I was relieved when I reached M'Leod's City office, and could
tell him what I had done--not what I thought.
M'Leod was quite willing to enter into the game of the pretended
purchase, but did not see how it would help if I knew Baxter.
"He's the only living soul I can get at who was connected with
Holmescroft," I said.
"Ah! Living soul is good," said M'Leod. "At any rate our little
girl will be pleased that you are still interested in us. Won't
you come down some day this week?"
"How is it there now?" I asked.
He screwed up his face. "Simply frightful!" he said. "Thea is at
Droitwich."
"I should like it immensely, but I must cultivate Baxter for the
present. You'll be sure and keep him busy your end, won't you?"
He looked at me with quiet contempt. "Do not be afraid. I shall
be a good Jew. I shall be my own solicitor."
Before a fortnight was over, Baxter admitted ruefully that M'Leod
was better than most firms in the business: We buyers were coy,
argumentative, shocked at the price of Holmescroft, inquisitive,
and cold by turns, but Mr.
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