Page 178 - The snake's pass

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166 — THE snake's pass. —
all ye cud offer—not till I'm done wid me sareh. I
"
mane to get what I'm lukin' fur—if it's there
!
" I quite understand Well
! ! I am prepared to meet
you in the matter. I am willing to purchase the land
it to be given over to me at whatever time you may
choose to name. Would a year suit you to make your
"
investigations ?
He thought for a moment—then took out an old
letter, and on the back of it made some calculations.
Then he said :
"
" I suppose ye'd pay the money down at wanst ?
" Certainly," said I, " the very day I get possession."
I had intended paying the money down, and waiting for
possession as a sort of inducement to him to close
with me ; but there was so much greed in his manner
that I saw I would do better by holding off payment
until I got possession. My judgment was correct, for
his answer surprised me :
" A month '11 do what I wanted or, to be
; certain,
say five weeks from to-day. But the money would have
to be payed to the minit."
" Certainly ! " said I. " Suit yourself as to time, and
let me know the terms, so that I can see if we agree.
I suppose you will want to see your attorney, so name
any day to suit you."
" I'm me own attorney Do ye think I'd thrust any
!
iv them wid me affairs? Whin I have a law suit I'll have
thim, but not before. If ye want to know me price I'll
tell it to ye now."