both. Mr. Denslow's counsel upon several
important occasions has been of vast value to me, and I flatter myself
that upon one occasion at least I served Mr. Denslow to excellent
purpose. This was two years ago, when, as perhaps you remember, my
sun-spot theory was widely discussed by the newspaper press. I then
told Mr. Denslow that the recurrence of the sun spots would surely
induce a drought upon this planet, thereby causing a shortage in the
crops; whereupon Mr. Denslow "cornered the wheat market" (as the saying
is) and realized a handsome sum of money.

Alice has long recognized Mr. Denslow's merits as a man of business;
she, too, has what, in lieu of a better term, our New England people
call faculty. So it was natural that after having drunk deep (so to
speak) at the fountain of Mrs. Denslow's enthusiasm, we should turn for
serious advice and practical counsel to _Mr._ Denslow.

"This opportunity," said Mr. Denslow, "is one that comes only once in a
lifetime. You must not let it escape you. We should go at once to
Mrs. Schmittheimer and get her to sign an agreement to part with the
property upon the terms specified. In order to bind the agreement we
should pay her a small sum of money--oh, say one hundred dollars. The
receipt, in the form of an agreement or contract signed by her, will
bind the bargain in the contemplation of the law."

"But it is after dark already," said Alice. "Wouldn't it seem rather
burglarious to make a descent upon the old lady at this hour?"

"And what is more to the point," said I, "the detail (trifling as it
may appear) of planking down one hundred dollars is one which I happen
just at this moment to be unprepared to provide for."

"The matter should be closed at once," said Mr. Denslow. "In a deal of
this kind delay is too often disastrous. As for the one hundred
dollars, I will lend you that amount, for a small cash payment is
really necessary to bind the bargain."

My heart went out in gratitude to this noble gentleman. Never before
had I felt more keenly the value of neighborly friendship.

"As this business is to be transacted in Mrs. Baker's name," said Mr.
Denslow to me, "it would be better for you not to go with us to see
Mrs. Schmittheimer. The presence of too many strangers might make the
old lady shy of doing what we want her to do. See?"

Yes, I comprehended the intent of the suggestion, and I approved it.
While it was far from my desire to take any adva