And when, on Saturday afternoon, Mr.Keene, bland and smiling as ever, made his appearance at the house, I was ready for him.
I stood on the step and made no move to invite him within.

"Well, Mr.
Paine," he said, cordially, "are you ready to talk business ?" "Quite ready," I answered.
He beamed with satisfaction.
"Good!" he exclaimed.

"Then what is your figure ?" "My figure is a naught," I replied, with emphasis.

"You may tell your employer that I do not care to sell the land to him, no matter whether he calls himself James Colton or the Bay Shore Development Company.

Oh yes; and, if you like, you may add that this particular cat declines to be choked." Mr.Keene showed signs of choking, himself, and I shut the door and left him outside.