One day he sold the manor cheap.

His reasons were sufficient.

It then became the property of a wealthy trader, who died in it.

This was in 1809.

His heirs, living, and preferring to live, in Philadelphia, put up a sign; and being of careful disposition, kept the place in excellent repair.
In the year 1816, it passed into the hands of a Frenchman, and during his day the villagers called the house The Watch Tower; for the Frenchman was always on the high balcony, telescope in hand, gazing seaward.