"I can just everlastingly saw you off with Payson if I want to; that's what I can do!" Masterson rubbed in.
"How?"
"Through something I found out to-day, that's how."
"I guess I could call that bluff on you, Masterson, if I wanted to. We got him sewed up in a sack. You can't touch us there."
"Lord, I can blow you sky-high!" He arose and made as if to walk to the door. "And, by the Lord Harry, I'll do it, too! I've given you a fair chance, you remember that!"
Vixley took water hastily. "Oh, see here, Doc, don't go to work and be hasty! You know it was only Gertie who wanted to freeze you out. I don't say it's impossible to make a deal, only I don't want to buy a pig in a poke, do I? I can't talk business till I know what you have to offer."
"Oh, you'll find I can make good all right," said Masterson, returning to his seat with his hat on the back of his head. "See here; as I understand it, you're working Payson on the strength of something about this Felicia Grant, he was supposed to be sweet on. Is that right?"
"Well, suppose we are, just for the sake of the argument. What then?"
"Now, they was a little boy living with her, and he disappeared. Am I right?"
"You got it about right; yes." Vixley's eyes sparkled.