Theft Part 28

Yes, sir. And though I don't know, it is whispered that he is one of the heavy stockholders.

{Starkweather}

A very capable man. He has served me well. How much do they want?

{Dobleman}

They say that Nettman series of articles cost them twelve thousand alone, and that they believe, in view of the exceptional service they are prepared to render, and are rendering, fifty thousand--

{Starkweather}

(_Shortly._) All right. How much have I given to University of Hanover this year?

{Dobleman}

Seven--nine millions, including that new library.

{Starkweather}

(_Sighing._) Education does cost. Anything more this morning?

{Dobleman}

(_Consulting notes._) Just one other--Mr. Rutland. His church, you know, sir, and that theological college. He told me he had been talking it over with you. He is anxious to know.

{Starkweather}

He's very keen, I must say. Fifty thousand for the church, and a hundred thousand for the college--I ask you, candidly, is he worth it?

{Dobleman}

The church is a very powerful molder of public opinion, and Mr.

Rutland is very impressive. (_Running over the notes and producing a clipping._) This is what he said in his sermon two weeks ago: "G.o.d has given to Mr. Starkweather the talent for making money as truly as G.o.d has given to other men the genius which manifests itself in literature and the arts and sciences."

{Starkweather}

(_Pleased._) He says it well.

{Dobleman}

(_Producing another clipping._) And this he said about you in last Sunday's sermon: "We are to-day rejoicing in the great light of the consecration of a great wealth to the advancement of the race. This vast wealth has been so consecrated by a man who all through life has walked in accord with the word, The love of Christ constraineth me.'"

{Starkweather}

(_Meditatively._) Dobleman, I have meant well. I mean well. I shall always mean well. I believe I am one of those few men, to whom G.o.d, in his infinite wisdom, has given the stewards.h.i.+p of the people's wealth. It is a high trust, and despite the abuse and vilification heaped upon me, I shall remain faithful to it.

(_Changing his tone abruptly to businesslike briskness._) Very well. See that Mr. Rutland gets what he has asked for.

{Dobleman}

Very good, sir. I shall telephone him. I know he is anxious to hear.

(_Starting to leave the room._) Shall I make the checks out in the usual way?

{Starkweather}

Yes: except the Rutland one. I'll sign that myself. Let the others go through the regular channels. We take the 2:10 train for New York. Are you ready?

{Dobleman}

(_Indicating dispatch box._) All, except the dispatch box.

{Starkweather}

I'll take care of that myself.

(_Dobleman starts to make exit to left, and Starkweather, taking notebook from pocket, glances into it, and looks up._)

Dobleman.

{Dobleman} (_Pausing._) Yes, sir.

{Starkweather}

Mrs. Chalmers is here, isn't she?

{Dobleman}

Yes, sir. She came a few minutes ago, with her little boy. They are with Mrs. Starkweather.

{Starkweather}

Please tell Mrs. Chalmers I wish to see her.

{Dobleman}

Yes, sir.

(_Dobleman makes exit._) (_Maidservant enters from right rear, with card tray._)

{Starkweather}

(_Examining card._) Show him in.

(_Maidservant makes exit right rear_). (_Pause, during which Starkweather consults notebook._) (_Maidservant re-enters, showing in Hubbard._)

(_Hubbard advances to desk._) (_Starkweather is so glad to see him that he half rises from his chair to shake hands._)

{Starkweather}