will not have to be consulted," said the squire
with a crafty smile.

"Why not?"

"Because I hold a mortgage on the farm which I propose to foreclose this
afternoon."

"I see. So that you will be considerably benefited by the road."

"Yes, to a moderate extent."

"But if a different course should be selected, how then?"

"If the road goes through the farm I would be willing to give a quarter
of the damages awarded to me to--you understand?"

"I think I do. After all it seems the most natural route."

"I think there can be no doubt on that point. Of course the corporation
will be willing to pay a reasonable sum for land taken."

"I think I can promise that, as I shall have an important voice in the
matter."

"I see you are a thorough business man," said the squire. "I hold that
it is always best to pursue a liberal policy."

"Quite so. You have no doubt of obtaining the farm?"

"Not the slightest."

"But suppose the present owner meets the mortgage?"

"He can't. He is a poor man, and he has no moneyed friends. I confess
I was a little afraid that a nephew of his just returned from Montana
might be able to help him, but I learn that he has only brought home
five hundred dollars while the mortgage, including interest, calls for
thirteen hundred."

"Then you appear to be safe. When did you say the matter would be
settled?"

"This afternoon at two o'clock. You had better stay over and take supper
with me. I shall be prepared to talk with you at that time."

"Very well."

From a window of the farmhouse Cyrus Hooper saw Squire Sheldon and his
guest walking by the farm, and noticed the interest which they seemed to
feel in it. But for the assurance which he had received of help to pay
the mortgage he would have felt despondent, for he guessed the subject
of their conversation. As it was, he felt an excusable satisfaction in
the certain defeat of the squire's hopes of gain.

"It seems that the more a man has the more he wants, Jefferson," he said
to his nephew. "The squire is a rich man--the richest man in Burton--but
he wants to take from me the little property that I have."

"It's the way of the world, Uncle Cyrus. In this case the squire is safe
to be disappointed, thanks to my young friend, Rodney."

"Its lucky for me, Jefferson, that you came home just the time you did.
If you had come a week later it would have been too late."

"Then you don't think the squire would have relented?"

"I know h