Encouraged by the kindness of her reception she told her story. She was entitled to a pension, as it appeared, on account of her husband, who had fought in the Revolutionary war. This pension she had secured through the agency of a certain pension agent, but he had charged her the exorbitant sum of two hundred dollars for collecting her claim. This was a heavy tax upon the poor old woman with her limited means, and she was likely to be little better off for her pension if she should be compelled to pay this money.
“Two hundred dollars! That is shameful!” said the sympathetic lawyer. “Who is this agent?”
She told him.
“Do you live in Springfield?”
“Are you in need of money?” he inquired delicately.
“Yes, sir, The agent has kept back what he has collected, and——”
“I see. We will try to bring him to terms.”
“Oh, sir if you can help me——” said the old lady, hopefully.
“I will do my best. Here is some money for your immediate wants. Now I will ask you a few questions, and we will see what we can do for you.”