Eugene said yes, and the others looked doubtful.

“You’re satisfied with the price?” demanded Johnny.

Since Eugene kept silent the others answered that they were.

“You know that by my plan you are perfectly secured until you are fully paid; so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t wind up the business at once.”

“Should you say that this was regular, Birchard?” asked Eugene, toying with his check lovingly.  He had just finished figuring that it was worth something like twenty thousand pounds!

“Quite regular indeed,” Mr. Birchard smilingly assured him.  “Typically American for its directness and decision, but fully as good a business transaction in every way as could be consummated in London.”

“Ow, I say,” protested Eugene, but he seemed perfectly satisfied, nevertheless.

“As I understand it,” went on Mr. Birchard, “Mr. Gamble’s proposition is very simple.  You are to execute a contract of sale to him to-day, acknowledging receipt of half a million dollars’ advance payment, and are at the same time to execute a clear deed that will be placed in the hands of your agent until Mr. Gamble completes his payments.  The deed will then be delivered to him and properly recorded.  Is this correct, Mr. Gamble?”

“I couldn’t say it so well, but that’s what I mean,” replied Johnny.

“Then, gentlemen,” continued Birchard, “I should advise you to sign the papers at once and have the matter off your minds.”

Loring had everything ready, but it was Johnny who really conducted the meeting and manipulated the slow-moving Wobbleses so that they concluded the business with small waste of time.

When it was finished Johnny thanked them with intense relief.  The Wobbles property was his, and he knew exactly where to sell it at a half-million dollars’ profit.  His tremendous race for a million was to be won, with a day or so of margin.  There were a few technical matters to look after, but in reality the prize was his.  He could go to Constance Joy now with a clear conscience and the ability to offer her a fortune equal to the one she would have to relinquish if she married him.

“By the way,” said Johnny in parting, “who is your agent?”

“Why, I rather fancy it will be Mr. Birchard,” replied Eugene.  “Of course nothing is decided as yet, since there are five of us and four stubborn; but I rather fancy it will be Birchard.  Eh, old chap?”

“I trust so,” responded Birchard with a pleasant smile at Johnny.

CHAPTER XIX

In which the colonel, Messrs.  Courtney, Washer and others sit in A little game

Morton Washer, having acquired a substantial jack-pot with the aid of four hearts and little casino, boastfully displayed the winning hand.

“Sometime, when you fellows grow up,” he kindly offered, “I’ll sit down to a real game of poker with you.”