It seemed to Fred as if they were about to sacrifice Sam in order to aid in confirming the title of the land, and it required no slight amount of Mr. Hunter's eloquence to persuade him differently.
"By pressing for trial we have a better chance of proving his innocence. Under ordinary circumstances I would be certain of the result; but where so much property is a stake I do not like to trust the superintendent too implicitly."
"But what effect can his innocence or guilt have on the other question?"
"It might prejudice our case if he went before a jury. Every point must be guarded against, and this is the first to be settled."
"Can we raise money enough to carry the thing through?" Joe asked.
"I think so; but will tell you better to-morrow after I have had time to see some of the subscribers with whom I have not yet spoken."
"Do you think we've got any chance of winning?"
"I wish it were possible to say yes; but under the circumstances it seems to me that the odds are in the favor of the company represented by Mr. Wright."
"Yet you don't advise us to accept his proposition," Fred said.
"Certainly not. Even if I was in favor of making a compromise, the amount offered would be no temptation. I should advise you to refuse ten thousand dollars, for it will cost the company much more than that if we can raise sufficient to carry on the suit."