I don't want to let him get the hitch on me of seeking to extort money.

I only ask a loan, and will give bona-fide security on my lead-mine." Then, with one of his low chuckles, he added--"If he can get ten thousand dollars out of it, he will do more than any one else can.

Ha! ha! ha!" "The evidence of property, which you have," said Grind, "is all as it shows on the face ?" "It is, upon honour." "Very well.

Then I will draw the necessary papers, so that as little delay as possible need occur in the transference of security for the loan." What further passed between the parties is of no consequence to the reader.
At four o'clock, precisely, Martin was at the store of Jasper.
"I hope to find you a little more reasonable today," said the merchant, with a forced smile, as the two men, after retiring to a remote part of the store, sat down and faced each other.
"I should be sorry to do any thing out of reason," returned Martin.
His manner was more serious than Jasper's.
"I think your present demand out of reason," was answered.
"No good can possibly come, Mr.Jasper," said Martin, with a slight air of impatience, "out of an argument between you and I, on this subject.

The sum I named to you last night I must have.