“Yes, sir; I have a mortgage that I’d like mightily to get the cash for,” returned Himes, catching at the suggestion with unmistakable avidity.
Bangs’s eyes shone; he saw Miriam in his power. “On what property?” he asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.
“Lakeside—the Heaths’ place. It’s a nice one.”
“Yes, I know it, and wouldn’t mind having a claim on it. First mortgage? and what’s the amount?”
“Yes, first—no other on it, fer’s I know; and it’s for two thousand dollars.”
“Interest all paid up?”
Himes shook his head; then went on to tell exactly how matters stood between the Heaths and himself.
“I’ll take it, and pay every cent down. Have you it with you?”
“No; it’s at home. I’ll bring it in to-morrow; that’ll be best, as I’ll want to put the money in bank for the present,” returned Himes, meditatively. “I don’t put no more in the way o’ them burglars, you see; guess they wouldn’t find it as easy to break into the bank as into my house. But—”
He stopped short, and seemed ill at ease.