"I didn't make that contract. I would never have made it. The courts will pass on its validity."
"Then this is final?"
"Absolutely. Is there anything more you want to say?"
"I think that's all, General Bent," said Berkely, rising. "I had hoped you would have been willing to meet us in a fair spirit. Failing to discover that—either in your attitude or your demeanor—I suppose there is nothing else to be said."
"One moment," interrupted the General, sinking back in his chair with an effort at self-control. "Sit down, please. There's something more to be said—something which you both may be interested to hear." And he addressed his remarks directly to Wray. "I can't say that I've watched your efforts to put your plans through without some interest, Mr. Wray. Under other circumstances I may say that I would have been compelled to a kind of admiration for your fruitless perseverance. It's all the more remarkable in the face of the obstacles with which you had to contend. But we are fully informed as to your actual financial strength, and I think the time has come when we may draw aside the veil and speak frankly. Mr. Berkely informs me that he intends to proceed against the Denver and California Railroad Company. To do this, of course, he must have the proper authority. Are you sure that he can get it?"
Larry smiled. "I think so."
"To do so he requires, does he not, a majority vote of the Denver and Saguache Railroad Company as well as that of the Short Line—those two companies and the Development Company, as I understand it, being in a way dependent one upon the other?"
"That is correct."
The General settled back in his chair, swinging his gold eyeglasses daintily.
"How is he going to get that authority?" he asked.