The old man was alone, so, when he had entered in obedience to the "Come in," which answered his query, he closed the door and sat down beside him.
"Do you think, sir, that it would be well for me to buy Diana's Grove ?" "God bless my soul!" said the old man, startled, "why on earth would you want to do that ?" "Well, I have vowed to destroy that White Worm, and my being able to do whatever I may choose with the Lair would facilitate matters and avoid complications." Sir Nathaniel hesitated longer than usual before speaking.

He was thinking deeply.
"Yes, Adam, there is much common sense in your suggestion, though it startled me at first.

I think that, for all reasons, you would do well to buy the property and to have the conveyance settled at once.

If you want more money than is immediately convenient, let me know, so that I may be your banker." "Thank you, sir, most heartily; but I have more money at immediate call than I shall want.

I am glad you approve." "The property is historic, and as time goes on it will increase in value.
Moreover, I may tell you something, which indeed is only a surmise, but which, if I am right, will add great value to the place." Adam listened.
"Has it ever struck you why the old name, 'The Lair of the White Worm,' was given?
We know that there was a snake which in early days was called a worm; but why white ?" "I really don't know, sir; I never thought of it.