My
estimate, and it is as close as the bark to a tree, is six thousand
dollars spot cash."
"I'll look over your figures," said Quincy, "and if they seem all
right, I'll advance the money on the usual terms, eight per cent.,
but I must have a four thousand dollar mortgage to cover your two-
thirds, for I don't suppose you can put up two thousand apiece."
"Not this year," said Strout, as he proceeded to relight his cigar.
The door was thrown open violently and Alice rushed in.
"Oh, Quincy, Maude's horse has run away with her and I'm afraid she's
thrown and perhaps killed. I tried to catch up with her but I could
not, and I saw nothing else to do but to come and let you know."
"Which way has she gone?" cried Quincy. "How did it happen?"
"We stopped at 'Zekiel's and had a talk with Huldah, who came down to
the gate. Then we went on until we came to the Centre Road. When
Maude saw the long straight stretch ahead she cried, 'Let's have a
race!' Before I could remonstrate, she gave her horse a sharp cut
with the whip. He took the bit in his teeth and bolted. I rode on as
fast as I dared to, but when I reached Mason Street she was not in
sight."
"If she had come this way we should have seen or heard her," said
Quincy. "She must have gone towards Eastborough Centre. Come, Alice,
I will get the carryall. If she is hurt she will not be able to ride
her horse.
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