The Winning of Barbara Worth eBook

He paused for an answer, but was forced to continue.  “Let me explain more fully than I could outline in my letter just what we propose doing.  The King’s Basin Land and Irrigation Company, Mr. Worth, will not confine its operations simply to furnishing water for the reclamation and development of these lands.  That is no more than the beginning—­the basis of our operations.  With the settlement and improvement of the country will come many other openings for profitable investments—­townsites, transportation lines, telephones, electric power, banking and all that, you understand.  Our connections and resources make it possible for us to finance any industry or operation that promises attractive returns, while our position as the originators of the whole King’s Basin movement and the owners of the irrigation system will give us tremendous advantage over any outside capital that may attempt to come in later, and will make competition practically impossible.”

“I figured that was the way you would do it,” was the unemotional reply.

More than ever James Greenfield wanted this man.  He considered carefully a few minutes, with no help from Jefferson Worth, then tried again.  “If you feel that our proposition to you is not liberal enough, Mr. Worth, I am prepared to double our offer.”

If the financier from New York thought to startle this little western banker with a proposal that was more than princely he failed.  His words seemed to have no effect.  It was as though he talked to a marble figure of a man.

“I appreciate your proposition, but must decline it.”

“May I ask your reason, sir?”

“I must decline to give any.”

The other arose, the light of battle in his eyes, for to James Greenfield’s mind there could be only one possible meaning in the answer.  “That is, of course, your privilege, Mr. Worth,” he said coldly.  And then with the weight of conscious power he added:  “But I’ll tell you this, sir:  if you think you can enter The King’s Basin in opposition to our Company you’re making the mistake of your life.  We’ll smash you, with your limited resources, so flat that you’ll be glad for a chance to make the price of a meal.  Good day, sir!”

“Good day.”

Before the great capitalist was out of the building, Jefferson Worth was bending over the papers on his desk again as though declining to accept flattering offers from gigantic corporations was an hourly occurrence.

CHAPTER X.

BARBARA’S LOVE FOR THE SEER.

Jefferson Worth had not proceeded far with the work before him after James Greenfield left when he was again interrupted.  This time it was the voice of Barbara in the other room.

The banker lifted his head quickly.  Again he pushed his papers from him, but now the movement seemed to indicate weariness and uncertainty rather than readiness for action.  His head dropped forward, his thin fingers nervously tapped the arms of his chair.  When the girl’s step sounded at the door he looked up the fraction of a second before she appeared.