But Pell said calmly: "I paid twenty thousand dollars for an option on the place."
"Yes, but you didn't give me the money!" Uncle Henry insisted.
"I was going to," the other replied, not even casting a glance over his shoulder.
Old man Smith turned to Lopez. "Oh! You didn't shoot quick enough! I got it now! Ask him why he wants the place! Maybe he'll tell another one!" And he tittered with glee.
Lopez put the question to Pell.
"I—I—" the latter stammered; but could get no farther.
Uncle Henry was gleeful now. "Get ready!" he yelled to Lopez. "He's going to do it! Keep your hand on your gun!"
"I thought," Pell brought out reluctantly, "I thought there might be—oil on it."
Lopez was dumbfounded. This was far more interesting than even he had calculated.