"I may joke sometimes, Mr. Fox, but I would not be so disrespectful as to joke with you in a matter of this kind."
"Why do you offer me five thousand dollars when I say the property—the whole property—is not worth that?" demanded Fox, irritably.
"I don't understand you, Mr. Fox. You admit that I offer you a good price, and yet you make objection to accepting it."
"What would Mr. Bradford do with the mine if he bought it? He isn't coming out here," said Fox, eying Paul searchingly.
"I should select a man to superintend it."
"You!" repeated Fox, contemptuously. "What do you know about mines?"
"I should try to learn something," answered Paul, good-naturedly.
"I never in all my life heard of such a ridiculous thing as intrusting such important business to a beardless boy. Why, you haven't even a mustache."
"I hope to have one in due time," said Paul, laughing.
"Well, I can't waste any more time with you," said Fox, crustily, and he turned away.