Gideon sat back in his chair, considering the request. No one had warned him this might happen, so he wasn’t sure what he was expected to do. On the other hand, if he hadn’t been warned, he was probably expected to do what he would normally do in a situation like this. So, he already knew exactly what to do. “You could, of course, simply explain the situation to Mr. Coleman as you have just done to me and ask him to cancel the contract.”

For a moment, Waterson looked hopeful but then common sense prevailed. “He’s not likely to do that, though, is he?”

Gideon shrugged apologetically. “Although I warned Mr. Coleman that he may well not strike oil on this land, he seems convinced that he will. Since that is the case, he is unlikely to cancel the contract.”

“But if I convinced him to, he could, couldn’t he?”

“Of course, but how would you convince him?” Gideon asked with a worried frown. “I can’t condone anything that might be illegal or even unethical.”

“Would buying him out be illegal or unethical?” Waterson asked, his black mood having lifted considerably.

“Not at all, but I thought—” Gideon caught himself. He certainly didn’t want to talk Waterson out of his plan.

“I know what you thought, Mr. Bates,” Waterson said confidently. “You thought we were selling the land because my relatives desperately needed the money.”

“It isn’t my place to speculate about such things, Mr. Waterson.”

“But you are entitled to your opinion, and I admit I gave Mr. Coleman that impression. But I assure you, things are not nearly as desperate as all that.”

“So you would be in a position to offer Mr. Coleman some financial remuneration for his trouble?”

“That seems like the only thing likely to convince him, doesn’t it?” Waterson asked cheerfully.

“I’ve found that money often has that effect on people.”

Waterson was nodding his agreement. “I don’t suppose you have any idea how much it would take to convince Coleman.”

“I couldn’t possibly guess. As I said, Mr. Coleman is hoping to become a millionaire oil man.”

Waterson ran a hand over his face. “Maybe I can explain to him that it’s not very likely.”

“That would certainly help you, but you’ll need to take it up with Mr. Coleman.”

Waterson studied Gideon for a long moment. “Maybe I could bring him here to talk it over. You can help by reminding him of your warnings.”

Gideon wouldn’t have missed that opportunity for the world. “And we’d need to draw up the quitclaim if Mr. Coleman does agree to cancel the contract with you, so meeting here does make sense.”

“Maybe you could have it ready for him to sign, just in case.”