Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1906-02-08

&Es Ezzss s<ssEs.sss Sscsssaes
It was from Greenstreet and invited
my considers ton of the offer made by
the London solicitors. They were press
ing to know my price for the castle.
seized a sheet of paper and scrubbed
line, sealing and stamping the envel-
ope ere / went to bed. 1t was merely
to tell Greenstreet that the property
was not in the market.
II UPON the t4ig- ,sy after the
81 B events of the preceding chap
ter Mrs. Main announced a
visitor, handing me at the
same time a card on which was print
ed with an abundance of fiourishes and
ornament Mr.. Morris Barnett" He
made a ceremonious entry and politely
discharged a few courtesies ere he got
to business.
Il have come 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 / should favor a client of Mr..
Morris Barnett, but murmured that
was always glad 10 be of service to
my fellow creatures.
.sThe 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 8aS. hesteyen."
He looked at me i1fuuiringiy, and l
told him that his information was quite
correct.
81 gather, Mr.. Greatorex,' he contin-
ued afably, ssthat you have been until
comparatively recently stranger to
these parts and that, in short, you have
no particular ties in the county9"
'sThat is true, said I.
ssdy client, sir, has naturally-you
viii understand the motive-a desire to
purchase the property, if you are dis
posed to meet him and we can arrange
terms. And that, shortly, is the oD-
ject of my visit"
Now, you viii easily conceive that,
falling in the present circumstances,
this set my blood humming. Here was
vet another, and within few days Of
the demise of the old proprietor, who
must needs come clamoring for sale
of the castle. The fact stirred my GU
riosity nay, to speak truly, infamed
me with something very like excite
ment.
"And what, then, is your proposal,
Mr.. Barnett?' asked calmly enough.
l was sharp enough to notice CLEAN
of satisfaction pass over his face, but
he displayed none of his triumph in his
very businesslike tone.
"Ah, well, Mr.. Greatorex," said he,
lolling back in his chair, syou see these
old places are more matters of senti-
mental than profitable investment"
ssTrue,'' said / shortly, "and men are
usually willing to pay high price for
sentiment
aAh, no, Mr.. Greatorex," said he
promptly, shaking his head, and here
there was a real touch of gutturals,
s.you mistake. My client is not rich
man, but he bankers after the place OF
his fathers. 1t would mean much to
him..
eIt means good deal to me, y said l.
ssHow much?" said Barnett suddenly.
ssSupposing / said f20,000?'
He held up his hands. "AIy dear sir,
my dear sirr' he repeated and stared
at me as if my audacity had plucked
away his wits.
ssWhy not?" asked.
Mr.. Barnett was thoroughly enjoying
himself
sDo you know what landed property
is selling at, Mr.. Greatorex?" he asked
conidentiaIIy. at is practically drug
In the market, sir, just now"
eThen," said I, twill you kindly ex
plain, Mr.. Barnett, how it comes thai
/ have had two offers within week
of my inheritance?"
ssAh," he said meditatively, rubbing
his chin.
1T looks as If this particular proper
ty was not drug in the market
doesn't it?'' asked.
ssTo be sure,' he remarked vaguely
and then. recovering himself, resumed
his gentle smile. But let US come bach
to business, Mr.. Greatorex. Shall We
say f5,0oo?1
He cooed at me enticingly. His as
sumption that we had wandered int
Is. y -