Middletown transcript., 1870-02-26

stopped to say that the time for the pay
ment of the money due me being day after
tomorrow, if it is not ready l shall be
obliged Immediately to resort to severe
measures"
g Impossiblc" exclaimed the young
man in surprised and excited tone; "you
are very much mistaken. 1t is not due
till the 2Sth, it is now the 18th At that
time / shall sell the piece of land partly
expect to do, and hope with some other
money coming in, to be able to pay it,"
"You are laboring under singular mis-
take, young man. Hero is your mort
gage. you can see for yourself that it is
the 18th"
"Let me see it?"
The figures danced upon the page. He
pressed his hands over his eyes and calm
ed himself with great effort. Ho grew
ashy pale as he read.
"1t reads so certainly but can't under
stand it." He went to the desk. Here's
il memorandum my father made Of the cir
cumstances, and it is the 28th, and he was
very sure methodical man, and would
not be likely to make mistake that might
be fraught with very important and evil
consequence to him. | believe" a sud-
den suspicion coming into his mind, as he
detected lurking triumph in Squire
Johns eye. Il believe there's some vii
lainy about this matter, and that you are
at the bottom of it," he exclaimed excited
ly, fixing his eye firmly upon the lawyer
who changed his color in spite of himself.
BE careful what you say, young man,
as you might get yourself in trouble" he
said angrily.
"Yes, sir, | believe that you are base
villain? remember that you are the
lawyer who made out the mortgage at the
time, and know that for years you have
been aching to get hold of this property
If there is any justice in law, you shall be
be exposed !"
In the meantime you had better have
the money ready" coolly and insultingly
replied Mr.. Johns
THAT is impossible you know. You
knew very well that could not raise so
much money in two days when you laid
your diabolical plans"
"Thcn you know the consequences"
"And what is to become of my young
sisters? :"
Il neither know nor care. That is your
lookout"
The young man strove to rcpress his
passion. esquire Johns, hy the 29th l
can pay this debt, 1 expect"
"That will do you no good 1t must
be ready by day after tomorrow, or take
possession might have shown you mer-
cy but for your insinuations Now nome"
"That is false! liar. villain, and you
know it, You never showed mercy in
your life. You have won your i'll gotten
wealth by robbing the widow and father
less. If you take this property, may it
bring you n curse with it, now and ever
more! But while 1t is in my hands I'll
kick you from it, you dastardly sooun-
drel ~
The Squire was a small man as well as
a coward and while he was being igncmi-
niously elected from the house by the an
CRY and excited young man. Hettic was
crouchcd down close to Millie, pale and
frightened, Eva was sobhing in her lap,
and Millie-it was difficult to describe her
feelings.
Ben did not come into the room for
some time afterwards. When he did he
looked haggard and aged and was passing
through hastily. as if to escape notice,
when Mile. business-like and straightfor-
ward little girl that she was, began:
"Mr Hazel, 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 saving, for
heard every word. I think I know of
some one who can help you; but first may
ask you few questions
Ben at first looked displcased and haugh-
ty; but her kind straightforward manner
disarmcd him. He bowed assent.
"What Is the amount of this mort
gageY
1.-TWO thousand dollars and interest, -
was the brief reply.
''What is the total value of the farm ?"
"My father valued it at ten thousand
dollars"
"Aro there other mortgages ?"
"None."
every well; | am quite positive l
know some one who can loan you the mon
ey. Call on me tomorrow at my cousin S
Mr. Sanford"
Ben's dreams were mixed up that night
with mortgages and hazeleyes, The next
was a long time of suspense and anxiety,
and early in the evening found him at
Sanford's, where he was received by Mil
lie herself
The next morning, accompanied by q
neighbor, he called on Squire Johns
(" He is at breakfast" the servant said
An angry light shone on Squire Johns
cold gray eye when he heard who was his
visitor.
"How dare he come? warrant, though
the chap isn't quite so high and mighty as
he was the last time | saw him. Humble
enough this morning. | will hold oul
hopes of mercy until he grovels as low as
he laid me, and then I'll be revenged. To.
morrow this splendid farm, added to my
other property, and the possession of Mil.
lie Warmers hand and fortune, will make