The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-06-12
How Mr.. Mustell Paid His Note

the inner office. The name called was
my own; and with the alacrity of an
under clerk ambitious of promotion re-
sponded to the summons.
Jonah Mustell's note fell due yester-
day." said Mr.. Leatherwood, looking ur
as I entered u want you to ride over
to Becchdale and present it OF course
it won't be paid, for, by his construction
of the law-merchant, n debtor has the
right to at least three distinct duns in
addition to the days of grace. So the
sooner we begin the better Here's the
note, and an order on Trotter, the livery
man. for horse"
Mr.. Leatherwood turned to his writ
ing-desk after these instructions, and
left me to follow them.
Beechdale was a country village about
dozen miles from the youthful West
ern city of which Mr.. Leatherwood was
the leading merchant
The road had so many FORKS and
turns that my head got turned 1T last,
and in spite of my stock of itinerary in
formation being kept replenished at reg
ular intervals, had the consolation, at
the end OF several weary hours, of find
ing myself many miles out of the way
Owing to which mishap it was late in
the afternoon when 7 alighted at Mr.
Mustell's gate
[ cannot say was won by that gen
t!eman at first sight There was look
of sinister cunning in his ferrety little
eyes, when he met me at the door, nei-
Their agreeable nor trust-inspiring
After an exchange of distant saluta-
tons, and on intimation from me that |
had called on a matter of business, Mr.
Mustell invited me to enter, and led the
way to an apartment designed, appar
emily, to serve the double purpose of a
sitting-room and Office.
II am sent by Mr.. Leatherwood,"
said, taking the chair offered by Mr.
Mustell, "te request payment Of this
note" at the same time producing it.
The corners of Mr. Mustell's mouth
went down perceptibly. His brow
clouded his features hardened Dun
number one, it was plain, had failed in
persuasive power. But for FORMS sake,
/ should have waited for no other an
swer Mr. Mustell was on the point of
giving one, however, when the sound of
footsteps in the hall attracted his atten-
ton.
With hasty excuse he hurried from
the room, closing the door as he did so.
could hear Mr. Mustell greeting
some one whom he called "Sharker >
and then there was the introduction of
.'Mr Mcclure" after which there was
pause.
"You needn't ne afraid of Bob Nc
Lure, said a voice which, reasoned,
belonged to Shaker Hes as true as
steel
"H-sh :" came warningly from Mr..
Mustell, who Immediately conducted his
visitors to a part OF the house out of
hearing.
At the end of half an hour Mr..
Musteu returned His manner was com
pietely changed His look was even
cordial as he expressed his regret for hay
ing kept me waiting.
''As | was about to say when inter
rupted just now he proceeded blandly,
Il have the money ready for the note.
Tell Mr. Leatherwood ! should have
called upon him with it but for the press
of other business
Here was surprise How had mis-
Judged from appearances. / would have
offered an apology had known how to
do so.
Mr.. Mustel counted out the money in
bank notes, all crisp and new, which /
carefully buttoned up in an inside peck
ct, leaving the paid note on the table.
1t was already growing late, and had
no time to loose if | would reach home
at a seasonable hour.
Mr.. Must4ll came to the gate to see
me of, and, after parting. the warmth Of
which contrasted strangely with the
GOODNESS of Our meeting, set out on a
trot, OF which the vertical motion was
somewhat disproportioned to that in ad-
vance.
had reached the loneliest part Of the
road, and the sun was just setting, when
] heard the sound of hoofs behind. /
had hardly time to look about before two