To young Jones he
said: "How far is it to town?"
"Twenty miles, I should say."
Pell thought a second, "Is that flivver of yours working, Jones?"
"In a way."
Pell thought harder. "We've got plenty of time," he said, as if to himself.
"Five hours! Get your hat," turning to the young man.
Gilbert was confused. "What's the idea?"
"We're going to pay the mortgage, of course. How much is it?"
"Shouldn't you have asked that first--as a good business man?"
"Answer me: how much is it?"
"Ten thousand dollars," came the quick response.
"And your equity?" Pell pursued, businesslike enough now.
"Another ten thousand."
He thought Morgan Pell would be stunned. Instead, he merely said, "I'll
give you twenty thousand. That'll pay the mortgage and give you your ten
back. You can give me an option while I'm arranging payment. Get me?
That'll save time."
"You mean you'll give me twenty thousand dollars for this ranch?" Gilbert
said, unable to understand.
"Exactly. Will you take it?"
"You bet your life he'll take it!" cried Uncle Henry, whom everyone had
forgotten in the excitement of the moment. He rolled his chair expertly to
the table, and peered into his nephew's face, fearing he would make a fool
of himself once more.
Pages:
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111