hear such language spoken."

It would have been well if Squire Haynes had been as much shocked by bad
actions as by low language.

This little disagreement over, they began again to anticipate with
pleasure the effect of the squire's premeditated blow upon the Frosts.

"We'll come up with 'em?" said John, with inward exultation.

Meanwhile, though the squire was entirely unconscious of it, there was a
sword hanging over his own head.

CHAPTER XXXI. SQUIRE HAYNES SPRINGS HIS TRAP

As intimated in the last chapter, Frank determined to see if he could
not raise the money necessary to pay off the mortgage in case it should
be necessary to do so.

Farmer Maynard was a man in very good circumstances. He owned an
excellent farm, which yielded more than enough to support his family.
Probably he had one or two thousand dollars laid aside.

"I think he will help me," Frank said to himself, "I'll go to him."

He went to the house, and was directed to the barn. There he found
the farmer engaged in mending a hoe-handle, which had been broken, by
splicing it.

He unfolded his business. The farmer listened attentively to his
statement.

"You say the squire as much as told you that he would renew the
mortgage?"

"Yes."

"Well, I wouldn't trouble myself then; I've no doubt he'll do it."

"He said, unless he should have some sudden occasion for the money."

"All right. He is a prudent man, and don't want to bind himself. That is
all. You know the most unlikely things may happen; but I don't believe
the squire'll want the money. He's got plenty in the bank."

"But if he should?"

"Then he'll wait, or take part. I suppose you can pay part."

"Yes, half."

"Then I guess there won't be any chance of anything going wrong."

"If there should," persisted Frank, "could you lend us four hundred
dollars to make up the amount?"

"I'd do it in a minute, Frank, but I hain't got the money by me. What
money I have got besides the farm is lent out in notes. Only last week
I let my brother-in-law have five hundred dollars, and that leaves me
pretty short."

"Perhaps somebody else will advance the money," said Frank, feeling a
little discouraged at the result of his first application.

"Yes, most likely. But I guess you won't need any assistance. I look
upon it as certain that the mortgage will be renewed. Next fall I shall
have the money, and if the squire wants to dispose of the mortgage, I
shall be ready to take it off