CHAPTER XXXIV.
AN UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL.
The next week Squire Turner started for Milwaukie. He did not mention this as his destination in the village, but stated that he had business in Chicago and beyond, not caring to excite any suspicions in Vernon, which was just large enough for everybody to feel interested in everybody else’s affairs. But in reality he stopped in Chicago only long enough to take dinner, and then hurried on to Milwaukie, where he proceeded at once to the office of Mr. Robinson.
“I am glad to see you, Squire Turner,” said the lawyer, rising from the table at which he was seated; “the fact is, I was just thinking over your business.”
“Well, what is the prospect?” asked Squire Turner.
“Excellent. The parties at first were disposed to bluff me off, and pooh-pooh our claims; but they have probably taken legal advice, and have changed their tune in consequence.”
“Do they propose anything?”
“Yes; they offer five thousand dollars for the surrender of the land warrant, which will insure them a perfect title.”
“Five thousand dollars!” repeated Squire Turner, slowly. “Of course, that is a good sum compared with the original value of the warrant; but—”