98 That John Mason. [February, 



from any in which he had yet spoken, -when Mason was the subject of 

 our remark. ' Think, for a moment, upon the basis of your prejudice. 

 It lies mainly upon the assertion of Laxton, whom your own experience 

 has proved to be a scoundrel. The fact is, your estimate of Mason's 

 character is entirely erroneous. Laxton hates him, because he has cir- 

 cumvented him more than a dozen times, in his schemes of iniquity, and 

 will circumvent him again, if I do not greatly err, provided you apply 

 to him.' 



There was force in this view. True enough, what confidence was 

 there to be placed in Laxton's words? And if Mason had circum- 

 vented hira, as was alleged, of course, there was a very good reason for 

 detraction. 



* At what hour do you think I can see him ? ' said I. 



* I believe he is usually in about twelve o'clock.' 



* I will see him,' said I, with emphasis. 



* Do so,' said the man, * and may your interview be as satisfactory as 

 you can desire.' 



At twelve, precisely, I called upon Mason — not without many mis- 

 givings, I must own. I found my prejudices still strong as to the good 

 result. I could not help feeling serious doubts. On entering his office, 

 I found no one present but the individual under whose advice I had 

 called. 



' Mr. Mason is not in ? ' said I, feeling a little disappointed. 



*0h, yes, he is in,' was replied. 



I looked around, and then turned my eyes upon the man's face. ] 

 did not exactly comprehend its expression. * 



'My name is John Mason,' said he, bowing politely; 'so be seated, 

 and let us talk over the business upon which you called to see me.' 



I needed no invitation to sit down, for I could not have kept my feet 

 if I had tried, so suddenly and completely did his words astonish and 

 confound me. 



I will not repeat the confused, blundering apologies I attempted to 

 make, nor give his gentlemanly replies. Enough, that an hour before 

 the time at which the sale was advertised to take place, on the next day, 

 1 waited upon Laxton. 



'Be kind enough,' said I, 'to let me have that obligation upon which 

 your present stringent measures are founded.' 



The man looked perfectly blank. 



' Mr. John Mason,' said I, ' has generously furnished me with the 

 funds necessary to save my property from sacrifice, and will take the 

 securities you hold.' 



