Acton looked at Nasmyth.
“Then,” said Acton, “we’ll call it a bargain. You can write me a note to that effect, and I’ll send my clerk across with the papers presently.”
The man went out a few minutes later, and Acton rose.
“I’ll charge you bank interest; but if you care to put the mortgage up for sale, you’ll get your money back ’most any time after they start those roads,” Acton said to Nasmyth. “Now we’ll go along and call on Waynefleet.”
They went out with Hames, and a little while later 306 came upon Waynefleet sitting on the veranda of a second-rate hotel. He was dressed immaculately, and with a cigar in his hand, lay in a big chair. He started when he saw them. Hames grinned, and sat down close in front of him.
“I’m going back on my bargain. I want my money and you can keep your land,” he said. “The fact is Mr. Acton has got on my trail, and he’s not the kind of man I have any use for fighting.”
There was consternation in Waynefleet’s face, but he straightened himself with an effort.
“I suppose you have brought this man, Mr. Nasmyth, and I scarcely think it is quite what one would have expected from you––at least, until you had afforded me the opportunity of offering you an explanation,” he blustered.
“Can you offer me one that any sensible man would listen to?” Nasmyth asked sharply.
“He can’t,” Acton broke in. “We’re out on business. You may as well make it clear that we understand the thing.”