Part 22 (2/2)
”You are exasperating, Peter; come, now, let's get down to business--what will we raise it on first?” asked Jacob.
”On every resort in town; I'll send word tonight to my entire force to press on the screws,” answered Peter.
”Good!” exclaimed Jacob, now in full accord with Peter's views.
”Have you seen Monroe?” asked Peter, now turning to a new subject.
”Had a talk with him yesterday.”
”What did he say?”
”Said he was with us still.”
”Can he be trusted?”
”Without a doubt.”
”Does Jarney know of his connection with us?”
”No.”
”Jarney, the goody-goody, must be made to pay for big knocking.”
”Monroe has been detailed to work on him,” said Jacob.
”And you can trust to Monroe for that?” asked Peter.
”I believe we can; but he is handicapped now by the firing of Jarney's old reliable secretary.”
”He's been fired? Who has he now?”
”A young country b.u.mpkin.”
”Can't you get him in your ranks?” asked Peter.
”I fear not,” replied Jacob, with a shake of the head. ”He's been approached, and seems to be as susceptible as a cow.”
”Ah, we must get rid of him, some way--get him out of Monroe's way.”
”That's what Monroe will attempt to do,” said Jacob.
”Can he do it?” asked Peter, squinting.
”If he's slick enough, he can; n.o.body else can get so near the scene of operation like Monroe.”
”How's Jarney's adopted daughter coming on in society?” asked Peter, with a faint attempt at smiling.
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