The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1897-03-27

the title"
hold the bargain for you, but can't.
Our people won't let me block the
market, not even when it's to their in
terest to do it."
Philip saw his advantage and pushed
it. II can see the justice OF such rule,
and I'll not ask you to make an excep.
ton in my case. l presume you can
satisfy me as to the soundness of the
title: of course you have an abstract? ?"
Fench bounded from his chair with
something that sounded very Ike an
oath. Excuse me. Mr.. Thorndyke, I've
got an engagement at the bank, and
III have to turn you over to Mr. Sharp
less, our attorney. He'll give you all the
points on the-the title, and so forth.
Just come with me, and I'll introduce
you"
"One moment" interposed Philip. "1f
we're to do business together, it's only
fair that you should know something
about me. If you'll write or telegraph
to Col. A. NJ. Van Colt. Temple Court,
New York, he will have my banker
wire you"
Quite unnecessary, assure you"
objected the manager, who none the
less made hasty note of the address.
"And you'll excuse my hurry. won't
you?"-pushing Philip toward the door
Of the inner Office. II had plum forgot
my appointment, as our Alabama
friends would say. Mr.. Sharpless, make
you acquainted with Mr.. Thorndyke.
He wants to talk title with you on lots
Is and IA, block 49,"
For once in way, Philip regretted
that he could not observe two men at
the same instant. He was sure that the
manager would try to put the lawyer
on his guard, but Sharpless' impassive
face was blandly inscrutable as he rose
and held out his hand. From the fact
that he was Immediately given high
backed chair facing the light of the
window, which made an expressionless
silhouette of the lawyer, Philip argued
that the sign had been passed and I'M
derstood; and the suspicion was con-
6rmed by the first question he was
called upon to answer.
What makes you think that our title
isn't perfect, Mr.. Thorndyke?"
81 beg your pardon; ! had raised no
such question. 1t is merely matter Of
prudence in transaction involving SO
much money that one should be well
assured of his title"
THAT is very true. The lots you
picked out are in n tract formerly
known MS the Gates farm; you can read
the whole history of the tract in the
records at the courthouse"
quite possibly; but one may have
neither the time nor the inclination.
A glance at your abstract would be
quite sufficient for my purpose"
Sharpless swung back in his chair
and slipped his hands into his pockets.
II wish l could oblige YOU" he said.
"but infer you've had little to do with
property in Alabama. Such thing as
an abstract of title is almost unknown
among people who can neither write
their deeds nor read them after they are
written. l began just as you have, and
was glad enough, in the end, to fall
back on the records"
Thorndyke knew this was an answer
that Sharplcss would never have made
to another lawyer, since an abstract is
nothing more than circumstaI.ial his
tory of any given piece of property
compiled from the records; but he was
too shrewd to betray his profession,
and he made no comment.
II suppose you were able to satisfy
yourself that your titles were all
right?"
absolutely; we guarantee to de-
fend our purchasers"
will you allow me to look at your
deeds for the tract in question:"
81 should be glad to, but | can't do
that, either. All the original docu-
ments are on file in the company's Office
in New York"
Philip was beaten for moment, but
lie rallied Immediately. "Will you
authorize my solicitor to examine
them?"
Sharpless lost his head at that, and
Thorndyke gained his point. Ger
tainly not; such proceeding would be
unheard of. Our secretary would
promptly refer the gentleman to me-"
Philip rose and bowed courteously.
I'm sorry we can't arrive at an under
standing; l SHOULD like to have those
lots"
But my dear sir"-Sharpless had
quite recovered his self-control and
was industriously cursing himself for
having made the slp-"can't you see
how unreasonable you are? Don't yo'?