“Billy, does it occur to you that this is a most opportune time for him to be taken sick again? What do they do for patients with heart trouble in this country?”
“Order ’em down to a lower altitude,” said the mine owner.
“Exactly. And we shall find that this is what Doctor Mangum will advise in the present case. When he does so, Judge Watson will go.”
Starbuck was deftly rolling a cigarette of dry tobacco. “And then what?” he queried.
“Then the regular hearing, which is set for the twelfth of the month, can’t be held, and the temporary receivership will hold over until it is either confirmed or set aside by the higher courts. In the meantime the delay will have accomplished its purpose. The New York bank pool of the stock will be broken, the T-C. people will buy it in, and the nail will be driven and clinched.”
Starbuck winked gravely.
“You’re not going to let Judge Watson get out of town,” he predicted. “I can ride up the trail that far without falling off.”
“No,” said Sprague, “we are not going to let him get away until we are through with him. Did you make the other arrangement I spoke of?”
“I sure did. If anybody’s fool enough to let the cat out o’ the bag, we’ll get the cat. Tarbell’s on that part of the job.”
Sprague went to the wardrobe at the other end of the room and got out his hat and a light top-coat.