“Play the game, Billings! If you’re going to hocus the syndicate, you’ve got to pay me money enough to make it worth while. A quarter of the proceeds, Billings, or I give Random & Griggs my private report. That will cook your goose.”
McGlory gasped.
“He’s delirious,” said Matt.
“He—he thinks he’s talking with Billings,” said McGlory. “Speak to me about that!”
“It’s just as I told you, Joe,” went on Matt quietly. “Your colonel is out to make a big winning, and to make it dishonestly. If he——”
Levitt began again.
“You didn’t know I had that private report, did you?” A weird laugh came with the words. “I’m a bit foxy myself, colonel. The ‘Pauper’s Dream’ isn’t worth what it cost to put down the shaft. You haven’t any vein. There was a pocket, but the pocket has been worked out. You’ve got to come across with a pile if you make me suppress that private report.”
“I’m the biggest blockhead that walks the face o’ the earth!” declared McGlory. “I——”
Levitt interrupted him.
“Keep your eye on Matt King, Billings! If lightning hits us, that cub will be back of it!”