Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-02-08


MS he had ever been, more so in fact, now
that his father was out of the way. He
knew that Ida disliiod him-he had known
that all along-but he had trusted to time
and marriage to overcome tho dislike. And
now that accused Quest had brought about
the ruin OF his hopes. Ida had seen her
chance of escape, and had, like a bold woman,
seized upon it, There was one ray Of hope, and
one only He knew that the money would
not be forthcoming to pay Off the mortgages.
lie could see, too, from the tone of the
squires letter, that he did not altogether APP
provo of his daughters decision. And his
father was dead. Like Cesar he was the
master of many legions, or rather of much
money, which is as good as legions Money
can make most paths smooth to the feet of
tho traveller, and why not this? After much
thought, no came to a conclusion. He would
not trust his chance to paper, he would plead
his cause in person. So he wrote a short note
to the squire, acknowledging Ida's aud his
letter, and saying that lie hoped to come and
see them as soon as ever the doctor would
allow him out of doors.
Meanwhile George, having delivered his
letter. had gone upon another errand. Pull
ing up the fat pony in front of DIR. Quests
office, he alighted and entered. Mr. Quest
was disengaged, and he was shown straight
into the inner office, where the lawyer sat,
looking more refined and gentleman like than
ever
How do you do, George" he said, cheerily;
"sit down; what is ti'
well, sir" answered that lugubrious
worthy, as he awkwardy took a seat, 1.-THE
question is, what isn't it, These rum
times, they be; they faro to puzzle a man,
they du."
YES said Mr.. Quest, balancing quill
pen on his finger, 1.-THE times are bad
enough"
Then came pause
"Dash it all, sir" went on George pres
emily, 81 may as well get it out; have come
to speak to you about the squire's business
YES" said Ir. Quest.
"Well, sir" went on George, 81 am told
that these drafted mortgages have passed
into your hands and that you have called in
the money"
Eyes, that is correct" said Mr.. Quest
again.
"Well, sir, the fact is that the squire can't
get the money. 1t can't be had nohow. No
body won't take the land as security. 1t
might be so much water for all people will
look at it,"
"Quitc So Land is in very bad odor as
security now."
And that being so, sir, what is to be
donesn
Mr.. Quest shrugged his shoulders. 81 do
not know If the money is not forthcoming,
of course, shall, however unwillingly, be
forced to take my legal remedy"
Meaning, sir"-
Meaning that shall bring an action for
foreclosure, and do what L can with the
lands"
Georges face darkened.
And that reads, sir, that the squire and
Miss Ida will be turned out of Honham,
where they have been for centuries, and that
you will turn inn
"Well, that is what it comes to, George. I
am sincerely sorry to press the squire, but
it's matter of thirty thousand pounds and I
am not in position TO throw away thirty
thousand pounds"
Sir" said George, rising in indignation,
~ don't know how you came by them there
mortgages. There is some things that lar
yers know and honest men don't know and
that is one of them. But it seems that you've
got em and are going to use 'em-and that
being so, Mr.. Quest, l have summit to say
to you-and that is that no good will come
to you from this here move"
"What do you mean by that, GeorgeY" said
tho lawyer, sharply.
"Never you mind what means, sir.
means what says means that sometimes
people has things in their lives snugged away
where nobody can't see them, things as quiet
as though they was dead and buried, and
that amt dead and buried, things SO much
nlive that they fare as though they were fit
to kick the lid Off their coffin. That's what l
MEANS sir, and means that when folk set to
work to do hard and wicked thing those