recurring to the intelligence John had brought. "So far as I am
concerned, I am glad he has made choice of this boy."

"You don't think he is competent?" asked John, in surprise.

"For that very reason I am glad he has been selected," said the
squire emphatically. "I take it for granted that the farm will be
mismanaged, and become a bill of expense, instead of a source of
revenue. It's pretty certain that Frost won't be able to pay the
mortgage when it comes due. I can bid off the farm for a small
sum additional and make a capital bargain. It will make a very
good place for you to settle down upon, John."

"Me!" said John disdainfully. "You don't expect me to become a
plodding farmer, I trust. I've got talent for something better
than that, I should hope."

"No," said the squire, "I have other news for you. Still, you
could hire a farmer to carry it on for you, and live out there in
the summer."

"Well, perhaps that would do," said John, thinking that it would
sound well for him, even if he lived in the city, to have a place
in the country. "When does the mortgage come due, father?"

"I don't remember the exact date. I'll look and see."

The squire drew from a closet a box hooped with iron, and
evidently made for security. This was his strong-box, and in this
he kept his bonds, mortgages, and other securities.