ely acquired the freehold of these premises
and desires to have the insurance against loss or damage by fire
transferred to itself. The premium, at the rate of one shilling and
sixpence per cent. on their value, is fifteen shillings. Upon receipt of
this sum I will give immediate instructions for a policy to be issued
and forwarded to you.

I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully,

D. SMITH, Secy.,

The Vesuvius Fire Insurance Co., Ltd

H. JONES, Esq.

* * *

"Thorny Bank."

Dear Sir,--In reply to your letter of yesterday, I find that I have an
unexpired policy for L1,000 with the Etna, an office which has enjoyed
my confidence for many years and in which I have other insurances. Under
this policy I am held covered till Lady Day not only against fire, but
also against lightning, explosions of gas--most things, in fact, except
riots, earthquakes, the King's enemies, aeroplanes and volcanoes.
Regretting, therefore, that I am unable to give you the business,
because of the more extensive benefits conferred by the Etna.

I am, yours faithfully,

The Secy., HY. JONES.

The Vesuvius Insce. Co.

* * *

"Thorny Bank."

Dear Sir,--I am in receipt of your letter, but I would beg to refer you
to your lease. You will find it there expressly stipulated that you
shall insure in some office of repute in London or Westminster _to be
approved of in writing by the Lessors_. In these circumstances you will
no doubt be persuaded of the desirability of sending me the premium
forthwith, in order to effect an insurance which has your Lessors'
approval. It is possible that the office you name would give you credit
for so much of the premium as is proportionate to the risk unexpired.
Yours faithfully,

D. SMITH, etc., etc.

H. JONES, Esq.

* * *

"Thorny Bank."

Dear Sir,--I feel very keenly the suggestion that the Etna is an office
of questionable repute. The likelihood of fire is small, as
unfortunately the premises are at present standing empty, though I have
a tenant in prospect. But in any case it is unthinkable that the Etna
could not assemble a thousand pounds, should the need arise. If you care
to write to me again shortly before Lady Day with terms no less
advantageous than those I now enjoy, I do not say that I should not be
prepared to consider them. But in the meantime this unprofitable
discussion must cease.

Yours faithfully,

The Secy., HY. JONES.

The Vesuvius In