We were, in fact, commissioned at the same time and place, but Colonel Nelson received his a moment earlier than I received mine, therefore he outranked me.

Now then, permit me to retire while you and he--" "Oh, there's nothing confidential about what I have to say.

It's good news for my partner, and I'm sure he'd love to share it." To Nelson she announced, "Pete has a showing of oil!" The vice-president of the bank murmured something which was lost in Gray's quick inquiry: "Partner?
Are you a partner of Colonel Nelson's ?" "After a fashion.

We own a twenty-acre lease west of 'Burk'-- that is, I have a quarter interest and Henry is putting down a well.

I drove out there, and his driller told me it is looking good." Gray turned a keenly inquisitive gaze upon his enemy, and what he saw, or fancied he saw, gave him the thrill of a new discovery.