“That’s interesting. Why should your father belittle your business acumen?”
“I knew nothing of the plot until I reached Montreal. By the way, sir, I met Mr. Ferry’s lawyer on your steps.”
“Yes, Ferry has been at me for months. Offered six hundred thousand pounds, and I presume I should have accepted it next week. Told Nicholas to tell Brinkerhoff that if I had to do business with a pacifist I’d send for him in a day or two.”
“It is not too late,” said Marvin, flushing, “to cancel.”
“Didn’t mean that. If your father is willing to do business with Ferry, I’m quite satisfied. But you spoke as if your father were not in communication with him.”
“That is correct. Mr. Ferry does not suspect who is behind the deal. If you ask me why father is willing to sell to him, I can only guess. I have learned that after we really went in. Ferry made tractors for the government at cost.”
“It’s a sufficient reason.”
“But it changes your lordship’s point of view.”
The baron looked at him smilingly. “You’re a refreshing novelty, Marvin. The contract is signed, and I’d sign it again. By the by, I once intended to colonize that land.”
“That would have been a considerable undertaking. An Indian knocked me down before he would let me have ten acres, and the farmers are as independent as lords.”