"That is nearly eighty-seven dollars more than I had when I arrived. Three weeks ago I was an utter stranger here; to-day I know everybody worth knowing in a business way, and some of them are my friends." "If you could learn Buddy to make friends like that--" But Gray raised his hand. "I derive a certain amusement from my own peculiar characteristics and capabilities, but I should detest them in another." "Well, you sure need money, and--I kin he'p you out." "Thank you, but I sha'n't borrow. If the time were not so short, I could probably turn this lease you so kindly offered me. But something else will happen along." Briskow sighed. "I could of sold it myself--thought I had it sold to a bunch from Wichita, but they tricked me. I offered it the day you was at our house for eighty thousand and Nelson more 'n half agreed to--" "_Who?_" Briskow looked up at the tone of this inquiry. "One of the fellers from Wichita Falls. I s'pose he knowed the option was about run out; anyhow, he's been holdin' me off from day to day till it's too late now fer me to--" "What is his name?" Gray broke in, sharply. "Name's Nelson. Bell Nelson's son. Bell's hard-boiled, but--" "Henry Nelson?" "That's him." Gray rose from his chair and strode swiftly to the window. He stood there staring down into the street for a moment before saying, curtly, "Go on!" "You know them Nelsons?" "I know--Henry." "He's hard-boilder 'n his old man. They got a lot o' money behind 'em--too much money to act like he done with me. I sure hate to see him git that Evans lease for next to nothin', after the way he done. I'd call it cheat-in', but--well, I can't han'le it." The man at the window wheeled suddenly and his face was white, his brows were drawn down. "By God!" he cried, tensely. "He _won't_ get it. Where's that option?" "I got it right here." Briskow handed over a paper. "An' I got the hull title abstrack, too. Had it all ready for Nelson." When he had swiftly scanned the document, Gray said: "This deal means little to you, Briskow, but it means much to me, and I'll make it worth something to both of us. At first I thought the time was too short, but--I work best when I work fast. You've had your chance and failed. Now then, step aside and let a man run who knows how."