A Banker of Bankersville Author:Maurice Thompson Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. Excerpt from book: Iii. ON account of the negotiations with Lawson, Mil- ford was late starting to his dinner at the boarding-house of Mrs. Nora O'Slaughtery, and when he came near the cottage he met Downs going d... more »own town. " You'd better hurry along, captain," exclaimed the auctioneer, " textit{or the widder'll have a fit, sure. She's taking on dreadful, thinks you've absconded or something." Milford shrugged his shoulders in spite of himself, and made no other response. He could formulate no rejoinder to such a bit of vulgar familiarity, and yet he rather liked Downs, and did not wish to offend him. They had passed each other, when Milford turned and said: " Wait a moment, Mr. Downs." The auctioneer promptly faced about. " I can let you have twenty-five dollars now, if it will serve you to take the loan," continued Milford, putting his hand to his breast-pocket. Downs involuntarily and with electrical quickness glanced at the lawyer's vest; but the plain gold chain was still there, and, presumably, the watch also. A curious change came over his face. "What time have you, Mr. Milford?"he inquired. Sure enough, the old bejeweled piece came forth all right. " About the money," he went on. " I've got that all arranged ; but I'm more than a thousand times obliged to you, all the same. It's mighty kind of you." He hesitated before he continued: " Had a client this forenoon, didn't you ?" " No," said Milford, instantly taking on his customary dignity of voice and manner, thus perceptibly withdrawing himself from Downs's level. Then, after a considerable pause, he added in a kinder but still distant tone : " I'm glad that you are over your trouble, Mr. Downs, very glad." The auctioneer hung his thumbs in the pockets of his vest and said : " Oh, for that matter, I always manage to get over difficulties, one...« less