Cast Upon the Breakers Part 44

It was therefore with his usual confidence that he accosted his acquaintance from Montana after supper.

"It is time to go to the theater, Mr. Pettigrew," he said.

Jefferson Pettigrew scanned his new acquaintance with interest. He had never before met a man of his type and he looked upon him as a curiosity.

He was shrewd, however, and did not propose to let Wheeler know that he understood his character. He resolved for the present to play the part of the bluff and unsuspecting country visitor.

"You are very kind, Mr. Wheeler," he said, "to take so much trouble for a stranger."

"My dear sir," said Wheeler effusively, "I wouldn't do it for many persons, but I have taken a fancy to you."

"You don't mean so?" said Pettigrew, appearing pleased?

"Yes, I do, on my honor."

"But I don't see why you should. You are a polished city gentleman and I am an ignorant miner from Montana."

Louis Wheeler looked complacent when he was referred to as a polished city gentleman.

"You do yourself injustice, my dear Pettigrew," he said in a patronizing manner. "You do indeed. You may not be polished, but you are certainly smart, as you have shown by acc.u.mulating a fortune."

"But I am not as rich as you."

"Perhaps not, but if I should lose my money, I could not make another fortune, while I am sure you could. Don't you think it would be a good plan for us to start a business together in New York?"

"Would you really be willing to go into business with me?"

Jefferson Pettigrew asked this question with so much apparent sincerity that Wheeler was completely deceived.

"I've got him dead!" he soliloquized complacently.

He hooked his arm affectionately in the Montana miner's and said, "My dear friend, I have never met a man with whom I would rather be a.s.sociated in business than with you. How much capital could you contribute?"

"I will think it over, Mr. Wheeler. By the way what business do you propose that we shall go into?"

"I will think it over and report to you."

By this time they had reached the theater. The play soon commenced. Mr.

Pettigrew enjoyed it highly, for he had not had much opportunity at the West of attending a high cla.s.s theatrical performance.

When the play ended, Louis Wheeler said, "Suppose we go to Delmonico's and have a little refreshment."

"Very well."

They adjourned to the well known restaurant, and Mr. Pettigrew ordered an ice and some cakes, but his companion made a hearty supper. When the bill came, Louis Wheeler let it lie on the table, but Mr. Pettigrew did not appear to see it.

"I wonder if he expects me to pay for it," Wheeler asked himself anxiously.

"Thank you for this pleasant little supper," said Pettigrew mischievously. "Delmonico's is certainly a fine place."

Wheeler changed color. He glanced at the check. It was for two dollars and seventy five cents, and this represented a larger sum than he possessed.

He took the check and led the way to the cas.h.i.+er's desk. Then he examined his pockets.

"By Jove," he said, "I left my wallet in my other coat. May I borrow five dollars till tomorrow?"

Jefferson Pettigrew eyed him shrewdly. "Never mind," he said, "I will pay the check."

"I am very much ashamed of having put you to this expense."

"If that is all you have to be ashamed of Mr. Wheeler," said the miner pointedly, "you can rest easy."

"What do you mean?" stammered Wheeler.

"Wait till we get into the street, and I will tell you."

They went out at the Broadway entrance, and then Mr. Pettigrew turned to his new acquaintance.

"I think I will bid you good night and good by at the same time, Mr.

Wheeler," he said.

"My dear sir, I hoped you won't misjudge me on account of my unfortunately leaving my money at home."

"I only wish to tell you that I have not been taken in by your plausible statement, Mr. Wheeler, if that is really your name. Before we started for the theater I had gauged you and taken your measure."

"Sir, I hope you don't mean to insult me!" bl.u.s.tered Wheeler.

"Not at all. You have been mistaken in me, but I am not mistaken in you.

I judge you to be a gentlemanly adventurer, ready to take advantage of any who have money and are foolish enough to be gulled by your tricks.

You are welcome to the profit you made out of the theater tickets, also to the little supper to which you have done so much justice. I must request you, now, however, to devote yourself to some one else, as I do not care to meet you again."

Louis Wheeler slunk away, deciding that he had made a great mistake in setting down his Montana acquaintance as an easy victim.

"I didn't think he'd get on to my little game so quick," he reflected.

"He's sharper than he looks."

Rodney took breakfast with Mr. Pettigrew the next morning. When breakfast was over, the Montana man said:

"I'm going to make a proposal to you, Rodney. How much pay did you get at your last place?"

"Seven dollars a week."

"I'll pay you that and give you your meals. In return I want you to keep me company and go about with me."

"I shall not be apt to refuse such an offer as that, Mr. Pettigrew, but are you sure you prefer me to Mr. Wheeler?" laughed Rodney.

"Wheeler be--blessed!" returned the miner.