The caretaker agreed that the well was pumping one hundred and fifty barrels a day.
Some evasiveness in this fellow's demeanor awoke Gray's suspicion.

A sudden telephone call.

The owner's absence when he expected a purchaser.

Probably somebody else was after the property.

It was decidedly worth while to wait.
Gray was unaccustomed to inattention, incivility, and had anybody except "Bob" Parker put him in this position he would have resented it.
Under the circumstances, however, he could do nothing except cool his heels.