Page:Bound to Succeed.djvu/139

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A MEAN ENEMY
131

I have learned that you are about to leave town."

"Yes, that is correct," answered Mrs. Ismond.

"Very well, then here," and he produced a legal-looking slip of paper, "is a little bill you will have to settle first."

"We owe you nothing that I am aware of," said Mrs. Ismond.

"Mistake," snapped Dorsett. "When I sued on my claim to your homestead, I entered judgment against you for the costs of court. There's the amount—fifty-seven dollars."

"And not satisfied with robbing me of my home and my income, in fact everything I had in the world, you have the heartlessness to press such a claim as this at such a time?" asked Mrs. Ismond bitterly.

"Law is law," prated the mean old usurer.

"Why have you never mentioned this before?" demanded Frank, his eyes flashing dangerously.

"Because, you insolent young snip," retorted old Dorsett, "I wanted to pay you off for some of your fine airs."

"Well, Mr. Dorsett," said Mrs. Ismond, "I shall contest this unjust claim."

"All right," jeered Dorsett, retreating down the steps, and beckoning to his companion, "then within thirty minutes I'll put an embargo on your