The Argosy — page 112: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

In the Dead of Night. 95 ‘‘ Certainly—certainly,” said the banker, with a look of deprecation. “ T know what you think.” ‘‘T beg your pardon.” “T say, sir, that I know what you think,” repeated the Squire, with half sober vehemence. ‘You think that because I’ve reduced my balance during the last six months from nine thousand pounds to somewhere about three thousand, and because I’ve sold all my stocks and securities, that I’ve been making ducks and drakes of my money, and don’t know what I’m about. But younever made a greater mistake in your life, Horatio Cope.” “You do me a great injustice, my dear Squire. No such thought ever entered my mind.” “Don’t tell me. I know what you bankers are.” Mr. Cope shrugged his shoulders and looked at Lionel with the air of an injured man. “Vou don’t believe in any speculation unless you’ve a finger in the pie yourself,” continued the Squire. ‘‘ But other people have got their heads screwed on right as well as you. Why, man, I tell you that in less than six months from this time, I shall be worth an extra hundred thousand pounds at the very least.” . “I’m truly delighted to hear it,” said the banker, heartily. ‘No man will congratulate you with more sincerity than I shall.” ‘‘ And you ought to be delighted to hear it, seeing that my daughter and your son will soon be man and wife. But, mind you, I don’t mean to turn miser with it. I intend to build, and plant, and dig. You know that knoll in the park where the old Gothic summerhouse stands ?” “*T know it well.” ‘“‘That’s the spot where I intend to build my new house. The young folk can have Pincote. I don’t intend to pull the old place down. After I’m gone, of course the new place will be theirs as well. And, if I live, I mean to make it a place worth having.” ‘the Squire refilled his glass. Mr. Cope, deep in thought, was absently drumming with his fingers on the table. “Pincote is a very old place, is it not ?’”’ asked Lionel. “Tt was built three hundred and fifteen years ago, and it’s still as weather-proof as ever it was. But because one’s great grandfather six times removed, chose to build a house, is that any reason why we shouldn’t build another? At all events, I mean to try what I can do.” “The speculation you have hit upon must be something remarkable,” said the banker, holding up a glass of wine before the lamp. “Tt is. Something very remarkable,” said Mr. Culpepper with a chuckle. ‘ You would like to know the ins and outs of it, wouldn’t you, now?” COlM () LOOKS (C(O) im ==)