nce," said the purchaser,
having at length waded though the covenants[75] of the deed.

[Footnote 75: agreements.]

"Why so?"

"I'm afraid it won't stand good in law. I know that two of the
neighbors leave home to-morrow morning, to have the place entered for
confiscation;[76] and if I should give forty pounds and lose it all,
'twould be a dead pull back to me."

[Footnote 76: forfeiting to the public treasury.]

"They can only take my right," said the peddler; "pay me two hundred
dollars, and the house is yours; you are a well-known Whig,[77] and
you at least they won't trouble." As Harvey spoke, there was a strange
bitterness of manner, mingled with the shrewd care expressed
concerning the sale of his property.

[Footnote 77: supporter of the American cause.]

"Say one hundred and it is a bargain," returned the man with a grin
that he meant for a good-natured smile.

"A bargain!" echoed the peddler, in surprise; "I thought the bargain
was already made."

"Nothing is a bargain," said the purchaser, with a chuckle, "until
papers are delivered, and the money paid in hand."

"You have the paper."

"Aye, and will keep it, if you will excuse the money; come, say one
hundred and fifty, and I won't be hard; here--here is just the money."

The peddler looked from the window, and saw with dismay that the
evening was fast advancing, and knew well that he endangered his life
by remaining in the dwelling after dark; yet he could not tolerate the
idea of being defrauded in this manner, in a bargain that had already
been fairly made; he hesitated.

"Well," said the purchaser, rising, "mayhap you will find another man
to trade with between this and morning; but, if you don't, your title
won't be worth much afterwards."

"I agree to the price," he said; and, turning to the spinster, he
placed a part of the money in her hand, as he continued, "had I other
means to pay you, I would have lost all, rather than suffer myself to
be defrauded of part."

"You may lose all yet," muttered the stranger, with a sneer, as he
rose and left the building.

"Have you another house to go to?" inquired Katy.

"Providence will provide me with a home."

"Yes," said the housekeeper; "but maybe 'twill not be to your liking."

"The poor must not be difficult."[78] As the peddler spoke he dropped
the article he was packing from his hand, and seated himself on a
chest, with a look of vacant misery.

[Footnote 78: