In business the best man wins. The law
upheld those transactions of mine the honesty of which you questioned.
As to mining and water claims, you lost on this technical point--that
you had nothing to prove you had held them for five years. Five
years is the time necessary in law. A dozen men might claim the
source of Forlorn River, but if they had no house or papers to
prove their squatters' rights any man could go in and fight them
for the water. ....Now I want to run that main ditch along the
river, through your farm. Can't we make a deal? I'm ready to be
liberal--to meet you more than halfway. I'll give you an interest
in the company. I think I've influence enough up at the Capitol
to have you reinstated as inspector. A little reasonableness on
your part will put you right again in Forlorn River, with a chance
of growing rich. There's a big future here....My interest, Belding,
has become personal. Radford is in love with your step-daughter.
He wants to marry her. I'll admit now if I had foreseen this
situation I wouldn't have pushed you so hard. But we can square
the thing. Now let's get together not only in business, but in
a family way. If my son's happiness depends upon having this girl,
you may rest assured I'll do all I can to get her for him. I'll
absolutely make good all your losses. Now what do you say?"
"No," replied Belding. "Your money can't buy a right of way across
my ranch. And Nell doesn't want your son.
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