Part 53 (1/2)

”As it's far-reaching, we'd rather put it before the council. I'm half afraid we can't expect your approval until you know everything; but you should be able to command a majority if we don't convince you.”

”I can do nothing to save the settlement,” Mowbray said with dignity; ”and I dare not refuse to let others try, even if their ways are not mine. We'll leave it at that. I'll call the meeting.”

It was a calm, clear evening when all the Allenwood settlers a.s.sembled in the hall at the Grange. The days were getting shorter, and a lamp or two was lighted; but, outside, the last of the sunset glowed in a red band along the prairie's rim. Mowbray sat at the head of the table; Harding, Broadwood, Kenwyne, and Lance were close together; the rest scattered about the s.p.a.cious room, some half hidden in the shadow, some where the partial illumination touched them. All were silent and expectant; they felt it would prove a memorable night for Allenwood.

There was a rattle of wheels outside, and soon afterward Davies was shown in. He was smartly dressed in well-cut city clothes, and his aggressive, self-conscious air contrasted with the easy grace of the brown-faced men in shooting jackets and fringed deerskin.

”I came here expecting a private interview,” he said to Mowbray. ”I do not understand why I'm asked to meet these gentlemen, most of whom I have not the pleasure of knowing.”

”I cannot tell what you expected,” Mowbray answered haughtily. ”Your business is, however, of interest to us all, and to state it now will save some time, because nothing can be done until our council is informed of it.”

Davies' glance wandered round the room, as if in search of somebody, but he did not notice Harding, who was in the shadow.

”Very well,” he said, undoing a bundle of doc.u.ments. ”I hold mortgages on land and property belonging to Gerald Mowbray, Carlyon, Webster, and Shepstone.” He read out particulars of the sums lent and interest due, and then put the papers on the table. ”You are at liberty to examine them.”

Carlyon turned to Mowbray, with a flushed face.

”They can't be contested, sir. Speaking for the others, as well as myself, I must say that we feel our position, and are very sorry that we have brought this trouble upon you and our friends.”

Harding moved forward and picked up the mortgages, and Davies showed his surprise. After examining the doc.u.ments carefully, Harding pa.s.sed them to Broadwood, who looked over them in a silence that was accentuated by the rattle of a loose blind as puffs of wind swept into the room.

”All right,” Broadwood said, and handed a sheet of paper to each of the debtors.

”Will you agree to these terms? Yes or no?” he asked.

One of the young men laughed hoa.r.s.ely, as if from unexpected relief; another made a glad sign of a.s.sent; and Carlyon's eyes were bright as he turned to Broadwood.

”Agree?” he exclaimed. ”We never hoped for such a chance as this!”

Broadwood put one of the papers in front of Mowbray.

”They consent, sir. We'd like your sanction.”

”I cannot give it unreservedly. But as I cannot suggest anything better, I must not refuse.” Mowbray addressed Davies. ”As the farms were mortgaged against the provisions of our settlement covenant, I believe your claim might be disputed, but I won't urge that point. The money was borrowed and must be paid.”

”With your permission, sir!” Harding took the big inkstand and placed it before Davies. ”Write a formal discharge for these debts, and I'll give you a check.”

Davies' face was hot with baffled fury, but he asked in a sneering tone:

”Will the bank make it good?”

”Here's their letter,” said Harding dryly.

Davies glanced at the letter, and threw it down. Then he pulled himself together.

”It seems,” he said to Mowbray, ”that you have made some arrangement to finance these gentlemen, and they have agreed; but Mr. Gerald Mowbray owes a much larger sum, and I have his word that he is unable to pay. He left the matter in my hands, and before going any further I should like to suggest that we might arrive at some understanding----”

Mowbray cut him short.

”We can make no terms with you, if that is what is meant. My son owes you money; you must take what you are ent.i.tled to.”