Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 165: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

TWIXT THE CUP AND THE LIP. erty, which was practically worthless other than yielding a scant supply of grass for his cattle. He could have shouted with joy at Stanton’s words about purchasing a site for a plant, though his crafty mind was actively at work the moment the young man made his mission known. Dawson was generally known as a man among men with reference to his astute business ability. Many deals of a shady hue had been credited him, though he al- ways managed to stay within the law and was willing to place his cards face up on the table at any time. Many a poor sucker had parted with good dollars by transacting business with him. But at the showdown no one could fasten a single violation of the law on him, and in the end the affair would be dropped. “You mean you haven’t anything to offer?” asked Stanton, plainly disappointed. Dawson nodded. “I don’t know of a single thing,” he returned thoughtfully. “You see, the fellow has an option on everything I own around here and I am ex- pecting him back in a few days to close the deal. Promised to come to-morrow. I wouldn’t be surprised to get a wire any minute that he’s coming with the money.” “You don’t mind showing me around anyway, do you?” asked Stanton. “ It’s certainly a keen disappointment to come all the way here and find I’m too late by only a matter of several days. It won’t do any harm to let me see what I’ve missed. “Not a bit,” was the brisk reply. “ Ill show you everything covered by their op- tion.” They left the office and after several min- utes coaxing Dawson’s ancient automobile rattled off. Dawson kept up a rapid fire conversation about the wonderful possibili- ties the new concern would open up to the town and waxed eloquent as they ap- proached the outskirts of his property. “ That’s the first lot,” he said, waving to the left. ‘Starts right here off the road and runs clear back to the river. Sixty acres. Level as a billiard table and just suited for their needs. , Enough water in that stream to furnish lots of power.” The Langley representative was visibly impressed and Dawson’s hopes went sky- 791 ward. In rapid succession he showed four sites, each of which, he casually remarked, was covered by the “ option just granted.” A few moments later he pointed ahead. ‘“ There’s a piece of land worth a fortune to any man. Especially to a business like yours. Level as a prairie and only half a mile from the railroad.” As he drew to a stop at the spot indicated Stanton half rose from the seat and gazed about enthusiasti- cally. “The very thing!” he exclaimed. ‘“ No need to show me anything else. And this is covered by the option also?” Dawson shook his head affirmatively. “Yes. You see, as I told you, the fellow that called on me seemed anxious to get everything I own. I tried to hold this place here out, but he wouldn’t agree. So I had to meet his demands or lose the whole thing. I’m sorry, young fellow, but you’re too late.” “But isn’t there a chance to do some- thing?” persisted Stanton. “ You might be able to get his people to release this particu- lar spot. Why, Mr. Dawson, it’s the very thing I’ve been looking for. Isn’t there something we might do?” His voice was filled with something akin to pleading as he spoke, and he looked eagerly at Dawson for some sign of encouragement. The latter drew a stubby pipe frém his pocket, filled it leisurely, applied a match and began to puff furiously. For several minutes he did not respond, looking silently over the property which appealed so strong- ly to the Langley representative. “Well, I don’t know,” he said finally. “Business is business you know. Still, there might be a chance some way. But I’m afraid is won’t do any good.” Stanton looked at him quickly. won’t do any good?” ‘““T was thinking about the people that hold the option,’ was the slow answer. ‘“‘ Their man promised to come back to-mor- row and give me definite information. “ Tell you what Ill do,” he continued in a more animated tone. “‘ When their man comes back I'll try to get this place released. That is, if you’re sure your people will agree with your decision.” : “T assure you that they will,” said Stan- “ What COMmicloooks (C@