Where is she lying ?" "Right at the head of the Basin." And much more like this; but by and by the mortgager came to the point with the casual remark: "The excitement concerning land titles seems to increase rather than subside." "They must have _something_ to be excited about, I suppose," said M.
Grandissime, crossing his legs and smiling.

It was tradesman's talk.
"Yes," replied the other; "there seems to be an idea current to-day that all holders under Spanish titles are to be immediately dispossessed, without even process of court.

I believe a very slight indiscretion on the part of the Governor-General would precipitate a riot." "He will not commit any," said M.Grandissime with a quiet gravity, changing his manner to that of one who draws upon a reserve of private information.

"There will be no outbreak." "I suppose not.

We do not know, really, that the American Congress will throw any question upon titles; but still--" "What are some of the shrewdest Americans among us doing ?" asked M.
Grandissime.
"Yes," replied the mortgager, "it is true they are buying these very titles; but they may be making a mistake ?" Unfortunately for the speaker, he allowed his face an expression of argumentative shrewdness as he completed this sentence, and M.
Grandissime, the merchant, caught an instantaneous full view of his motive; he wanted to buy.