"That the Ebony Jewel Coal Company, a former Stone enterprise, has threatened suit against the Consolidated for their bill. The Consolidated is in a pinch and must raise money, not only to buy that allotment of the new waterworks bonds, but to meet the Ebony's and other pressing accounts. It must also float this bond issue, for it is likely to fall behind even on its salary list." "Fine!" said Bobby. "I can see a lot of good citizens in this town holding stock in a bankrupt illuminating concern. Just watch this thing, will you, Chalmers? About this nice, lucky hundred and fifty thousand, we may count it as spent." "What in?" asked Chalmers, smiling. "Do you think you can trust yourself with all that money?" "Hush," said Bobby. "Don't breathe it aloud. I'm going to buy up all the Brightlight Electric stock I can find. It's too bad, Chalmers," he added with a grin, "that as mayor of the city you could not, with propriety, hold stock in this company," and although Chalmers tried to call him back Bobby did not wait. He was too busy, he said. His business was to meet Agnes and Mrs. Elliston for luncheon down-town, and during the meal he happened to remark that Clarence Smythe had determined to shake the dust of the city from his feet. "I thought so," declared Agnes. "Aunt Constance, I'm afraid you'll have to finish your shopping without me. I must call upon Mrs. Smythe." Mrs. Elliston frowned her disapproval, but she knew better than to protest. Before Agnes called upon Mrs. Smythe, however, she dropped in at the manufacturing concern of D. A. Elliston and Company. "Uncle Dan, how much money of mine have you in charge just now?" she demanded to know. "Cash? About five or six thousand." "And how much more could you raise on my property?" "Right away? About fifteen, on bonds and such securities. This is no time to sacrifice real estate." "It isn't enough," said Agnes, frowning, and was silent for a time. "You'll just have to loan me about ten thousand more." "Oh, will I?" he retorted. "What for?" "I want to make an investment." "So I judged," he dryly responded. "Well, young lady, as your steward I reckon I'll have to know something more about this investment before I turn over any money." With sparkling eyes and blushes that would come in spite of her, she told him what she intended to do. When she had concluded, Dan Elliston slapped his knees in huge joy. "You shall have all the money you want," he declared.