The men offered remonstrance; but it was of no avail. Smith believed that he could get six thousand dollars for the ground as easily as five thousand. The city must have the lot, and would pay almost any price.
"I hardly think it right, Mr. Smith," said one of his visitors, "for you to take such an advantage. This square is for the public good."
"Let the public pay, then," was the unhesitating answer. "The public is able enough."
"The location of this park at the north end of the city will greatly improve the value of your other property."
This Smith understood very well. But he replied—
"I'm not so sure of that. I have some very strong doubts on the subject. It's my opinion that the buildings I contemplated erecting will be far more to my advantage. Be that as it may, however, I am decided in selling for nothing less than six thousand dollars."
"We are only authorized to pay five thousand," replied the committee. "If you agree to take that sum, we will close the bargain on the spot."
Five thousand dollars was a large sum of money, and Smith felt strongly tempted to close in with the liberal offer. But six thousand loomed up before his imagination still more temptingly.
"I can get it," said he to himself; "and the property is worth what it will bring."
So he positively refused to sell it at a thousand dollars per acre.