"I think I can arrange about having the mortgage renewed. Will
that do?"
"Yes. We're going to have a good year in the lumber business.
Probably in twelve months I could clear it off."
"Good! And about the little girl--she'll have her chance. I
promise you that."
The mill man wrung his hand, tears in his eyes. "You're a white
man, Jeff, and a dashed good friend. I tell you I'd hate like
poison to go back on Hardy. A fellow can't afford to do a thing
like that. But what else could I do? A fellow's got to stand by
the children he brings into the world, ain't he?"
Farnum evaded with a smile this discussion of moral issues. "Well,
you can stand by them and us, too, if I can fix up this mortgage
proposition for you."
"When will you let me know?" asked Killen anxiously.
"Will to-morrow morning do? In James' office, say."
"I'll have to know before noon," Killen reminded him, flushing
with embarrassment.
"If I can arrange to get the money--and I think I can--I'll let
you know at eleven. Don't worry, Sam. It will be all right."
The legislator shook hands again. "I ain't going to forget what
you're doing for me. No, sir!"
Jeff laughed his thanks easily.
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