Five Hundred Dollars | Page 7

"But at your age, Uncle Jacob, it would be comfortable to feel that you
could rest."
"Come, Mary, don't make me out a patriarch. I'm only sixty-five, and I
can tackle a pretty good day's work yet."
"You might be sick, Uncle Jacob."
"Don't let us imagine unpleasant things, Mary. I don't mean to be sick."
"And at any rate you can come and stay with us. You will always find a
home here, though an humble one."

"Do you really mean that, Mary?" said Uncle Jacob, earnestly. "Would
you really be willing to take in the old man, and provide for his
comforts?"
"Of course I would, Uncle Jacob," answered Mrs. Barton, heartily. "I
hope you didn't think so poorly of me as to doubt it."
"No, I was sure you hadn't changed so much since you were a girl.
Well, Mary, I may some time remind you of your promise."
"You won't need to remind me, Uncle Jacob. I was afraid Albert would
take you wholly away from us."
"So he might if I were as rich as he thinks I am; but now let us talk
about other things. Remember, I haven't heard any family news for
many years, and I have a great many questions to ask."
The rest of the evening was spent in such conversation as Uncle Jacob
suggested, and when he had occasion to look at his watch, he started in
surprise.
"Bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "It is nearly ten o'clock. I ought to be
getting back to Albert's."
"Then Bert shall accompany you as far as the house. It will be lonely to
go alone."
Uncle Jacob reached Squire Marlowe's house as the church clock struck
ten, and he bade Bert good-night.
Shortly after his return, Uncle Jacob was shown to his room, and being
fatigued he soon fell asleep, not waking till seven in the morning.
After breakfast, Squire Marlowe said graciously: "Have you any plans,
Uncle Jacob, in which I can assist you? If you would like to consult me
about any investments, I can perhaps be of service to you."
"Now for it!" thought the old man.

"I was thinkin', Albert," he said, "of askin' your advice. I'm gettin' on in
years, and can't work as well as I could once. Do you think it would
pay me to open here in Lakeville a cigar and candy store, and----"
"What!" exclaimed Squire Marlowe, with an expression of horror and
disgust on his face.
"You see I've got about five hundred dollars, which I think would be
enough to stock it comfortably and----"
"But I thought you were a rich man," gasped Squire Marlowe. "Didn't
you tell me you had a hundred thousand dollars in a Sacramento bank?"
"Yes, many years ago; but I bought mining stocks, and after a while
they went down to nothing, and----"
"Then you are a pauper!" said the squire, harshly.
"No. I have five hundred dollars, and I hope with that to get started, so
as to earn an honest living."
Words cannot describe the scorn and disgust that appeared on the faces
of Percy and his mother at the old man's confession of poverty.
"Albert," said the wife, "may I speak with you outside a moment?"
"Certainly, my dear."
"Get rid of the old man as soon as you can!" she said, imperiously. "He
doesn't eat another meal in my house!"
"Be easy, my dear," said the squire. "I'll manage it."
CHAPTER V.
UNCLE JACOB RECEIVES HIS WALKING PAPERS.
Squire Marlowe returned to the breakfast room, wearing rather an
embarrassed expression. Percy had followed his mother, and the old

man found himself for a short time alone. There was a twinkle of
amusement in his eyes, which vanished on the reappearance of his
nephew.
"I am sorry to have left you alone, Uncle Jacob," said the squire,
civilly.
"Oh, don't treat me with any ceremony, Albert. Being as we are such
near relations, we ought to be free and easy like."
"I am glad to hear you say so, for I shall be obliged to treat you
unceremoniously."
"Eh?" said Uncle Jacob, inquiringly.
"I regret to say that my wife, who is of a very delicate organization, is
taken suddenly ill, and I am afraid I shall have to ask you to cut your
visit short, and come again some other time."
"I'm surprised to hear that, Albert. I thought Mrs. Marlowe looked in
excellent health."
"You can't always tell by outward appearances. She is subject to severe
headaches, and in that condition can't bear the least noise or excitement.
That is why I can't invite you to stay any longer."
"I understand," said Uncle Jacob, with--it might have been--a little
significance in his tone.
"I have no doubt," went on the squire, "that Mrs.