"I hardly think it right, Mr. Smith," said one of his visitors, "for you to take such an advantage. This square is for the public good." "Let the public pay, then," was the unhesitating answer. "The public is able enough." "The location of this park at the north end of the city will greatly improve the value of your other property." This Smith understood very well. But he replied-- "I'm not so sure of that. I have some very strong doubts on the subject. It's my opinion that the buildings I contemplated erecting will be far more to my advantage. Be that as it may, however, I am decided in selling for nothing less than six thousand dollars." "We are only authorized to pay five thousand," replied the committee. "If you agree to take that sum, we will close the bargain on the spot." Five thousand dollars was a large sum of money, and Smith felt strongly tempted to close in with the liberal offer. But six thousand loomed up before his imagination still more temptingly. "I can get it," said he to himself; "and the property is worth what it will bring." So he positively refused to sell it at a thousand dollars per acre. "At twelve hundred, you will sell?" remarked one of the committee, as they were about retiring. "Yes. I will take twelve hundred the acre. That is the lowest rate; and I am not anxious, even at that price. I can do quite as well by keeping it in my own possession. But, as you seem so bent on having it, I will not stand in your way. When will the council meet again?" "Not until next week." "Very well. If they then accept my offer, all will be right. But, understand me; if they do not accept, the offer no longer remains open. It is a matter of no moment to me which way the thing goes." It was a matter of moment to Smith, for all this assertion--a matter of very great moment. He had several thousand dollars to pay in the course of the next few months on land purchases, and no way to meet the payments, except by mortgages or sales of property; and it may naturally be concluded that he suffered considerable uneasiness during the time which passed until the next meeting of the council. Of course, the grasping disposition shown by Smith became the town