"I'm American, you see," she persisted, "and our American heritage is a
large parcel of business sense. I don't like it myself, but I know I've
got it--at least more than you have. Let us talk it over and find a way
out. How much do you owe?"
"A thousand pounds, and a few trifles over--small bills, you know. Then,
too, thirty of the boys finish their time next week, and their balances
will average ten pounds each. But what is the need of bothering your
head with it? Really, you know--"
"What is Berande worth?--right now?"
"Whatever Morgan and Raff are willing to pay for it." A glance at her
hurt expression decided him. "Hughie and I have sunk eight thousand
pounds in it, and our time. It is a good property, and worth more than
that. But it has three years to run before its returns begin to come in.
That is why Hughie and I engaged in trading and recruiting. The _Jessie_
and our stations came very near to paying the running expenses of
Berande."
"And Morgan and Raff offered you what?"
"A thousand pounds clear, after paying all bills."
"The thieves!" she cried.
"No, they're good business men, that is all. As they told me, a thing is
worth no more than one is willing to pay or to receive."
"And how much do you need to carry on Berande for three years?" Joan
hurried on.
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