eral years."

"That is excellent. It is a better rate than I get for most of my city
investments."

"I also have city investments--bank stocks, and horse-railroad stocks,
but, as you say, my mill stock pays me better than the majority of
these."

"You are a large owner of the mill stock; are you not, Colonel
Preston?"

"Yes, sir; the largest, I believe."

"So I am informed. Would you be willing to part with any of it?"

"I have never thought of doing so. I am afraid I could not replace it
with any other that would be satisfactory."

"I don't blame you, of course, but it occurred to me that, having a
considerable amount, you might be willing to sell."

"I generally hold on to good stock when I get possession of it.
Indeed, I would buy more, if there were any in the market."

"He must have surplus funds," thought the adventurer. "I must see if I
can't manage to get some into my possession."

Here the landlord appeared, and announced that dinner was ready.

"You dine here, then?" said Fairfax.

"Yes; it will take me two hours to reach home, so I am obliged to dine
here."

"We shall dine together, it seems. I am glad of it, as at present I
happen to be the only permanent guest at the hotel. May I ask where
you live?"

"In Crampton."

"I have heard favorably of it, and have been intending to come over
and see the place, but the fact is, I am used only to the city, and
your country roads are so blind, that I have been afraid of losing my
way."

"Won't you ride over with me this afternoon, Mr. Fairfax? I can't
bring you back, but you are quite welcome to a seat in my chaise one
way."

The eyes of the adventurer sparkled at the invitation. Colonel Preston
had fallen into the trap he had laid for him, but he thought it best
not to accept too eagerly.

"You are certainly very kind, Colonel Preston," he answered, with
affected hesitation, "but I am afraid I shall be troubling you too
much."

"No trouble whatever," said Colonel Preston, heartily. "It is a lonely
ride, and I shall be glad of a companion."

"A lonely ride, is it?" thought Fairfax. "All the better for my
purpose. It shall not be my fault if I do not come back with my
pockets well lined. The dividends you have just collected will be
better in my pockets than in yours."

This was what he thought, but he said:

"Then I will accept with pleasure. I suppose I can easily engage
someone to bring me back to Melville?"

"Oh, yes; we have a liv