Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-02-09
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"Cert0'nIy, Doctor Think Iwould do any
thing different from what agreed You
oughtn't insinuate anything to the contrary"
" U no, Mr. Slocum just wanted to know,
that was all. If they can stay there, it would
be an accommodation all round, and if they can
not, | must provide another place for them"
"They can, Doctor, glad TO have 'em. Might
get little more rent, perhaps, from somebody
else, but fact is, they're old friends like, and
want to accommodate them. Needn't trouble
yourself about them, Doctor / will see to
em."
Yes. Here is a contract" said the Doctor,
taking from his pocket and unfolding closely
written paper of some length, " which took
the trouble to get Lawyer Johnston to draw up
to-day, and which I would like signed. The
substance of it, is merely an agreement to let
Mrs. Howard have the farm for three years. at
five hundred dollars year, as you say you
agreed"
Slocum took the document, and after reading
it carefully, affixed his signature in bold,
round hand, withOuta word of objection.
"There, thank you, sir observed Dr. Good
man, that makes it all straight, in case of death
or accidents, you know"
Certainly | always make a practice of
doing these things up as they should be-" re-
piled Slocum.
After some little conversation about matters
in general, which had no bearing whatever on
our tale, the two men separated, and Dr. Good
man drove to st. Aubin, while Slocum pursued
his way to the Howard farm.
Slocum calculated that, all things considered,
the better way was to do as the Doctor request
ed, and sign the paper. True, he didn't like the
idea of binding himself by written contract,
but he considered it important TO keep his hold
Of the family in one way or another, and the
rent, if it come, was at least hundred dollars
other quarter
Mrs. Howard and emma were in the yard
gathering flowers, and cheering each other with
lively conversation, when Slocum came through
| bU0 Rdbo1 hilu WILL VIC ubuUSb IcSpcCO, Wlbu6u
them good afternoon.
Mrs. Howard was good deal surprised at his
manner, began to think that her troubles were
indeed ended, when such man as she supposed
Slocum to be, and in whose power shein meas
ure was, addressed her in tones of kindness
She did not know that the coils of the serpent
were closing closer and closer around her and
all she loved.
-" Leon spoke to me last night" began Slo-
cum, addressing Mrs. Howard, " to know if you
could stay here few years, and thought l
would come up and see how you we're getting
along"
go yes, Mr.. Slocum, we should be glad, very
glad indeed, to stay in the old home. Leon said
you would let us stay three years,
{" promised Leon that and | mean to fulfill
my promise. I shall be glad to have you stop
as long as you wish, and make it a home as
much as though you ownedit."
"Thank you, Mr.. SIocum, - said Mrs. How
ard, beginning to indulge the opinion that she
had judged too harshly Of the man. "You
are very kind. We will try to do we'll, and
pay promptly, but fear we shall fail
" And if you do shan't be hard with you,
don't mean to be hard with anybody that does
as well as they can. And if you need any help,
l shall be ready to assist you to obtain it. Do
you need any =" asked Slocum.
Zone hand, now Leon is gone"
." have already spoken to one, to take his
place. said Slocum quickly.
Mrs. Howard was about to say that DR..
Goodman would assist her to hire help, but Mr..
Slocum answered before she had finished the
sentence and she concluded that as he had spoken
to one, and she wished to secure his friendship,
as much as possible, that she would close with
his offer to furnish one,
"Very well,' replied Mrs. Howard, "ls the
price agreed upon2"
C Ten dollars a month, by the year"
Very cheap--you are kind, indeed and
you know him to be a good hand 2" aa
One of the best, Mrs. Howard. He will be
sure to give satisfaction. will send him up
in the morning" aI
'sDo So What name2 +"
: Frederick Stygle."
An English name, If I reccllect right, but
none the worse for that said Mrs Howard.
'' Yes, he is an Englishman, but you will find
him an excellent hand, madam, and one that
you can depend upon to plan and oversee, and
with Soma nnmmnn nlana ramarks he Withdraw