"Before night Eben Jackson received the following letter from the leading lawyer in Rochester:
"Sir—
"My client, Mr. Giles Packard, has placed in my hands for collection a demand note for three thousand dollars, signed by yourself, transferred to him by John Plympton. Will you arrange to pay it? If not, I am instructed by my client to sue.
"Yours respectfully,
"Edward Nettleton, Att'y."
This was like a bomb in the camp of the enemy. Mr. Nettleton was a sharp and successful lawyer, and to be feared. He was steep in his charges, and Eben felt that his cousin was a fool to employ so high-priced an attorney.
He lost no time in seeking the humble hotel where his uncle and cousin were domiciled.
"What does all this mean?" he demanded, angrily.
"What do you refer to?"
"To Mr. Nettleton's letter."
"It means that I am going to have my uncle's money," said Giles, firmly.
"Your lawyer will charge you an immense fee. Better let the matter drop."