SILAS: (_genially_) That depends, of course, on what you're going to present. (_attracted by a sound outside_) Mind if I present a little matter to your horse? Like to uncheck him so's he can geta a bit o'grass. SMITH: Why--yes. I suppose he would like that. SILAS: (_going out_) You bet he'd like it. Wouldn't you, old boy? SMITH: Your son is fond of animals. GRANDMOTHER: Lots of people's fond of 'em--and good to 'em. Silas--I dunno, it's as if he was that animal. FEJEVARY: He has imagination. GRANDMOTHER: (_with surprise_) Think so? SILAS: (_returning and sitting down at the table by the young man_) Now, what's in your mind, my boy? SMITH: This town is growing very fast, Mr Morton. SILAS: Yes. (_slyly--with humour_) I know that. SMITH: I presume you, as one of the early settlers--as in fact a son of the earliest settler, feel a certain responsibility about the welfare of-- SILAS: I haven't got in mind to do the town a bit of harm. So--what's your point? SMITH: More people--more homes. And homes must be in the healthiest places--the--the most beautiful places. Isn't it true, Mr Fejevary, that it means a great deal to people to have a beautiful outlook from their homes? A--well, an expanse. SILAS: What is it they want to buy--these fellows that are figuring on making something out of--expanse? (_a gesture for expanse, then a reassuring gesture_) It's all right, but--just what is it? SMITH: I am prepared to make you an offer--a gilt-edged offer for that (_pointing toward it_) hill above the town. SILAS: (_shaking his head--with the smile of the strong man who is a dreamer_) The hill is not for sale. SMITH: But wouldn't you consider a--particularly good offer, Mr Morton? (SILAS, _who has turned so he can look out at the hill, slowly shakes his head_.) SMITH: Do you feel you have the right--the moral right to hold it? SILAS: It's not for myself I'm holding it. SMITH: Oh,--for the children? SILAS: Yes, the children. SMITH: But--if you'll excuse me--there are other investments might do the children even more good. SILAS: This seems to me--the best investment. SMITH: But after all there are other people's children to consider. SILAS: Yes, I know. That's it. SMITH: I wonder if I understand you, Mr Morton? SILAS: (_kindly_) I don't believe you do. I don't see how you could. And I can't explain myself just now. So--the hill is not for sale. I'm not making anybody homeless. There's land enough for all--all sides round. But the hill-- SMITH: (_rising_) Is yours. SILAS: You'll see. SMITH: I am prepared to offer you-- SILAS: You're not prepared to offer me anything I'd consider alongside what I am considering. So--I wish you good luck in your business undertakings. SMITH: Sorry--you won't let us try to help the town. SILAS: Don't sit up nights worrying about my chokin' the town. SMITH: We could make you a rich man, Mr Morton. Do you think what you have in mind will make you so much richer? SILAS: Much richer.