"Yes; I wanted the ranch. I
realized I could do things with it that nobody else in this county
could do or would even think of doing."
"Perhaps you are right. For the sake of argument, I will admit that
you are right. Now then, to business. This ranch is worth a million
dollars, and at the close of the exemption period your claim against it
will probably amount to approximately three hundred thousand dollars,
principal and interest. If I can induce somebody to loan me three
hundred thousand dollars wherewith to redeem this property, I can get
the ranch back."
"Naturally."
"Not much use getting it back, however, unless I can raise another
hundred thousand to restock it with pure-bred or good-grade Herefords
and purchase modern equipment to operate it." Parker nodded
approvingly. "Otherwise," Farrel continued, "the interest would eat me
alive, and in a few years I'd be back where I started."
"Do you think you can borrow four hundred thousand dollars in San
Marcos County, Mr. Farrel?"
"No, sir. No private loan of that magnitude can be floated in this
country. You control the only bank in the county that can even
consider it--and you'll not consider it."
"Hardly."
"Added to which handicap, I have no additional security to offer in the
shape of previous reputation for ability and industry. I am the last
of a long line of indolent, care-free spendthrifts.
Pages:
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125