"We observe nothing except a slight cold, which the doctor says is of no account. I have made up my mind to give to you, Hugh——"
The latter raised his hand in protest. He could accept money for any service except that of befriending the blue-eyed darling on his knee.
"Never refer to that again."
Harvey laughed.
"I looked for something of the kind; I have a few words to add. I found out this morning that there was a mortgage of $600 against your little home in the village. I don't believe in mortgages, and that particular one has now no existence. If you see any way to help undo what I have done go ahead, but I beg you not to refuse another small present that I have prepared for you."
And Harvey turned as if about to take something from his desk, but stopped when he saw Hugh shake his head almost angrily.
"I would do a good deal to oblige you, Mr. Bradley, but you must not ask that. I would have been better pleased had you let the mortgage alone; my wife and little one are under the sod, and it matters nought to me whether I have a place to lay my head. But," he added with a faint smile, "what's done can't be undone, and, since you have asked me, I will drop the matter, but nothing more, I pray you, on the other subject."
"Hugh," said the superintendent, like one who braces himself for a duty that has its disagreeable as well as its pleasant features, "you know that I had sent to Vining for men to take the places of those who are on strike?"
"I heard something of the kind, sir."
"They were to start for Bardstown to-night and are due to-morrow."