“I shall probably experience nothing more than temporary inconvenience.”

“You have been some months in the village, I believe, Mr. Morton.  I trust you will call at an early day, and enable me to follow up the chance which has made us acquainted.”

“I seldom make calls,” said Mr. Morton, in a distant tone.  “Yet,” added he, after a pause, “I may have occasion to accept your invitation some day.  Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning,” returned the squire, looking after him with an expression of perplexity.

“He boards at the Frosts’, doesn’t he, John?” asked Squire Haynes, turning to his son.

“Yes, sir.”

“There’s something in his face that seems familiar,” mused the squire absently.  “He reminds me of somebody, though I can’t recall who.”

It was not long before the squire’s memory was refreshed, and he obtained clearer information respecting the young man, and the errand which had brought him to Rossville.  When that information came, it was so far from pleasing that he would willingly have postponed it indefinitely.

CHAPTER XXIX.  MR. MORTON’S STORY

The planting-season was over.  For a month Frank had worked industriously, in conjunction with Jacob Carter.  His father had sent him directions so full and minute, that he was not often obliged to call upon Farmer Maynard for advice.  The old farmer proved to be very kind and obliging.  Jacob, too, was capable and faithful, so that the farmwork went on as well probably as if Mr. Frost had been at home.

One evening toward the middle of June, Frank walked out into the fields with Mr. Morton.  The corn and potatoes were looking finely.  The garden vegetables were up, and to all appearance doing well.  Frank surveyed the scene with a feeling of natural pride.

“Don’t you think I would make a successful farmer, Mr. Morton?” he asked.

“Yes, Frank; and more than this, I think you will be likely to succeed in any other vocation you may select.”

“I am afraid you’re flattering me, Mr. Morton.”

“Such is not my intention, Frank, but I like to award praise where I think it due.  I have noticed in you a disposition to be faithful to whatever responsibility is imposed upon you, and wherever I see that I feel no hesitation in predicting a successful career.”

“Thank you,” said Frank, looking very much pleased with the compliment.  “I try to be faithful.  I feel that father has trusted me more than it is usual to trust boys of my age, and I want to show myself worthy of his confidence.”

“You are fortunate in having a father, Frank,” said the young man, with a shade of sadness in his voice.  “My father died before I was of your age.”

“Do you remember him?” inquired Frank, with interest.

“I remember him well.  He was always kind to me.  I never remember to have received a harsh word from him.  It is because he was so kind and indulgent to me that I feel the more incensed against a man who took advantage of his confidence to defraud him, or, rather, me, through him.”