His face was pale and his manner flustered and nervous.

He was plainly worried.
"Mr.Ryder," he began with excited gesture, "the terms you offer are preposterous.

It would mean disaster to the stockholders.

Our gas properties are worth six times that amount.

We will sell out for twenty millions--not a cent less." Ryder shrugged his shoulders.
"Mr.Herts," he replied coolly, "I am busy to-day and in no mood for arguing.