But if
there's any doubt in your mind as to my qualifications, you can check
with Colonel Taylor, at the State Museum, or with the editor of the
_American Rifleman_."
"I see." Goode nodded. "And as you point out, being a sort of
non-professional expert, you should be free from mercenary bias." He
nodded again, taking off his glasses and polishing them on an outsize
white handkerchief. "Frankly, now that I understand your purpose, Mr.
Rand, I must say that I am quite glad that Mrs. Fleming took this step.
I was perplexed about how to deal with that collection. I realized that
it was worth a great deal of money, but I haven't the vaguest idea how
much, or how it could be sold to the best advantage.... At a rough guess,
Mr. Rand, how much do you think it ought to bring?"
Rand shook his head. "I only saw it twice, the last time two years ago.
Ask me that after I've spent a day or so going over it, and I'll be able
to give you an estimate. I will say this, though: It's probably worth a
lot more than the ten thousand dollars Arnold Rivers has offered for it."
That produced an unexpected effect. Goode straightened in his chair,
gobbling in surprised indignation.
"Arnold Rivers? Has he had the impudence to try to buy the collection?"
he demanded.
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