Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-06-13

was said that Mr.. Bacon fully understood.
haven't thirty dollars, much less three
hundred, in my possession said he.
Borrow it, them
Impossible money has not been so scarce
for years. Every one is companing
'lond better make the effort, Mr.. Bacon.
shall be sorry 10 put Won to any trouble, but my
money will have to be forthcoming
You will not enter up the mortgage 2 said
the farmer.
1T will certainly come to that, un less you
can pay it,
That is what call oppression = returned
Mr.. Bacon, in momcntary Indignation, for the
utterance Of which he was as quickly repen-
tant.
Good morning. said Dyer. suddenly turning
his horses head aud rid NJ off at a brisk trot.
For nearly five minutes, old Mr.. Bacon stood
with his axe resting ON the ground, lost in pain.
ful tho't. Then he went slowly into his house.
and, sitting down before the fire, let his head
sink upon his breast, and there unused on the
trouble that was closing around him. But
there came no ray Of light, piercing the thick
darkness that lad fallen 90 suddenly.
Nothing was then said to his family on the
subject, but it was apparent TO all that some
thing was wrong, for tie lips that gave ut-
teranCe tn 50 many pleasant words, and parted
so often in cheerful smiles, were still silent
Are YOU not well to-day p asked Mrs. Ba-
con- as the family gathered around the dinner
table. and she remarked her husband unusual
" sober face.
'N,t very well he replied.
What ails you, father p said Mary, with
tender concern in her voice and her eyes
were turned upon him with atiectionate earn
estness
Nothing of much consequence, child was
answered, evasiyeiy. i shall be better after
dinner
And as Mr.. Bacon spoke, he poured ont
larger glass Of brandy than usual--he always
had brandy on the table at dinner time-and
drank it off. This soon took away the keen
edge of suffering from his feelings. and he was
able to affect measure OF cheerulncss. But
he did not deceive the eyes of Mrs. Bacon and
Mary.
| wonder what ails father = said Mary, as
soon AS she was alone with her mother
Il dor't know answered Mrs. Bacon,
honghtfully, he seems troubled about some
thing
saw that Mr.. Dyer who keeps tavern over
in BrookvjIIc, talking with father at The woods
pile this morning
'You did,! Mrs. Bacon spoke with new
manifestation ot interest.
Yes and thought, as looked at him ont
Of the window, that lie appeared to be angry
about sOmelhug.'
Mrs. Bacon did not reply to this remark
Soon atter. on Meeting her husband, she said
to him.
What did Mr. Dyer want this mornng?
Something that he will not get replied
Mr.. B.
'rbo ,ooro,, la l.. anal ,,o
It's impossible to pay it back now, in the
dead Of winter said Mrs. Bacon, in troubled
tone of voice, he ought to know that
And he does know it,
WHAT did you tell him p
That to lift the mortgage now was out Of
the question.
wont he be troublesome? ? You remember
how he acted towards poor old Mr.. Peabody
& know he's a hard-hcarted. selfish man. |
don't believe that there is a spark of humanity
about him. Bnt he'll scarcely 90 so extreml-
ties with me. don't fear that
Odd he threaten D
'Yes. But | hardly think that lie was in
earnest
How far this last remark of old Mr. Bacon
was correct, The following brief conversation
will show. 1t took place between Dyer and "A
miserable pe'tytoggiog lawyer, in Brookvlle,
named Grant
I've got mortgage on old BAcon's farm
that | wish entered up said the tavern keeper
on calling at the lawyers Office.
Cant he pay it oIi?' inquired Grant.
'Oi course not. He's been running down
for the last SIX or seven years, and is now on
his last legs
ANA so Won mean 10 trip hlm up before he
falls OF himself The lawyer spoke in an un-
ieeIng tone and with sinister smile.
III you please 10 say so,' returned DYER. 'fvc
wanted that farm of l. for some time past
when took the mortgage on it, my object was
hrst simple investment at legal interest YOU
kuow tina! | can DO better with my money tAah
SIX per cent year
i should think You could responded tie
lawyer, with chucke.
when | loaned Bacon three hundred dollars.
Of course never expected to get the sum back
again. ! understood, perfectly we'll that sooner
or later the mortgage would have to be entered
up
And the farm become yours for halfits real
value
'EXactly.'
Are you not striking too soon p suggested
the lawyer.
NO.
| Some friend may loan him the amount
/ Dyer shook his head.
/ is light time in Brookvlle.'
i know
And still better for my purpose said DYER,
IN low meaning, voice 'drunkards have few
friends; none, IN fact, willing to risk their
money on them. Put the screws to Bacon,
and his farm will drop into my hand like "a ripe
cherry
Tou can hardly call Bacon Drunkard.-
Ion never see him Staggering about, nor loung
ing IT. bar-ruums.
80 you remember his farm seven years ago 2
/ Perfectly we'll
Look at it now
/ 'There'S great difference, certainly
'lSn't there. WHAT'S the reason OF this p
drunkenness = SAID the tavern keeper. THAT
Is the right word. lie don't spend much in
bar-roomS, but look over his store bill and YOU
Will find rum a large item.'
Poor Bacon He's good sort of man,
remarked the lawyer Il can't help feeling sor.
ry tor him. He's his own worst enemy.'
i want you to push this matter through in
the quickest possible time, said Dyer in sharp
firm voice.
Very well. 1t shall be done. know my
. buSlnpss