Chapter VII. Like Father, Like Son

by Horatio Alger

　　"Well, father, I've got some news for you," said John Haynes, ashe entered his father's presence, two or three days later."What is it, John?" inquired the squire, laying down a copy ofthe New York Herald, which he had been reading."Who do you think has enlisted?""I do not choose to guess," said his father coldly. "If you feeldisposed to tell me, you may do so.John looked somewhat offended at his father's tone, but he wasanxious to tell the news. "Frost's going to enlist," he saidshortly."Indeed!" said the squire, with interest. "How did you hear?""I heard him say so himself, just now, in the store.""I expected it," said Squire Haynes, with a sneer. "I understoodhis motives perfectly in urging the town to pay an enormousbounty to volunteers. He meant to line his own pockets at thepublic expense.""He says that he doesn't mean to accept the bounty," continuedJohn, in a tone which indicated a doubt whether Mr. Frost was inearnest."Did you hear him say that?" asked Squire Haynes abruptly."Yes. I heard him say so to Mr. Morse.""Perhaps he means it, and perhaps he doesn't. If he don't takeit, it is because he is afraid of public opinion. What's he goingto do about the farm, while he is gone?""That is the strangest part of it," said John. "I don't believeyou could guess who is to be left in charge of it.""I don't choose to guess. If you know, speak out."John bit his lip resentfully."It's that conceited jackanapes of his--Frank Frost.""Do you mean that he is going to leave that boy to carry on thefarm?" demanded Squire Haynes, in surprise."Yes.""Well, all I can say is that he's more of a fool than I took himto be.""Oh, he thinks everything of Frank," said John bitterly. "He'llbe nominating him for representative next."The squire winced a little. He had been ambitious to representthe town in the legislature, and after considerable wire-pullinghad succeeded in obtaining the nomination the year previous. Butit is one thing to be nominated and another to be elected. So thesquire had found, to his cost. He had barely obtained fiftyvotes, while his opponent had been elected by a vote of a hundredand fifty. All allusions, therefore, recalling his mortifyingdefeat were disagreeable to him."On the whole, I don't know but I'm satisfied," he said,recurring to the intelligence John had brought. "So far as I amconcerned, I am glad he has made choice of this boy.""You don't think he is competent?" asked John, in surprise."For that very reason I am glad he has been selected," said thesquire emphatically. "I take it for granted that the farm will bemismanaged, and become a bill of expense, instead of a source ofrevenue. It's pretty certain that Frost won't be able to pay themortgage when it comes due. I can bid off the farm for a smallsum additional and make a capital bargain. It will make a verygood place for you to settle down upon, John.""Me!" said John disdainfully. "You don't expect me to become aplodding farmer, I trust. I've got talent for something betterthan that, I should hope.""No," said the squire, "I have other news for you. Still, youcould hire a farmer to carry it on for you, and live out there inthe summer.""Well, perhaps that would do," said John, thinking that it wouldsound well for him, even if he lived in the city, to have a placein the country. "When does the mortgage come due, father?""I don't remember the exact date. I'll look and see."The squire drew from a closet a box hooped with iron, andevidently made for security. This was his strong-box, and in thishe kept his bonds, mortgages, and other securities.He selected a document tied with red ribbon, and examined itbriefly."I shall have the right to foreclose the mortgage on the first ofnext July," he said."I hope you will do it then. I should like to see them Frostshumbled.""THEM Frosts! Don't you know anything more about English grammar,John?""Those Frosts, then. Of course, I know; but a feller can't alwaysbe watching his words.""I desire you never again to use the low word 'feller,'" said thesquire, who, as the reader will see, was more particular aboutgrammatical accuracy than about some other things which might benaturally supposed to be of higher importance."Well," said John sulkily, "anything you choose.""As to the mortgage," proceeded Squire Haynes, "I have no ideathey will be able to lift it. I feel certain that Frost won'thimself have the money at command, and I sha'n't give him anygrace, or consent to a renewal. He may be pretty sure of that.""Perhaps he'll find somebody to lend him the money.""I think not. There are those who would be willing, but Iquestion whether there is any such who could raise the money at amoment's warning. By the way, you need not mention my purpose inthis matter to any one. If it should leak out, Mr. Frost mighthear of it, and prepare for it.""You may trust me for that, father," said John, very decidedly;"I want to see Frank Frost's proud spirit humbled. Perhaps he'llfeel like putting on airs after that."From the conversation which has just been chronicled it will beperceived that John was a worthy son of his father; and, thoughwanting in affection and cordial good feeling, that both wereprepared to join hands in devising mischief to poor Frank and hisfamily. Let us hope that the intentions of the wicked may befrustrated.