“Very well, Mr. Stranleigh; I will take the money.”
It was several days later when Miss Armstrong returned from Bleachers. Her first interest was to satisfy herself of the patient’s progress. He had been getting on well.
“You are an admirable physician, Miss Armstrong,” he said. “Now let me know whether you are equally capable as a financier.”
“I have failed completely,” she answered, dejectedly. “Mr. Ricketts has refused the money.”
“Did you take the other lawyer with you?”
“Yes.”
“What did he say?”
“He said Ricketts had no right to refuse, but a different question has arisen. The guide who accompanied you to the ranch brought back news of the shooting. Ricketts guessed at once why you were shot at, and the sheriff has signed an affidavit, or some such instrument, to show that his life, and his men’s lives, are in danger if they go to seize the property, so this complication has been overcome by some order from the legislature, and the personal seizure is waived. The sale is announced to take place in Bleachers two weeks from to-day. Mr. Timmins—that is the other lawyer—fears that Ricketts is within his rights in refusing the money at this stage.”