The squire read it deliberately.
"Do you want my advice?" he said, looking up from the perusal. "Buy the paper. It is worth what Anderson asks for it."
"So I think, but there is a difficulty. Harry and I can only raise twelve hundred dollars or so between us."
"Give a note for the balance. You'll be able to pay it off in two years, if you prosper."
"I am afraid that won't do. Mr. Anderson wants cash. Can't you lend us the money, Squire Trevor?" continued Ferguson, bluntly.
The village capitalist shook his head.
"If you had asked me last week I could have obliged you," he said; "but I was in Boston day before yesterday, and bought some railway stock which is likely to enhance in value. That leaves me short."
"Then you couldn't manage it?" said Ferguson, soberly.
"Not at present," said the squire, decidedly.
"Then we must write to Mr. Anderson, offering what we have, and a mortgage to secure the rest."