"It can't be that, for the sales to the present owners were recent. The new owners refuse absolutely to sell."
"And pulp mills hain't got no right of eminent domain like railroads."
"All substantial businesses ought to have it," said McKettrick. "You know these folks. I wish you'd see what you can do."
"Glad to," Scattergood promised, and two days later he reported that all four landowners might be brought to terms. Three would sell, surely; one was holding back strangely, but the three had put the matter into the hands of a local real-estate and insurance broker, by name Wangen. "We'll go see him," said Scattergood.
Which they did. "My clients," said Wangen, importantly, "realize the value of their property. That, I may say, is why they bought."
"It cost the three of 'em less 'n three thousand dollars for the three passels," said Scattergood.
"Prices have gone up," said Wangen.
"Give them two hundred dollars profit apiece," said McKettrick.
"Consid'able difference between givin' it and their takin' it," said Scattergood. "I agree with that," said Wangen.
"Now, Wangen, you and me has done consid'able business," said Scattergood, "and you hain't goin' to hold up a friend of mine."