Then sickness paralyzed the arm of Mr. Munroe, and he could no longer work.  The money he had saved to pay the note when it should become due was expended in supporting his family.  With utter ruin staring him full in the face, he sent for ’Squire Chase, and consented to his offer; but the malicious wretch would not give even that now; and the land was so situated as to be of but little value except to the owner of the Chase estate.  The ’Squire was a bad neighbor, and no one wanted to get near him; so that Mr. Munroe could not sell to any other person.

The crafty lawyer knew that the poor man was fully in his power, and he determined to punish him, even to his ruin.  He hated him because he was an honest, good man; because his life, even in his humbler sphere, was a constant reproach to him.  The note would be due on the first of May, and he had determined to take possession in virtue of the mortgage.

Poor Paul shed many bitter tears upon his pillow that night; and from the depths of his gentle heart he prayed that God would be very near to his father and mother in the trials and sorrows that were before them.

CHAPTER X.

A UNANIMOUS VOTE.

On the following day Little Paul was missed at school, and some anxiety was felt by his companions concerning him.  It was feared that the exertion of the race had proved too great for him, and that he was too ill to come out.  All the other boys appeared as usual, and none of them seemed to be the worse for the violent exercise they had taken.

Before night, however, they learned that Little Paul was quite well, and had been detained at home to assist his mother.  This intelligence removed their anxiety, and their fears lest boat racing should be deemed an improper recreation, and dangerous to the health of the boys.  Friday and Saturday passed, and he did not appear at school; but it was said that his mother was very busy, and nothing was thought of the circumstance.

On Saturday afternoon the Butterfly club had assembled in their hall, and were talking over the affairs of the association until the time appointed for the excursion to Center Island.  Little Paul had not come yet, and the boys began to fear that they should be obliged to make the excursion with only five oars on one side.

“What do you suppose is the reason?” asked Dick Chester.

“I have no idea; I hope nothing has happened, for Little Paul has not been absent from school before this season,” replied Tony.

“I hope not,” added Henry Brown.  “Suppose we send a committee to inquire after him.”

This was deemed an excellent suggestion, and Henry and Dick were immediately appointed a committee of two, by the “chair,” to attend to the matter.  They departed upon their mission, and after the boys had wondered a while longer what kept Paul away, another topic was brought up—­a matter which was of the deepest interest to the young boatmen, and which had claimed their attention during all their leisure moments for several days.