“As you know,” muttered Gault, “on the northwest I am blanketed by Hector Blackburn.”
Ogilvie shrugged. “Why remain blanketed?” he asked.
“What do you propose?” asked Gault bitterly.
“Oh, the specific measures must be left to you,” said Ogilvie hastily. “You are the man on the ground. But of course our company will back you up in anything you undertake. The old rough stuff has gone out of fashion, but the principle is the same. To put it bluntly, Gault: buy him out or drive him out.”
“The entire resources of our company would not buy him out,” said Gault. “The man is drunk with pride at having the name of the last free trader.”
“Well then?” said Ogilvie meaningly.
“As to driving him out, I mean to do that; but I must await my opportunity. He’s in an almost impregnable position.”
“Why did you let him get in such a position?” murmured Ogilvie. “You were on the ground first.”
“He had all the luck,” said Gault bitterly.
“Why is his position so impregnable?”