"
"Thank you," replied Case, "but I'm not anxious to change employers."
"But," answered McLain, "I'm not joking. I will sell anything I have,
except my wife and cottage, if I can get my price."
"What's your selling price for the Majestic?" laughingly asked the other.
"O, well, let me see--I suppose forty thousand pounds would buy it."
"All right," said Case, as he turned away, "I guess I'll not change
employers this year."
The Montreal Daily Gazette lay upon Mr. McLain's breakfast table a few
days later. Mrs. McLain called his attention to it, stating that while
awaiting his coming to breakfast she had noticed that the Albermarle was
about to be sold to an English capitalist, who proposed to increase its
capacity, and make it the largest hotel in the colony.
"Indeed!" said Mr. McLain, sipping his coffee, and he took up the paper
to read for himself.
Glancing first at the money market, his eyes next sought for local items,
and he read the following article: "Changes in real estate. Rumor says
that the Albermarle is to change owners. An English nobleman who is
looking for profitable investments is said to be the prospective
purchaser. The capacity of this excellent hostelry, according to the
report, is to be greatly increased by the purchase of the two adjoining
properties."
About noon the same day Mr. McLain received a call from Major Bancroft.
"This is a delightful office," remarked the major, as he lighted a cigar
that had been handed him.
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