furnish the money. But for that I might have to sell the farm, and then
we should be quite helpless."

About seven o'clock Squire Carter made his appearance. Andy opened the
door for him.

He was a tall, florid-faced man, with an air of consequence based upon
his knowledge that he was the richest man in the town.

"Good-evening, Andrew," he said, for he was always formal. "So you are
home from school?"

"Yes, sir."

"When did you come?"

"This afternoon, sir."

"I suppose you heard of your father's misfortune?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ha! it is very sad--very sad, indeed. I quite feel for your father. I
am trying to help him out of his trouble. He was a very foolish man to
risk so much on that rascal, Lawrence."

Andy was disposed to agree with the squire, but he did not like to hear
his father blamed.

"I think he realizes that he was unwise, Squire Carter," said Andy.