“Dalrymple, I’m going to give you a chance,” said Allison briskly. “I want the Gulf and Great Lakes Railroad system.”
Dalrymple had produced a cigar while he waited for Allison, and now he lit it. He sat on the corner of the study table and surveyed Allison critically.
“I don’t doubt it,” he replied. “The system is almost completed.”
“I’ll accept a fair offer for your controlling interest,” went on Allison.
“And if I won’t sell?”
“Then I’ll jump on you to-morrow in the stock exchange, and take it away from you.”
Dalrymple smiled.
“You can’t do it. I own my controlling interest outright, and no stock gamblings on the board of trade can affect either a share of my stock or the earning capacity of my railroad. When you drove me out of the traction field, I took advantage of my experience and entrenched myself. Go on and gamble.”
“I wish you wouldn’t take that attitude,” returned Allison, troubled. “It looks to you as if I were pursuing you because of that old quarrel; but I want you to know that I’m not vindictive.”
“I don’t think you are,” replied Dalrymple, with infinite contempt. “You’re just a damned hog.”