“At what do you hold this ground per acre?”
It was some time before Smith answered this question. His eyes were cast upon the floor, and earnestly did he enter into debate with himself as to the value he should place upon the lot. At first he thought of five hundred dollars per acre. But his cupidity soon caused him to advance on that sum, although, a month before, he would have caught at such an offer. Then he advanced to six, to seven, and to eight hundred. And still he felt undecided.
“I can get my own price,” said he to himself. “The city has to pay, and I might just as well get a large sum as a small one.”
“For what price will you sell?” The question was repeated.
“I must have a good price.”
“We are willing to pay what is fair and right.”
“Of course. No doubt you have fixed a limit to which you will go.”
“Not exactly that,” said one of the gentlemen.
“Are you prepared to make an offer?”
“We are prepared to hear your price, and to make a report thereon,” was replied.