“Quite natural, sir.”

“You are a business man yourself, and will understand me.  Now, to come to the point, I find you have a manufactory here—­a woolen manufactory, which I am given to understand is prosperous and profitable.”

“You are correctly informed, Mr. Fairfax.  It is paying twelve per cent. dividends, and has done so for several years.”

“That is excellent.  It is a better rate than I get for most of my city investments.”

“I also have city investments—­bank stocks, and horse-railroad stocks, but, as you say, my mill stock pays me better than the majority of these.”

“You are a large owner of the mill stock; are you not, Colonel Preston?”

“Yes, sir; the largest, I believe.”

“So I am informed.  Would you be willing to part with any of it?”

“I have never thought of doing so.  I am afraid I could not replace it with any other that would be satisfactory.”

“I don’t blame you, of course, but it occurred to me that, having a considerable amount, you might be willing to sell.”

“I generally hold on to good stock when I get possession of it.  Indeed, I would buy more, if there were any in the market.”

“He must have surplus funds,” thought the adventurer.  “I must see if I can’t manage to get some into my possession.”

Here the landlord appeared, and announced that dinner was ready.

“You dine here, then?” said Fairfax.

“Yes; it will take me two hours to reach home, so I am obliged to dine here.”

“We shall dine together, it seems.  I am glad of it, as at present I happen to be the only permanent guest at the hotel.  May I ask where you live?”

“In Crampton.”

“I have heard favorably of it, and have been intending to come over and see the place, but the fact is, I am used only to the city, and your country roads are so blind, that I have been afraid of losing my way.”

“Won’t you ride over with me this afternoon, Mr. Fairfax?  I can’t bring you back, but you are quite welcome to a seat in my chaise one way.”

The eyes of the adventurer sparkled at the invitation.  Colonel Preston had fallen into the trap he had laid for him, but he thought it best not to accept too eagerly.

“You are certainly very kind, Colonel Preston,” he answered, with affected hesitation, “but I am afraid I shall be troubling you too much.”

“No trouble whatever,” said Colonel Preston, heartily.  “It is a lonely ride, and I shall be glad of a companion.”

“A lonely ride, is it?” thought Fairfax.  “All the better for my purpose.  It shall not be my fault if I do not come back with my pockets well lined.  The dividends you have just collected will be better in my pockets than in yours.”

This was what he thought, but he said: 

“Then I will accept with pleasure.  I suppose I can easily engage someone to bring me back to Melville?”