I had placed packets of money in his hands and he figured interest and made payments.
The first man with whom he did business gave the judge his cue and made me thank the good Lord that I had planted that seed in Dodovah Vose!
“You’re looking better than I have ever seen you, Judge! Younger, too! What have you been doing to yourself? Oh, your whiskers are cut off! Improves you!”
The moment we had struck Spokane I bought alcohol and stripped that grotesque mustache from the judge’s face. In spite of his haggard countenance, he did look younger.
“It’s said around town,” proceeded Farmer Bailey—=and I held my breath and did not dare to look at Judge Kingsley—“that you’ve just cleaned up a lot of money in a big deal. Dod Vose has given out first news! We’re all glad of it because we have always looked up to you as a financier.”
The judge nodded stiffly in acknowledgment of the compliment.
“And I suppose he has made you rich, too, young Sidney, taking you under his wing like he has,” suggested the farmer, with a wink. “Your uncle is giving you a black eye for deserting the family—like he done the first time you left town—but I guess you haven’t made any mistake by grabbing in with Judge Kingsley.”
“I’m quite sure of that,” I told Farmer Bailey.
“I hate to take this money, Judge,” said the farmer. “It’s been safe with you. I ain’t a financier like you be. It hasn’t been taxed. You bet I have kept my mouth shut!”
“It’s only to clear up town business on account of the special meeting which has been called for to-morrow,” stated the judge. “I am glad to hear you have kept the matter private. I merely tried to help a few of my friends. And I suggest that you say nothing about having received this money or that you have surrendered a town note. There are disturbers in town who threaten a high tax-rate.”