“About that option of yours, son,” said the stockholder named Wilkins, “we know what it cost you. You’re entitled to your profit. Will two dollars an acre satisfy you? If it will the board, when it is elected, will instruct the treasurer to give you his check for the amount.”
The movement of affairs had been too swift even for Sudden Jim. The revolution in his condition had been too rapid. He could scarcely grasp it. Moran done for, himself offered a profit on his option which would pay the note presented that day and leave a pleasant margin of cash! His acceptance was prompt.
He drove back to Diversity with Zaanan after the meeting. For most of the way he was silent, dazed at the outcome of affairs. At last he spoke.
“Judge,” said he, “I said you were a great man this afternoon—”
“That’s all right, Jim.”
“If it hadn’t been for you—”
“To be sure! To be sure! It’s my business to meddle. And, besides, Clothespin Jimmy and I was raised side by side. He licked me four times ’fore I was twelve year old. He told me to sorter look after you a mite, figgerin’ you might need it. And say, son, if I was you I’d go hell-for-leather out to Steve’s place. You’ve been messin’ up things with that girl out there. I dun’no’ but you ought to git thrashed for actin’ so; but you’re young and sudden.” Zaanan smiled dryly. “’Twa’n’t Marie told Moran you was goin’ to swoop down on his camp; it was that young Newell up to your office. Call to mind, it was him warned you the trestle was goin’ to burn. Moran’s had him bought up quite a spell.”
“Judge—” said Jim. “Judge—”
“Yes, son, you’re as big a dum fool as you figger you are, and maybe more. The young is inclined to value themselves high.”
“Will you drive me out to her? Now? She’ll never forget—never forgive—what I said to her and believed; but I’ve got to tell her. I’ve got to beg her forgiveness.”