Otherwise she'll wire Knute, and he'll probably protect her for an interest.' "That made me feel awfully fraudulent, but his smarty remarks about women in the oil business still rankled, so I just sat pretty and blinked like a little owl.

Bell swore.

In his best and most horrible manner, he swore, but--he gave in." "Bob" laughed again, a bit hysterically.

"That's about all, dad.

They agreed to put up the money and carry me--us, I mean--for a quarter interest if I can get the lease from Knute Hoaglund.