"There's the block in the Mission.
He can have _that_." Geary began to tremble with excitement.

It looked as though he might be able to make the deal after all.

But the next instant he grew suspicious.

Vandover's indifference puzzled him.

Might he not have some game of his own?
The idea of playing off his cleverness against that of an opponent strung his nerves in an instant; the notion of an impending struggle was almost an inspiration, and his innate desire of getting the better of a competitor, even though it was his closest friend, aroused his wits and sharpened his faculties like a stimulant.