When Stafford arrived in London, he proceeded at once to the office where he paid his interest and was conducted to the private office of the senior member of the firm of Jones & Jones.
Before Mr. Stafford could explain the nature of his business, Mr. Jones began:
"Well, Mr. Stafford, I suppose you've come to pay off that five thousand. You are a little ahead—two days, I think—but we will be all ready. In fact, if you can wait a short time—Eh! What's the matter?"
"Pay it off! Why, I thought—that is, I understood that there was no need—no danger of my having to pay the principal as long as the interest was paid up. I understood it was trust funds—your partner so informed me when making the loan."
"But the mortgage has changed hands, Mr. Stafford," replied Mr. Jones, "and the new mortgagee must have prompt payment of the interest."
He was feeling for the key to the telegram which lay upon his desk and now found it.
"That is just what brought me here. Formerly I have had no trouble in obtaining a little time, and I hope I shall have none now."
Mr. Stafford was terribly excited, and the lawyer really pitied him, although he replied:
"I can promise you none, Mr. Stafford. Indeed I have positive instructions to foreclose whenever the interest is not paid promptly."
With a weary sigh Mr. Stafford arose, and bidding Mr. Jones "good-day," passed into the street.