laugh.
"Mr. Jackson, I think it won't be worth while to continue our
conversation. You undertook to sell what was not yours. I prefer to
deal with the real owner or her representative."

"That boy is an impostor!" muttered Jackson. "Why, he's only a school
boy. What does he know about business?"

"I think he has proved a match for you. Good-morning, Mr. Jackson.
Ben, let us be going."

"Now," said Taylor as they were walking toward the inn, "what do you
say to my offer?"

"Please state it, Mr. Taylor."

"I offer forty thousand dollars for the farm. It may be worth
considerably more than that; but, on the other hand, the wells may
soon run dry. I have to take the chances."

"That seems a fair offer, Mr. Taylor," said Ben frankly. "If I were
the owner I would accept it; but I am acting for another who may not
think as I do."

"Will you consult her and let me know?"

"I will write at once."

"Why not telegraph? The delay would be too great if you trust to the
mail."

"I will do as you suggest," answered Ben, "if there is an opportunity
to telegraph from this place."

"There is an office at the depot."

"Then I will take that on my way back to the hotel."

At one corner of the depot Ben found a telegraph operator. After a
little consideration, he dashed off the following telegram:

"No. ---- Madison Avenue, New York.

"To Mrs. Hamilton:

"Oil has been discovered on your farm. I am offered forty thousand
dollars for it by a responsible party. What shall I do?

"Ben Barclay."

"Send answer to the hotel," said Ben, to the operator.

Four hours later a messenger brought to Ben the following dispatch:

"Your news is most surprising. Sell at the figure named if you think
it best. You have full powers.

"Helen Hamilton."

Mr. Taylor watched Ben's face eagerly as he read the telegram, for he
knew that it must relate to his offer.

"What does your principal say?" he inquired.

"You can read the telegram, Mr. Taylor."

Taylor did so.

"So you have full powers?" he said. "Mrs. Hamilton must feel great
confidence in you."

There was a proud flush on Ben's cheek as he replied:

"I have reason to think that she does. I hope it is not misplaced."

"I hope you won't drive a hard bargain with me, Ben."

"I don't mean to bargain at all. You have made a fair offer, and I
will accept it."

Taylor