ue of decision."

"I hope so," said the Colonel, who looked amused.

"Well, in plain English, sir, will you sell?"

"In plain English, Mr Dix," said the Colonel, promptly, "`No.'"

"Take time, my dear sir, take time," said the lawyer. "Don't, let me
implore you, throw away a good chance. Name your terms."

"I have no terms to propose, sir. I like my house here, and I shall not
part with it at any price.--Yes, Dolly? What is it?"

For the maid had tapped and entered, looking very round-eyed and
surprised.

"Another gentleman to see you, sir."

"Indeed? You will not mind, Mr Dix?"

"Oh, by no means, my dear sir. But one moment, please. Why not close
with my proposal? Come, my dear sir, to be plain, I will take the place
at your own terms."

"You will not take the place at any terms, sir," said the Colonel,
decisively. "Dolly, show the other gentleman in. But did he give you
his card?"

"No, sir; said he'd like to speak to you himself."

"Show him in, then."

"Hah!" ejaculated the lawyer; "but you will alter your mind, Colonel
Pendarve?"

"I hope not."

"But if you do, you will give me the first offer?"

"I will make no promises, sir," replied the Colonel.

At that moment a reddish-haired, sour-looking man was shown in, and he
nodded shortly to the lawyer.

"You here?" he said.

"Yes, my dear Brownson, I am here. Business, my dear sir, business.
You really do not mean to say that you have come on the same mission as
I."

"I beg pardon, Colonel Pendarve," said the fresh visitor. "I was not
aware that Mr Dix here proposed visiting you. Can I have the pleasure
of a few words on business of great importance?"

"Certainly," said the Colonel, who now looked very much amused; "but may
I ask if it is concerning the purchase of the mine?"

"To be frank, sir, yes, it is. On the behalf of a client, but--but you
don't mean that I am too late?"

There was a look of misery in the newcomer's face that was comical, and
before the Colonel could speak, he went on:--

"Don't be rash, sir, pray don't be rash. You cannot have closed yet,
and I am here prepared, not merely to negotiate, but to come to the most
advantageous terms for you."

Mr Dix chuckled, rubbed his hands, and gave the newcomer a look which
seemed to sting him to the core.

"I need hardly say, gentlemen," said the Colonel, "that this visit has
taken me quite by surprise. I did not expect these sudden offers from
what seem to