-ily child," l'ur meter added, significantly. " 1 must leave in the morning. I shall walk back to Liverpool, and I want to get homo before five o'clock," he said, alter a oause. "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 ; s good enough for me. I wont someone 1 can trust at the ofiice. Would you Jike tho billet?"

"I thought you were selling the whole concern to Hawke." "Nothing is settled. 1 only thought of doing so to save myseTT trouble. What do you say?"

It was after one o'clock when ho left, and he was standing on the pavement of Water Street wondering where he should go, when a largo touring ear pulled up close to him.

"Halloa, Logan!" A hrown- faced man of his own age smiled frankly at him. " Pnrmctcr, what arc you doing hare?"

"You are very kind. May I have a dav or two to think it over?"

"What's the use of delay? Are you afraid of the responsibility?" "No," Max answered, promptly.

"I mip;bt ask the same question. Come a"'ong to lunch." A couple of davs ago Max would have promptly refused the invitation, but. bis new position had altered things, and ht

"Well, meet me at our offices at middav on Mondav. We can then discuss

"I'm not free till one o'clock. I'll come then, if vou like.'* "Well, that's settled. Will you have archer whisky and soda?"

teignedly glaa to see him.

(To be continued.)

"No. thanks. 1 limit myself to two a day." "Upon my word. I'm uncommonly •'lad to see you agan. At the 'Varsity I ahviiys liked you hut you wore &o infernally stand-offish."

Max only smiled at this remark, awl lapsed into silence. The offer that had just been made to him was an extremely generous one, but he was not yet eur« 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 pos« sible 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 ourselves, I'm not very fond of him. He's far too suave and oily for my taste. How on earth does he come to be the father of that sweet girl?" "I think I'll turn in ,old chap. I'm rather tired," Logan said abruptly. It was a long time before Max fell asleep, for his mind was occupied with Parmetcr'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!" Ailcen Hawke greeted him shyly. "Isn't it ripping? I wish I could live in the country always," he answered. They talked together for a while, and Max gathered that she had spout 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 he is almost a stranger to me," she remarked, with a sigh. Max listened attentively, and then he proceeded to carry out tho plan which ho had formed. His was a personality that appealed to women, and he did his utmost to attract her to him. Aileeu was young and ignorant of the worldlier eyes sparkled with excitement as ho talked to her persuasively. His eyes spoke admiration, and her cheeks became Hushed. And all the time Miax was conscious of a feeling of shame, but he did not waver in his purpose. When they returned to the house for breakfast it seemed to Aileen as though she had known Max for years, and she did not attempt to hide her disappointment when he informed her that he would be leaving in a few hours. "Perhaps I shall sec you again—some time." she suggested, shyly. "I hope so, sincerely," he answered, with conviction.

When breakfast was over, Max amt Parmeter went to the smoking-room and lighted their pipes. •'I nave decided to accept your offer, if you will give me a free hand," the former announced. "I'm so glad," Parmeter said, heartily, and held out his hand, which Max grasped.

" on w ill 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 1 can get # away I'M co'ne round to your offices."

boon afterwards Max left and walked Ik.ck to Liverpool. Ho arrived home la tile arccrnoou, a.id iur. Alston wua uu-

"I'm nut leoliny so well to-day. I'm glaa you're Iwt'K, my boy. ttave you nad a good timer''

"-Excellent," Max answered, and told him or Parmeter'B offer. mi. Alston became very excited, and endeavoured to raise himself from tne coucn.

"Can 1 do anything for 3-ou?" "Pass me tlia.i dispatch-oase." Max watched linu eunouoly, as ho took out some papers, which no reavi with elose attention.

"Ao, i won't snow you them yet. The knowledge may hamper you. 1 want you to pmy your game 111 }our own way. .Later on 1 may be able to help," Mr. Alston said, grimly. Punctually at nine o'clock the following morning Max was in nis office awaiting Mr. Lay burn's arrival, hut it was hair an hour before he was summoned. "Ready for work, eh?"

"1 hope you won't think me ungrateful, six, but Mr. Pariueter has oliered nio the managership of the Green Funnel Lino," Max said, quietly. "God bless my soul.'' Mr. Lay burn ejaculated.

"I'm anxious to study your convenience in every possible way, but " " Parmeter wants you at oiice—is that

"Yes, sir." "then 1 certainly slia'n't keep you. I won't say I'm not sorry you're going, li tact, I'm very disappointed—but what is my loss is Parmeter's gain." " Vou are very kind, sir. 1 shall always be grateful." " Perhaps you and Parmeter will lunch with me. 1 rather wanted t o see him, as there's a question of a big snipping combine in winch wc are both interestwl >» eel. "Ladram Hawke?"

"\ou seem well informed," Mr. Layburn died, in surprise, " but you're right. He seems inclined to offer rather an extravagant price, which. I could hardly refuse. Unfortunately, we have already granted a three months' optiou to someone else, but there arc only a few weeks more to run. However, wo 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, am! took hint straight to the private office.

'' Where's Hawke?" Max asked, quick-

"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 was Ladram Hawke.

"Mr. Ha wide, let me introduce Mr. Max Logan," yaid Parnietor. The two men bowed and Uoked at one another in silence.

" Wliat is Logan doing here?" the millionaire asked, at last.

"He has joined me in business. In fact, it wou:d be bettor if vou laid your offer before him. I've looked up 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 present," Painieter said, apologetically. " Layburn has done a similar thing. I suppose it's the same man who has the e;>tion."

"Our man is Henry Alston," Parmeter said, after referring to eome papers. "Just as I thought. T guess I can deal with him at once. I'm in n hurry to get the thine: through. What's Alston's address?" Hawke asked, abruptly-

- "I'll take you to him." Max answered quietly.

Again the two men looked at one another, and now there was unconcealed enmity in their eves.