“And you can take possession of the house, can't you?”
“I certainly shall if the interest isn't paid promptly.”
“Perhaps Carter would sell his boat now. He was pretty stiff about it before.”
“I wouldn't make him an offer.”
“Why not?”
“If he succeeded in selling the boat he might be able to pay the interest, and delay my getting possession of the property.”
“That is true,” said James. “I didn't think of that. Besides, you have promised me a sailboat next spring.”
“If business is good, as I hope it may be, you shall have one. At present I am rather short of money.”
“I thought you always had plenty of money, father,” said James, in surprise.
“I have been buying stocks in the city, James, and that has tied up my money. However, I shall probably make a very handsome profit when I sell out. My friend assures me that I stand a chance of making twenty thousand dollars,” concluded the squire, complacently.