Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-10-15

HSsexsssSsN We're killing hogs at the farm.
GzsSsJ Seven or eight negroes, men
and women, had gathered from all
about in the neighborhood to assist in
the work and get the parts of the meat
usually given away in payment for
such services.
Abner Daniel and old man Bishop
We're experimenting these preparations
when Alan came from the house to say
that Rayburn Miller had just ridden
out to see them on business. Il think
its the railroad" Alan informed his
father. who always displayed signs of
almost childish excitement when the
subject came up. They found Miller in
the parlor being entertained by Adele,
who Immediately left the room on their
arrival. They all sat down before the
cheerful fire. Miller showed certain
signs of embarrassment at first, but
gradually threw them off and got down
to the matter in hand quite with his
office manner
I've got proposition to make tn
you, Mr.. Bishop" he opened up, with
n slight flush on his face. I've been
making some inquiries about Wilson,
and ! am more and more convinced
that he intends to freeze us out-or
you. rather-by holding off till You are
obliged to sell your property for much
lower figure than you now ask him for
it."
You think so?" grunted Bishop, pull
ing a long face.
Yes. But what | now want to do is
to show him indirectly that We are in
dependent of him.
Huh calculated Bishop, even more
dejectedly. Huh. say
Alan was looking at Miller eagerly,
rs if trying to divine the point he was
about TO make. Il must confess he
smiled. that ! can't well see how we
can show independence right now.
well. think see way said Mil
Ter, the flush stealing over his face
again. You see. there is no doubt that
Wilson is OH his high horse simply be-
cause he thinks he could call on you
for that $25 1000 and put you to some
trouble raising it without-without, |
say throwing your land on the market.
| can't blame him." Miller went on,
smiling. for It's only what any bust
ness man would do who is out for
profit but we must not knuckle to
him"
Huh huh" Bishop grunted in deep
er dependency.
How do you propose to get around
the Knocking process" asked Alan,
who had caught the depression inhu-
encing his parent.
I'D simply take up that note said
the lawyer. You know under the con
! tract we are privileged to pay it to-
morrow if we wish. II would simply
: paralyze him. He's so confident that
. You can't take it up that he has not
q even written to ask if you want to re
new it or not. Yes, he's confident that
= he'll rake in that securty-so confident
] that he has been, as you know, secretly
\ buying land near yours"
9 But" exclaimed Alan. Ray, yor
Il know We father has invested thai
u money, and the truth is that he anc
e mother have already had so much wor
e ry over the business that they would
o raised on il than toto run any more
risks"
o Bishop groaned out his approval O.
d this elucidation of his condition anC
e sat silently nodding his head The yer!
thought Of further risks stunned anC
Y chilled him
& Millers embarrassment now descend
c ed on him in full force.
Il was not thinking of having you
r. father disturb his Investments h
Il said The truth is, have met with
little financial disappointment in Ger
d tain direction. For the last three
months have been ralling and scrap
q ing among the dry bones of my invest
a. Inents to get up exactly $4,000 TO Sc
d cure q leading interest In a cotton mil
3 at barley of which | was to be presi
dent. | managed to get the money to
d gethPr. and only yesterday | Learned
n that the northern capital that was t
IN guarantee the thing was only in tn
n corner of a fellows eye up in Boston
le man that had not dollar on earth
l.. Well, there you are. I've $4,000 am
ID no place 10 put it, thought II you ha
d. Just as soon owe me the money as Wi
% son that you'd really be doing me
+. favor to let me take up the note. 1o
: see. it would actually floor him. ii
n means business. and this would shoN
~ him that we are not asking any favor
"a of him. In fact, have an idea it wou
\. scare him out of his skin. He'd thin
If we had another opportunity of selling
r. I'm dying to do this, and hope you
let me work il. Really l think 20
,r ought to consent. I'd never drive 20
to the wall and-well-he might
ii All eyes were on the speaker Bisho
n. had the dazed expression Of bewi
H. dered man trying to believe in sudde
n good luck. Abner Daniel lowered III
head and shook with low, subdue
" laughter,
:, "You are a Jim dandy, young man.
he said to Miller. That's all there
IA about 1t. You take the rag on I'll