"When a man is compelled to raise a large sum of money there is frequently for him no option."
"And is that the case with Sir John?"
"There can be no doubt whatever that he is hard up. His life interest in the Hamblyn estate is, I fancy, mortgaged to the hilt. If he can sell Hillside Farm at the price he is asking for it, he will have some ready cash to go on with."
"What is the price he names?"
"Twenty years' purchase on the net rental—the same on the mineral dues."
"There are no mineral dues," Ralph said quickly, and his thoughts flew back in a moment to that conversation he had with his father.
"Well, quarry dues, then," Sir John said, with a smile.
"And is your friend likely to purchase?" Ralph questioned.
"I believe he would like the farm. But he is a cautious man, and is anxious to find out all he can before he strikes a bargain."
"And will he be guided by your advice?"