Irving Bacheller

“ THE auctioneer was a man of wit and imagination. He kept the crowd laughing with fanciful bits of history relating to the objects on sale.
When at last the Martin farm was offered, Riddles thought it was done in terms not calculated to stimulate the desire to possess it. It was run down, the auctioneer declared, the buildings needed repair and the land some fertilizing, but it was a good farm with an exceptional view of the hills and river valley. What was he offered. ”

“ Our friend took the Connors crime on himself as an act of gratitude. The confession is supported by the affidavit of an eye-witness.”
“What are you going to do about it?” Riddles asked.
“The guilty man will be punished but not severely. I learn that while the brick may have hastened the death of Taylor it was not the direct cause of it. He had an incurable disease from which he had long suffered.”
“Well it occurs to me that there are few who can play the part of a gentleman more successfully than J. Reginald Travers,” said Riddles. ”

“ As to the Connors case, I shall be glad to talk with you in my office, but I do not think that you have made any discovery which will be new to me.”
“Well, what's the use of fighting anyhow!” Waters exclaimed as he offered his hand.
“If we can not be friends we need not be enemies,” said Riddles.
The latter finished his business with the auctioneer. As he was leaving the park with the ladies, he turned to Harriet Martin and said:
“Now you are free to do as you like. There is no string on you. The sale gives you enough above your debts to confer a degree of independence. ”