"Then that is just what is wanted. But no time must be lost, as my option on the land closes to-morrow at noon."
"Well, we can easily raise the money before that time," answered the Californian, who, I afterward learned, was very wealthy.
"Yes, there won't be any trouble about that," added the gentleman from the city of the great lakes.
The waiter now came forward with what had been ordered, and as all three of us were fond of ice-cream we lost no time in attacking the dishes set before us. In the meantime the three men made themselves comfortable over some wine and cigars.
"He is plying the Americans with drink," I whispered presently. "If he doesn't try to get some money or a check out of them before he leaves them then I miss my guess."
"Mark is right," answered Dan. "The Californian is rich and will be an easy victim. I've a good mind to go up to the table and introduce myself."
"I have a better scheme than that," I whispered. "There is no use in creating a row here. Come outside with me."
"And leave them?" queried Oliver.
"Only for a few minutes. Come," and I got up, strode to the door, paid the amount of our
