ght I might be a sort of--er--agent
for you. I've handled consider'ble real estate in my time--and--you see
what I mean, don't you?"

"Yes," I said, drily; "I see. Well, Sim, if I decide to engage an agent
I'll let you know. Good morning."

"But, hold on, Ros! I--"

I did not "hold on." I walked across the road and entered the bank.
Alvin Baker met me in the vestibule. He seized my hand and shook it
violently.

"I declare," he exclaimed, "it does me good to shake hands with a feller
that's got the grit you have. It does so! We're all proud of you."

"Much obliged, Alvin, I'm sure. But why?"

He winked and nudged me with his elbow.

"You know why, all right," he whispered. "Wouldn't sell him the land,
would you? Tell me: Did he make you a real bid for it? Lute as much as
said he did."

For a person who had told nothing, Lute seemed to have "as much as said"
a good many things. I shook my head.

"So you think I shouldn't sell the land?" I asked.

"Course you shouldn't--not to him. Ain't there such things as public
spirit and independence? But I'll tell you somethin' more, Ros,"
mysteriously. "You may have a chance to sell it somewhere else."

"Indeed?"

"Yes, sir-ee! indeed! There's other public-spirited folks in Denboro as
well as you. I know who they be and I stand in with 'em pretty close,
too. I'm goin' to help you all I can."

"That's very kind of you, Alvin."

"No, no. I'm glad to do it. Shan't charge you nothin', neither."

"That's kinder still."

"No, 'tain't. . . Hold on a minute, Ros. Don't go. As I say, I'm goin'
to work tooth and nail to get the town to buy that Lane property of
yours. I'll stick out for you're gettin' a good price for it. I'll use
all my influence."

"Thank you."

"You needn't thank me. It's a matter of principle. We'll show these city
folks they ain't the whole ship, cargo and all. . . . Hold on a second
more. Ros, I--er--I wonder if you'd do a little favor for me."

"What is it, Alvin?"

"Why, it's this way. I've got a note here in the bank; put it there when
I bought the power engine for my cat-boat. Hundred and fifty dollars,
'tis. You're a pretty good friend of George Taylor, cashier here, and I
was wonderin' if you'd mind puttin' in a word with him about my gettin'
it renewed when it comes due. Just tell him you think I'm all right, and
a good risk, or somethin' like that."

I could not help smiling. Alvin seemed to find encouragement in the
smile.

"Georg