Page:The Snake's Pass (Stoker).djvu/178

 all ye cud offer—not till I'm done wid me sarch. 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 'll 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."