Bad Hugh

The perspiration was standing in great drops about Hugh's quivering

lips, and his face was white as ashes, as, near the close of that

interview, he hoarsely asked: "Do I understand you, sir, that Rocket will cancel this debt and leave

you my debtor for one hundred dollars?"

"Yes, that was my offer, and a most generous one, too, considering how

little horses are bringing," and Harney smiled villainously as he

thought within himself: "Easier to manage than I supposed. I believe my

soul I offered too much. I should have made it an even thing."

Hugh knew how long this plan had been premeditated, and his blood boiled

madly when he heard it suggested, as if that moment had given it birth.

Still he restrained himself, and asked the question we have recorded,

adding, after Harney's reply: "And suppose I do not care to part with Rocket?"

Harney winced a little, but answered carelessly: "Money, of course, is just as good. You know how long I've waited. Few

would have done as well."

Yes, Hugh knew that, but Rocket was as dear to him as his right eye, and

he would almost as soon have plucked out the one as sold the other.

"I have not the money," he said, frankly, "and I cannot part with

Rocket. Is there nothing else? I'll give a mortgage on Spring Bank."

Harney did not care for a mortgage, but there was something else, and

the rascally face brightened, as, stepping back, while he made the

proposition, he faintly suggested "Lulu." He would give a thousand

dollars for her, and Hugh could keep his horse. For a moment the two

young men regarded each other intently, Hugh's eyes flashing gleams of

fire, and his whole face expressive of the contempt he felt for the

wretch who cowed at last beneath the look, and turned away muttering

that "he saw nothing so very heinous in wishing to purchase a nigger

wench."

Then, changing his tone to one of defiance, he added: "Since you are not inclined to part with either of your pets, you'll

oblige me with the money, and before to-morrow night. You understand me,

I presume?"

"I do," and bowing haughtily, Hugh passed through the open door.

In a kind of desperation he mounted Rocket, and dashed out of town at a

speed which made more than one look after him, wondering what cause

there was for his headlong haste. A few miles from the city he slacked

his speed, and dismounting by a running brook, sat down to think. The

price offered for Lulu would set him free from every pressing debt, and

leave a large surplus, but not for a moment did he hesitate.

"I'd lead her out and shoot her through the heart, before I'd do that

thing," he said.