This strip was wretched land, and the owner, unable to raise any wheat crop on it, had planted it with larches.
Sir Charles had made him a liberal offer for "Splatchett's" about six years ago; but he had refused point-blank, being then in good circumstances.
Sir Charles now received a hint from one of his own gamekeepers that the old farmer was in a bad way, and talked of selling.

So Sir Charles called on him, and asked him if he would sell "Splatchett's" now.

"Why, I can't sell it twice," said the old man, testily.

"You ha' got it, han't ye ?" It turned out that Richard Bassett had been beforehand.

The bank had pressed for their money, and threatened foreclosure; then Bassett had stepped in with a good price; and although the conveyance was not signed, a stamped agreement was, and neither vender nor purchaser could go back.