“I didn’t invite you here to sell you—­the Skandinavia,” Peterman blustered, giving way to anger he could not restrain.

“No.  And I didn’t accept your invitation for the purpose of selling—­Sachigo.  If there’s any buying and selling going on you’d best understand quite clearly I am the buyer.”

There was a dangerous light in Bull’s eyes levelled so steadily on the angry face of the Swede.

“Then—­it’s war?”

Bull shrugged at the challenge.

“I’m quite indifferent,” he said coldly.

There was a moment of tense silence.  Then the Swede smiled.

“You’re ready then to let the fool public benefit at your expense?”

“No.”  A smile of real humor flashed in Bull’s eyes.  “At yours.”

“You mean—­you think to—­smash us?”

“Just as sure as the sun’ll rise to-morrow.  Just as sure as Providence set up forest and water powers on Labrador such as you’ve never dreamed of since you forgot your boyhood.  Just as sure as your Shagaunty’s played out and you need to start in on fresh limits you aren’t sure of yet.  Just as sure as they’re going to cost you a heap more than when you were busy treating the fortune that Shagaunty handed you like the worst fool-head spendthrift who ever broke a bank at the gambling tables.”

Bull rose abruptly from his chair.

“I’m obliged for this interview, Mr. Peterman,” he went on.  “It’s suited me.  That’s why I came along down in a hurry.  You’re fortunate in that lady representative.  Her tact and persuasion left me feeling you had a real proposition that was worth considering.  I guess she’ll go a long way for you, and if there’s any live person can help your ship along, she’s that live person.  But you can’t buy me, and you can’t smash me.  I mean that.  You see, I know your position.  It’s my job to know the position of any possible competitor, and naturally I know yours.  Your Shagaunty’s run dry, and, well, I don’t need to tell you all that means to you.”  He dropped the stump of his cigar into an ash tray.  “That’s a good cigar,” he went on with a derisive smile.  “Thanks.  Good-bye.”

* * * * *

Bull was at the telephone again.  He was again smiling at the insurance advertisement.  But now his smile was of a different quality.  It was full of delighted anticipation.

“Oh, yes,” he was saying.  “I spent quite a pleasant ha’f hour with him.  I enjoyed it immensely.  Yes.  He seems to be the man to run an enterprise like yours.  He certainly has both initiative and confidence.  A little hasty in judgment, I think.  But—­yes, I’d like to tell you all about it.  What are you doing this evening?  Oh, resting.  I suppose you eat while resting.  Yes.  It’s necessary, isn’t it?  Anyway I find it so.  Eh?  Oh, yes.  You see, I’ve a big frame to support.  Will you help me to support it this evening?  I mean dinner here?  Will you?  Oh, that’s fine.  I’d love to tell you about it all.  Fine.  Right.  Eight o’clock then.  I’ll go and arrange it all now.  It shall be a very special dinner, I promise you.  Good-bye.”