seventy-five."

"I don't believe it."

"I have his word for it."

"Very likely, but it wouldn't be the first case where a man overstated
the price of his purchase."

"Mr. Gale would not deceive me in that way."

"Have it as you like. The boat is second-hand now, and worth far less
than when it was new," persisted the squire.

"There is considerable difference between twenty dollars and
seventy-five."

"Well, I might stretch a point and call it twenty-five, as Conrad is
desirous of having the boat. In that case there would be five dollars
coming to you, which you would doubtless find very handy."

"I think I shall have to decline your offer, Squire Carter."

"And leave your poor father in trouble? I thought better of you."

Squire Carter was surprised to find that both Andy and his father were
cool, and apparently not suffering anxiety. He had thought they would be
sad, and would resort to entreaties.

"Does it strike you, Squire Carter, that you are trying to drive a very
hard bargain with my father and myself? You offer a very low sum for the
cows and for my boat."

"If you can get more anywhere else, you are quite at liberty to do so,"
said the squire, in a tone of indifference.

He felt that father and son were in his power, and that he would have
his own way in the end.

"I don't think we shall sell at all," said Andy, calmly.

"What!" ejaculated the squire. "Not sell at all? Do you think I will
allow the interest to remain unpaid?"

"The interest will be paid."

"How? Where will you get the money?"

"I will supply my father with what he needs."

"You talk like a fool!" said the squire, sharply. "Do you think I will
allow myself to be humbugged by a boy?"

"No, sir; but you can rely upon what I say."

"Have you borrowed the money from Mr. Gale?"

"I have not seen Mr. Gale for several months. He does not know of my
father's pecuniary trouble. If he did, I think he would come to his and
my assistance. As to the boat, I value it not only on account of its
intrinsic worth, but because he gave it to me. Conrad cannot have it."

Squire Carter was much irritated. Besides, he did not believe that Andy
would really be able to furnish his father with the help he needed.

"I am not easily deceived, Andrew Grant," he said. "It is useless for me
to remain here any longer. I will only say that if the interest is not
paid on Tuesday next, your father must take the consequences."

"He is ready to pa