By a curious anomaly of Sark law, though a man may not mortgage his
property without the consent of his next-in-succession, he can sell it
outright and do what he chooses with the proceeds. His wife has a dower
right of one-third of both real and personal estate, into which she
enters upon his death. The right, however, is there while he still
lives, and must be taken into consideration in any sale of the property.

All property is sold subject to the "retraite"; in plain English, no
sale is completed for six weeks, and within that time every member of
the seller's family, in due order of succession, even to the collateral
branches, has the right to take over, or withdraw, the property at the
same price as has been agreed upon, paying in addition to the Seigneur
the trézième or thirteenth part of the price, as by law provided.

If Grannie's scheme were carried out, therefore, she and Mrs. Hamon
would become owners of the farm. Tom would be there on sufferance and
might be kept within bounds or kicked out. Old Tom would have something
more to throw into the holes at Port Gorey. And Nance and Bernel could
be adequately provided for. An excellent scheme, therefore, for all
concerned--except young Tom, who would have to behave himself better
than he was in the habit of doing or suffer the consequences.

"Yes," said Nancy. "I don't see that I'd be doing right by Nance and
Bernel not to agree to that. And if Tom behaves himself," at which
Grannie grunted doubtfully, "he can have his share when the time comes."