"What makes you say that?"

"He might have known a boy like him couldn't succeed in such an enterprise. If he had taken up with my offer, he would have been all right."

"He said you offered him much less than the market price."

"And so he started off to do better, and lost his whole cargo," sneered Wolverton, smiling unpleasantly.

Mrs. Burton was silent.

"I came to tell you that I should require not only the interest, but a payment of half the mortgage, according to the conditions. It is due next Saturday."

"Won't you wait, under the circumstances, Mr. Wolverton?"

"No; I will not."

"Do you think that is kind?" asked Mrs. Burton.

"Kindness is kindness, and business is business, Mrs. Burton. Still, I am willing to spare you on one condition."