es,
that we cannot burden ourselves by such a course, preferring to
run the risk of an immediate loss. This, however, we hope that the
historical character of the property and its great natural
advantages as a residential estate will avert, or at the least
minimise.

"Be so good as to advise us by an early post of the steps you take
in pursuance of these instructions.

"We are, dear sir,
"Your obedient servants,
"Cossey & Son.

"W. Quest, Esq.

"P.S.--We have thought it better to address you direct in this
matter, but of course you will communicate the contents of this
letter to Mr. Edward Cossey, and, subject to our instructions,
which are final, act in consultation with him."

"Well," said Mr. Quest to himself, as he folded up the sheet of paper,
"that is about as straight as it can be put. And this is the time that
the old gentleman chooses to ask for another four thousand. He may
ask, but the answer will be more than he bargains for."

He rose from the chair and began to walk up and down the room in
evident perplexity. "If only," he said, "I had twenty-five thousand, I
would take up the mortgages myself and foreclose at my leisure. It
would be a good investment at that figure, even as things are, and
besides, I should like to have that place. Twenty-five thousand, only
twenty-five thousand, and now when I want it I have not got it. And I
should have had it if it had not been for that tiger, that devil
Edith. She has had more than that out of me in the last ten years, and
still she is threatening and crying for more, more, more. Tiger; yes,
that is the name for her, her own name, too. She would coin one's
vitals into money if she could. All Belle's fortune she has had, or
nearly all, and now she wants another five hundred, and she will have
it too.

"Here we are," and he drew a letter from his pocket written in a bold,
but somewhat uneducated, woman's hand.

"Dear Bill," it ran, "I've been unlucky again and dropped a pot. Shall
want 500 pounds by the 1st October. No shuffling, mind; money down;
but I think that you know me too well to play any more larx. When can
you tear yourself away, and come and give your E---- a look? Bring
some tin when you come, and we will have times.--Thine, The Tiger."

"The Tiger, yes, the Tiger," he gasped, his face workin