Angela was about to advise Jim to accept, but he stopped her in time.
“You’re going to pay $750,000, or negotiations cease right now. And at that you’ll make a mint of money. I ain’t breathed a word about this yere creek yet. When I do you’ll see Dawson City turning out good and strong to stake claims. It’s up to your people to stake the rest of it, if you pay up quick. Better say the word before there’s a howling stampede down here.”
That argument settled Stevens. His own quick mind had been turning on the same point.
“Call it a bargain,” he said. “Better come right back now and get the transfer made.”
Two hours later the party set off, Angela seated behind Jim on the big mare, and Stevens riding ahead.
Jim was fortunate in getting two rooms at the best hotel. Leaving Angela there, he went off with Stevens to clinch the deal. He came back later in the evening, looking a trifle downcast.
“Nothing wrong?” she queried.
“Nope. I got the money in American notes.”
He pulled a big pile of notes from his pocket 306 and placed them on the table, staring at them for a few moments in silence. Then he began to count them out.