Gray was forced reluctantly to admit that his enemy was more strongly intrenched than he had supposed; careful study of the data showed that the Nelson acreage had been well selected and that it was scientifically "checkerboarded" throughout the various fields.

What was more significant was the amount of proven or semiproven stuff.
"It took work and money to get together that group of leases," Brick Stoner declared, after he had checked them off.

"That's one of the best layouts in Texas, and they're shaped up to put over a big deal if they want to." "They lack production," said Gray.
"Sure! But they'll have it before long.

Lookit the wells they're putting down and that's going down around 'em." The former speaker chewed his cigar thoughtfully for a while, then: "I don't believe they contemplate a big deal.

They're not that sort.