When she knew that, she might know why these men wanted it.

Then the tension eased.

“I’ll be seeing you,” the Texan said. “Goodbye for now, ma’am.” And then for no reason at all he added: “You bet.” He turned and strode to the door and a moment later went outside and he didn’t once look back. Gillian stared at the window as he passed; and this time she couldn’t see his hair, only the lower part of his face. She heard him striding away, footsteps sharp and clear; then they stopped, and a car door slammed.

“Now perhaps you will be good enough to take the sensible course, and sign this contract of sale,” said Lodwin in a thin voice.

He unfolded the document and handed it to her.

The engine of the green M.G. started off.

“And directly you have signed it, I’ll give you my cheque for the balance,” Lodwin went on.

Gillian didn’t read the contract, but looked at him, and asked :

“Why do you want the farm so badly?”

“I want it for my principals who wish to buy not only this but other property in the neighbourhood,” said Lodwin, so brusquely that it was easy to believe that it was true. “They are aware, as no doubt that young American is aware, that the value of the land in this vicinity will rise sharply in the near future, because of certain road and town planning developments. You may have read of them in the newspapers. My principals know that these developments will in fact take place. They could have offered you the present market value price for your property and so swindled you. They preferred to give a good offer, so that there would be no recriminations in the future.