"Mr. Ferguson," rejoined Fred, fixing his eyes on the merchant, "do you advise my mother, as a friend, to accept this offer?"
"Of course, of course. It is the best thing she can do."
"I have no right to doubt your sincerity, but I think the land is worth more than you offer."
"What can you know about it?" demanded Ferguson impatiently.
"A gentleman who had traveled in Colorado called on us a while ago. He seems to think the land is quite valuable."
"Stuff and nonsense! The man was humbugging you."
"He was a miner," continued Fred placidly. "He promised to look up the matter for us."
"You were very rash to trust a stranger. The best thing you can do is to disregard any advice he may have given you, and accept my offer."
"There is one difficulty in the way," said Fred.
"What is that?"