Dick made a rapid calculation, and reported two thousand five hundred and twenty-four dollars.
"It seems, then, Mr. Fosdick," said Mr. Bates, "that I am your debtor to a very considerable amount."
"You are very kind, sir," said Fosdick; "but I shall be quite satisfied with the two thousand dollars without any interest."
"Thank you for offering to relinquish the interest; but it is only right that I should pay it. I have had the use of the money, and I certainly would not wish to defraud you of a penny of the sum which it took your father ten years of industry to accumulate. I wish he were living now to see justice done his son."
"So do I," said Fosdick, earnestly. "I beg your pardon, sir," he said, after a moment's pause.
"Why?" asked Mr. Bates in a tone of surprise.
"Because," said Fosdick, "I have done you injustice. I thought you failed in order to make money, and intended to cheat my father out of his savings. That made me feel hard towards you."
"You were justified in feeling so," said Mr. Bates. "Such cases are so common that I am not surprised at your opinion of me. I ought to have explained my position to your father, and promised to make restitution whenever it should be in my power. But at the time I was discouraged, and could not foresee the favorable turn which my affairs have since taken. Now," he added, with a change of voice, "we will arrange about the payment of this money."
"Do not pay it until it is convenient, Mr. Bates," said Fosdick.
"Your proposal is kind, but scarcely business-like, Mr. Fosdick," said Mr. Bates. "Fortunately it will occasion me no inconvenience to pay you at once I have not the ready money with me as you may suppose, but I will give you a cheque for the amount upon the Broadway Bank, with which I have an account; and it will be duly honored on presentation to-morrow. You may in return make out a receipt in full for the debt and interest. Wait a moment. I will ring for writing materials."