the market for two years, waiting for just such
a man as himself.

Talbot was fully aware of the state of Mr. Belcher's mind, and knew that
if he did not reach him early the next morning, the proprietor would
arrive at the broker's before him. Accordingly, when Mr. Belcher
finished his breakfast that morning, he found his factor waiting for
him, with the information that the broker would not be in his office for
an hour and a-half, and that there was time to look further, if further
search were desirable. He hoped that Mr. Belcher would not be in a
hurry, or take any step that he would ultimately regret. Mr. Belcher
assured him that he knew what he wanted when he saw it, and had no fears
about the matter, except that somebody might anticipate him.

"You have determined, then, to buy the house at the price?" said Talbot.

"Yes; I shall just shut my eyes and swallow the whole thing."

"Would you like to get it cheaper?"

"Of course!"

"Then, perhaps you had better leave the talking to me," said Talbot.
"These fellows all have a price that they ask, and a smaller one that
they will take."

"That's one of the tricks, eh?"

"Yes."

"Then go ahead."

They had a long talk about business, and then Talbot went out, and,
after an extended interview with the broker, sent a messenger for Mr.
Belcher. When that gentleman came in, he found that Talbot had bought
the house for ten thousand dollars less than the price originally
demanded. Mr. Belcher deposited a handsome sum as a guaranty of his good
faith, and ordered the papers to be made out at once.

After their return to the hotel, Mr. Talbot sat down to a table, and
went through a long calculation.

"It will cost you, Mr. Belcher," said the factor, deliberately, "at
least twenty-five thousand dollars to furnish that house
satisfactorily."

Mr. Belcher gave a long whistle.

"At least twenty-five thousand dollars, and I doubt whether you get off
for less than thirty thousand."

"Well, I'm in for it, and I'm going through," said Mr. Belcher.

"Very well," responded Talbot, "now let's go to the best furnisher we
can find. I happen to know the man who is at the top of the style, and I
suppose the best thing--as you and I don't know much about the
matter--is to let him have his own way, and hold him responsible for the
results."

"All right," said Belcher; "show me the man."

They found the arbiter of style in his counting-room. Mr. Talbot
approached him first