Glancing first at the money market, his eyes next sought for local items, and he read the following article: "Changes in real estate. Rumor says that the Albermarle is to change owners. An English nobleman who is looking for profitable investments is said to be the prospective purchaser. The capacity of this excellent hostelry, according to the report, is to be greatly increased by the purchase of the two adjoining properties." About noon the same day Mr. McLain received a call from Major Bancroft. "This is a delightful office," remarked the major, as he lighted a cigar that had been handed him. "Yes, Major, I had an eye to comfort as well as to business when I built it," adding in a sort of casual way, "I see by this morning's paper that you think of becoming a property owner in our city; allow me to congratulate you." "Well," replied the major, "your newspapers are a little too rapid. I notice that they sometimes get ahead of the hounds. I'm glad you mentioned the matter. Might I ask you how much the Albermarle is worth in your opinion?" "O!" replied Mr. McLain, "it would not be right for me to appraise it, as I own the same kind of property." "I see," replied the major. "Of course. What, then, would be a fair selling price for the Majestic? It seems superior in both locality and capacity." "Well," observed Mr. McLain, "the Majestic has never been put on the market, nor is it today for sale; consequently, I should ask its full value, if I mentioned any price at all. I would not look at anything less than forty thousand pounds for it." "Would you not sell for thirty-five thousand pounds cash?" Mr. McLain dropped his head slightly, and then suddenly replied: "No, sir, but I would sell for forty thousand pounds cash, English money." "Very well, Mr. McLain, make out the necessary papers, and on one week from today I will pay you forty thousand pounds in Bank of England notes." "All right, Major, I will meet you at the Montreal National Bank one week from today, at 12 o'clock. I will bring the papers." "All right," said the Major, and departed. CHAPTER X ALMOST A TRAGEDY A day or two after the sale of the Majestic, while the preparation of the transfer papers was going on, Mr. McLain's young man, who was acting as his secretary and clerk, asked his employer to be relieved of his present duties. "Why, what is the matter, Hiram?" asked Mr. McLain. "Don't you like your job?" "Yes, sir," was the prompt reply, "but I have got a place that suits me better, and, besides, I shall make more money." "Where are you going?" "Major Bancroft has given me the chief clerkship at the hotel." "Ah, I didn't know that you had met the major. What will he do with Case?" "I do not know." "Well, it will be several days before he gets possession. When do you want to leave me?" The reply was: "I should like to be released tonight, as Mr. Case is going to show me how to do the work."