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What does it mean?" "It means I've sold the Bluebird claim." "Then, you have been negotiating with the Combine all the time? Why in thunder did you come to me?" "For one thing, we wanted to find out how much you would bid. It would be safe to ask another party more than you would give. We didn't know how much we ought to get." Baumstein clenched his fist.
"You used me for a base to bluff from; reckoning you'd fall back on me if you couldn't put it over?" "No," said Jim. "We didn't mean to deal with you at all. You helped us get a proper price; that was your job." They looked at one another, with mouths set hard, and then Baumstein broke out: "You swine!" "Stop there," said Jim, with ominous quietness.
"Perhaps it's significant that Baumstein made us another offer for the Bluebird." "When did he make the offer?" Jim asked sharply. "When you were ill; I refused. Thought I'd told you. He raised his limit a thousand dollars." "Shucks!" said Jim. "Does the fellow think we'll give him the mine? Anyhow, I'd sooner not sell to Baumstein at all.
He reflected, as he did so, that it was odd that he, who had employed so many doubtful methods to gain financial ends, should feel an inward qualm at the proceeding. Still, he was somewhat amused at the thought that Mr. A. Baumstein might write to him at Banbridge, and he should in that case reply, repeating his own list of qualification for the place.
We're not running a purity campaign, and it looks as if nobody but Baumstein is willing to buy the mine." "Then my proposition is, we hold tight until the Combine come into the field. They'll be forced to get busy before long, and while I don't know if all their deals are straight, they're better than Baumstein's.
Then there's a letter from Baumstein. He'll give us an extra five hundred dollars for the Bluebird." "Ah!" said Carrie. "It's strange he makes the offer when we need money so!" "It is strange," Jake broke in. "Almost looks as if the fellow knew how we were fixed. But we're not sellers, and, for a clever crook, Baumstein is too keen."
When the Count learned that the stout stroke of the battle-axe was caused by the proffer of a bribe for the betraying of the castle, he, to the amazement of all present, begged the pardon of Baumstein; for such a thing was never before known under the feudal law that a noble should apologise to a common man, and Baumstein himself muttered that he wot not what the world was coming to if a mighty Lord might not hang an underling if it so pleased him, cause or no cause.
Martin gave them some useful advice and then went away, and a few days afterwards Baumstein sent a message. Jake played his part well; indulging the other's pretended indifference and arguing for better terms. Sometimes he seemed on the point of yielding, and then on his next visit found grounds for delay. At length, when Baumstein was getting impatient, Jake took Jim to the office.
"I'm back from using the ax in the bush and feel very fit. To put you out of your office would give me the keenest satisfaction and would be cheaper than getting after you through the court." "Shucks!" exclaimed Baumstein. "What are you giving me?" "I reckon you know. You put Davies on our track; he broke the line, and sent a log down on our canoes.
Baumstein's plot had drained their resources and made her suffer. "Martin's plan is best; you must agree," she urged. "Very well," said Jim. "Jake can see the fellow and begin the negotiations; I'll come in afterwards. Jake's something of a philosopher, but I'd probably spoil the plot if I met Baumstein before I cool."
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