Once more the squire felt uncomfortable and apprehensive.

"I don't understand you," he said irritably. "However, as you
yourself admit, you have come to the wrong person."

"Just so," said the visitor, rising. "I now go to the right person."

"What do you mean?" asked Squire Davenport, in alarm.

"I mean that I ought to have gone to Mrs. Barclay."

"Sit down, sit down!" said the squire nervously. "You mustn't do
that."

"Why not?" demanded the tramp, looking him calmly in the face.

"Because it would disturb her mind, and excite erroneous thoughts and
expectations."

"She would probably be willing to give me a good sum for bringing it
to her, say, the overdue interest. That alone, in five years and a
half, would amount to over three hundred dollars, even without
compounding."

Squire Davenport groaned in spirit. It was indeed true! He must pay
away over thirteen hundred dollars, and his loss in reputation would
be even greater than his loss of money.

"Can't we compromise this thing?" he stammered. "I don't admit the
genuineness of the note, but if such a claim were made, it would