Really I feel sorry for you--to have such a clever scheme messed by
such an ass."
"If you don't mind, I'd like to know what you're talking about," said he,
with his patient, bored look.
"As you and Roebuck own the governor, I know your little law ends my little
canal."
"Still I don't know what you're talking about," drawled he. "You are always
suspecting everybody of double-dealing. I gather that this is another
instance of your infirmity. Really, Blacklock, the world isn't wholly made
up of scoundrels."
"I know that," said I. "And I will even admit that its scoundrels are
seldom made up wholly of scoundrelism. Even Roebuck would rather do the
decent thing, if he can do it without endangering his personal interests.
As for you--I regard you as one of the decentest men I ever knew--outside
of business. And even there, I believe you'd keep your word, as long as the
other fellow kept his."
"Thank you," said he, bowing ironically. "This flattery makes me suspect
you've come to get something."
"On the contrary," said I. "I want to give something. I want to give you my
coal mines."
"I thought you'd see that our offer was fair," said he. "And I'm glad you
have changed your mind about quarreling with your best friends.
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