How Hugh Paid His Debts

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."