Page:Man's Country (1923).pdf/262

 Blodgett, Tompkins, and Haley having "ribbed him for a take-off" as he dubbed the process in his mind.

"Then call up Blodgett and ask him to give you till two o'clock to reach a decision," urged Mumford eagerly. "I believe before two o'clock I can interest somebody else."

"You're on," said George tersely; "and I'm certainly much obliged to you, Mr. Mumford."

It never occurred to him to doubt old Simon. It seemed perfectly reasonable to hope that Simon could find some one to take his bonds when George could not, because he was so obviously an interested party, while Simon's approval alone was almost the underwriting of a bond. He merely turned to the 'phone, called up Blodgett, secured the necessary respite, and fidgeted in his chair, pretending to work but accomplishing nothing, until half past one when the voice of Simon was heard upon the wire vibrating with excitement.

"You're saved, George," he gurgled exultantly. "You're saved, at least, from those three . Templeton & Co. will underwrite the bonds—although they demand the same slice as the other fellows, 15,000 shares of common."

George, greatly relieved for a moment, felt his spirits suddenly sag. He had been hoping against this—hoping that Simon would drive