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 *nature of Hobbema down there in that left hand corner—in that black splotch—what do you suppose it might be worth?"

Mr. Thornton did not answer the question at once. And when answer he did, his voice was so low that June could hardly hear it. "I wouldn't like to say off-*hand, Mr. Gedge. Mosby sent a Hobbema to New York last year, but what he got for it I don't know."

"I heard twenty-eight thousand dollars."

"So did I, but I doubt it. Still, the Americans are paying big money just now. Did you see that thing of Mosby's, by the way?"

"Yes; it was a bit larger than this chap, but it hadn't the work in it."

"Well, get it a bit cleaner; and then, if you can show me Hobbema's signature with the date, about the place where I've got my finger, I dare say we can come to business, Mr. Gedge."

"I quite expect we'll be able to do that," said the old man with an air of robust optimism which surprised June considerably.

Foxy Face ventured to hope that such might be the case, whereupon the voice of Uncle Si fell to a pitch which his niece had to strain a keen ear to catch.

"Suppose, Mr. Thornton, we omit the question of the signature? Do you feel inclined to make an offer for the picture as it stands?"

The pause which followed was long and tense, and then June was just able to hear the cautious voice of Foxy Face. "Possibly, Mr. Gedge—I dare say I might. But before I could think of doing that, I should like a friend of mine to vet it. He's wise in these things, and knows what can be done with them."