"It doesn't seem in strict good breeding to pursue ladies one doesn't know." "Why, bless you, I chased all over Europe after a face I saw in _The Sketch_, only to find out that she was willing to marry anybody with money and had a voice like a guinea-hen. And after I'd found that out, she chased _me_ all over Europe and as far East as Cairo." "I've never been chased by a woman," said Jonstone a little wistfully. "What happened in the end?" "I left Cairo between two days, fled away into the desert with some people just stepped out of the Bible, and never came back." "Suppose she hadn't been willing to marry you and had had a voice like a dove?" "Don't suppose. We are on a new quest." "What is the Adirondacks?" "We wouldn't think much of it in the South. It's a place where you are always cool and clean and can drink the nearest water. The trout don't eat mud and haven't got long white whiskers, and the deer are bigger than dogs, and you don't go to sleep at night. The night just comes and puts you to sleep. It's just like Bar Harbor--only a little more so in some ways and a little less so in others." Jonstone spread _The Four Seasons_ wide open upon his knees. "Let's agree right now," he said, "which each of us thinks is the prettiest. It would be dreadful after travelling so far if we were both to pick on the same one." "We would have to fight a duel," said Meredith, "with swords, and considering that you could never even sharpen a pencil without cutting yourself----" "A boy wouldn't come along," said Jonstone, "and sell us a copy of a magazine months old if fate hadn't meant us to see this picture. I think I like the third one from the end." "I think I like the three that look just alike." "That is because you have travelled in Turkey. You never seem to remember that you are a Christian gentleman." XIX When they found out how much the buried silver was worth--the inventory was very thorough in the matter of description, dates, and weights--Mr. Bob Jonstone burst out laughing. But Colonel Meredith, although determined to stand by his bargain whatever the cash cost, looked like a man who has just missed the last train. "I haven't got that much money loose, Bob," he said, "but I can raise it in a few days and then we'll execute a bill of sale. Meanwhile, allow me to congratulate you on your accession to the aristocracy." "Aristocracy? It's blood that counts--not money." "According to the old democracy, yes. According to the new, distinguished people pay an income tax and common people don't. And you, a moment ago, before the valuation was completed, were a very common fellow, indeed." "Mel, I had no idea that old junk was worth so much." "You hadn't? Well, it's worth more. I'm getting a bargain. Thank the Lord you're a gentleman, so there's no danger of your backing out." Jonstone seized his cousin's hand and pressed it affectionately.