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Kyne, Peter B. (Peter Bernard), 1880-1957

"The Valley of the Giants"

I
understand what even my uncle doesn't suspect at present, and that is
that you're the directing genius of the Northern California Oregon
Railroad and hiding behind your friend Ogilvy. Now, listen to me,
Bryce Cardigan: You're never going to build that road. Do you
understand?"
The suddenness of her attack amazed him to such an extent that he did
not take the trouble to contradict her. Instead he blurted out,
angrily and defiantly: "I'll build that road if it costs me my life--
if it costs me you. Understand! I'm in this fight to win."
"You will not build that road," she reiterated.
"Why?"
"Because I shall not permit you to. I have some financial interest in
the Laguna Grande Lumber Company, and it is not to that financial
interest that you should build the N.C.O."
"How did you find out I was behind Ogilvy?"
"Intuition. Then I accused you of it, and you admitted it."
"I suppose you're going to tell your uncle now," he retorted
witheringly.
"On the contrary, I am not. I greatly fear I was born with a touch of
sporting blood, Mr. Cardigan, so I'm going to let you two fight until
you're exhausted, and then I'm going to step in and decide the issue.
You can save money by surrendering now. I hold the whip hand."
"I prefer to fight. With your permission this bout will go to a
knockout.


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