"No, ma'am, certainly not," said Mr. Sleighter in a loud voice, his hope
of securing "quick action on that deal" growing dim.

"Do you happen to know any farm--a small farm--which we might be able
to buy? We hope to receive four thousand dollars for this place. I feel
that it is worth a good deal more, but there are not many buyers about
here. Then, of course, perhaps we value our place too highly. Then by
your kind help we have got something out of the business--twelve hundred
and fifty dollars I think Mr. Gwynne said. We are most grateful to you
for that, Mr. Sleighter." Her eyes beamed on him in a most disconcerting
way. "And so after our obligations here are met we might have about
forty-five hundred dollars clear. Could we do anything with that?"

"I donno, I donno," said Mr. Sleighter quickly and rising from his
chair, "I will think it over. I have got to go now."

At this moment Mr. Gwynne came into the room. "Oh, I am glad you are not
gone, Mr. Sleighter. I have just told Mr. Martin that I cannot accept
his offer."

"Cannot accept, Michael!" said Mrs. Gwynne, dismay in her voice and in
her eyes.

"I believe you said your offer was good until six, Mr. Sleighter?"

"Oh, I say, Gwynne, let's get out, let's get over to the store. It's
kind of hot here, and I've got to go. Come on over and we'll clean up."
Without a farewell word to either of them Mr. Sleighter passed rapidly
from the room.