He presented her gallantly and as Wilhelmina bowed she felt their hostile eyes upon her.
“Like to look at our mine?” rattled on Wunpost affably. “Well, here it is, and she’s a world-beater. Take a squint at that rock–you won’t need no glasses–how’s that, Mr. Eells, for the pure quill?”
58Eells looked at the specimen, then looked at it again, and slipped it into his pocket.
“Yes, rich,” he said in a deep bass voice, “very rich–it looks like a mine. But–er–did I understand you to say that Miss Campbell was your partner? Because really you know─”
“Yes, she’s my partner,” replied Wunpost. “We hold the controlling interest. Got a couple more partners that own a third.”
“Because really,” protested Eells, “under the terms of our contract─”
“Oh, to hell with your contract!” burst out Wunpost scornfully. “Do you think that will hold over here?”
“Why, undoubtedly!” exclaimed Eells. “I hope you didn’t think–but no matter, I claim half of this mine.”
“You won’t get it,” answered Wunpost. “This is over in California. Your contract was made for Nevada.”
“It was made inNevada,” corrected Judson Eells promptly, “but it applied to all claims, wherever found! Would you like to see a copy of the contract?” He turned to the automobile, and like a jack-in-the-box a little lean man popped out.