least, in
the sense you imply."

"You have used our money. It is the same thing."

"Oh, not at all I have handled a number of speculations--investments is
a better word--for you and your group and I've made a lot of money for
you. That's the most you expected; that's all I promised. So long as I
continue to do that, my motives, my personal likes and dislikes,
concern you in no wise. Neither are you concerned in the use I make of
my winnings."

"Legitimate competition is one thing; malice, double-dealing,
dishonesty is--"

"Dishonesty?" Gray interrupted, sharply. "I am a quick-tempered man,
Mr. Roswell. I'll ask you to choose your words more carefully."

"Don't you call salting a well dishonest?"

"I do. I didn't salt that Arkansas property--and I assume you refer to
that. In fact, I knew nothing about it, and I so informed Nelson.
Evidently he didn't believe me, and I don't expect you to do so.
Nevertheless, it is true. I have never lied to you, and I never shall.
Now, malice--Yes, I bear malice toward Henry Nelson and I shall
continue to bear him malice long after I have put him in his grave."
Roswell's startled eyes leaped to the speaker's face. "Exactly! I
propose to put him in his grave, and he knows it."

"Nonsense! That's wild talk and you'll regret it. What has he done to
you?"

The object of this inquiry shrugged. "A private matter, purely. As to
double-dealing--is it double-dealing to go to an enemy and tell him
frankly that you intend to down him and how you propose to do it?"

"Did you do that?"

"I did. What is more, I offered to fight fair and he agreed. But, of
course, he broke that, as he feels free to break any agreement when it
becomes onerous or unprofitable. He began by trying to assassinate me."

"What are you saying?" Roswell cried. "This is incredible."

Gray's cigar had gone out; he lighted it with steady and deliberate
fingers before he said: "I am giving you facts. The fighting has not
been all on my side. For instance, I haven't hired men to drop tools in
his wells or run crooked holes, and that sort of thing, as he has. Not
that I wouldn't follow his lead if he forced me to, but I haven't had
to resort to petty annoyances. I haven't had to make any 'small
change,' for I have originality, imagination--even a small amount of
daring, while he--Well, he is obvious. He has nothing except physical
courage. Thank God, he's not a coward! He'll die hard."

"Amazing!" The banker was at