Mr. Balabey stroked his chin. He did not like to do business in this way. True it was profitable business, for Mr. Van Norden was considering the offer at twenty-five thousand.
"Very well, sir, done and done!" said Mr. Dalabey. "Done with you, sir, and I congratulate you on a rare bargain, I do, sir!" He held out his large and moist hand.
Allan took it.
"Now," he said, "I will ask you to do me a favour! I have purchased the place at twenty-eight thousand pounds. I have a cheque for five hundred pounds as deposit in my pocket, if I had a pen——"
"I've got a fountain pen with me, sir," said Dalabey, "always carry one I du!"
"Very well then, we will sit down here—and if you will lend me your pen——?"
They sat down on the old stone seat and Allan filled in the cheque.
"Make it payable to me," Dalabey said. "Thomas J. Dalabey," which Allan did.
"And now," Allan said, "I'd like to look about the old place alone, take the cheque and I will call at your office on my way back, you can then give me the receipt."
"To be sure and so I will, and once more congratulate you I do, and if so be you'll honour me, sir, I'll have a cup of tea ready and waiting for you when you come back!"