"A joint-stock company in London, sir, which lives upon this form of usury. Men with bowels of brass. It was against my strongest warning that Mr. Harry went to them."
"The amount?"
"Thirty-four thousand pounds."
"Will the estate sell for that figure?"
"Scarcely, at a forced sale; unless some purchaser took a special fancy to it or had some special reason for acquiring it."
"Suppose, now, that I offer thirty-four thousand to buy the estate by private contract. Would such an offer be accepted?"
"Indubitably. The mortgagees could offer no objection, even if they wished; for they would be paid; but, in fact, they scarcely hope for so much. You will excuse me, however——"
"In a moment, Mr. Retallack. Still, supposing that I offer thirty-four thousand, a deposit on the purchase money would be required. Can you name the sum?"
"Unless the purchaser were well known in this neighbourhood ten per cent. would be asked, or three thousand four hundred."