the
biggest real estate propositions ever conceived. Those behind it were
awake to the possibilities of the Cape as a summer resort. Shore land,
water front property in the vicinity, was destined to increase in value,
provided it was properly exploited and developed. The company's idea was
to do just that--exploit and develop.

"We've been quietly looking about," he continued, "and are all ready for
the preliminaries. And naturally, the first preliminary is to secure the
land to develop. You have some of that land, Mr. Paine. We know just how
much, as we do the holdings of every other party we have approached
or intend to approach. I am here to get your figures and, if possible,
conclude the purchase of your property this afternoon. It is Sunday,
of course," he added, with a good-humored laugh, "and contracts signed
to-day are not legal; but we can make a verbal contract and the papers
may be signed later. I will defer my departure until the afternoon train
to-morrow for that purpose. Now name your figure, Mr. Paine."

Of course I had guessed what was coming. If I intended to sell at all
here was my opportunity to do so--to, as Captain Jed expressed it,
"block Colton's game" without sacrificing the principle for which I had
fought, and make a good bit of money for myself. Another home near by
could be secured, I had no doubt, and to it Mother might be safely and
easily moved. Yet I hesitated to express even a qualified willingness.

"You appear to be certain that I will sell," I observed. "Isn't that
taking a good deal for granted, Mr. Keene?"

He smiled--in fact he smiled almost too often to please me. There is
such a thing as being too cordial and good-natured; and he was so very
friendly on short acquaintance.

"I understand," he said. "I have heard about you, Mr. Paine. This,
however, is a different matter. We are not hogs, Mr. Paine, but business
men. If our plans go through, Denboro will be grateful to us and to
you."

"IF they go through? I thought you were certain of their going through."

"Certainly, certainly. There is, of course, an 'if' in all human plans,
but our particular 'if' is a small one. I hope you will name your figure
now, at once. Don't be afraid. We are disposed to be liberal. And,
understand, this is entirely a cash transaction. You shall have the
money in one hand as you sign the contract with the other. Ha! ha! What
is the price to be?"

But I would not name a price. I seemed to feel