Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter IV
Magnushadhereblunderedagain,andtheLeague’sagentsinSanFranciscohadwrittentowarnhimthattheRailroadmightbeabletotakeadvantageofatechnicality,andbypretendingthatneitherQuienSabenorLosMuertoswereincludedintheappeal,attempttoputitsdummybuyersinpossessionofthetworanchesbeforetheSupremeCourthandeddownitsdecision.TheninetydaysallowedfortakingthisappealwerenearlyatanendandafterthentheRailroadcouldact.OstermanandMagnusatoncedecidedtogouptothecity,therejoiningAnnixter(whohadbeenabsentfromQuienSabeforthelasttendays),andtalkthematteroverwithLyman.Lyman,becauseofhispositionasCommissioner,mightbecognisantoftheRailroad’splans,and,atthesametime,couldgivesoundlegaladviceastowhatwastobedoneshouldthenewrumourprovetrue.
“Say,”remarkedOsterman,asthetrainpulledoutoftheBonnevillestation,andthetwomensettledthemselvesforthelongjourney,“sayGovernor,what’sallupwithBuckAnnixterthesedays?He’sgotabeanaboutsomething,sure.”
“Ihadnotnoticed,”answeredMagnus.“Mr.Annixterhasbeenawaysometimelately.IcannotimaginewhatshouldkeephimsolonginSanFrancisco.”
“That’sit,”saidOsterman,winking.“Havethreeguesses.Guessrightandyougetacigar.Iguessg-i-r-lspellsHilmaTree.AndalittlewhileagoshequitQuienSabeandhikedoutto’Frisco.SodidBuck.DoIdrawthecigar?It’suptoyou.”“Ihavenoticedher,”observedMagnus.“Afinefigureofawoman.Shewouldmakesomemanagoodwife.
