"It'll be all the boy can do to take care of himself out there," he reflected, "let alone sending money home. He may send ten dollars or so some time; but it's very doubtful, very doubtful!"
Squire Hudson turned to go back to the house when he saw the man of whom he had been thinking coming up the road. He stopped short, thinking the farmer might wish to speak to him.
"Good-morning, Mr. Nelson," he said, pleasantly, for he was in good-humor.
"Your Whiteface has got to feel quite at home in my barn-yard."
"She is worth more than the thirty dollars for which you took her."
"Well, I don't know about that. Cows are pretty cheap nowadays."
"I see how it is," thought the squire. "Nelson wants me to allow him more for the cow; but a bargain is a bargain, and I shan't do it."
"I always valued her at a considerably higher price."
"No doubt, no doubt. You raised her yourself, didn't you?"
"That makes a difference, of course. You attach a sentimental value to her; but that doesn't affect her real value. I really can't allow you any more for her."
"What is the man driving at?" he thought.
"She may not be worth any more to you, and so you won't mind my taking her back."
"Taking her back!" ejaculated the squire.
"Certainly; it was agreed that I could redeem her at any time, by paying you the thirty dollars and interest."
"Not after two months," said the squire, hastily.
"It is not two months. It was only six weeks yesterday. The fact is, squire, I've come for Whiteface, and I've got the money for you."
"Have you heard from Tom?" asked the squire, with a blank look of disappointment.
"Rather more than that," said Mark Nelson, not caring to gratify the curiosity of his creditor.
"I think you had better keep your money, and leave Whiteface with me," said Squire Hudson, after a pause.
"I would rather not, squire. The fact is, Whiteface is a sort of pet at home, and we all want her back."
Squire Hudson was disconcerted. He had not expected that Mr. Nelson would be able to redeem the cow, and he was reluctant to give her up. But there was no excuse for retaining her. His agreement stood in the way.
"Neighbor Nelson," he said, after a pause, "I don't mind giving you five dollars over and above what you owe me for Whiteface. Come, that's a good offer."