I am willing to do that now."
"Well, of course if you're so ready to do that," replied
the farmer, and Ned thought he caught a glance pass between
him and one of the men in the auto, "if you're ready to do
that, just hand over three thousand dollars, and we'll call
it a day's work. It's really worth more, but I'll say three
thousand for a quick settlement."
"Why, this barn," cried Ned, "isn't worth half that! I
know something about real estate values, for our bank makes
loans on farms around here--"
"Your bank ain't made me no loans, young man!" snapped Mr.
Kanker. "I don't need none. My place is free and clear! And
three thousand dollars is the price of my barn you've
knocked to smithereens. If you don't want to pay, I'll find
a way to make you. And I'll hold you, or your tank, as you
call it, security for my damages! You can take your choice
about that."
"You can't hold us!" cried Tom. "Such things aren't done
here!"
"Well, then, I'll hold your tank!" cried the farmer. "I
guess it'll sell for pretty nigh onto what you owe me,
though what it's good for I can't see.
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