"Not exactly, but perhaps we'll have to. Now, how much ought the place to bring?"
"Two thousand dollars at least, I should say. Of course at a forced sale places don't bring so much."
"Well, don't you think it would bring more than thirteen hundred dollars?"
"It ought to. But once in a while a place goes for a song. Have you a purchaser?"
"Aaron Poole holds a mortgage for twelve hundred dollars, and he wants Mr. Potts to let him have it for the mortgage and a hundred dollars."
"Aaron Poole always was a close one for a bargain. You're not going to take him up?"
"I don't think so."
"Neither would I. Better risk an auction sale," answered Mr. Jackson, and turned away to wait on a customer that had entered.
From the store, Dave turned his footsteps toward Mr. Basswood's office, which was several blocks away. Ben's father had charge of several estates.
"Yes, Ben told me about your trouble," said Mr. Basswood, after greeting Dave. "I am sorry to hear of this. So Aaron Poole wants the place for the mortgage and a hundred, eh? I think I'd risk a sale first."
"That is just what Mr. Jackson said."
"Property around Crumville is constantly in-
