"I am willing to make you a liberal offer," the agent continued. "But I must have an answer to-day, or I shall have to choose another locality and you would be the loser."
"I'm willin' to sell," Abner replied, as he slowly took the pipe from his mouth and studied it very carefully.
"That's good," the agent encouraged. "Now, what's your figure?"
"Figger! Well, I can't jist tell ye off-hand. I've got to consult me pardner."
"Your wife, eh?"
"No she's not me pardner; she's me boss. Me pardner's in town jist now. We work this place together ye see, so I couldn't give ye a price without consultin' Jerry."
"And Jerry's in town, is he?"
"Sure. An' I can't do nuthin' without consultin' him."
"Suppose, then, you come along with me, and we can see Jerry," the visitor suggested.
"Jist the thing, Mister," Abner agreed, rising to his feet and throwing the axe over his shoulder. "I'll be with ye in a jiffy."