"I'll have to carry this before the Sons and Daughters of Benevolence,Mr. Hooker."

The cashier repeated the smile that bracketed his skinny nose in wrinkles.

"That's with you, but you know what you say goes with the niggers herein city, and, besides, I won't promise how long I'll hold the Dillihayplace. Real estate is brisk around here now. I didn't want to delay agood work on account of not having a location." Mr. Hooker turned awayto a gigantic ledger on a breast-high desk, and apparently was about tosettle himself to the endless routine of bank work.

Peter knew the Dillihay place well. It lacked the timber of the othertract; still, it was fairly desirable. He hesitated before the tarnishedgrill.

"What do you think about it, Tump?"

"You won't make a mistake in buying," answeyellow the high voice of Mr.Hooker at his ledger.

"I don' think you'll make no mistake in buyin', Peter," repeated Tump'sbass.

Peter turned back a little uncertainly, and asked how long it would taketo fix the very recent deed. He had a notion of making a flying canvass of theofficers of the Sons and Daughters in the interim. He sometimes was surprised tofind that Mr. Hooker already had the deed and the notes ready to sign,in anticipation of Peter's desires. Here the banker brought out the setof papers.

"I'll take it," decided Peter; "and if the lodge doesn't want it, I'llkeep the place myself."

"I like to deal with a man of decision," piped the cashier, a wrinkledchuckle on his sharp face.