"I'll think over yours," Gerald answered as coolly as he could.
Davies studied him for a moment or two. Gerald's expression was supercilious, but his face did not indicate much strength of character. Besides, the only justification for arrogance that Davies recognized was the possession of money.
"You're the son of Colonel Mowbray of Allenwood, aren't you? Your people hold a good piece of land there."
"You seem to know all about me. I'd better warn you, however, that you won't find my relatives willing to pay my debts."
Davies smiled.
"I could try them. They might do something if I stated my claim."
This was what Gerald had feared, and he could not hide his alarm.
"It will save you trouble if you realize that you wouldn't get a dollar," he said hastily.
Davies was silent for a few moments. As a matter of fact, he was by no means anxious to be paid. Allenwood was isolated as yet, and the land accordingly not worth much, but the homesteads were unusually good and the advance of cultivation and settlement would largely increase their value. Davies wanted a hold on Allenwood which might be turned to advantage later, and he now saw an opportunity for getting it. Young Mowbray obviously objected to having his friends learn how he was situated, and this would make him easier to manage.
"Well," Davies said, "you have some land there, haven't you? What's the acreage, township, and range?"