[Pg 69] “I’ve never heard any complaints.” Jacob glanced at his watch. “If you would be so good as to call at the White Hart Hotel at half past six this evening,” he said, “and ask for Mr. Jacob Pratt, there is a small matter of business I should like you to undertake for me in this neighbourhood.” The young lawyer’s alacrity was not to be mistaken. “I will be there without fail,” he promised. At eleven o’clock precisely, the next morning, Mr. Dane Montague presented himself for the second time at Jacob’s offices, accompanied this time by a smaller, darker and glossier duplicate of himself, whom he introduced as Mr. Sharpe, his solicitor. Jacob did not keep them long in suspense. “I have inspected the Cropstone Wood Estate,” he announced, “and I am willing to advance the twenty thousand pounds for its purchase.” Mr. Montague moistened his already too rubicund lips. “I felt certain that you would not neglect such an opportunity,” he said. “The profits on the sale of the land in lots,” Jacob continued, “are, I presume, to be divided equally amongst the three of us. As regards the houses which Mr. Littleham proposes to build, I will advance whatever money is necessary for these, on mortgage, [Pg 70]at six per cent interest, but the profit on the sale of these I should expect to divide.” [Pg 70] Mr. Montague showed some signs of haste. “I don’t object,” he assented suavely. “Littleham and I will take the other half. It is a great relief to me to get this matter settled quickly,” he continued, “as I have an exceedingly busy day. There just remains one rather important point, Mr. Pratt. My offer of the property expires to-morrow, and the vendors might or might not be disposed to extend the time. In any case, it would be better not to ask them. Would it be possible to clinch this matter to-day?” “Bring your agreement here,” Jacob directed, “at three o’clock, and I will give you my cheque for the amount.” Mr. Sharpe reached for his hat.
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