ared. 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. Of course, I shall be ready to
pay the interest promptly."

"Unless I should have sudden occasion for the money," said the squire,
"I will let it remain. I don't think you need feel any anxiety on the
subject."

With the intention of putting Frank off his guard, Squire Haynes assumed
a comparatively gracious tone. This, in the case of any other man, would
have completely reassured Frank. But he had a strong distrust of the
squire, since the revelation of his character made by his friend Mr.
Morton.

"Could you tell me positively?" he asked, still uneasy. "It is only ten
days now to the first of July, and that is little enough to raise the
money in."

"Don't trouble yourself," said the squire. "I said unless I had sudden
occasion for the money, because unforeseen circumstances might arise.
But as I have a considerable sum lying at the bank, I don't anticipate
anything of the kind."

"I suppose you will give me immediate notice, should it be necessary.
We can pay four hundred dollars now. So, if you please, the new mortgage
can be made out for half the present amount."

"Very well," said the squire carelessly. "Just as you please as to that.
Still, as you have always paid my interest regularly, I consider the
investment a good one, and have no objection to the whole remai