The man somehow looked as though he had said all that was necessary; but Mr. Merriwether reminded him:
“You must prove your ability to deliver the goods.”
“I thought”—the man seemed mildly surprised—“we had.”
“Certainly not. The million hasn't stirred.”
“You are a brave man, Mr. Merriwether.”
Mr. Merriwether laughed, and said:
“What should I fear? People don't murder a man like me and get away with it—not when the motive is money. Political assassination, perhaps; but not for a few dollars—especially when my heirs would spend millions to see that justice did not miscarry.” He shook his head, smilingly.
“My dear sir, when we decided to go into the gold-mining business—”
“Gold-mining business!”
“Exactly! We thought to save time and effort by getting our gold already coined. Our general staff studied various methods—the ticker, for instance, and legislative attacks on your roads; but we went back to Tom. It is, of course, nearly as stupid to overestimate as to underestimate one's opponent; so, while we provided against every contingency arising from your undoubted possession of a resourceful and fearless mind, we also thought—please take note—that you might display stupidity; and we prepared for it. Such as, for instance, in case you point-blank said No! We have also provided ways of preventing you and your uncaptured millions from hurting us. Of course we could make the stock-market pay us for the trouble of kidnapping you or of murdering you. Don't you see clearly what you would do if you were in my place?”