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 "Well, uncle, one thing that has made you poor was the fact that you freed all of your slaves and have been paying them wages for the past five years," said Margaret loyally.

"No," replied uncle Hillery. "It isn't that alone, although that helped. I am a poor business man. I let money slip through my fingers. I am too free handed. I like to entertain too well. Then I always lend to a friend if I have a dollar. I have a lot of bad debts."

"Well, that ends my college days," said Halsey.

"No, it doesn't," replied his uncle stoutly. "Your aunt and I have a little money that will not be involved and we want to see you through. We shall insist upon that."

Halsey said nothing, but he determined that they should not make any further sacrifices in his behalf. He would give up college.

That evening he went to the stable to tell the bad news to Palo'mine. He wanted to be alone and think it over. He discovered