Jackson Gregory

“ Maddox to sign? Fifteen thousand dollars—”
“I won't sell it for that!” exploded Maddox. “I've had enough of the bunch of you. If the Eastern and Western has refused its option I won't sell to Jasper Ruud.”
“No, Maddox,” said John Rand, looking at the man steadily. “You won't sell. But, shall I tell you what you will do?”
“Well, what?” angrily.
“You'll give me just sixty-five thousand dollars to keep from selling! Don't understand? You will in a minute. I happen to need exactly fifty thousand. I am giving Houghton my check for fifteen thousand. ”

“ I, for one, vote that we close with Maddox this afternoon. That we pay him his fifteen thousand dollars and that we take over the mine. Does anyone stand with me?”
“Why?” demanded Houghton. “What do you know about that mine, Ruud?”
“I know a great deal about Maddox, that mine's present owner,” Rand evaded.
“He's crooked—”
“Very, very crooked. So crooked that it makes some other men crooked to associate with him! Further, I know a man, a miner, who has been in that new town since it grew up one night last month. I wired him last night. Here is his answer.” ”

“ Maddox, you can consider that to all intents and purposes I am already owner of the Big Lode. I offer it to you for just fifty thousand dollars more than it cost me. You are the man who ought to know if it's worth that. I give you exactly two minutes,” jerking out his watch, “to accept. After that I pledge you my word the price goes up a thousand dollars!” ”