It ran thus:
"Respected Madam:
"As I have already wrote you, I would like to buy the farm, and will
give you more than anybody else, because I am used to living on it,
and it seems like home. I am willing to pay five thousand dollars,
though I know it is only worth four, but it is worth more to me than
to others. I offer you more because I know you are rich, and will not
sell unless you get a good bargain. Please answer right away.
"Yours respectfully,
Peter Jackson.
"P.S.—My offer will hold good for only two weeks."
"He seems to be very much in earnest," said Ben.
"He has reason to be so, as he hopes to make forty-five thousand dollars on his investment."
"He will be bitterly disappointed," said Ben.
"I don't care anything about Jackson," said the stranger. "I would just as soon negotiate with you. Are you authorized to sell the farm?"
"No," answered Ben; "but Mrs. Hamilton will probably be guided by my advice in the mater."
"That amounts to the same thing. I offer you forty thousand dollars for it."
"I think favorably of your proposal, Mr. ——"
"My name is Taylor."