Result, a three-quarters' loss! Luckily I was well insured; even in the rentals, to the surprise of many people who had never heard of rental insurance before.

The insurance settlement and payment was effected between myself and the agent in less than half an hour, and just as soon as I could get at it an architect was working on plans for a new structure.

With the three months' loss on account of my absence, it was more than a year before the new building was ready for occupancy.
It was, and is, a better-arranged and handsomer one than the old block, and its total rental is much greater.

The town has grown very much and seems to be permanently established.

The building, and my affairs, are entirely in the hands of a responsible agent; and I am free to go where inclination calls.