"No," said Jim. "We didn't mean to deal with you at all. You helped us get a proper price; that was your job."
They looked at one another, with mouths set hard, and then Baumstein broke out: "You swine!"
"Stop there," said Jim, with ominous quietness. "I'm back from using the ax in the bush and feel very fit. To put you out of your office would give me the keenest satisfaction and would be cheaper than getting after you through the court."
"Shucks!" exclaimed Baumstein. "What are you giving me?"
"I reckon you know. You put Davies on our track; he broke the line, and sent a log down on our canoes. He's smart and both plots worked before we found him out. But we did find him out."
Baumstein hesitated, wondering how much was supposition and how much Jim really knew.
"You'll be blamed foolish if you go to law with a tale like that."
"We don't propose to bother, because I think we're even. You helped us sell our claim and the Combine know what you were willing to pay. We raised them some; one could take it for granted you wouldn't reach just value."
"You told them what I offered?" Baumstein shouted.
"We did," Jim said, smiling. "I expect they got a useful hint. In fact, if you want to control Northern copper, you had better get busy. It looks as if the Combine were on your track." He paused and beckoned Jake. "Well, perhaps there's enough said. We mustn't keep you."