"Is this property to let, or is it not?"
"Yes, sir. Haven't I said so?"
"Very well! I offer you a quarter's rent, payable to you or your son when I have looked at the place. As a matter of form, I would like one of you to accompany me to Elmdale at once, because I must inquire into the fishing. I suppose you can hire a conveyance of sorts to take us there? Of course, in any event, I shall pay your fee for the journey. My name is Robert Armathwaite. I am a stranger in this part of Yorkshire, but if you, or Messrs. Holloway & Dobb, care to call at the local bank, say, in three days' time, you will be satisfied as to my financial standing. I'll sign an agreement for a yearly tenancy, terminable thereafter by three months' written notice, when I pay the first installment of the rent. As the place is furnished, you will probably stipulate for payment in advance throughout. I fancy you can draw up such an agreement in half an hour, and, if there is an inventory, it should be checked and initialed when we visit the house. Does that arrangement suit you?"
The Walkers were prosperous and pompous, but they knew when to sink their pomposity.
"Yes, sir, it can be done," agreed the elder man.
"Thank you. Which is the leading bank here?"
Walker, senior, indicated a building directly opposite.
"I'll have a word with the manager," said Mr. Armathwaite. "If I'm here in half an hour, will you have a carriage waiting?"
"A dog-cart, sir. My own. My son will attend to you."
"Excellent. Evidently, your firm understands business."