“We want what we go after, an’ we don’t have to take what’s handed to us,” retorted Clancy unappeased. “See now, Ackerman, we know a thing or two. Here’s Kent been makin’ up to ould Garwood’s girl. Garwood works his pull, an’ th’ limits goes to Kent. I have it from the inside that Garwood got them for him. Now, I’m not settin’ our pull agin Garwood’s—not by no manes—but we will not be used by you to double-cross him. We want no trouble wid Garwood.”
“What do you mean?” Ackerman queried.
“I mane this: You tip us off to make a new contract wid Kent bekase the railway will raise the rates on boards. Ye don’t do that for love of us, nor yet for a rake-off, for ye asked for none. So ye do it to hit Kent. Then he tenders for timber limits, an’ Garwood, bekase the young man is keepin’ company wid his daughter, sees he gets them. You an’ Garwood do be thick together, an’ it’s strange you’re knockin’ his son-in-law-to-be. Me an’ Finn will have no more to do wid it.”
Mr. Ackerman chuckled at Clancy’s very natural mistake. “If you think Garwood is a friend of Kent’s you’re wrong.”
“Show me,” said Clancy.
“There’s nothing now between Garwood’s daughter and Kent,” responded Ackerman. “If Garwood had cared to use his influence for him the Peninsular would not have raised the rate on lumber. That’s obvious enough, I should think.”
“I’m talkin’ about them limits,” said Clancy obstinately.
“Well, admitting that Garwood is responsible for that, he had his reasons other than the one you mentioned. Kent has sunk a lot of money in that timber. He may not get it out again.”
“Ye mane that the limits was onloaded onto him to tie up his cash resources?” said Clancy, comprehending.
“I didn’t say so,” said Mr. Ackerman, smiling sweetly, “but his business is involved already, and if anything unforeseen should occur he might smash.”