"
Again the eyes of the two men met in an exchange of keen looks, Then the
stranger laughed.
"Mr. Duff, I realize that it is a waste of time to try to conceal rather
evident facts from you. I am Frederick Ransom, a special agent for the
Colthwaite Company."
"You are down here to get the contract for filling up the Man-killer
quicksand?" Duff continued, with an air of polite curiosity.
"The contract is not to be awarded," Ransom answered. "The A., G. & N.
M. has decided to do the work itself, with the assistance of two young
engineers who have been retained."
"Reade and Hazelton," nodded Jim Duff.
"Yes."
"They may fail--are almost sure to do so. Then, of course, Mr. Ransom,
you will have a very excellent chance of securing the contract for the
Colthwaite Company."
"Why, yes; if the young men do fail."
"Will you pardon a stranger's curiosity, Mr. Ransom? Have you laid your
plans yet for the way in which the young men are to fail?"
From most strangers this direct questioning would have been offensive.
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