Part 22 (1/2)
”Working capital--but that is provided for in the contract. And”--he hesitated--”it will not harm to have these matters brought before a court whose judge is not unfriendly.”
”I can arrange for that, Mr. Keith.”
Keith arose.
”Then that is settled.” He picked up the duplicate copy of the contract. ”There remains only one other formality.”
”Yes? What?”
”Your check for $12,000.”
”What for?”
”For my expenses in this matter up to date.”
”What!” cried Neil.
”The contract specifies that you are to furnish the working capital,”
Keith pointed out.
”But that means the future--”
”It doesn't say so.”
Neil paused a moment.
”This contract would not hold in law, and you know it,” he a.s.serted boldly. ”It would be held to be an illegal conspiracy.”
”I would be pleased to have you point out the illegality in court,”
said Keith coldly, his manner as frosty as Neil's. ”And if conspiracy exists, your name is affixed to it.”
Neil pondered this point a moment, then drew his checkbook toward him with a grim little smile.
”Young man, you win,” said he.
Keith thawed to sunniness at once.
”Oh, we'll work together all right, once we understand each other,” he laughed. ”Send your man out after scrip. Let him report to me.”
Neil arose rather stiffly, and extended his hand.
”All right, all right!” he muttered, as though impatient. ”Keep In touch. Good-day. Good-day.”
XXI
The time for the annual Firemen's Ball was now at hand. At this period the Firemen's Ball was an inst.i.tution of the first social importance.
As has been shown, the various organizations were voluntary a.s.sociations, and in their ranks birds of a feather flocked together.
On the common meeting ground of the big annual function all elements met, even--if they did not mingle as freely as they might.