The forty
thousand dollars which was to be stolen was supposed by the other
members of the syndicate to be real money. It was for this that the
syndicate insured Norcross. But, instead, he substituted counterfeits,
if, indeed, most of the supposed money was not just blank paper."
"He is a real financier, eh?"
"Yes, but he didn't take into consideration that he had scoundrels just
as shrewd as himself to deal with. For instance, I believe when the
truth is known, it will be found out that the syndicate was going to
beat Norcross. But that is mere supposition. The tug of war is coming
soon. It will take place at the ranch of Colonel Billings."
"I thought you believed in him."
"I do. I have made a few inquiries about him. I wanted to find out what
sort of a chap he was before taking you and your aunt out to his place.
Every one speaks of him as one of the leading men in the county and
State."
"Then why should he be drawn into this mess?"
"I think he has done it unconsciously. He has a partner who has invested
money in Billings' cattle.
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