From the thought of any appeal on the ground of humanity, he revolted.

It was something entirely out of keeping with his peculiar character.

He could not bend to this.
So Mr.Howland wrote a pretty strong letter to his son, in which he set forth in terse language the facts he had heard, and demanded as a right, that restitution be at once made.
Weeks passed and no answer to this demand was received.

In the meantime, another crisis in the affairs of Mr.Howland was rapidly approaching.

Unless aid were received from some quarter, he must sink utterly prostrate under the pressure that was upon him, and again fail to meet the honorable engagements that he had made.