to pay the annual tax, already more than burdensome, upon his small
estate.

As Neal hastened after the two men who had given him the signal to follow
them, the most engrossing thought in his mind was as to how the amount of
four pounds and seven shillings in cash could be raised without a
sacrifice of the cattle from the home farm.

Ephraim Foulsham had partially agreed to advance the sum if he could be
secured by a chattel-mortgage, and when Neal overtook those in advance he
was speculating upon the possibility of getting the amount that day, lest
execution should be issued against him.

That which he heard, however, speedily drove all thoughts of a personal
nature from his mind. "Master McCleary would be pleased to see you, and
quickly," one of the men said, in a low tone, when the three were where
there was no other to overhear the conversation.

"Is it important I should go at once?"

"Yes; unless you would break the oath. you took last night."

Neal waited to ask no more questions. Ten minutes later he was at Samuel
Leavitt's store, where he knew McCleary would be found at this time of the
day.

Before Neal could speak, his friend walked quickly out of the building
toward the shore of the harbour, giving the would-be mill-owner an
expressive look, which plainly told that he was to follow.