“And so you're not thinking of settling in Ireland?” asked Crow, in some surprise. “Never dreamed of it!” “Well, the story goes that you wanted to buy an estate, and came down to have a look at this property here.” “I'd not live on it if Martin were to make me a present of it to-morrow.” “I don't think he will,” said Crow, gravely. “I am afraid he could n't, if he wished it.” “What, do you mean on account of the entail?” asked Merl. “Not exactly.” He paused, and after some silence said, “If the truth were told, there's a great deal of debt on this property,--more than any one suspects.” “The Captain's encumbrances?” asked Merl, eagerly. “His grandfather's and his great-grandfather's! As for the present man, they say that he's tied up some way not to sell, except for the sake of redeeming some of the mortgages. But who knows what is true and what is false about all this?” Merl was silent; grave fears were crossing his mind how far his claims were valid; and terrible misgivings shot across him lest the Captain might have been paying him with valueless securities. “I gather from what you say,” said he, at last, “that it would be rather difficult to make out a title for any purchaser of this estate.” “Don't be afraid of that, sir. They'll make you out a fair title.” “I tell you again, I'd not take it as a present,” said Merl, half angrily. “I see,” said Crow, nodding his head sententiously. And then fixing his eyes steadily on him, he said, “You are a mortgagee.” Merl reddened,--partly anger, partly shame. Indeed, the feeling that such a capacity as Mr. Crow's should have pushed him hard, was anything but complimentary to his self-esteem. “I don't want to pry into any man's affairs,” said Crow, easily. “Heaven knows it's mighty little matter to Simmy Crow who lives in the big house there. I 'd rather, if I had my choice, be able to walk the wood with my sketch-book and brushes than be the richest man that ever was heartsore with the cares of wealth.” “And if a friend--a sincere, well-wishing friend--were to bind himself that you should enjoy this same happiness you speak of, Mr. Crow, what would you do in return?” “Anything he asked me,--anything, at least, that a fair man could ask, and an honest one could do.” “There's my hand on it, then,” said Merl. “It's a bargain.” “Ay, but let us hear the conditions,” said Crow. “What could I possibly serve you in, that would be worth this price?” “Simply this: that you'll answer all my inquiries, so far as you know about this estate; and where your knowledge fails, that you'll endeavor to obtain the information for me.” “Maybe I could tell you nothing at all--or next to nothing,” said Crow. “Just ask me, now, what's the kind of question you 'd put; for, to tell truth, I 'm not over bright or clever,--the best of me is when I've a canvas before me.”