ur twenty
thousand dollars out of it, and that ought to satisfy you. Now, Squire
Fairfield, there's only just one thing more to be done."

"What's that?"

"I'll give you a chance to make another ten thousand, if you like."

The old man's eyes brightened again, as he asked how it was to be done.

"I find I'm going to be a little short fitting out. I'm going to take
out some notions to sell that will pay me five dollars for one; but I
haven't got the money to do it," continued Dock.

The old man's chin dropped, and he looked sad and sorrowful.

"I want ten thousand dollars more than I've got. I shall make forty
thousand out of the venture, and I can afford to pay a heavy interest.
I will give you ten thousand for the use of ten thousand."

"I hain't got no sech money," protested the miser.

"But you can raise it."

"I ain't sure of ever gittin' on't back."

"Yes, you are. You will lend me ten thousand dollars, and then take
twenty thousand out of my fifty when Watson pays it over to you."

"Perhaps he never'll pay it over to me."

"You may be sure he will. If he don't, he never will see his daughter
again. He will be glad of the chance to pay it. But if he don't, you
know, you shall have my note, and I will pay it as soon as I've turned
my notions."

Mr. Fairfield, eager as he was to make the ten thousand dollars, had no
more idea then of letting the sum asked for pass out of his hands than
he had of giving away that amount. It was not his style to let money go
from him without the best of security. The approach of a boat
interrupted Dock's argument, and the old man promised to think of the
proposition.

"I shall not want that dory any more, and I'll give it to you, Squire
Fairfield," said Dock, hoping his munificence would touch the
money-lender's heart, as he walked away.

"I'm much obleeged to you; it will sarve me a good turn," replied Mr.
Fairfield.

"Think over my offer, and I'll see you again soon," added Dock, as he
passed out of hearing.

CHAPTER XVI.

PISTOLS FOR TWO.

It was about three o'clock in the afternoon when The Starry Flag
arrived from her cruise. Her passengers were immediately landed; and,
after the vessel had been put in order, the four young men who lived in
Rockport were permitted to go on shore; and the cook went with them,
intending to return in the evening with the boat. The steward did not
wish to visit the town, and remained on board as ship-keeper.

Mr. Ebe