The country now is fuller of war than of investment.

But come peace, come war, there lies a fortune for us all.

For my share there remains but one heavy payment; and to-morrow I ride to raise funds for that among our tenants and elsewhere.

I admit that my bankers are shrewd and severe--in fact, I think they would rather see the payments forfeited than not.

As Meriwether is away, it is with me to attend to this business now." And so, with this prelude, I may as well tell without more delay what evil fortune was in store for us.
That coming day my father rode abroad as he had planned, taking black Satan for his mount, since he needed to travel far.