"I'll allow it to rot then," said Wade defiantly.
The two men rode off toward Judson's. Wade meant to fulfill his determination, if it should cost him many thousands of dollars. Hastily saddling his horse he also rode up to Judson's, where he found the two tobacco purchasers parleying with old Peter.
"No," Peter was saying, "I hain't got much terbacker this season, but ye cain't git what little I've got fer no three and a half cents."
Jack touched the old man on the shoulder. "Remember, Judson," he whispered, "I'll make it one cent heavier than they offer." Then he rode in search of Tom, whom he instructed to go over the country as fast as he could and advise the faithful ones to hold their tobacco for twelve cents. "Tell them," he said, "that they have a standing offer of eleven and one-half from me, and they should hold out for twelve from anyone else. Make it plain to them that the offer is made in good faith, and the man who fails to sell in good season for twelve cents shall receive eleven and one-half. You had not better go into Thompson's territory."
"I'll go thar too," said Tom, "an' I'll even go to old Jim Thompson's house. He can't hurt anybody yet, an' Al's off on a trip right now, so they's nuthin' to be skeered of."
"I won't make the offer to Thompson at this time, Tom; it would be no use. He'd rather sell for one cent than accept assistance from us."
"All right, I hain't a-keerin' much 'bout foolin' 'round thar, anyhow."
"Be off, then!"
The two men were still parleying with Peter, in an effort to purchase his tobacco, but he was holding very high above them.
"No," he said, "I'll not take seven nor eight."