He now resolved, if possible, to keep Frank in ignorance of his real purpose, that he might not think it necessary to prepare for his attack.
"Yes," said he indifferently; "I hold quite a number of mortgages, and one upon your father's farm among them." "Isn't the time nearly run out ?" asked Frank anxiously.
"I can look if you desire it," said the squire, in the same indifferent tone.
"I should be glad if you would." "May I ask why you are desirous of ascertaining the precise date ?" asked the squire.

"Are you intending to pay off the mortgage ?" "No, sir," said Frank.

"We are not prepared to do so at present." Squire Haynes felt relieved.

He feared for a moment that Mr.Frost had secured the necessary sum, and that he would be defeated in his wicked purpose.
He drew out a large number of papers, which he rather ostentatiously scattered about the table, and finally came to the mortgage.
"The mortgage comes due on the first of July," he said.
"Will it be convenient for you to renew it, Squire Haynes ?" asked Frank anxiously.

"Father being absent, it would be inconvenient for us to obtain the amount necessary to cancel it.