"I asked you what you wanted. Let's have it, and I'll talk business."
"Payson's pretty well fixed," said Vixley. "I s'pose if you marry the girl you'll get a good wad of his money."
"Never mind the girl. I want to buy you out."
"Well, I'd have to think it over. You know we got a great scheme, and if it works it'll mean a steady income. But I don't mind turnin' over money quick. You make it a thousand dollars and I'll agree to leave you alone, and pull off Gert into the bargain. You'll have to fix Masterson yourself. I don't trust him."
Granthope began to walk the room again, thinking. He returned finally, to say: "It won't do merely for you to agree to keep out of it. I know you too well. This is a business agreement. If I give you a thousand, will you leave town? That's my offer."
Vixley reflected. "That ain't so much. I dunno as I could afford to spoil my whole business for that."
"Pshaw. You don't make that in a year!"
"Not last year, perhaps, but I expect to this."
"Then you refuse?"
"Wait a minute. Have you got the money on hand?"