Mr. Crocker turned a slightly surprised countenance over his shoulder. “Why, sell out, of course,” he said.
“Oh!” replied Stick disappointedly. “I’m willing enough but Russell hasn’t got the money. He says he may have it later, but—”
“I don’t believe,” said Mr. Crocker, pausing and looking thoughtfully through the door, “that your partner would be willing to give you more than you put in for your share of the business.”
“I wouldn’t expect him to,” said Stick. “I’d be glad to get my money back!”
“You ought to do a little better than that,” asserted the man. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you could sell at quite a neat little profit, Mr. Patterson.”
“I don’t believe so, sir. By the time Rus gets ready to buy me out there won’t be any business left, I guess.”
“I agree with you, but why wait so long? Why not sell now?”
“He won’t buy now,” answered Stick, a trifle surprised at Mr. Crocker’s density.
Mr. Crocker waved a hand carelessly. “Some one else might,” he said. Stick stared.