Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1869-07-23
was crouched DOWN close " Atillie, pale
and fiehtened EYs was sobbing in her
Jap. and Millie-h would Be cifflCuh TO

Jap, and Minie-l would be cifiiCuh TO
describe her feelings.
Ben did not come into the room for
sometime afterwand. When he did, he
looked haggard and aged, and was passing
through hastily, as II to escape notice,
when Mile, business like and atraightfor.
ward little girl That she was, began:
Mr.. Hszwell, Il want to1talk with you
n few minutes There would he no use
in pretending that haven't heard what
you and Squire Johns have been saying,
for have heard every word | think
know of some one who cen help yop but
first may ask you few questions"
Ben, At first looked displeased and
naughty; but her kind, straightforward
manner disarmed him. He bowed assent
What is the amount OF this mortgageY"
1.-TWO thousand dollars and interest"
was the brief reply. h I.tf
"What is the total value of the farm ?"
g My father valued IL at ten thousand
dollars"
alAre there other mortgssesS" ?"
"None."
every well; 1 am quite positive 1 know
some one who can loan you the money. |
am Mile Warner. Call on me tomorrow,
at my cousins, Mrs, Sandford's.
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 al the Sandfords, where he was
receivsd by Mile herself z# fFf
The next incoming, acconlpanied by
neighbor, he called on Squire Johns.
ess He was at breakfast 'the servant eaid
An angry light shone in Squire Johns
cold, gray eye, when he heard who was
his visitor. 81 f.3
"How dare he come here 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 he grovels and
begs my pardon-grovels low as he laid
me, and then III be revenged,, To morrow,
this splendid farm, added to my other
property, and the possession Of Millie
Warmers hand and fortune, will make me
a rich and happy man, indeed. will
tsntalize him TO his hearts content"
He went leisurely into the other room.
You are early this morning, young
man. conclude you have come to pay
the money" he said ironically.
".That's my errand,P replied Ben,
cooly.s ,es.GfEe-- - -@E
Squire Johns started back aghast and
thundorstruck Iirfr Fs -giT T-rg
DO you mean to say you have raised
the moneys"
al do, and have brought Mr. Foster to
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"
Livld, and trembling with passion,
Squire Johns was compelled to yield the
mortgage and execute the usual release
Now, Squire" said Ben, az have one
word more to say; Don't you ever dare
sec foot ON my land again, or Pll kick
you off. Mind that. Nor ever dare to
speak to me again ! don't know such
rascals as you ~" '-e - -
"Fll have. satisfaction ofyoui" and the
Squire literally foamed with passion.
"Have it and welcome" replied Ben,
coolly, cas- long as you haven't got the
farm, Come, Foster"
There was no trace of the violent pas
sion to which the Squire gave free license,
when, the next evening, he drove up to
Sandford's. He looked happy and smil.
ing. There was queer. little smile on
Millie Warmers face as she saw him
through the closed blinds. 1t was little
Ominous that he was compelled to wait
in the parlor alone five, ten, fifteen min
utes. Still more ominous that she came in
I
could hardly believe he heard Alright when,
to his suit, she gave a prompt, uncom-
promising "noi" 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
| Hazwellsl she ended.
"To the Hazwels What do you
know about themp Perhaps you are the
one who loaned the money to them ?"
"Yes, il WAS l. j went in there for
shelter from the storm. heard it all
every word" - 4 Il " ].
The Squire muttered curses low and
deep, but Millie did not stay to hear them.
She only saw him ride away, with that
1 same queer little smile on her face.
Squire Johns rode long distance out
of ms way, six months after, to avoid a
wedding party just returning from church
Ben Hazwell and Millie, his wife -
which he came very near laundering upon