"I think I shall have to decline your offer, Squire Carter." "And leave your poor father in trouble? I thought better of you." Squire Carter was surprised to find that both Andy and his father were cool, and apparently not suffering anxiety. He had thought they would be sad, and would resort to entreaties. "Does it strike you, Squire Carter, that you are trying to drive a very hard bargain with my father and myself? You offer a very low sum for the cows and for my boat." "If you can get more anywhere else, you are quite at liberty to do so," said the squire, in a tone of indifference. He felt that father and son were in his power, and that he would have his own way in the end. "I don't think we shall sell at all," said Andy, calmly. "What!" ejaculated the squire. "Not sell at all? Do you think I will allow the interest to remain unpaid?" "The interest will be paid." "How? Where will you get the money?" "I will supply my father with what he needs." "You talk like a fool!" said the squire, sharply. "Do you think I will allow myself to be humbugged by a boy?" "No, sir; but you can rely upon what I say." "Have you borrowed the money from Mr. Gale?" "I have not seen Mr. Gale for several months. He does not know of my father's pecuniary trouble. If he did, I think he would come to his and my assistance. As to the boat, I value it not only on account of its intrinsic worth, but because he gave it to me. Conrad cannot have it." Squire Carter was much irritated. Besides, he did not believe that Andy would really be able to furnish his father with the help he needed. "I am not easily deceived, Andrew Grant," he said. "It is useless for me to remain here any longer. I will only say that if the interest is not paid on Tuesday next, your father must take the consequences." "He is ready to pay it now--before it is due--if you will give him a receipt." "Wh--what!" ejaculated the squire, in amazement. "I mean what I say. Father, will you give the squire writing materials and ask him to make out a receipt?" "Is this--straight? Are you really able to pay the interest now?" "Yes, sir. You need have no fear on that score. When my father wrote me about his difficulty I procured the money, and I have it here." Half incredulous, Squire Carter made out the receipt, and a roll of bills was handed to him. He counted them carefully, and put them in his wallet. "The money is correct," he said, stiffly. "I am glad you are able to pay it." "Thanks to Andy here," said his father, with a grateful look at his son. "All is well so far, but if your son has borrowed the money it will have to be repaid." "I didn't borrow it, Squire Carter." "Do you mean to say that you have been able to save it up out of your boy's wages?" "I received it from my employer for special services."