Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-15
CHAPTER XVIII.

Nearly a year had passed and the warm
summer weather. was coming round
again. The big map on the wall at
Kings Cottage had many new red patch
es on it-nearly a dozen-to mark the
progress of the months. The red paint
showed steady. but somewhat slow. prog
ress, with which Mr.. Crunden always
professed himself satisfied.
It would have been an easier and quick
er task to paint their map for the Lon
don and Suburban Trust. The company.
lending money to anybody who asked
for it. with boundless capital behind
them-other peoples capital. sacks Of it.
to waste If they chose-had performed
what looked like miracles. Their whole
ten acres had been prepared in one block
the last tree-root grubbed out. roads
smoothed by steam rollers, paths neatly
paved and graveled. lamp posts set up.
fences placed throughout, names of the
new roads on large enameled plaques
glaring at one from every corner. That
was how the company developed an es-
tate-bang, all together, at one bow.
Perhaps it might not be sound business.
but il they lost here, they would gain
elsewhere. Should they drop money at
Medford, they could pick it up far away
at Willesden, Peckham, Bromley. Wash
ing one hand with another. the COM
panys arms stretched across four coun-
ties.
To Medford citizens it seemed that the
company possessed an Aladdin's lamp
When they rubbed the lamp, one rubbed
ones eyes in wonder. Houses rose in
single night. The common frontage
was all filled; profusely gabled, red
tiled village was advancing from the
common, and every day 1t seemed to
draw nearer to Hill Rise and Mr.. Crun-
denis boundary.
During this period. while the minutest
trace of his old home was being oblit-
debt He came to Mr.. Crunden one Fri
day evening and put a little bag Of gold
on the table before him.
This, sir. is what I owe you-with
many thanks. thought you'd be writing
your cheuue for Saturdays money-and
this can go to the yard instead"
oh, ali! Yes, sir-but is it conven-
lent to your
quite" said Jack. You remember, ]
paid 10 pounds on account. Well. this
is the balance-0 pounds odd"
whats the odd for?' asked Crunden,
counting the money. 1T was only 90
pounds"
Interest said Jack. -Four - ten.
Five per cent 1t ought to be so per cent
because you had no security"
Yes, had" said Crunden gruff1y.
your word"
Thank you. SIR"
II can't take the interest"
:. Please do, sir; You really must take
Matter of pride, eh?" and from be-
meath bent brows Crunden looked at his
clerk. Very good. I understand your
pride-your proper pride.
Then he put the money back in the bag.
dropped the bag into a drawer of his
drawer, searched among his papers.
Here you are. sir" and he handed
Jack his l. o. U.
Thank you. sir. And thank you
again for the loan-and for YOUR kindness
in letting me earn the money to wipe it
Don't mention it, said Crunden
stifHy.
Il am much obliged to you. SIR" said
Jack. hesitatingly. for giving me the
very good of you. And have tried my
best to take the chance, don't you know.
l have really tried to earn the money
and the grub you've given me.
But have earned it, sir?
Yes" said Crunden, rather gloomily.
you have earned 1t honest and square"
"Tally-ho, whoo-hoop," cried Jack. Il
did want you to say that so badly. And
you did say it at last And you meant
it-honor bright and shining?"
les. meant It."
"Forrard-forrard away-O." and Jack
capered out of the room. down the
passage, into the kitchen.
Look, Pricey-picey. puddeny-pie'' and
he put his I. O. U. in the middle Of the
kitchen table, flung an arm round the
ample waist of Mrs. Price and danced her
round the table.
'.Lor'. Mr.. Jack, let me be. Let me. I
say"
"Then look at it, Pricey. look. Great
est achievement of modern times;' and
he babbled and laughed with 30 much
gayety and excitement thatafor a minute
or two Mrs. Price thought Champagne
day had come again.
.Pricey you old ass, you're the
one In this house that cares for me-so
you're the friend turn to in joy and
sorrow Look at it. I've earned the
money and paid 1t back. If any one
had told me should earn my daily bread
and save forty quid I'd have said he was
a rotten prophet. But I've done 1t. can
look the whole world in the face, for
owe not any man."
LET me be-" said Mrs. Price. escaping
from another dance.
you don't know what 1t means to me,