The ready money had been muddled away--simply muddled away, for the old man had worked hard, and was not at all extravagant.
The bank asked for the five hundred, but not in a pressing manner, for the belief still existed that there was money in the family.

That belief was still further fostered because the old friends whose loans had been repaid talked about that repayment, and so gave a colour to the idea.

The heir, in his slow way, thought the matter over and decided to continue the loan.
He could only repay it by instalments--a mode which, to a farmer brought up in the old style, is almost impossible, for though he might meet one he would be sure to put off the next--or by selling stock (equivalent to giving up his place), or by borrowing afresh.

So he asked and obtained a continuation of the loan of the five hundred, and was accommodated, on condition that some one 'backed' him.

Some one in the family did back him, and the fatal mistake was committed of perpetuating this burden.