“Law is law,” prated the mean old usurer.
“Why have you never mentioned this before?” demanded Frank, his eyes flashing dangerously.
“Because, you insolent young snip,” retorted old Dorsett, “I wanted to pay you off for some of your fine airs.”
“Well, Mr. Dorsett,” said Mrs. Ismond, “I shall contest this unjust claim.”
“All right,” jeered Dorsett, retreating down the steps, and beckoning to his companion, “then within thirty minutes I’ll put an embargo on your leaving the county until I have my money, according to law.”
Mrs. Ismond sunk to a chair quite pale and distressed.
“Frank,” she gasped in a frightened way, “what is he going to do?”
“Some mean trick, be sure of that,” said Frank. “Mother, I’ll stay here ten years but I will never pay that outrageous claim.”
“Be assured I would never let you,” replied his mother, firmly.
“I wish I knew what he was up to?” murmured Frank in a troubled way.