“As soon as I got your message I hurried over as fast as I could,” he said. “You need not apologize,” I replied; “we have not been kept waiting very long.” “I presume you come in regard to the traction matter?” he ventured. “No,” I said, “not exactly. You own this place, I believe?” “I do,” he said, staring at me. “So far, so good,” I said. “Now, then, kindly tell me when you expect to abandon it.” He backed away from me a few feet, gaping. He opened his mouth and for a few moments absent-mindedly left it in that condition. “When do I expect to do what?” he inquired. “When,” I said, “do you expect to abandon it?” He shook his head as though he had some marbles inside of it and liked the rattling sound. “I don't understand yet,” he said, puzzled. “I will explain,” I said very patiently. “I wish to acquire by purchase or otherwise one of the abandoned farms of this state. Not having been able to find one that was already abandoned, though I believe them to be very numerous, I am looking for one that is about to be abandoned. I wish, you understand, to have the first call on it. Winsell”--I said in an aside--“quit pulling at my coat-tail! Therefore,” I resumed, readdressing the man with the side whiskers, “I ask you a plain question, to wit: When do you expect to abandon this one? I expect a plain answer.” He edged a few feet nearer an electric push button which was set in the wall. He seemed flustered and distraught; in fact, almost apprehensive. “May I inquire,” he said nervously, “how you got in here?” “Your servant admitted us,” I said, with dignity. “Yes,” he said in a soothing tone; “but did you come afoot--or how?” “I drove here in a car,” I told him, though I couldn't see what difference that made. “Merciful Heavens!” he muttered. “They do not trust you--I mean you do not drive the car yourself, do you?” Here Winsell cut in. “I drove the car,” he said. “I--I did not want to come, but he”--pointing to me--“he insisted.” Winsell is by nature a groveling soul. His tone was almost cringing. “I see,” said the gentleman, wagging his head, “I see. Sad case--very sad case! Young, too!” Then he faced me. “You will excuse me now,” he said. “I wish to speak to my butler. I have just thought of several things I wish to say to him. Now in regard to abandoning this place: I do not expect to abandon this place just yet--probably not for some weeks or possibly months. In case I should decide to abandon it sooner, if you will leave your address with me I will communicate with you by letter at the institution where you may chance to be stopping at the time. I trust this will be satisfactory.” He turned again to Winsell. “Does your--ahem--friend care for flowers?” he asked. “Yes,” said Winsell. “I think so.”