Gray handed him Gus Briskow's option, and the assignment thereof,
the ink upon which was scarcely dry. "There's the joker. It
expires to-morrow night and--it will go to the Nelsons. They've
double-crossed Mr. Briskow."

"Then don't let them get away with it. Take it yourself."

"It is now three o'clock and this is the golfing season in New
York," Gray told him. "I couldn't reach my--associates and get any
action before Monday." "No funds of your own available?"

"Not enough, at such short notice."

"Well?"

"That lease is worth one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, isn't
it?" The banker nodded. "I'm going to sell it before six o'clock
for--eighty thousand. I know people here who will take it, but
I've come first to you. Get together a little syndicate right here
in the bank, and buy it. I'll agree to take it off your hands
within thirty days at one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. In
other words, it is worth to me eighty thousand dollars to have you
carry it for a month."

"Is your guaranty any good?"

"That is for you to determine. Assume that it is not, and I'll
better my first offer. I'll undertake to sell off the land in
twenties right here in Dallas, double your money, and divide the
profits thereafter with you. It is a safe speculation and a quick