Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/411

 be exorbitant, but if we can trim them down to decent proportions we will do well to hush the matter up. It will keep out the Consolidated and we will be able to save our face. Needless to say, never again will I be caught in such a trap.”

“I should imagine once would do for a lifetime,” sarcastically replied Thaxter. “Well, it’s like taking a nasty dose of medicine, but if we must go through with it, we must. If it wasn’t for the Consolidated people I’d never consent to any compromise. He might steal my timber, but he should never sell it to me.”

“Very well,” said Hatton, his heart beating high with elation as he believed the worst of the storm was past; “he’ll be here at eight o’clock in the morning to discuss the matter with you.”

“What! he’ll make appointments, set the hour, and tell me when he’ll see me?” fumed Thaxter. “I’ll not see him.”

“But, my dear sir; he undoubtedly realized you are a very busy man and must be seen at that hour, or not at all,” soothed Hatton.

“I can’t see him after that hour, but—well, well, what’s the use. Send word to the scoundrel that he may call on me here at the hour