Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-02-01

~ YPON the third day after tho
events Of the preceding chap
~ ter Mrs. Main announced d
visitor, handing me at the
same time q card on which was print.
ed with an abundance of 1ourishes and
ornament Mr.. Morris Barnett" He
made a ceremonious entry and politely
discharged a few c%ourtesies ere he got
to business.
Il have ONE over, Mr.. Greatorex,"
said he suavely, ito see if you are at
all disposed to do a client of mine a
great favor"
did not see any very strong reason
why l should favor a client of Mr.,
Morris Barnett, but 1 murmured that
I was always glad to be Of service to
my fellow creatures.
THE fact is. sir" he resumed, laying
his hat and stick upon a chair and
drawing a packet Of papers from his
pocket, my firm has a client who is
related to the ancient VIVIAN family,
the original owners Of this castle. as
you are no doubt aware, and he has
been Informed that you have come into
possession of this very beautiful estate
in accordance With the will, if l mis-
take not, Of the late Nh. Kesteyen."
He looked at me inquiringiy, and I
told him that his information was quite
correct.
Il gather, Nj. Greatorex," he contin-
ued affably, that you have been until
comparatively recently a stranger to
these parts and that, in short, you have
no particular ties in the county?'
THAT is true,'' said L.
MY client, sir, has naturally-you
will understand the motive-a desire to
purchase the property, if YOU are dis
posed to meet him and we can orange
terms. And that, shortly, is the OBJ
ject Of my visit"
Now, you will easily conceive that,
falling i'll the present circumstances,
this set my blood humming. Here was
yet another, and within a few days of
the demise of the old proprietor, who
must needs come clamoring FOR a sale
Of the castle. The fact stirred my Gu
~riosity-nay, to speak truly, intlamed
me with something very like excite
ment.
And what, then, is your proposal,
Mr. Barnett" l asked calmly enough.
l was sharp enough to notice a CLEAN
OF satisfaction pass yer his face. but
he displayed none of his triumph in his
very Dusincsslike tone.
"Ah vp1I Ny Cro,t,,o-.. .o;1 T..
lolling back in his chair. you see these
old places are more matters OF senti-
mental than profitable investment"
True" said l shortly, land men are
usually willing to pay a high price for
sentiment"
"Ah, no, Mr.. Greatorex," said he
promptly, shaking his head, and here
there was a real touch of ~gutturals,
you mistake. My client is not a rich
man, but he bankers after the place of
his fathers. 1t would mean much TO
him.
1T means a good deal to me- said l.
"How much"' said Barnett suddenly.
~"Supposing l said G2O,oO0:'
He held up his hands. My dear sir.
my gear SIT! he repeated and stared
at me as If my audacity had plucked
away his wits.
why nOt!' l asked.
MI. Barnett was thoroughly ENJOYING
himself.
do you know what landed property
Is selling at, Mr.. Greatorex:" he asked
confidentially. ut is practically a drug
In the market, sir, just now
Then" said I. will you kindly OK
plain, Mr.. Barnett, how it comes that
/ have had two offers within Il week
Of my inheritance|
"Ah," he said meditatlvcly, rubbing
his chin.
ut looks as If this particular proncr-
ty was not u drug in tho market.
doesn't IT." J asked.
ITO be sure" he remarked vaguely,
and then. recovering himself. rcsumed
his gentle smile. "But let ,s come bncE
to business. AR. Grcatorex. Shall we
say i5,00OI'
He coocd at me c%nticingly. His az.
sumption that we had wandered into