I want the block, I'll admit that, but I'm not going to have you sacrifice it for me, or for any one else.

I think you can get nine thousand for it.

I know you could if we had a little more time, and I'm not sure but what I could find a purchaser for you within the next week that would give you nine thousand." "Oh, I don't care, Charlie; I'm sick of everything; eight thousand, nine thousand, anything you like; take it at your own figure." Geary began to tremble once more, and this time his excitement was so great that he hardly dared to trust himself to speak; his breath grew short, his hands in his pockets twitched nervously, and curled themselves into fists, his heart seemed to him to beat high in his throat; he hesitated long, pretending to deliberate as he steadied himself.
Vandover remained silent, his hands still clasped back of his head, staring at the opposite wall with eyes that saw nothing.

The little clock began to strike ten.
"I don't know, Van," said Geary; "I don't like to do this, and yet I would like to help you out of this muss.

You see, if I should ever benefit by the property you would feel as though I had taken advantage of you at this time and worked a flim-flam on you!" "Oh, I'll look out for that," returned Vandover.
"No, no, I don't feel quite right about it," answered Geary, wagging his head and shutting his eyes.