Lex rose to go. “In my opinion, you should encourage the construction of this branch line rather than place an obstacle in the way of its building. At best it is only a venture, depending entirely on the continued prosperity of Geerusalem, and it is costing more per mile than any strip of road the company has laid in years. I’d like to look over this placer ground, Mr. Quintell—that is, take samples of the gravel. When would it be convenient for you to accompany me?”
“I was about to suggest that you come here about—say, ten o’clock, to-morrow morning. A party of us are motoring down there, and I’d be happy to have you join us,” said Quintell genially, getting to his feet. “Allow me also to extend to you the hospitality of my home while you are here, Mr. Sangerly. The hotels are abominable. I have a modern little bungalow, an extra room, and all the city’s conveniences—including a Japanese chef, who is really a culinary artist.” He laughed.
“That’s indeed a tempting invitation, and I’d snap it up if it weren’t for the fact that I’m pretty comfortably established at the Huntington ranch,” said Lex.
Quintell’s black eyes opened in genuine surprise. “Well! So you’re a friend of old Lem’s, too? There’s a corking fine type of Westerner for you, Sangerly. Too bad it’s dying out, going the way of the traditional hospitality of the West. While I think of it, how is Miss Dot getting on?”
“Remarkably well. She has taken up a number of special summer courses at the University of California and is forging right ahead.” Lex paused and added with a smile: “She’s bent on immortalizing Geerusalem and Soapweed Plains. She’s writing a novel.”
“A novel?” echoed Quintell, interested.
“Nothing less, and on no more romantic a personage than Billy Gee, the bandit. There are other notables in the story, for instance, yourself, myself, the wildcat bunch, Mrs. Agatha Liggs, who used to keep the little dry-goods store, Sheriff Warburton, and a lot of others. I’ll wager she’ll dispose of five thousand copies in this section alone. Besides, it is quite probable my company will purchase several thousand for advertising purposes.”
Quintell looked pleased. “She can count on me for five hundred; you may tell Lem that. Your mention of Mrs. Liggs reminds me—do you happen to know if she’s related to a Jerome Liggs?”
Lex stopped in the act of putting on his hat. The other was quick to note the odd look that came into his eyes.
“Jerome was her son,” he said slowly. “Why do you ask? I’m just a little curious.”