Barrington's demand that I pay off the mortgage on the farm had been worrying me, so I went to the bank and saw Mr. Blickens to find out if I could get the bank to lend me the necessary $1,250.00. Blickens said the bank couldn't possibly do it, but that he knew a private individual who could perhaps be induced to take over the mortgage. I asked him to look into it and let me know.
A couple of days afterward he telephoned me to call and see him, and then he told me that he could raise the $1,250.00, to be covered by a first mortgage on the farm; but that, on account of the unsalability of the property at a forced sale, his friend would have to have ten per cent. interest.
I whistled at this.
"Well, take it or leave it, my young friend," he said. "If you can do better, why do it; but remember that Barrington will foreclose, unless you raise that money for him by the first of February."
Blickens had a note all made out, and I noticed his name appeared on it.
"I—I thought it was—some one you knew who was going to—"
"A mere formality; I am just doing it for a friend."
I knew at once that Blickens was his own friend in this case. I noticed also that I had to reduce the loan at the rate of $50.00 a month.
"That may seem a high rate of interest to you," said Blickens, smoothly; "but really I am doing it for your good."
That was what Dad had always said when he spanked me, but I never could see it his way!