"I am," replied Smith, with becoming gravity. "Will you sell a portion of ground, say five acres, to the city?" "For what purpose?" Smith knew very well for what purpose the land was wanted. "We have decided to set apart about five acres of ground, and improve it as a kind of park, or public promenade." "Have you, indeed? Well, I like that," said Smith, with animation. "It shows the right kind of public spirit." "We have, moreover, decided that the best location will be at the north end of the town." "Decidedly my own opinion," returned Smith. "Will you sell us the required acres?" asked one of the councilmen. "That will depend somewhat upon where you wish to locate the park." The particular location was named. "The very spot," replied Smith, promptly, "upon which I have decided to erect four rows of dwellings." "But it is too far out for that," was naturally objected. "Oh, no. Not a rod. The city is rapidly growing in that direction. I have only to put up the dwellings referred to, and dozens will be anxious to purchase lots, and build all around them. Won't the ground to the left of that you speak of answer as well?" But the committee replied in the negative. The lot they had mentioned was the one decided upon as most suited for the purpose, and they were not prepared to think of any other location. All this Smith understood very well. He was not only willing, but anxious for the city to purchase the lot they were negotiating for. All he wanted was to get a good round price for the same--say four or five times the real value. So he feigned indifference, and threw difficulties in the way. A few years previous to this time, Smith had purchased a considerable tract of land at the north of the then flourishing village, at fifty dollars an acre. Its present value was about three hundred dollars an acre. After a good deal of talk on both sides, Smith finally agreed to sell the particular lot pitched upon. The next thing was to arrange