“It is astonishing what enormous profits are at present realized by traders in Eastern Land.  One of our neighbors purchased a thousand acres, at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, of Gull, our enterprising broker, and sold it yesterday for the round sum of three thousand dollars, receiving thereby the enormous profit of nineteen hundred and seventy-five dollars.  He was a poor man, but by this lucky movement has become rich.”

As soon as our hero had read this cheering intelligence, he became elated with the prospect, and soon came to a final agreement with the squire to accept the offer.  Papers were drawn up, signed by each, and a check given to the broker, for which was returned a deed for the land.  They then left the office, Mr. Gull politely bidding them good-by, with a caution to look out for the “’ole.”  They did look out for the hole, but it might have been that the cunning broker referred to a hole of more consequence than that in the stairs.  The squire on that day invited Mr. Short to his house to dine.  This, however, he did not accept, but returned to his shop.  One week had passed away, during which time the squire was often at the shop of Bob Short, but no customer had yet applied for the land.  It was near dusk on the eighth day succeeding the purchase, as they were talking over the best way by which to dispose of it, when a short man entered, wrapped up in a large cloak, and a large bushy fur cap upon his head.

“I understand,” said he, “you have a few acres of land you wish to dispose of.”

“Exactly so,” answered the squire.

“And how much do you charge per acre?” inquired the stranger.

“That depends upon the number you wish.  Do you wish to purchase all?”

“That depends upon the price charged,” was the reply.

“If you wish all,” continued Mr. Smith, “we will sell for four dollars an acre.  That is dog cheap, and a great sacrifice.”

“Well,” resumed the stranger, “I will take it on conditions; namely, I will pay you your price, and if the land answers my purpose I will keep it,—­if not, you will return me the amount of money I pay.”

“That is rather a hard bargain.  I know it to be good land,” answered the squire.

“Then,” continued the stranger, “if you know it to be good, certainly there can be no danger in disposing of it on the conditions I have named.”

After a few moments’ conversation with Mr. Short, they agreed to sell to the stranger.  Papers were immediately drawn up and signed by Messrs. Smith and Short, agreeing to return the money provided the land did not give satisfaction.  The sum of twelve thousand dollars was paid in cash to the signers, and the papers given into the hands of the purchaser, who then left.  Robert Short on that night did really feel rich.  This was six thousand dollars apiece; after Mr. Short had paid the fifteen hundred borrowed, he had forty-five hundred left.  Both were equally certain that the