"Why shouldn't I?" shrugged the secretary. "I guess perhaps I'm a little sore because the Altacoola people haven't even paid me the compliment of thinking I had any influence, so they can't expect me to work for them. The Gulf City people have. As things stand, Gulf City looks pretty good to me."
"Is this straight talk?" exclaimed Norton.
"Take it or leave it," retorted Bud.
The Mississippian leaned with his hands on the desk.
"Well, Haines, if you're like the rest and are really interested in
Altacoola, I don't know that you'd have to go very far to talk."
"You know something of Altacoola lands, then, Norton?" said Robert, tingling with suppressed excitement. He felt that he was getting close to real facts in a colossal "deal."
Norton was sure of his man now.
"Well, I am in touch with some people who've got lands and options on more. I might fix it for you to come in," he whispered.
Haines shook his head.
"You know I haven't much money, Norton. All I could put in would be my influence. Who are these people? Are they cheap little local folks or are they real people here who have some power and can do something that is worth while?"