I must tell you the whole story , Ernest . But sit down and get your tea first . '' `` I have n't any appetite for tea now , Mother , '' said Ernest soberly . `` Let me hear the whole truth about the matter . '' `` Seven years ago your father gave his note to old James Patterson , Jacob 's brother , '' said Mrs. Duncan . `` It was for nine hundred dollars . Two years afterwards the note fell due and he paid James Patterson the full amount with interest . I remember the day well . I have only too good reason to . He went up to the Patterson place in the afternoon with the money . It was a very hot day . James Patterson receipted the note and gave it to your father . Your father always remembered that much ; he was also sure that he had the note with him when he left the house . He then went over to see Paul Sinclair . A thunderstorm came up while he was on the road . Then , as you know , Ernest , just as he turned in at Paul Sinclair 's gate the lightning flash struck and stunned him . It was weeks before he came to himself at all . He never did come completely to himself again . When , weeks afterwards , I thought of the note and asked him about it , we could not find it ; and , search as we did , we never found it . Your father could never remember what he did with it when he left James Patterson 's .
Neither Mr. XXXXX nor his wife could recollect seeing anything of it at the time of the accident .
Ernest Jacob Mother Sinclair afternoon first lightning thunderstorm weeks years