“Cyrus is over at the barn, Jefferson,”
she said. “I’ll ring the bell and
he’ll come in.”
“No, Aunt Nancy, I’ll go out and let him
know I am here.”
Presently Cyrus Hooper came in, accompanied by Jefferson.
“Uncle Cyrus,” said the miner, “let
me introduce you to my friend Rodney Ropes, of New
York.”
“I’m glad to see you,” said Cyrus
heartily. “I’m glad to see any friend
of Jefferson’s.”
“Thank you, sir. I am pleased to meet you.”
“Jefferson says you are goin’ to Montany
with him.”
“I hope to do so. I am sure I shall enjoy
myself in his company.”
“How far is Montany, Jefferson?”
“It is over two thousand miles away, Uncle Cyrus.”
“It must be almost at the end of the world.
I don’t see how you can feel at home so far
away from Vermont.”
Jefferson smiled.
“I can content myself wherever I can make a
good living,” he said. “Wouldn’t
you like to go out and make me a visit?”
“No, Jefferson, I should feel that it was temptin’
Providence to go so far at my age.”
“You never were very far from Burton, Uncle
Cyrus?”
“I went to Montpelier once,” answered
the old man with evident pride. “It is
a nice sizable place. I stopped at the tavern,
and had a good time.”
It was the only journey the old man had ever made,
and he would never forget it.
“Uncle Cyrus,” said Jefferson, “this
is the young man who I thought might advance you money
on a new mortgage. Suppose we invite him to go
over the farm, and take a look at it so as to see what
he thinks of the investment.”
“Sartain, Jefferson, sartain! I do hope
Mr. Ropes you’ll look favorable on the investment.
It is Jefferson’s idea, but it would be doin’
me a great favor.”
“Mr. Pettigrew will explain the advantages of
the farm as we go along,” said Rodney.
So they walked from field to field, Jefferson expatiating
to his young friend upon the merits of the investment,
Rodney asking questions now and then to carry out
his part of the shrewd and careful boy capitalist.
When they had made a tour of the farm Jefferson said:
“Well, Rodney, what do you think of the investment?”
“I am satisfied with it,” answered Rodney.
“Mr. Hooper, I will advance you the money on
the conditions mentioned by my friend, Mr. Pettigrew.”
Tears of joy came into the eyes of Cyrus Hooper and
his worn face showed relief.
“I am very grateful, young man,” he said.
“I will see that you don’t regret your
kindness.”
“When will Squire Sheldon be over to settle
matters, Uncle Cyrus?” asked Jefferson.
“He is comin’ this afternoon at two o’clock.”
“Then Rodney and I will be over to take part
in the business.”
THE FAILURE OF SQUIRE SHELDON’S PLOT.
