Because I personally have not chosen to engage in matters of
this--ah--description, is no reason for condemning the deal or its
method--"

"Every reason!" said Orchil, laughing cordially--"_every_ reason,
Captain Selwyn. Thank you; we know now exactly where we stand. It was
very good of you to let us come, and I'm sorry some of us had the bad
taste to show any temper--"

"He means me," added Draymore, offering his hand; "good-bye, Captain
Selwyn; I dare say we are up against it hard."

"Because we've got to buy in that property or close up the Siowitha,"
added Mottly, coming over to make his adieux. "By the way, Selwyn, you
ought to be one of us in the Siowitha--"

"Thank you, but isn't this rather an awkward time to suggest it?" said
Selwyn good-humouredly.

Fane burst into a sonorous laugh and wagged his neck, saying: "Not at
all! Not at all! Your reward for having the decency to stay out of the
deal is an invitation from us to come in and be squeezed into a jelly by
Mr. Neergard. Haw! Haw!"

And so, one by one, with formal or informal but evidently friendly
leave-taking, they went away. And Selwyn followed them presently,
walking until he took the Subway at Forty-second Street for his office.

As he entered the elaborate suite of rooms he noticed some bright new
placards dangling from the walls of the general office, and halted to
read them:

"WHY PAY RENT!

What would you say if we built a house for you in Beautiful Siowitha
Park and gave you ten years to pay for it!

If anybody says

YOU ARE A FOOL!

to expect this, refer him to us and we will answer him according to his
folly.

TO PAY RENT

when you might own a home in Beautiful Siowitha Park, is not wise. We
expect to furnish plans, or build after your own plans.

All City Improvements
Are Contemplated!
Map and Plans of
Beautiful Siowitha Park
Will probably be ready
In the Near Future.

Julius Neergard & Co.
Long Island Real Estate."

Selwyn reddened with anger and beckoned to a clerk:

"Is Mr. Neergard in his office?"

"Yes, sir, with Mr. Erroll."

"Please say that I wish to see him."

He went into his own office, pocketed his mail, and still wearing hat
and gloves came out again just as Gerald was leaving Neergard's office.

"Hello, Gerald!" he said pleasantly; "have you anything on for
to-night?"

"Y-es," said the hoy, embarrassed--"but if there is anything I can do