you, Mrs.
Hammond, that these men are trying to trick you."

"I dunno you, young man; but I _do_ know my own mind. This man, Spink, has
finally made me a good offer for Hillcrest Farm."

"And if you don't sign that paper at once, ma'am," suggested the lawyer,
softly, "the deal is off."

"That's right," declared Spink, rising. "I've made my last offer--take
it or leave it."

"How much do they offer you for the farm, Mrs. Hammond--if that's not a
rude question?" demanded Harris.

"Never _you_ mind!" blustered Spink.

But Aunt Jane stated the amount frankly.

"It's worth more," said Harris, sharply.

"I expect it is; but it ain't worth no more to me," replied the old lady,
calmly.

"I'll raise their offer a hundred dollars," said Harris, quickly. "My
name's Colesworth. My father and I are well known here and in Easthampton.
We are amply able to pay you cash for the place."

"Well, now," observed Aunt Jane, with satisfaction, while the girls
stared at the young fellow in wonder, "you are talking business. A hundred
dollars more is not to be sneezed at----"

"We'll raise the young man's bid another hundred, Mrs. Hammond,"
interposed the lawyer, eagerly. "But you must sign the agreement----"

"Raise you another hundred," said Harris.

The lawyer looked at his client for instructions. Professor Spink's face
was of an apoplectic hue and his eyes fairly snapped.

"No, no!" he shouted, pounding one fat fist into his other hand. "I know
this smooth swindler. He did me once before just this way. He sha'n't do
it now. He's got some inside information about that farm. It's all off!
I wouldn't buy the old place now at any price!"

He grabbed his hat and rushed for the door. The little lawyer followed,
seized his coattails, and tried to drag him back; but Professor Spink was
the heavier, and he steamed out into the hall, towing the lawyer, opened
the door, and finally dashed down the steps. He and his legal adviser
disappeared from sight.

"Well, young man," said Mrs. Hammond, calmly, "I expect you know what you
have done? You've spoiled that sale for me; I may hold you to your offer."

"If you want to, I shall not worry," laughed Harris, sitting down. "But
let us tell you all about it, Mrs. Hammond, and then I believe you will
think twice before you sell Hillcrest at _any_ price."

* * * * *

Right in that boarding-house parlor was laid the foundation of the now
very