of the mortgage or a renewal, if you're minded to remain."

"You know, John, that you can't; Mr. Menocal has already refused,"
Mrs. Stevenson said, in a low voice.

"I ought to have cash in addition to your farm," her husband insisted.

"You get none," Lee replied. "Well, this trade is what I came to see
you about. From the way you talked when I was here last I supposed you
might consider my offer favourably, but I guess we can't do business.
I'll ride on to Bartolo."

At this statement Mrs. Stevenson wiped her eyes, rose and went into
the inner room, closing the door after her. The engineer moved as if
to depart.

"Now, wait a minute," Stevenson exclaimed.

"Well?"

"I'll take--let me figure a minute."

Bryant tossed his hat on the table in disgust and relighted his
cigarette.

"Stevenson, listen," he began. "You're an older man than I am, but
just the same I'm going to say a few things that you need to hear. I
couldn't say them and wouldn't say them before your wife, but now I'm
going to turn loose. You can do as you damn please about trading, take
my offer or leave it; if you refuse, though, you'll lose both ranch