The person of whom he had purchased the place, whose lands joined it, had sold his estate to 'Squire Chase, to whom, also, he had transferred the mortgage.

The retired lawyer was not content to remain quiet in his new home, and there repent of his many sins, but immediately got up an immense land speculation, by which he hoped to build a village on his grounds, and thus make another fortune.
Mr.Munroe's little place was in his way.

He wanted to run a road over the spot where the house was located, and had proposed to buy it and the land upon which it stood.

He offered seven hundred and fifty dollars for it; but it was now worth nine hundred, and Mr.Munroe refused the offer.
The 'Squire was angry at the refusal, and from that time used all the means in his power to persecute his poor neighbor.
Then sickness paralyzed the arm of Mr.Munroe, and he could no longer work.

The money he had saved to pay the note when it should become due was expended in supporting his family.