Deacon Bowman had heard all about the good fortune which had come to Joel Wormbury's family, and he readily comprehended where the money in the hands of the young man came from.
"I promised to meet Squire Moses here in an hour, and give him my final answer," added he. "I will have the papers ready as soon as I can."
Herr Schlager put the money in his safe, as requested; but in less than an hour Deacon Bowman came with his papers, the mortgage and note duly signed, acknowledged, and witnessed. He received the money, and his heart seemed to be glad. By the time the business was finished, Squire Moses arrived, satisfied that the unfortunate deacon would be compelled to accept his hard conditions.
"I shall not want the money, Squire Moses," said Deacon Bowman.
"Not want it!" exclaimed the old skinflint, taken all aback by this announcement.
Squire Moses was very anxious to re-invest the sum he had received for the mortgage of Joel's place, and he was greatly disappointed to lose so good a speculation as that he had proposed to the deacon.
"I shall not want it; in fact I have been able to make a better arrangement," replied Deacon Bowman.
"Where did you get the money?" demanded the squire.
"Your grandson, here, loaned it to me on his mother's account."
If Squire Moses was disappointed before, he was mad now. He looked daggers at Stumpy, who was not afraid of him, now that the debt was paid.