"I did not say just that," Angus replied. "You have to add the cost of clearing to your purchase price. Then there will be your buildings and fencing and ditches. You have to figure on raising enough to pay interest on your total investment, and wages as well."
"I meant to ask you about the price. Is it fair, or shall I jew old Braden down a bit? Fancy I could, you know."
"The price is high—as land sells," Angus told him. "You can get good, wild land now for ten dollars an acre. Five years ago you could have got it for two dollars, and five years before that for fifty cents."
Chetwood whistled. "In the noble language of the country, I was about to be stung."
"Well," Angus explained, "if land values keep climbing, it might be a good investment, after all. I would not say it might not be. But you can buy just as good land cheaper."
"Then why does Braden ask so much?"
"I suppose he thinks he can get it."
Chetwood grinned. "In the terse vernacular of the land, 'I get you, Steve.' Shall I offer him ten dollars?"
"That would depend on the water supply."
"Oh, that's absolutely all right. I've seen the government certificate. Eight hundred miners' inches. That's ample, what?"