Thomas looked at Rosaline as she sat in silence. “Is something the matter? Do you not think this is a good idea?”
“No it's not that, it sounds like it could be the answer to our prayers,” She looked at Arthur. “Did you say his name was Higgs?”
“Yes, Elroy Higgs.”
“Do you know him?” Thomas asked with concern.
“I'm not sure.” She frowned as she searched her memory while bouncing Robbie on her hip. “Probably just sounds similar to someone else.” She smiled at Thomas. “I think you should meet Mr. Higgs and see for yourself.”
Thomas turned to his father. “Alright, we can meet this Mr. Higgs in the morning.
***
Arthur followed his son into the Three-Guns saloon as the doors swung shut behind them. Elroy Higgs was already sitting at a table in the corner with a pint of beer in front of him as they picked their way through the tables and pulled out their chairs.
Elroy stood and offered his hand to Thomas. “Elroy Higgs, pleased to meet you, Mr. Stratton.”
“Please call me Thomas,” he said as he shook the man's hand.
“I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to dispense with formalities.” Elroy smiled and gestured for the men to sit. “I presume your father has brought you up to speed with everything we discussed last night?”
“He has informed me of your discussions, I just have a few questions of my own if you don't mind, Mr. Higgs.”
“Elroy, please, and of course not. I would doubt your capabilities if you didn't have any questions for me. A wise man always makes sure of what he's getting himself into.”
“Firstly I would like to know how you came to know about our ranch? My father tells me that it was a coincidence?”
Elroy smiled. “Call it divine providence if you will. I was looking to expand my business in these parts, and at first, I didn't think I would have any luck, but then the darndest thing happened. I came across your sheriff, and as we got to talking, he mentioned that he knew of someone that may be able to point me in the right direction. And the rest, as you know, is history. Quite fortuitous wouldn't you say? As if somebody wanted us to meet.”
Thomas stroked his circle beard. “Quite fortuitous, yes. And you are apprised of our financial difficulties?”
“Oh yes,” Elroy nodded vigorously. “I have already worked the terms of repayment into the contract.” He leant under the table and retrieved a brown leather bag. Flicking the metal clasps open, he retrieved a stack of papers.
“That was awfully fast.” Thomas raised a brow and looked at the man.
Elroy cleared his throat. “It was quite fortunate that there is a typist in the next town. I asked around and was eventually pointed in the right direction,” he explained and held the papers out to Thomas.
Arthur watched as he hesitated but eventually took the papers and skimmed through the pages.
“Will you allow me a few days to carefully read through everything and decide?”
Arthur held his breath as he saw the veil that fell over Elroy's face.
“Well you see I have other offers in the next town,” Elroy's body stiffened. “I'm in a hurry to get back to my own ranch, so if you aren't sure I think I had better take these to the other man.” He reached for the papers.
Thomas pulled them out of his reach and stared down at the papers.
Arthur wrung his hands under the table as he waited for Thomas to decide.
Thomas bit his lower lip as he looked at Elroy Higgs. “Do you have a pen?”
Elroy smiled as his posture loosened. “You are a wise man indeed Thomas,” he smiled, and handed Thomas a pen from inside his bag.
Arthur swore that he noticed a smirk on the man's face as Thomas signed the papers, but shrugged it off as the pen and papers were handed over to him.
“Wise men indeed,” Elroy Higgs smiled as the pen scratched across the paper.
Chapter Twenty
