Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1869-12-17

know 1t. You never showed mercy in youi
life. You have won your ill-gotten wealth
by robbing the widow and the fatherless
If you take this property, may IT bring you
a curse with it, now and evermorei But
while it is in my hands I'll kick you from
it, you dastardly scoundrelp
The squire was small man, as well as a
| coward, and while he was being ignomin-
ously elected from the house by the angry
and excited young man, Hettie was crouch
cd down close to Millie, pale and frighten-
ed. Eva was sobbing in her lap, and Mil
lie-it was difficult to describe her feelings.
Ben did not come into the room for some
time afterward When he did, he looked
haggard and aged, and was passing through
hastily, as if to escape notice, when Millie
business like and straightforward little
girl that she was, began:
MFR. Hazwcll, want to talk with you a
few minutes. There would be no use in
pretending that haven't heard what you
and Squire Johns have been saying, for I
have heard every word. think 1 know
of some one who can help you; but first
may | ask you few questions?
Ben at first looked displeasod and haugh-
ty; but her kind, straightforward manner
disarmed him. He bowed assent.
What is the amount of this mortgago?'
Two thousand dollars and interest," was
the brief reply.
what is the total value of the farm?
My father valued it at ten thousand dol
lars
Are there other mortgages p
None
Very well; 1 am quite positive l know
of some one who can loan you the money
| am Millie Warner. Call on me tomorrow
at my cousins, Mrs. Sanfords.
Ben's dreams were strangely mixed up
that night with mortgages and hazel eyes.
The next day was long time of suspense
and anxiety, and early in the evening found
him at the Sanfords, where he was received
by Millie herself.
The next morning, accompanied by a
neighbor, he called on Squire Johns.
An angry light shone in Squire Johns
cold gray eye when he heard who was his
visitor.
How dare he come? l warrant, though.
the chap isn't quite so high and mighty as
he was the last time saw him. Humble
enough this morning. l will hold out
hopes of mercy until be grovels and begs
my pardon-grovels low as he laid me, and
then I'll be revenged. Tomorrow this
splendid farm, added to my other property
and the possession of Mile Warmers hand
and fortune, will make me rich and hap
M / will to1i Ia 4c l. ;r
hearts content
You are early this morning, young man.
l conclude you have come to pay the mon
ey,' he said ironically.
"Thats my errand,' replied Ben coolly.
Squire Johns started back aghast and
thunderstruck.
"Do you mean to say that you have rails
ed the money!?
4 do, and 1 have brought Mr.. Foster tc
prove that it is all right. There is two
thousand dollars. We have each counted
it, There is the interest. Now will take
up the mortgage, Squire Johns.
Livid and trembling with passion, Squire
toi:@v wa conf sled 20 yiclT ~ a45-t,a,, s
and execute the usual release.
There was no trace of the violent passion
which the Squire gave free license, when
| the next evening he drove up to Sanford S
He looked happy and smiling. There was
queer little smile on Millie Warmers face
as she saw him through the closed blinds
1t was a little omnous that he was compel
led to wait in the parlor alone, five, ten,
fifteen minutes. Still more ominous that
| she came in at last, distant and unsmiing
Still he could hardly believe that he heard
Alright, when to his suit she gave a prompt
and uncompromising nor He urged
she was firm. He threatened she flashed
out, brave and indignant, something OF
what she knew and felt, and spurned him
and his suit with scorn and loathing.
Such threat to girl is worthy of you
of piece with your conduct to the IIaz-
wells = she ended.
TO the Hazwells! What do you know
about them? Perhaps you are the one who
loaned the money to Them
YES, it was I. / went there for shelter
from the storm. heard it all, every word.
The Squire muttored curses low and
deep, but Millie did not stay to hear them.
She only saw him ride away, with that
Same queer little smile on her face.
Squire Johns rode long distance out OF
his way six months after, to avoid we'd
ding party just returning from church
Ben Hazwell and Millie his wife-which he
came very blunderingly upon.