"Just what is this so-called deal?” demanded Ingrain.
“You’d better tell him, Uncle,” recommended Raymond sardonically.
“My dear boy, I’ve already told you that all I wanted was your father’s advice on a certain piece of land.”
“Well, it seems a damned queer business to me!” Ingrain said.
Raymond shrugged, and held the door for his uncle to pass out of the room. He conducted him to his office, remarking that since the house appeared to be full of busybodies there only could they be sure of any privacy.
Once in that austere apartment he shut the door and turned to confront Phineas. “What the devil did you mean by dragging me into yesterday’s business?” he asked fiercely.
“My dear Raymond, I could hardly be expected to guess that you had been foolish enough to deny having seen me when I was here,” Phineas returned. “Really. I can’t imagine what possessed you!”
“God’s teeth, don’t you suppose I’ve got enough to contend with without getting embroiled in that? What’s this cock-and-bull story you’ve hatched up about a land deal? If you’re going to tell the police I can corroborate your stories I’ll thank you to let me know first what they are!”
“There is no point in losing our tempers, my boy." Phineas said smoothly. “We shall say that I have it in mind to buy up Leason Pastures.”
“You can say what you dam’ well please, but you won’t lug me into it. I’ve told Logan I know nothing about your business with Father, and I’m sticking to that.”