unpleasant reflections.

Laxton made as quick work of the business as the nature of the case
would admit, and in a very short time the property was advertised at
public sale. As the time for the sale approached, the great desire
to prevent the sacrifice that I was too well assured would take
place, suggested the dernier resort of ailing upon Mason; but my
prejudice against the man was so strong, that I could not get my own
consent to do so.

On the day before the sale, I met the individual before alluded to.

"Have you been to see Mason?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"Then you have made up your mind to let that scoundrel, Laxton,
fleece you out of your property?"

"I see no way of preventing it."

"Why don't you try Mason?"

"I don't believe it would do any good."

"I think differently."

"If he did help me out of this difficulty," I replied, "it would
only be to get me into a more narrow corner."

"You don't know any such thing," said the man, a different tone from
any in which he had yet taken when Mason was the subject of our
remarks.

"Think, for a moment, upon the basis of your prejudice; it lies
mainly upon the assertion of Laxton, from your own experience has
proved to be a scoundrel. The fact is, your estimate of Mason's
character is entirely erroneous. Laxton hates him, because he has
circumvented him more than a dozen times in his schemes of iniquity,
and will circumvent him again, if I do not greatly err, provided you
give him the opportunity of doing so."

There was force in the view. True enough; what confidence was there
to be placed in Laxton's words? And if Mason had circumvented him;
as was alleged, of course there was a very good reason for
detraction.

"At what hour do you think I can see him?" said I.

"I believe he is usually in about twelve o'clock."

"I will see him," said I, with emphasis.

"Do so," returned the man; "and may your interview be as
satisfactory as you can desire."

At twelve, precisely, I called upon Mason, not without many
misgivings, I must own. I found my prejudices still strong; and as
to the good result, I could not help feeling serious doubts. On
entering his office, I found no one present but the individual under
whose advice I had called.

"Mr. Mason is not in," said I, feeling a little disappointed.

"Oh, yes, he is in," was replied. I looked around, and then turned
my eyes upon the man's face. I did not exactly comprehend its
expression.