Part 22 (1/2)

”To be frank, sir, yes, it is. On the behalf of a client, but--but you don't mean that I am too late?”

There was a look of misery in the newcomer's face that was comical, and before the Colonel could speak, he went on:--

”Don't be rash, sir, pray don't be rash. You cannot have closed yet, and I am here prepared, not merely to negotiate, but to come to the most advantageous terms for you.”

Mr Dix chuckled, rubbed his hands, and gave the newcomer a look which seemed to sting him to the core.

”I need hardly say, gentlemen,” said the Colonel, ”that this visit has taken me quite by surprise. I did not expect these sudden offers from what seem to me to be rival companies.”

”Hardly rival companies, sir; but I must say that Mr Dix has taken a very unfair advantage of me, after we had agreed to a truce.”

”Yes, one which I knew you would break, Brownson,” said Dix; ”and so I came on first. Now, Colonel Pendarve you will come to terms with me.”

”No, sir,” said the Colonel, fiercely, ”nor with your friend here. My mind is quite made up. I do not know to which party the visit of a spy is due, but you may take these words as final; I shall certainly not sell this little estate to either of you, nor,” he added, after a pause, ”to anyone else. What, another?” he cried, as Dolly re-appeared at the door.

”No, sir, it's only Major Jollivet, sir. But he says, if you're engaged, he'll call again.”

”Show him in,” cried the Colonel. ”Ah, there he goes. Call him back, Gwyn.”

The boy flew to the window, and, in answer to his call, the Major came back, and entered.

”Oh, I didn't wish to interrupt you, Pendarve, but I wanted to have a few words with you on business. Eh? Yes. Very much better. I shall be all right for a few months now.”

”Let me introduce you,” said the Colonel. ”This is Mr Dix, solicitor, of Plymouth, and Mr Brownson, also a solicitor, I presume, of the same town. My old friend and brother officer, Major Jollivet.”

Bows were exchanged, and the visitors scowled at each other.

”Jollivet, these two gentlemen, who represent different companies as clients, have come over to make me a very advantageous offer for this little estate.”

”Indeed!” said the Major, starting. ”What for?”

”They wish to reopen the mine, and are ready to give me my own price.”

”Certainly,” said Mr Dix.

”Yes, certainly,” said Mr Brownson, ”with, gentlemen, the addition of a royalty on our part on all the metal smelted. Come, Dix, that's trumps.”

”Yes, sir, but this is the ace. Colonel Pendarve, I will guarantee you double the royalty Mr Brownson offers,” said Dix.

”Come, that's business, gentlemen,” said the Colonel, smiling, while Gwyn's face was scarlet with excitement. ”Now, Jollivet, as the man whom I always consult on business matters, and irrespective of anything I may have said to these gentlemen, what would you advise me to do?”

”Ah,” exclaimed Mr Dix, rubbing his hands, ”what would you advise him to do, General?”

”Major, sir, Major,” said the old officer, shortly.

”Yes, Major Jollivet,” said Mr Brownson, ”what would you advise him to do? Surely to take our fair and liberal offer. We are very old established, and shall carry that old mine to a triumphant success.

What would you advise?”

”Oh, Major Jollivet, don't advise him to sell,” whispered Gwyn.