“When a man’s interest is concerned religion has to stand to one side with some people.”
It was in a pleasant frame of mind that Squire Sheldon left his house and walked over to the farmhouse which he hoped to own. He had decided to offer eighteen hundred dollars for the farm, which would be five hundred over and above the face of the mortgage with the interest added.
This of itelf would give him an excellent profit, but he expected also, as we know, to drive a stiff bargain with the new railroad company, for such land as they would require to use.
“Stay here till I come back, Mr. Caldwell,” he said. “I apprehend it won’t take me long to get through my business.”
Squire Sheldon knocked at the door of the farmhouse, which was opened to him by Nancy Hooper.
“Walk in, squire,” she said.
“Is your husband at home, Mrs. Hooper?”
“Yes; he is waiting for you.”
Mrs. Hooper led the way into the sitting room, where her husband was sitting in a rocking chair.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Hooper,” said the squire. “I hope I see you well.”