He merely inquired if he could use a pen for a moment; request which was
readily granted. In less than five minutes he emerged into the street
again. Ephraim Young looked toward him eagerly.
"I am sorry to say, my young friend," he remarked, "that I was unable to
get my bill changed. I might get it changed at a bank, but the banks are
all closed at this hour."
The countryman looked disturbed.
"I am afraid," continued Mr. Montgomery, "I must wait and send you the
money in a letter from Hayfield Centre."
"I'd rather have it now," said Ephraim.
"I am sorry to disappoint you," said the adventurer smoothly; "but after
all you will only have a day or two to wait. To make up to you for the
delay I have decided to send you ten dollars instead of five. Finding
I could not change my bill, I wrote a note for the amount, which I will
hand you."
Ephraim received the paper, which the other handed him, and read as
follows:
NEW YORK, Sept 15, 18--.
Three days from date I promise to pay Mr. Ephraim Young ten dollars.
JOTHAM BARNES, of Hayfield Centre.
"How will that do?" asked the adventurer. "By waiting three days you
double your money."
"You'll be sure to send it," said Ephraim, doubtfully.
"My young friend, I hope you do not doubt me," said the Rev. Mr. Barnes,
impressively.
"I guess it's all right," said Ephraim, "only I thought I might like to
spend the money in the city.
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