led the superscription on the warranty deed.

"Exactly," said Colonel Doller, with a genial smile. "Now, as I was
about to remark, it is notorious that this property of yours is situate
in the very heart of the delectable tract known to the world as the
North Shore. I do not exaggerate when I say, in the language of my
popular brochure entitled, 'Homes for the Homeless,' that the North
Shore offers inducements, both for the living and for the dead, which
are not met with in any other part of our growing community.
Recognizing the merit of these inducements, immigration has turned its
tide toward the North Shore. Ten years ago there was naught but
desolation where now the dandelion blooms and the voice of the
tree-toad is heard in song. What do we see about us to-day? To the
north of us the roof of Martin Howard's new barn glistens under the
smiling noonday sun. Turning our gaze westward we behold the turrets
of the palatial residence which neighbor Bales has erected in Razzle
Street. Yonder in the southeast horizon we detect the tall, lithe
flagpole which Major Ryson has set up as a graceful tribute to the
memory of the late lamented yacht club. Cast your eyes where you will
and you will see convincing evidences of the onward, irresistible march
of civilization.

"This noble property of yours," continued Colonel Doller, "is the very
heart of all this pulsing, throbbing, bustling, teeming civilization.
Why, my dear Baker, I would not exchange (if I were you) the
opportunities now within your grasp for any other conceivable
thing--not even though millions were placed in the opposing scale!"

"I don't believe I understand you," said I.

"I will be more explicit," said Colonel Doller. "The tide of
immigration has already overwhelmed this section; a great commercial
wave is closely following it. Trade will soon locate its emporiums in
the midst of us. Already two blocks to the south of this property a
commercial mart has begun to invite the attention and the patronage of
our public."

"You refer to Pusheck's grocery store?"

"The same," said Colonel Doller. "Presently a barber-shop and a banana
stand will follow; then a bicycle repair-shop will spring up in our
midst, and from that moment our status as a commercial centre will be
assured."

As I was in no sense a business man I could not deny this. To be frank
with you, it all looked very plausible to me.

"There is nothing else," continued Colonel Dol