"It's at the far corner of the park that we propose to put the library if you are good enough to let us have it," was all I ventured. "H'm!" he mused. "Well, do you know, I like to help people who help themselves--that's my system." I assured him that we of Raffleshurst were accustomed to helping ourselves to everything we could lay our hands on, a jest which even though it was only too true seemed to strike him pleasantly. "What is that handsome structure you always pass over?" he asked, as I contrived to push the music-hall photograph aside for the fifth time. I laughed deprecatingly. "Oh, that," I said, modestly--"that's only a little two-hundred-thousand-dollar music-hall and art gallery I have built for the town myself." Oh, that wonderful Henriette! How did she know that generosity even among the overgenerous was infectious? "Indeed!" said Mr. Carnegie, his face lighting up with real pleasure. "Well, Mr. Higginbotham, I guess-- I guess I'll do it. I can't be outdone in generosity by you, sir, and--er-- I guess you can count on the library. Do you think one hundred and fifty thousand dollars will be enough?" "Well, of course--" I began. "Why not make my contribution equal to yours and call it an even two hundred thousand dollars?" he interrupted. "You overwhelm me," said I. "Of course, if you wish to--" "And the Raffleshurst common council will appropriate five per cent. of that amount annually for its maintenance?" he inquired. "Such a resolution has already been passed," said I, taking a paper from my pocket. "Here is the ordinance, duly signed by myself as mayor and by the secretary of the council." Again that extraordinary woman, to provide me with so necessary a document! The millionaire rose with alacrity and with his own hand drew me the required check. "Mr. Mayor," said he, "I like the quick, business-like way in which you do things. Pray present my compliments to the citizens of Raffleshurst-by-the-Sea, and tell them I am only too glad to help them. If you ever want a lake, sir, don't fail to call upon me." With which gracious words the millionaire bowed me out. * * * * * "_Two_ hundred thousand dollars, Bunny?" cried Henriette when I handed her the check. "Yep," said I. "Well, that _is_ a good day's sport!" she said, gazing at the slip. "Twice as much as I expected." "Yes," said I. "But see here, Henrietta, suppose Mr. Carnegie should go down to Raffleshurst to see the new building and find out what a bunco game we have played on him?" "He's not likely to do that for two reasons, Bunny," she replied. "In the first place he suffers acutely from lumbago in winter and can't travel, and in the second place he'd have to find Raffleshurst-by-the-Sea before he could make the discovery that somebody'd put up a game on him. I think by the time he is ready to start we can arrange matters to have Raffleshurst taken off the map."