"Of course. Understand they're in difficulties."
"In some, and goin' to be in more. That's why I come down."
Thereupon Scattergood explained in detail his contract with the pulp company, and his theories of what that company was planning to do to him. "Double barreled," he said. "Crane and Keith owns them bonds. Figger on freezin' out the stockholders and buyin' 'em out for a song. Figger on bustin' me. Next we hear the mill'll be in receiver's hands. No money. Can't pay no contracts. My notes'll come due, and I'm done for. Simple. Crane thought it up."
"What do you want of me? So far as I can see, you are up against it. You can't borrow any more, and your notes won't be extended. You're done."
"Hain't started yet—not yet. Figger to start to-day. That's why I come to see you."
"But I can do nothing for you."
"Higgins's Bridge mill's good, hain't it? Logical payin' proposition? Money to be made?"
"Yes."
"Like to own it cheap?"
"Of course."