"You're lucky to come while we've got a home to welcome you to," said Job, his face again saddening.
"Why, Uncle Job, you're not thinking of selling the house, are you?"
Then the whole story came out.
Ben listened attentively, and when his uncle had finished he said, "That Richmond is a first-class rascal."
"And I'd like to give him a first-class kick," said Bradley, indignantly.
"That wouldn't mend matters," said Job, shaking his head. "It wouldn't pay off the mortgage."
"You say the mortgage amounts to five hundred dollars, Uncle Job?"
"Yes. Then there's six months' interest, at six per cent., makes fifteen dollars more."
"When do you expect Major Sturgis to call?"
"This morning. It's almost time for him."