"That gives me an idea, mother. It would cost Uncle Godfrey as much
as nine hundred dollars a year over and above all the help I could
get from the college funds, and perhaps from teaching school this
winter. Now, if he would allow me that sum for a single year and let
me go to work, I could pay up all father's debts, and give him a new
start. It would save Uncle Godfrey nine hundred dollars."

"He has set his heart on your going to college. I don't think he
would agree to help you at all if you disappoint him."

"At any rate, I could try the experiment. Something has got to be
done, mother."

"Yes, Grant, there is no doubt of that. Mr. Tudor is evidently in
earnest. If we don't pay him, I think it very likely he will refuse
to let us have anything more on credit. And you know there is no
other grocery store in the village."

"Have you any money to pay him on account, mother?"

"I have eight dollars."

"Let me have that, and go over and see what I can do with him. We
can't get along without groceries. By the way, mother, doesn't the
parish owe father anything?"

"They are about sixty dollars in arrears on the salary."

"And the treasurer is Deacon Gridley?"