The only available ground is Gresham's adjoining property, which Gresham long ago gave up trying to sell him.

The colonel is crazy to buy it now, but he's afraid to let Gresham know he must have it, for fear Saint Paul will run up the price on him.

In consequence, he trails the man round like a love-sick boy after an actress.

When he finds Gresham he only looks at him--and goes away.

That's only half of the laugh, however.