"And so you had to mortgage the farm?"
"No, my lad. Nobody would lend money on a three-life lease."
"And yet you risked your all on it?"
"Ah, my boy, I did it for the best. God knows I did! I wanted to provide a nest for our old age."
"No one will blame you on that score," Ralph answered, with tears in his eyes; "but the best ships founder sometimes."
"Yes. I have kept saying to myself ever since the news came that I am not the only man who has come to grief, and yet I don't know, my boy, that that helps me very much."
Ralph was silent for several minutes; then he said—
"Is this mortgage or note of hand or bill of sale—or whatever it is—for a large amount?"
"Well, rather, Ralph. I'm afraid, if we have to shift from here, there'll be little or nothing left."
"But if you are willing to remain as tenant, Sir John will make no attempt to move you?"