ave you borrowed it?"

"No. It belongs to me. I will explain later. Now I am hungry, and while
mother is looking for some lunch for me we will talk about other
matters."

"I am very much relieved, Andy. I will go and tell the squire I shall be
able to meet the interest."

"Don't do it, father. We will leave him to suppose it will not be paid,
and see what course he intends to pursue. Don't breathe a word to
undeceive him."

"I will do as you say, Andy, though I don't know your object. Do you
still like your place in New York?"

"Yes; I am learning the business fast, and have good hopes for the
future. Mr. Crawford is an excellent man, and takes an interest in me."

"That is good. After all, things are brightening. When I got up this
morning I felt about discouraged."

"I telegraphed you not to worry, father."

Meanwhile Mrs. Grant was preparing an appetizing lunch for her son. She
knew just what he liked. When it was placed on the table, he did full
justice to it.

"It tastes better than anything I get in the city, mother," he said.

"I didn't suppose our plain table would compare with city meals."

"They're not in it with you," said Andy. "I am only afraid I shall make
myself sick by overeating."

Mrs. Grant was greatly pleased that Andy had not lost his taste for home
fare.

"How you have grown, Andy!" she said. "And you are looking so well, too!
Do you have to work very hard?"

"Hard work agrees with me, mother. No; I don't hurt myself."

"I wish I could be here when the squire comes for the interest," Andy
said, later.

"He will call this evening. You will see him," said Sterling Grant.

"Then I shall be sure to stay at home."

Meanwhile, at the house of Squire Carter, there was a conference between
father and son.

Conrad had a new and bright idea. He had always coveted Andy's boat,
which, as we know, was much better than his own had been. It occurred to
him that here would be a good opportunity to get it for a trifle.

"Pa," he said, "will you do me a favor?"

"What is it?" asked his father, suspiciously.

"You know I haven't got a boat now. Won't you let Mr. Grant pay part of
the interest in Andy's boat?"

"What do I want with the boat?" asked the squire, impatiently.

"Pa, you can make a great bargain. I hear that it cost seventy-five
dollars. You can allow the farmer twenty dollars, and sell it for forty
dollars cash."

"I don't know about that."

But the squire's tone was les