He need n't suppose that it made any difference to her if he took it into his stupid head to go to Afghanistan . `` Oh ! '' she remarked carelessly . `` Well , I suppose if you 've got the Western fever your case is hopeless . Would it be impertinent to inquire why you are going ? '' `` There 's nothing else for me to do , Nan , '' said John , `` Bryan Lee is going to foreclose the mortgage next month and I 'll have to clear out . He says he ca n't wait any longer . I 've worked hard enough and done my best to keep the old place , but it 's been uphill work and I 'm beaten at last . '' Nan sat blankly down on the stool by the window . Her face was a study which John Osborne , watching old Abe 's movements , missed . `` Well , I never ! '' she gasped . `` John Osborne , do you mean to tell me that Bryan Lee is going to do that ? How did he come to get your mortgage ? '' `` Bought it from old Townsend , '' answered John briefly . `` Oh , he 's within his rights , I 'll admit . I 've even got behind with the interest this past year . I 'll go out west and begin over again . '' `` It 's a burning shame ! '' said Nan violently .
XXXXX looked around in time to see two very red spots on her cheeks .
Abe Afghanistan John Lee Nan Osborne Townsend Western head mortgage