"Well then you can go back where you came from and tell your father that I won't sell."
"Do you mean for that price? Do you want more money? I can wire my father, and say——"
"You needn't say anything for me!" snapped the crabbed man. "I won't sell at that price, nor any other he can offer me. I've had a better offer than his, you can tell him, but I won't do business with him. Now get away from here! This isn't war time and I don't want a couple of tin soldiers on my front steps," and once more the old man chuckled at his insulting words.
Dick and Paul flushed, but made no retort.
"Won't you consider any offer at all from my father?" asked the young millionaire, wondering if the other bid for the stock had come from Mr. Porter. "I will send him a message, telling him you——"
"I told you that you needn't tell him anything from me!" snapped Mr. Duncaster. "I won't sell, and that's all there is to it! Now get out!" and he slammed shut the door.
For a moment Dick paused irresolutely on the steps. Then, with a shrug of his shoulders, he said:
"Turned down! Well I'll have to try some other way. It will be a disappointment for dad though."
As the two chums walked out of the yard the chauffeur came toward them with a small pail.
"What are you going to do?" asked Dick.