with the Ryans in the absence of your grandfather. Contrary to this man Swift's crazy accusations, I was downtown in Wall Street during the fracas yesterday. But I heard about it. It must have disturbed you very much. It's lucky your grandfather was away. If he had been mixed up in it, in his weakened condition, it might have affected him very badly. If this trouble continues after he comes home, it's liable to undo all the good his rest has been to him and have some very serious results. So Dr. Mason told me last night.
"Knowing that, and with your welfare and his in mind, I went last night to the man who once said he would pay $1,000 for the Crosstown franchise, an offer which I transmitted to your grandfather and which he very foolishly refused. I asked this man as a personal favor to me to renew the offer. I am very happy to say that I persuaded him to agree. Your grandfather left the car line in your charge during his absence and I am here this morning to offer you $1,000 for the franchise. I even have a preliminary agreement there that you can sign. Your grandfather can sign the final papers later. I ask you, for the sake of your grandfather's health—it may be even a matter of life and death—to seize this opportunity not only to preserve his peace of mind but to make a shrewd business deal in securing $1,000 for a property that everybody knows is worthless."
Jane looked troubled and uncertain. She was used to believing people. She had had no experience with unscrupulous, prevaricating males. And
