"Which, translated, I suppose means that he is disturbed."
"Or words to that effect! Too bad they changed that newspaper story of yours."
"Yes."
"It put a crimp in him."
"How—do you mean?"
"He had some California capitalists tuned up to put in three million dollars, but when they read that our plan was impracticable their fountain-pens refused to work."
"Oh!" Eliza gasped, faintly.
Slater regarded her curiously, then shook his head. "Funny how a kid like you can scare a bunch of hard-headed bankers, ain't it?" he said. "Doc Gray explained that it wasn't your fault, but—it doesn't take much racket to frighten the big fish."
"What will Mr. O'Neil do?"
"Oh, he'll fight it out, I s'pose. The first thing is to block Gordon. Say, I brought you a present."