If that is so,
I'll stop where I am. We don't care to buck up against Breen &
Co."
"No," answered Jack, now convinced of the man's sincerity; "no--
it's free and clear except for a loan of ten thousand dollars held
by a friend, which can be paid off at any time."
Ballantree ducked his head in token of his satisfaction over the
statement and asked another question--this time with his eyes
straight on Jack.
"Is it for sale--now--for money?"
It was Jack's turn to focus his gaze. This was the first time any
one had asked that question in the memory of the oldest
inhabitant.
"Well, that depends on what it is wanted for, Mr. Ballantree,"
laughed Jack. He had already begun to like the man. "And perhaps,
too, on who wants it. Is it for speculation?"
Ballantree laughed in return. "No--not a square foot of it. I am
the general manager of the Guthrie Steel Company with head-
quarters here in New York. We have been looking for mineral up in
that section of the State, and struck yours. I might as well tell
you that I made the borings myself.
Pages:
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585