Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1874-06-27
AN INNOCENT GRANGER.

now FARMER SMITH, OF MADISON, ouIwIrrEp
A MONEY LENDER.
A farmer-we will call him Smith
for shOrt-lves in Ma dis0n county,
and would be known, at least by
reput; ton, to many of our readers
were his right name given. But the
incident we now relate, though com
ing to us in reliable way was
known to few outside his neighbor-
hood. Farmer Smith lived in IA
quiet way, and was supposed to
have accumulated something ahead
besides having pretty good farm.
After his second son had been mar
ried about year, he concluded to
settle near the old mans, if he could
rent a place.
Hearing of this, Mr.. Thompson
again we withhold the true name
thought there might be chance to
sell certain place on pretty good
terms. Mr.. Thompson was money
lOaner, and nothing suited him so
well as good interest, backed by
good security; and he was, more
over, generally considered pretty
shrewd trader. He rode over to
see old man Smith, but the farmer
said he did not feel able to buy he
might buy on credit if the price
was low enough and the interest
was not too high. His sou "Jakey,"
he said, would have to pay for the
farm himself, if the trade was made,
but his son was good farmer, and
he thought it would be all right. at
least the land would be there, and
would be good for what remained
unpaid if his son should fail. What
seemed to startle the old fellow was
twelve per cent. interest that MIR.
Thompson wanted.
Finally, however, after a great
deal of talk, the price was agreed
on at twenty thousand dollars, one
fifth cash, and notes at one, two,
three and four years, with twelve per
cent interest from date for the re.
maindcr. The contract was drawn.
and they were about to sign, when
the farmer suggested that if at any
time he should get any more money
than was due on the notes he want
ed to be allowed topay it, and count
off the twelve per cent. This pro
position seemed reasonable enough
to Thompson, and he could not oh.
icct to it's insertion in the contract,
and so the document was signed in
The deed was to be
ready, the notes drawn, and the
payment made on the following
Saturday.
When the time arrived both were
punctually on hand, the first four
thousand waspaid, and the notes
were ready for signature. "Mr.
Thompson" said Mr.. Smith, "I've
been thinking about that interest,
and it seems skeery, so l thought |
I'd gather in some little money |
had out,and pay part of t,and-pull.
ing from his breast pocket roll OF
money-jist count that
The money was counted, and with
twelve per cent. off, the note was
paid.
When Thompson had pOcketed
;he money; again Smith said : "Tve
rot a son livin' in Missouri, Mr..
Thompson, and as soon as he heard
was buyin' a farm for Jakey, he
sent me a little money"-pulling a
oil from his right side breeches
so whatever it IS we'll
'redit it on the next note, if you
AVE no objection" Again the
money vas counted, and the TWEEN
y-fOur per cent. off it paid the note
o a cent.
"Well, that's luck, resumed the
I'D man; an now, Mr.. Thompson,
he old woman has been selling
light smart of butter and aigs, and
ONE chickens now and then, when
hey come round the country a buy
ng and she told me this mOrnin'
hat l better take what she had, and
lay be it wouldn't come amiSs.'-
he roll was produced from the left
de breeches pocket, and when
just paid the third note, ,
fter thirty-six per cent. was de-
ucted, and Thompson said not a
ord. Smith seemed to De cOnSid-
ring for some minutes, and then !
aised his head, said, as through a
ldden thought struck him: "YOu =
moved my darter Sal. didn't We