ling to offer," continued Beechnut, "to either B. or
C."

"That is, either to you or me," said Stuyvesant.

"Yes," said Phonny, "I understand so far. But what is that about
priority."

"Priority," said Beechnut, "means precedence in respect to time."

"That is harder to understand than priority," said Phonny.

"The question is," continued Beechnut, "which must be considered as
first in order of time, the one who had the offer first, or the one
who accepted first."

"The one who accepted first," said Phonny.

"You are not to decide the question," said Beechnut. "I was only
explaining to you what the question is. You must carry the paper to
Mr. Wallace and get his opinion."

"But Beechnut," said Phonny, "why don't you tell him all about it,
just as it was, instead of making up such a story about A. B. and C.
and priority."

"Why, when we refer a case to an umpire for decision," said Beechnut,
"it is always best, when we can, to state the principle of the
question in general terms, so that he can decide it in the abstract,
without knowing who the real parties are, and how they are to be
affected by his decision. Here's Mr. Wallace now, who would not like
very well to decide in favor of his brother and against you, even if
he thought that his brother was in the right. But by not letting him
know any thing but the general principle he can decide just as he
thinks, without fear that you would think him partial."

"Well," said Phonny, "I will carry him the paper."

"You must only give him the paper," said Beechnut, "and not tell him
any thing about the case yourself."

"No," said Phonny, "I will not."

"For if you do," continued Beechnut, "he will know who the parties
are, and then he will not like to decide the question."

"Well," said Phonny, "I will not tell him."

"Let Stuyvesant go with you," said Beechnut.

"Well," said Phonny.

Phonny accordingly took the paper and went into the house with
Stuyvesant. He led the way up into his cousin Wallace's room. He found
Wallace seated at his table in his alcove, where he usually studied.
The curtains were both up, which was the signal that Phonny might go
and speak to him.

Phonny and Stuyvesant accordingly walked up to the table, and Wallace
asked them if they wished to speak to him.

[Illustration: THE APPEAL.]

Phonny handed him the paper.

"There," said he, "is a case for you to decide."

Wallace took the paper and read it. He said nothing, but se