“Well, think it over, Mr. Benslow. I may stop over on my way back from the Lakes and—” His hand advanced a little. Uncle William’s gaze did not take it in. He was moving toward the door—and the man moved with him—his light, smooth steps hearing him along. “Good day, sir,” said Uncle William. “Good morning, Mr. Benslow. I may stop over—on my way back.” He moved easily off up the road and Uncle William stood watching him. “There’s Benjy now,” said Uncle William. The two men stopped in the road and talked a few minutes. The fat man moved his hand and Bodet nodded once or twice. Uncle William watched them a little anxiously. Then he went in and gathered up the plan. When he came ont Benjamin was approaching with quick, long strides. “I’m coming right along, Benjy,” said Uncle William, “I was most ready—a man come along and hindered me a little—” “Who is he?” said Bodet. “His name is Carter—I reckon he’s real-estate,” said Uncle William. “I ’reckon’ he is—Maiming told me and I came right down. What did he offer you?” “Well, he didn’t exactly offer—I kind o’ held him off. But I guess he ’d ’a’ gone high—” Uncle William’s mouth closed in a happy smile. “‘Tis a nice island. I don’t wonder ’t folks want to come to it—But they can’t,” he added gently, “The’ ain’t room. “I ’most hope he won’t see Andy,” he added after a minute, “Andy’s got a little piece—down to the east there—kind of out of sight, you know, that I didn’t buy.” “I bought that piece last week,” said Bodet. “You did!—How ’d you come to get it, Benjy?” “The same way you got yours, I guess. I offered him a little more than he would stand.” Uncle William smiled.... “And I suppose likely this man ’ll go higher ’n you did?” “I suppose he will.” Uncle William chuckled. “Poor Andy!” “He’s ready to buy anything in sight you know,” said Bodet restlessly. “The’ ain’t very much in sight, is there?” said Uncle William, “—except what I own.” He cast a proud eye over his acres. “I’ve been thinking, William—” Bodet looked at him keenly, “why don’t you turn it over to me—the whole of it? I told you I’d give you twenty thousand,—I’ll give you thirty—more if you say so—and you can live on it just the same?” Uncle William shook his head. “I couldn’t do it, Benjy. I reckon the Lord cal’lated I’d buy up a mile—so’s to keep it from being cut up in little fiddling bits—and I guess I’ve got to hold on to it. I’d like to have thirty thousand,” he said reflectively, “The’s two-three little things I could do with thirty thousand—!” Bodet smiled. “You ought to have it—whether you deed me the land or not—I have just as much good of it as you do.” “Yes, you enjoy it—some,” admitted William. “Well—I’m going to hand over the interest to you—pay your living—if you ’ll let me?” He looked at Uncle William curiously. There were new regions in Uncle William, perhaps—at least the thirty-thousand-dollar region was unexplored as yet.