Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 166: what you’re looking at

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792 “Tt’s up to me entirely; what I say goes. If I decide to buy here they'll accept without a word. I’ve been with the Langley people for ten years, and during that time have purchased sites for half a dozen plants. Don’t worry about their refusing to back me up. Just give me half a chance and I'll close like a flash. What will you take for an option on this place? Three thousand dollars be enough?”’ Dawson turned away to swallow a lump which threatened to choke him. “ Can’t say,” he returned. “It depends on what I’m able to do with the other people. Let me see them and then I'll be able to talk with you better.” “And their man is to see you to-mor- row?” asked Stanton. ‘‘That’s what he said,” nodded Dawson. “Tell you what. You come down to my office to-morrow night. I might be able to turn the trick, but as I said, I’m afraid they won’t release me.” The thirty minutes’ drive back to town ended with Stanton anxiously reminding Dawson that he would be on hand promptly the following evening. The latter managed to hold a straight face until he was safe within his office. Then he threw back his head and laughed. | At the appointed hour the next evening Stanton entered Dawson’s office. ‘‘ Anything happened?” he asked eagerly. Dawson nodded. ‘“ It has and it hasn’t. It depends on you.” The young man looked at him in surprise. “ Depends on me? If anything is up to me that will enable the Langley Company to get that property you'll find me ready and willing. What do you mean?” “ Just this,” replied Dawson. ‘“ The fel- low I told you about came to see me this afternoon and, after a long argument, I managed to convince him that his people could do without the place you want.” “ You did?” broke in Stanton excitedly. “Ves,” returned Dawson. “ Now, it’s like this. They gave me twenty thousand dollars for the entire option covering most of my property. And when I offered to buy back that particular site he wanted five thousand dollars. I closed with him and am ready to talk business with you. That ton earnestly. ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. was all right with you, wasn’t it?” He looked anxiously at the Langley man. “ Perfectly satisfactory,” replied Stanton instantly. “I’m leaving to-night for head- quarters and would like very much to take the option back with me. Can you fix up the papers by then?” “They’re ready now,” said Dawson, opening a drawer and producing an enve- lope. “ Here you are. _All drawn up and ready for signatures.” He laid the paper before Stanton, who glanced over it casually, then reached into his pocket and drew out a folder. Before Dawson’s bulging eyes he counted off five thousand dollars and tossed the bills. care- lessly on the table. said. “ Money talks. Let’s get it over with. I’d like to get back to the hotel and catch the eight fifteen train.” Reaching for his watch he rose. Dawson’s hands closed over the money greedily and after counting the bills to sat- isfy himself, he turned to Stanton. “‘ Just as you say, Mr. Stanton,” he said heartily. ‘‘ We'll go over to Henry Royal’s office and wind up the deal. He’s a lawyer and notary public.” Fifteen minutes later the two emerged from the lawyer’s place. Dawson’s face was wreathed in smiles and the Langley rep- resentative seemed equally pleased as they shook hands at the door. “Well good-by for the present,” said Stanton. “I’m certainly delighted to get an option on what I call the most desirable location I’ve seen yet. I won’t be gone over a week at the longest. And when I return I expect to bring the president of the company along and close the deal.” “* All right, young fellow,” was the reply. ‘“‘T must say you will get one of the most valuable pieces of property I own around here. And it’s not the money alone that pleases me. It’s the feeling I have for this town. I want to watch it grow in a com- mercial way. We’ll be mighty glad to see you people open up here.” If, “There you are,” he In a small town the size of Winchester, ° the appearance of a stranger created quite + Go NOOKS AMUG (C@