Mr. Roswell's greeting was quite as cool as his letter; but he betrayed a keen interest in the progress of their joint affairs and asked a good many searching questions. Gray answered frankly.
"You surprise me," the banker announced, finally, "for you confirm something I did not wish to believe. I have just learned that you are using us to further a private grudge and to ruin a reputable man. I couldn't credit such a statement without—"
"It is quite true, except that I haven't 'used' you. Not, at least, in the sense you imply."
"You have used our money. It is the same thing."
"Oh, not at all I have handled a number of speculations—investments is a better word—for you and your group and I've made a lot of money for you. That's the most you expected; that's all I promised. So long as I continue to do that, my motives, my personal likes and dislikes, concern you in no wise. Neither are you concerned in the use I make of my winnings."
"Legitimate competition is one thing; malice, double-dealing, dishonesty is—"
"Dishonesty?" Gray interrupted, sharply. "I am a quick-tempered man,
Mr. Roswell. I'll ask you to choose your words more carefully."
"Don't you call salting a well dishonest?"
"I do. I didn't salt that Arkansas property—and I assume you refer to that. In fact, I knew nothing about it, and I so informed Nelson. Evidently he didn't believe me, and I don't expect you to do so. Nevertheless, it is true. I have never lied to you, and I never shall. Now, malice—Yes, I bear malice toward Henry Nelson and I shall continue to bear him malice long after I have put him in his grave." Roswell's startled eyes leaped to the speaker's face. "Exactly! I propose to put him in his grave, and he knows it."
"Nonsense! That's wild talk and you'll regret it. What has he done to you?"