"
David understood what the General meant, but it was plain that the
grocer did not, for he looked both bewildered and surprised. He bowed
to his rich customer, as he rode off, and then, turning to David,
conducted him into the store with a great deal of ceremony.
"Mr. Jones," said David, who began to think that the grocer must have
taken leave of his senses, "I have come here to settle father's
bill."
"O, that's all right," was the smiling reply. "It isn't fair that I
should hold you responsible for that debt, and I have concluded that
I will not do it. Your father will pay me some time, perhaps, and if
he doesn't, I'll let it go. The loss of it won't break me. Can I do
anything for you this evening?"
David was more astonished than ever. Was this the man who had spoken
so harshly to him no longer ago than that very morning? What had
happened to work so great a change in him? It was the General's visit
that did it. When Don and Bert left their father, after holding that
short consultation with him in the field, the latter took a few
minutes to think the matter over, and when his hands had finished
their work, he mounted his horse and rode down to the landing, to
have a talk with Mr.
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