Springer

Appellant Springer brought this action against respondent Singleton seeking damages on the ground that Singleton had induced Jerome Siemsen, George Siemsen and Jean Taylor (Siemsen) Rich to breach their contract to sell certain real property to him. The trial court entered judgment in favor of respondent Singleton, and Springer appeals.

There is little dispute as to the facts. The Siemsens owned a tract of land in Lake County known as the ‘1 Slaughter House Property.” Springer, a real estate broker, knew the property was for sale, and had shown it to prospective buyers on several occasions. Singleton, a school teacher, was a neighbor of Springer’s. He became interested in the purchase of the Siemsen property and talked with Springer about it. Springer and Singleton decided to acquire the property together. Springer visited the sellers on May 6, 1961, and discussed the proposed sale with them. On May 15th, Springer and Singleton opened an escrow with Lakeport Title Guaranty Company. Springer deposited $1,000 in the escrow; Singleton deposited $5,000.

On May 22d, Springer, for tenuous reasons stated in his testimony, and without Singleton’s knowledge, ordered the escrow at the…