"I shall take immediate possession, and require you to leave at once." "Then I suppose we had better pay the mortgage, mother," said Frank.
"Pay the mortgage! You can't do it," said the squire exultingly.
"Have you the document with you ?" inquired Mrs.Frost.
"Yes, madam." "Name the amount due on it." "With interest eight hundred and twenty-four dollars." "Frank, call in Mr.Morton as a witness." Mr.Morton entered.
"Now, Frank, you may count out the money." "What!" stammered the squire, in dismay, "can you pay it." "We can." "Why didn't you tell me so in the first place ?" demanded Squire Haynes, his wrath excited by his bitter disappointment.
"I wished to ascertain whether your course was dictated by necessity or a desire to annoy and injure us.

I can have no further doubt about it." There was no help for it.

Squire Haynes was compelled to release his hold upon the Frost Farm, and pocket his money.

He had never been so sorry to receive money before.
This business over, he was about to beat a hurried retreat, when he was suddenly arrested by a question from Henry Morton.
"Can you spare me a few minutes, Squire Haynes ?" "I am in haste, sir." "My business is important, and has already been too long delayed." "Too long delayed ?" "Yes, it has waited twelve years." "I don't understand you, sir," said the squire.
"Perhaps I can assist you.

You know me as Henry Morton.