seemed to know most of Bill Steele's plans and to see most clearly where they would end, were Joe Embry, Flash Truitt the gambler, and Jim Banks, Sheriff.
- "The war is on!"
wrote Steele to Beatrice.
"God save the Queen now!"
And Beatrice, having given a grave ear to the many persistent rumours, summoned Booth Stanton and Ed Hurley to a conference at which, through her request, Joe Embry also was present.
"He is a fool," cried Stanton.
"No fool, Bill Steele," muttered Hurley.
"A dangerous man, dear lady," cautioned Embry. "He must be broken before he grows to be an actual menace. He is vindictive."
At which Stanton scoffed and Hurley scowled while Beatrice reserved judgment.
"Everything in reach that Steele hasn't bought up," offered Embry thoughtfully, "he has an option on. There's something back of it."
"Bluff," snorted Booth Stanton. "Just colossal bluff. Next thing will come an offer to buy out some of Miss Corliss' interests. Summit City, perhaps."
"Keep informed of everything he does," commanded Beatrice at the end of the conference, "and let me know immediately. Mr. Embry," as Hurley and Stanton took their leave, "I have grown into the way of calling upon you so frequently that I wonder if I am not abasing your generosity?"
