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


Cossey's chances of life or death. However,
one of them picked out number of shot
from the wounded man, and number more
he left in because he could not pick them
out, and they both agreed that the treat
ment of their humble local brethren was all
that could be desired and, so far as they
were concerned, there was an end of it,
A week had passed, and Edward Cos.ey,
nursed night and day by Belle Quest, still
lowered between life and DEATH
1t was Thursday, and Harold had walked
up TO the castle to give the squire the latest
news of the wounded man While he was in
the vestibule telling what he had to tell to
MIR. de la Mole and Ida man whom he
recognized rs one of Mr.. Quests clerks rang
the bell. He was shown in, and handed the
squire fully addressed brief envelope,
which, he said, he had been told to deliver
by Mr.. Quest, and adding that there was nc
answer, bowed himself out
AS soon as he had gone, the envelope was
| opened by Mr.. de la Mole, who took from it
two legal looking documents which he began
to read. Suddenly the first dropped from
| his hand, and with an exclamation LIE
snatched at the second.
"What is it, father" asked Ida.
"What is it, Why, it's just this. Edward
| Cossey has transferred the mortgages over
this property to Quest, the lawyer and
| Quest has served notice on me calling in
the money! and he began to walk up and
down the room i'll state OF great agitation.
Il don't quite understand said Ida, her
! breast heaving, and with a curious light
shining in her eyes.
Dent youN said her father, "then per-
haps you Will read that" and lie pushed the
papers to her. As he did So another letter.
which he had not observed, fell out of them.
At tins point Harold rose to go.
Don't so, Quaritch, don't 60" said the
squire. IL shall be glad Of your advice
and am sure that what you hear will not
60 any further"
AT the same time Ida toned him to
stay, and though somewhat unwilling he
did so.
Dear sir" began the squire, reading the
etter aloud
Enclosed you will find the usual formal
notices calling in the sum of thirty thousand
pounds recently advanced upon mortgage OK
the Honham castle states by Edward Cossey
Esq These mortgages have passed into my
possession for value received, and it is now
my desire to realize them most deeply re
greet being forced to press an old client, bur
my circumstances are such that l am obliged
so to do. Ii l can in any way facilitate
your efforts to raise the money, shall be
very glad to do So, but in the event Of the
money not being forthcoming at the end OF
the six months notice, the ordinary steps
will be taken to realize by foreclosure.
Il am, dear sir, yours truly,
NV. QUEST.
"James de la Mole, ESD, j. P"
Il see now said Ida. Mr. Cossey has no
further hold on the mortgages or on the
property"
That's it," said the squire; che has trans
ferred them to that rascally lawyer. And
Vet he told mel can't understand it, |
really can't"
At this point he colonel insisted upon de-
parting, saying that lie would call in again
in the evening TO see if he could be of any
assistance. When he was gone Ida spoke in
a cold determined voice:
''Mr. Cossey told me that when we mar
iied he would put those mortgages in the
fire. It now seems that the mortgages were
not his to dispose Of, or else that ne has since
transferred them to Mr.. Quest, Withou in
forming us"
"Yes, | suppose So" said the squire.
VERY well, =" said Ida. And now, father,
will tell you something. I engaged myself
or, to be more accurate, promised to en-
gage mvself-to Edward Cossey on the con-
dtion that he would take up these mortgages
, when Cossey a Son were threatening to fore
close, or whatever it is called
GOOD hcavonsm said her astonished
father, ''whaJ an ideam
81 did it," went on Ida, "and he took up
the mortgages, and in due course he claimed
my promise, aud became engaged to marry
him, though that engagement was most re-
pugnant to me. You will see that, having
,,orsuoJol hin, %, odV0Opa tha money |