Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/269

Rh Hedges and Mill House had been recorded was one of the three missing books. There was no evidence extant of the transaction. The fact that Major Taylor's father had told him of it would hardly stand in a court of law. Rolfe Bolling's old lease, found in his grandfather's desk, would certainly be more convincing than any traditional evidence Major Taylor might swear to.

That was the way the owner of Mill House began to look at the matter. He regretted exceedingly the recent improvements he had introduced into his factory. Wagon hubs being not so much in demand as formerly, owing to the increasing use of automobiles, he had determined to begin the manufacture of certain automobile parts and reduce the output of hubs. This had entailed a large outlay of funds. He had been sure the venture was a wise one, but if there were any danger of the lease on his land being terminated and the supposed owner not being willing to renew it, a grave loss might ensue.

At no time in his life had Robert Taylor so much wanted to make money. This wish was because of his little Rebecca. He felt that he would die happy if he could leave her an independent fortune. He had enough to provide amply for his daughters and son, but he wanted