“Well, tolerable,” said the squire, cautiously.  “However, that’s neither here nor there.  You want three thousand dollars, and I have agreed to let you have it.  I will take a mortgage for two years, the interest being, as usual, six per cent.”

“Two years?” repeated Farmer Grant, uneasily.

“Yes.  I am not sure that I can spare the money longer than two years.  I give you that time to pay it off.”

“But it will be impossible for me to pay it off in two years.  In fact, it will take all my income to live and pay the interest.”

“Of course that isn’t my lookout.”

“Do you mean that you will foreclose in two years?”

“Not necessarily.  I may not need the money so soon.  Besides, you may find some one else to take it off my hands.”

“Can’t you say five years, squire?” pleaded the farmer.

Squire Carter shook his head.

“No; you can take it or leave it.  I am not at all anxious to take the mortgage, and if my terms are not agreeable, we will consider the negotiations at an end.”

“I won’t make any difficulty, squire; I accept your terms.”

“That is sensible.  I can’t, for my part, see how five years would have been more favorable to you than two.”

“My son Andrew is sixteen.  By the time he is twenty-one he might help me.”

“There’s not much chance of that—­unless he marries a fortune,” said the squire, jocosely.  “I suppose you will keep him at home to help you on the farm?”

“We haven’t talked the matter over yet.  I will consult his wishes as far as I can.  He can’t earn much money on the farm.  What are you going to do with your son?”

“Conrad will probably be a merchant, or a banker,” said the squire, pompously.

“With your means you can select any path in life for him.”

“True; as my son he will have a great advantage.  Well, as our business is arranged, I will leave you.  If you will call at Lawyer Tower’s office to-morrow at noon the papers can be drawn up, and I will give you a check for the money.”

“Thank you, squire.  I will meet the appointment.”

“If you don’t want Andrew to work on the farm I will turn over his case in my mind and see if I can get him a position.”

“Thank you.  I should be glad to have him well started in some business where he can raise himself.”

As the term of the academy was so nearly completed, Andy went back with his father’s permission, to remain till vacation.  He sought an interview at once with Dr. Crabb, the principal, and informed him of the necessity he was under of leaving the institution.

“I am really sorry, Andrew,” said the doctor.  “You are one of my best pupils.  I am not sure but the best.  There is scarcely one that I would not sooner lose.  I shall be willing to take you for half price—­that is, for one hundred and fifty dollars—­till you are ready for college.”