“I do not relish any such process,” stated Baker formally, “and would avoid it if possible.  Nevertheless, if the situation comes squarely up to me, I shall meet it.”

“I suppose you have thought what decent men——­”

Baker held up one hand.  This was the first physical movement he had made.

“Pardon me,” he interrupted.  “Let us understand, once and for all, that I intend to defend myself when attacked.  Personally I do not think that either Mr. Welton or myself are legally answerable for what we have done.  I regret to observe that you, among others, think differently.  If the whole matter were to be dropped at this point, I should rest quite content.  But if the matter is not dropped”—­at last he let his uplifted hand fall, “if the matter is not dropped,” he repeated, “my sense of justice is strong enough to feel that every one should stand on the same footing.  If I am to be dragged into court, so must others.”

Bob stood thoughtful for a moment.

“I guess that’s all,” said he, and walked out.

As the door closed behind him, Baker reached forward to touch one of several buttons.  To the uniformed messenger who appeared he snapped out the one word, “Oldham!” A moment later the land agent stood before the wide mahogany desk.

“Orde has just been here,” stated Baker crisply.  “He wanted to know if I intended to jail Welton on that old bribery charge.  I told him I did.”

“How did he take it?”

“As near as I can tell he is getting obstinate.  You claimed very confidently you could head off his testimony.  Up to date you haven’t accomplished much.  Make good.”

“I’ll head him off,” stated Oldham grimly, “or put him where he belongs.  I’ve saved a little persuasion until all the rest had failed.”

“How?”

“That I’ll tell you in time, but not now.  But I don’t mind telling you that I’ve no reason to love this Orde—­or any other Orde—­and I intend to get even with him on my own account.  It’s a personal and private matter, but I have a club that will keep him.”

“Why the secrecy?”

“It’s an affair of my own,” insisted Oldham, “but I have it on him.  If he attempts to testify as to the Basin lands, I’ll have him in the penitentiary in ten days.”

“And if he agrees?”

“Then,” said Oldham quietly, “I’ll have him in the pen a little later—­after the Basin matter is settled once and for all.”

Baker considered this a little.

“My judgment might be worth something as to handling this,” he suggested.

“The matter is mine,” said Oldham firmly, “and I must choose my own time and place.”

“Very well,” Baker acquiesced; “but I’d advise you to tackle Orde at once.  Time is short.  Try out your club to see if it will work.”

“It will work!” stated Oldham confidently.