"You mean you are going to take our railroad away from these men who have stolen it?"
"That is what I mean."
"And you will do it by threatening to expose them?"
"I shall tell Governor Bucks what I know about the oil field deal, assuring him that I shall publish the facts if he doesn't let the law take its course in ousting Judge MacFarlane and the receiver."
She rose and stood before him, leaning against one of the vine-clad porch pillars with her hands behind her.
"David Kent, are there any circumstances in which you would accept a bribe?"
He answered her in all seriousness.
"They say every man has his price: mine is higher than any bid they have yet made—or can make, I hope."
"Why don't you let them bribe you?" she asked coolly. "Is it because it is inexpedient—because there is more 'success' the other way?"
He tried to emulate her coolness and made a failure of it.