“‘Roberts—confound it—’

“‘I’m sorry to have bothered you. I thought you wished to sell.’

“‘I’ve got to, but I don’t have to give it away.’

“‘I repeat I’m sorry to have bothered you.’ 172

“‘I’ll see you again; to-morrow perhaps—’

“‘I shall be very busy to-morrow. To-day’s a holiday.’

“‘A holiday! Anyway I haven’t the abstract.’

“‘Unnecessary. I said I knew all about the place. I see the deed there in your pocket. You anticipated, I see.’

“‘Well, of all the inexplicable hurry!’

“‘Shall I write you a check for—fifteen thousand?’”