"We would like to speak with you a few minutes, squire, if you can spare the time."
"Oh, yes, I have nothing pressing on hand," said the squire, with unusual affability. "Walk in, Mr. Nelson."
He led the way into the room where Tom had had his interview with him the day before.
"Your son did me a good turn yesterday," he said graciously. "He behaved in a very creditable manner."
"He told me that he found your pocketbook, Squire Hudson."
"Yes; it contained a large sum of money. Some boys would have kept it."
"None of my boys would," said Mark Nelson proudly.
"Of course not. They're too well brought up."
"Tom told me that you offered to advance money enough to get him to California," said Mr. Nelson, coming to business.
"On satisfactory security," added the squire cautiously.